CASINO GAMBLING

A clinical psychologist turned professional casino gambler reveals the secrets of his success.

For some, gambling is an obsession; for others, it’s a recreational hobby. For those, like the author, who fall somewhere in between, there are ways to minimize losses and maximize success while enjoying the simple act of playing different games. Crowder focuses his advice on casino games such as blackjack and video poker, games that allow smart, controlled gamblers to make gains in the long run. He walks would-be gamblers step-by-step through basic strategy, which he defines as "the best possible play of any given dealt hand based on the player’s hand and dealer’s up-card in blackjack, and the cards dealt in video poker." He also presents his personal "cycle strategy," a method of gambling that helps curtail losses while still allowing players to take advantage of hot streaks. In addition to a few math lessons and some number crunching that provides evidentiary support for his advice, the author also provides particularly helpful sections that discuss the fringe benefits of gambling, such as player’s clubs, cash back, coupons, comped rooms and meals, drawings and more. He contends that even on unlucky gambling trips, taking advantage of these offers can offset losses and even turn net losses into gains. The author’s enthusiasm for the subject matter is palpable, though his lengthy descriptions of his own gambling trips, while occasionally enlightening and entertaining, generally detract from the otherwise direct flow of the book. While casual gamers aren’t likely to be as interested in reading the book as they are in getting to the craps table and taking advantage of the free drinks, the tips and strategies presented here will prove highly useful for those looking to profit from trips to the casino.

Indispensable for serious recreational gamblers.