There’s nothing like a great book to help you while away those cold winter evenings, and if you’re a big fan of casinos, card games and gambling, there’s tons of literature about the worlds of Vegas, Monaco and everywhere in between.
If you want to immerse yourself in some of the best books about casino gambling, here are five great titles to get you started.
Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich
The full title is Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, and it was a big hit for American author Ben Mezrich. Inspired by a true story, the book is about a team of card counters who pulled off a compelling Blackjack heist in the ‘90s. Fiction and non-fiction are blended seamlessly in this invigorating story about big personalities and a whole load of cash.
The Frugal Gambler by Jean Scott
Want some pro advice on optimising your gambling performance? This is the book for you! Jean Scott’s trademark low roller approach has made him one of the most quietly successful gamblers in America, and in this book he reveals his tips and tricks, not for how to cheat the system, but for how to gamble responsibly, keep your wits about you and stay on top of your game.
Casino: Love and Honour in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi
Crime journalist Nicholas Pileggi gives us a case study of one of one of the most tumultuous periods in Vegas’ history. During the early 1980s, the mafia had a huge amount of influence over many casinos on the Las Vegas strip, and Pileggi was privy to a lot of information about the heists, raids and other exploits that went on out of earshot of the public. His countless anecdotes make for a fascinating read about the world’s most famous gambling destination.
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
One of the most iconic books about casino gambling, Ian Fleming’s debut novel was first published in 1953, offering war-weary readers a source of lavish escapism that culminates in one of the most famous casino scenes ever. James Bond must use his wits to bankrupt the villain Le Chiffre in a game of Texas Hold’Em with millions at stake, while at the same time trying not to get himself killed. Whether you’re a fan of the Bond movies or not, this is a must-read for anyone who loves a good poker game.
The Perfect Bet by Adam Kucharski
Kucharski’s empirical mind brings us this guide on ‘how science and math are taking the luck out of gambling’, revealing to casino fans the various approaches they can use to increase their success rate at the croupier’s table. The book takes a look at some of the most successful cardsharps from history and the techniques they used to beat the system without breaking the rules.
We hope you enjoy curling up with these books during the winter months, and you might learn a thing or two about your favourite casino games while you’re at it.
Books not your thing? Check out our list of the best casino movies on Netflix, or enjoy the best online casino experience courtesy of NetBet. We offer everything from classic table games like roulette and Blackjack, a huge range of slot games, plus a Live Casino experience with virtual dealers in real time.
