Considering gambling as a profession means treating it with the expertise of any other career. Amassing encyclopedic knowledge across gaming disciplines takes years of dedicated study. I have played poker professionally for over a decade across North America, Europe, and even in online casinos like MbitCasino. These go-to resources provide fundamental and advanced insights I reference time and again.
Key Statistics on Professional Gambling
While many hope to strike it rich at the tables, becoming a successful professional gambler has slim odds. Understanding the risks and rewards helps set realistic expectations on this career path.
|
Type of Gambling |
Percentage of People Who Make a Living |
|
Poker Players |
Less than 5% |
|
Sports Gamblers |
Less than 1% |
|
Casino Games |
Less than 0.5% |
The top players apply strategic math skills, read opponents, manage bankrolls, cope with variance, and display composure. Prepare for long hours and continual learning from your wins, and especially your losses.
Classic Gambling Theory Books
Whether playing poker, betting sports or taking on the house in jetx betano, theory books break down the mathematical fundamentals. The following provide the academic groundwork for strategic gambling.
The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky
Considered the seminal textbook for understanding no limit Texas Hold’em odds and probabilities, this covers hand strengths, position, bluffing and game theory optimal play. While dense and dry at times, these concepts drive winning play.
The Logic of Sports Betting by Ed Miller and Matthew Davidow
Moving beyond simple lines and spreads analysis, this dives into the math behind sports handicapping models. They unpack concepts like Bayesian inference, randomness and information theory.
Blackjack Attack by Don Schlesinger
Regarded as an advanced bible for card counters, this examines all aspects of advantage blackjack play. Learn team strategies, card counting systems, casino counter measures and advanced techniques like shuffle tracking.
Key Gambling Strategy Books
Once you have a firm grasp of gambling math, these books demonstrate ways to apply that knowledge at the tables. They also provide frameworks to continually evolve your play against improving opposition.
Harrington on Hold’em by Dan Harrington
Considered the strategic pillar for serious tournament poker players. Harrington melds poker theory and game situations into concise, applicable tactics.
Sharp Sports Betting by Stanford Wong
Wong pioneered several sports betting methods. His math models quantify value based on sportsbook margins and incentives. Wong stresses discipline and long term profitability over flash-in-the pan wins.
Black belt in Blackjack by Arnold Snyder
One of the first books to popularize card counting, Snyder delivers a clinic on advantage play in blackjack. He’s a respected authority on all aspects of the game, conveying hard won insights from the trenches.
Additional Gambling Resources
Even after internalizing key gambling books, there are supplementary tools and communities to stay on top of evolving gaming landscapes.
Subscription Services
From video courses to custom software, paid services provide an edge. Poker Tracker and RotoGrinders quantify player tendencies and sports data for exploitability. BlackjackInfo publishes advanced tactics to beat today’s countermeasures.
Forums and Groups
Joining forums like two plus two for poker or the Sports Insights community builds connections. Bounce ideas off other bettors, find staking partners, avoid scams and keep pace with industry shifts.
Final Words
Ultimately, succeeding as a professional gambler requires wearing many hats – mathematician, psychologist, technology expert, researcher and disciplined manager. The competition is constantly evolving, so continuous self-improvement is compulsory. There’s always more edge to be gained at the tables for those committed to putting in the work.
With the right mindset, bankroll management skills, and a thirst for new strategies, gambling can become a viable long-term career. But it takes immense dedication over many years to join the elite class of players who make a consistent living wage. Use the books and resources here as building blocks for developing hard-won expertise in your gaming niche.
