Top 10 Best Books About Profession
-al Gamblers

For most people, gambling is an entertaining diversion, a night at the casino, a few bets on a big game, or a spin of the roulette wheel. But for a rare few, gambling is more than entertainment, it’s a profession. Professional gamblers live on the edge, relying on skill, maths, nerve, and discipline to carve out a living in a world stacked against them. These books tell their stories, from blackjack card counters and poker prodigies to sports betting sharps and hustlers.

Why Read Books About Professional Gamblers? Books about professional gamblers go beyond strategy guides. They reveal the people who risked it all to make a living from games of chance. They show:

·     How professional gamblers think differently from casual players.
·     The psychology of risk-taking, discipline, and obsession.
·     Stories of legendary wins and devastating losses.
·     The lifestyle, risks, and rewards of making gambling a career.
·     The colourful characters who became legends of the gambling world.

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Set in a casino, a man sitting at a games table looking very serious surrounded by friends

RICHARD W.MUNCHKIN, MICHAEL KONIK, WILLIAM POUNDSTONE & DOUG J SWANSON

1. Gambling Wizards

By Richard W. Munchkin

· Gambling Wizards is a fascinating collection of interviews with some of the most successful professional gamblers of the modern era, and Richard W. Munchkin presents their stories with a clear, engaging style that makes each chapter memorable. He speaks with experts in blackjack, poker, sports betting and other advantage play fields, giving readers a rare look into how top performers think, train and approach risk. The conversations reveal the discipline, creativity and mindset required to succeed in games where skill can overcome the house edge. Munchkin highlights the different paths each gambler took, showing that there is no single route to long term success. The tone is warm, direct and easy to follow, making the insights accessible even for readers who are new to the world of professional gambling. Real life anecdotes add colour and personality, bringing each gambler’s story to life. Readers also learn about bankroll management, emotional control and the importance of persistence, all of which offer practical value. The book balances entertainment with genuine education, giving readers both compelling stories and useful lessons.

It works well for anyone who enjoys interviews, strategy discussions or behind the scenes views of high level play. For those curious about the people who mastered the toughest games in the casino, Gambling Wizards is an inspiring and highly enjoyable read.

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2. The Man with the $100,000 Breasts

By Michael Konik

· The Man with the $100,000 Breasts is a lively and engaging collection of true gambling stories, and Michael Konik presents each tale with a smooth, humorous style that makes the book easy to enjoy. He explores the colourful personalities, unusual wagers and creative hustles that give the gambling world its unique character. Konik’s storytelling captures both the excitement and the unpredictability that draw people to casinos, racetracks and betting rooms. The book highlights everything from daring prop bets to eccentric gamblers, offering a fun mix of insight and entertainment. His writing is clear, warm and full of personality, making even the strangest stories feel grounded and human. Konik also gives readers a sense of the psychology behind risk taking and the lengths people will go to chase a memorable win. The anecdotes are fast paced and often surprising, which keeps the book engaging from start to finish.

Readers who enjoy behind the scenes stories, quirks of gambling culture and real world betting adventures will find plenty to love. It works well for casual readers and gambling enthusiasts alike. For anyone looking for a fun, clever and memorable tour through the stranger side of betting, The Man with the $100,000 Breasts is an entertaining and, at times, a laugh-out-loud funny read.

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3. Fortune’s Formula

By William Poundstone

· Fortune’s Formula is a fascinating blend of history, mathematics and real world gambling strategy, and William Poundstone tells the story with a smooth, engaging style that keeps even complex ideas easy to follow. He explores the origins of the Kelly criterion and shows how mathematicians, gamblers and Wall Street pioneers used it to make smarter decisions about risk and bankroll growth. Poundstone weaves together stories of casino advantage players, information theorists and financial innovators in a way that makes the subject feel lively and accessible. His explanations of probability, betting edges and long term expectation help readers understand why the Kelly formula became so influential. The tone remains warm and clear, offering just the right balance between technical insight and enjoyable storytelling. Real world examples from blackjack, horse racing and investing help bring the theory to life. Poundstone also highlights the personalities and rivalries that shaped the early days of modern gambling science.

Readers who enjoy smart, well researched narrative nonfiction will find the book especially rewarding. It works well for both casual readers and those who want a deeper understanding of risk management. For anyone curious about the crossover between gambling, mathematics and finance, Fortune’s Formula is an insightful, memorable and highly engaging read.

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4. Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion

By Doug J.Swanson

· Blood Aces is a vivid and fast moving biography of Benny Binion, and Doug J. Swanson tells the story with a clear, energetic style that brings both the man and the era to life. He traces Binion’s rise from the rough streets of Texas to his pivotal role in shaping downtown Las Vegas, giving readers a strong sense of his ambition, charm and ruthless determination. Swanson blends careful research with lively storytelling, showing how Binion influenced everything from casino culture to the birth of the World Series of Poker. The book captures the grit, glamour and danger of mid century Las Vegas, making the narrative both entertaining and informative. Swanson presents Binion as a complex figure whose business instincts, street smarts and larger than life personality left a lasting mark on the city. The tone is clear, engaging and easy to follow, which makes the history feel fresh even when the subject matter turns dark. Readers also gain insight into how casino operations worked during an era when the line between legitimate business and criminal activity was often thin. The anecdotes about Binion’s relationships, risks and bold decisions give the book strong character and momentum.

It works well for readers who enjoy true crime, American history or the origins of modern poker. For anyone interested in the colourful and often dramatic world of early Las Vegas, Blood Aces remains a gripping, well researched and very interesting read.

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JOSH AXELRAD, AL ALVAREZ & MICHAEL CRAIG

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5. Repeat Until Rich

By Josh Axelrad

· Repeat Until Rich is a fast paced and candid memoir about life inside a professional blackjack team, and Josh Axelrad tells his story with a lively, self aware style that makes the book engaging from start to finish. He explains how he learned card counting, joined a major team and experienced the emotional highs and lows that come with beating the casinos at their own game. Axelrad blends personal reflection with practical insight, giving readers a clear sense of the discipline, teamwork and intense focus required for long term advantage play. His descriptions of training sessions, casino encounters and team dynamics make the journey feel vivid and authentic. The tone is warm, humorous and often brutally honest, which helps readers connect with both his successes and his mistakes. Axelrad also discusses the psychological toll of the lifestyle and how the pressure of constant travel and risk shaped his growth as a player. The book offers a rare behind the scenes look at how professional blackjack teams operate, including how they communicate, divide responsibilities and handle variance. Readers who enjoy true stories about gambling, risk and personal transformation will find the narrative especially compelling.

It works well for both casual readers and those curious about the reality behind card counting. For anyone looking for an honest, energetic and well told memoir of advantage play, Repeat Until Rich is an entertaining and highly relatable read.

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6. The Biggest Game in Town

By Al Alvarez

· The Biggest Game in Town is a beautifully written account of the early years of the World Series of Poker, and Al Alvarez presents the story with a thoughtful, observant style that sets it apart from typical gambling books. He captures the atmosphere of Binion’s Horseshoe, the personalities of the players and the tension of high stakes poker with clarity and insight. Alvarez blends journalism with literary storytelling, giving readers a rich sense of the psychology, rhythms and rituals that define serious poker play. His portraits of legends like Doyle Brunson, Jack Straus and Johnny Moss feel vivid and human, making the book engaging even for readers new to the poker world. The tone is warm, reflective and easy to follow, allowing the drama of the WSOP to shine through without exaggeration. Alvarez also explores broader themes such as risk, competition and the allure of mastery, giving the narrative depth beyond the cards themselves. The book provides a rare snapshot of poker before the television boom, capturing a moment when the game was intimate, intense and full of character.

Readers who enjoy well crafted nonfiction, strong personalities and behind the scenes storytelling will find the book especially appealing. It works well for poker fans and for anyone who enjoys thoughtful writing about unusual subcultures. For a compelling, literary and insightful look at early tournament poker, The Biggest Game in Town remains a standout read.

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7. The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King

By Michael Craig

· The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King is a gripping account of one of the most remarkable high stakes poker battles ever played, and Michael Craig tells the story with a smooth, compelling style that keeps the tension high throughout. He follows Texas billionaire Andy Beal as he takes on the world’s best poker professionals, exploring the strategy, pride and psychological pressure that fueled their marathon sessions. Craig blends clear reporting with vivid storytelling, giving readers a strong sense of how the games unfolded and how each side adjusted in search of an edge. The book captures the personalities involved, from Beal’s calculated, analytical approach to the teamwork and resilience of the pros known as The Corporation. Craig’s writing makes the math, emotion and risk easy to follow, even for readers who are new to high stakes poker. The narrative moves quickly and is full of memorable moments that highlight both the glamour and the intensity of the game. Readers also gain insight into bankroll management, mental toughness and the discipline required to compete at the highest level. The book works as both an exciting story and an informative look at how elite professionals think under extreme pressure.

It is engaging for poker fans, gambling enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys true stories of competition and bold ambition. For a dramatic, well researched and highly entertaining look at the biggest poker matchups ever played, The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King remains a lively and gripping read.

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A group of people playing poker together

A man sitting at a games table in a casino wearing purple glasses

BETH RAYMER, NOLAN DALLA & PETER ALSON & LAWRENCE REVERE

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8. Lay the Favourite

By Beth Raymer

· Lay the Favourite is a lively and candid memoir about life inside the world of sports betting, and Beth Raymer tells her story with a warm, fast moving style that keeps the narrative engaging from start to finish. She describes how she entered the unusual world of professional bookmaking and follows the eccentric characters, high pressure decisions and unpredictable moments that shaped her early career. Raymer blends humour with honesty, giving readers a clear sense of the excitement, chaos and constant hustle that define the betting industry. Her writing is approachable and full of personality, making even the more technical aspects of sports wagering easy to understand. The book also explores the relationships and personal challenges she faced while navigating a world dominated by big personalities and quick money. Raymer’s openness about her missteps and growth adds depth and relatability to the story. Readers who enjoy true stories about gambling, risk and life behind the scenes will find the material especially appealing. The narrative moves quickly and is filled with memorable moments that reveal the human side of an often misunderstood business.

It works well for both casual readers and those curious about the inner workings of bookmakers, bettors and underground operations. For an entertaining, quirky and insightful look at the world of sports betting, Lay the Favourite is an enjoyable and highly readable choice.

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9. One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey ‘The Kid’ Ungar

By Nolan Dalla & Alison Peter

· One of a Kind is a powerful and deeply human biography of Stuey Ungar, and Nolan Dalla with Alison Peter present his story with a clear, compassionate style that captures both his brilliance and his struggles. The book traces Ungar’s rise as one of the greatest card players in history, showing how his unmatched talent in poker and gin rummy made him a legend long before the modern poker boom. Dalla and Peter blend detailed research with vivid storytelling, giving readers insight into Ungar’s genius, his competitive fire and the personal demons that shaped his life. They portray him as both a prodigy at the table and a vulnerable, complicated man away from it. The narrative moves smoothly through the high stakes world of Las Vegas, offering an honest look at the pressures, temptations and relationships that influenced Ungar’s path. The tone stays warm, empathetic and engaging, making even the toughest moments feel meaningful rather than sensational. Readers gain a clear sense of how Ungar thought about the game and why so many contemporaries considered him the most naturally gifted card player they had ever seen. The book also highlights key tournaments, dramatic victories and the emotional weight of living with extraordinary talent.

It works well for poker fans and for anyone who enjoys character driven nonfiction. For a moving, insightful and unforgettable portrait of a true gambling icon, One of a Kind remains a roller coaster of a read.

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10. Playing Blackjack as a Business

By Lawrence Revere

· Playing Blackjack as a Business is a classic strategy guide, and Lawrence Revere presents his methods with a clear, structured style that has helped generations of players learn the fundamentals of advantage play. He explains basic strategy, card counting and betting principles in a way that makes the math feel practical rather than intimidating. Revere’s charts, examples and colour coded systems give readers a strong foundation for understanding how to reduce the house edge and make consistently better decisions. The book also breaks down common casino situations, helping players recognise when to adjust their approach based on rules and deck conditions. Revere’s tone is firm, logical and easy to follow, making the guide suitable for both beginners and experienced players. His emphasis on discipline, bankroll control and long term thinking gives the material lasting value. Readers also gain insight into real world issues such as camouflage, heat and how casinos react to skilled players. The strategies are presented step by step, making it easy to study, practise and apply them at the table.

It is a strong introduction for anyone who wants to understand blackjack as a skill based game rather than a guessing game. For players seeking a trustworthy, practical and time tested guide to winning blackjack strategy, Playing Blackjack as a Business remains a respected and highly useful resource.

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A close up of stacks of poker chips on poker table

THEMES THESE BOOKS COVER, WHAT THESE BOOKS TEACH & THE OVERVEW

Themes These Books Cover

The best books about professional gamblers highlight different approaches and lifestyles:

· Interviews & Profiles: Richard Munchkin’s “Gambling Wizards,” Michael Konik’s “The Man with the $100,000 Breasts”.

· Memoirs of Pros: Josh Axelrad’s “Repeat Until Rich”, Beth Raymer’s “Lay the Favourite”, Lawrence Revere’s “Playing Blackjack as a Business”.

· Poker Legends: Al Alvarez’s “The Biggest Game in Town”, Michael Craig’s “The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King”, Nolan Dalla’s “One of a Kind”.

· Maths & Systems: William Poundstone’s “Fortune’s Formula”.

· History & Culture: Doug Swanson’s “Blood Aces”.

What These Books Teach

Books about professional gamblers teach valuable lessons about the realities of making a living from gambling:

· Professional gamblers rely on skill, maths, and psychology, not luck.

· The lifestyle is often gruelling, with long hours, stress, and travel.

· Big wins come with crushing losses, and discipline is essential.

· Many legends of gambling lived on the edge, balancing brilliance with self-destruction.

For most, gambling should remain entertainment, but these stories inspire awe at those who made it a career.

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Overview

From Richard Munchkin’s interviews with gambling legends to Nolan Dalla’s biography of Stuey Ungar, these books capture life's highs, lows, and psychology as a professional gambler. They reveal the risk-taking, discipline, and obsession that define some of history's greatest players.

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