A survey commissioned by the European Commission reveals that 63% of the UK population regularly read books. The British rank third among European countries in reading habits, behind only Sweden (where 72% of people read frequently) and Finland, where the percentage of readers reaches 65%.
Among the European countries that do not maintain this habit, the group of countries where citizens admit to not having read a single book in the last 12 months is led by Portugal with 67%. Greece follows with 54% and Spain with 53%.
Reading is an activity that offers numerous benefits, both for the mind and overall well-being. When we read, we exercise our brains, improving concentration, memory, and critical thinking. Books also expand our vocabulary and enhance our writing skills. Additionally, reading has a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and providing a healthy form of escapism.
Reading about specific topics, such as casino games, can be particularly interesting for those who already have a taste for this pastime, offering both entertainment and knowledge about strategies, history, and the psychology behind the games.
5 Casino Books You Need to Read
With the UK having a population notoriously passionate about casino games, whether online or in physical establishments, a selection of books on this subject can be an excellent way to deepen that interest. These books can cover everything from techniques and strategies to improve the chances of winning to fascinating stories of high-stakes bets and legendary players.
For this reason, our editorial team has selected 5 works that can be recommended to those who enjoy a good game. Here are the highlights:
1. Bringing Down the House”, Ben Mezrich (2002)
The book narrates the story of Kevin Lewis, an MIT graduate who was invited to join the MIT Blackjack Team in 1993. The team was funded by an eccentric character named Micky Rosa, who had previously formed another team to play in the casinos of Las Vegas. This new team became the most profitable one to date. The book was adapted into the films “21” and “The Last Casino.”
2. The Biggest Bluff”, Maria Konnikova (2020)
“The Biggest Bluff” is a work by Maria Konnikova, where she narrates her journey in the world of poker, progressing from a complete novice to a champion. To achieve this, she enlisted the guidance of some of the world’s top players, including Erik Seidel. Besides learning the game’s techniques, Maria explored the distinction between skill and luck, reflecting on how these concepts apply to everyday life. The book offers valuable insights into decision-making, emotional control, and accepting luck.
3. Fortune’s Formula”, William Poundstone (2005)
“Fortune’s Formula: The Untold Story of the Scientific Betting System That Beat the Casinos and Wall Street” is a book that tells the story of the Kelly formula, a betting strategy that promises to maximise wealth. The book follows Claude Shannon and John L. Kelly Jr., who applied information theory to gambling and the stock market, and Edward O. Thorp, who used the formula to make money in Las Vegas and in the financial market. The work explores the success and controversies of this investment strategy.
4. The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King”, Michael Craig (2005)
This book by Michael Craig recounts the high-stakes poker games between billionaire Andrew Beal and the best professional poker players in Las Vegas. The book’s title refers to the professional players involved in the series: “The Professor” is Howard Lederer, “The Banker” is Andrew Beal, and “The Suicide King” is Ted Forrest.
5. A Man for All Markets”, Edward Thorp (2017)
In this book, Thorp shares his life story for the first time, revealing how he accumulated his fortune and offering advice to the next generation of investors. The work highlights the importance of logic in an apparently irrational world and emphasises the relentless pursuit of difficult answers and unwavering determination as essential elements for success in games, investments, and life.
Have fun!
These books can be extremely valuable for anyone interested in casino games, poker, and investments, offering not only entertainment but also practical and strategic lessons. They provide insights into decision-making, emotional control, and the distinction between skill and luck, skills that can be applied in various areas of life.
However, when putting these learnings into practice, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers, especially in the digital environment. Playing online can expose individuals to financial and security risks. One safe alternative to manage your finances is to buy paysafecards online, which helps control costs and offers greater security.
It’s essential to remember that while these books offer valuable tools, practising them should be done with responsibility and discernment to avoid the risks associated with gambling.