Top 3 Gambling Books Every Casino Player Should Read

In an age where everything revolves around the visual image, books have taken second place when it comes to written media. Yet still the vast majority of movies begin their lives as best-selling books. In many ways, we prefer books as they let the reader’s imagination construct a visual story, as opposed to a movie which is just the vision of the director. The same goes for movies about gambling and the world of casino games.

Gambling Books on the Inner Life of Casinos

Modern forms of entertainment have taken over with the advent of the digital age. Thanks to films on YouTube and TikTok, people can be kept occupied and delighted for hours. Although there are many high-quality video games, films, and TV shows available, some people still choose to curl up with a book. After all, it’s a great way to unwind and learn something new. Whether they read a physical book or an eBook, reading is still a habit and pastime for many people. Here at Gamingzion.com, we’ve put together a selection of well-known gambling books today that are set in the gaming industry.

Gambling Books – Bringing Down The House By Ben Mezrich

“Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich is a gripping and captivating tale centred around a group of brilliant MIT students. They manage to mastermind a multimillion-dollar scam targeting prominent casinos. This true story follows the exploits of a select group of mathematics and physics students. By employing card counting techniques in blackjack, they strategically choose to either fold or draw cards.

The narrative brims with excitement, delving into the allure of the system’s greed. It also covers extravagant spending, and a backdrop rife with sex and scandals. Notably, the story features a professor leading his students, and the incredible journey was later adapted into a movie with Kevin Spacey in a lead role.

The MIT Blacjack Teams

As a blackjack team, these students and their mentor devise ingenious plans to outsmart the casinos, employing their remarkable spotting trick to amass substantial winnings. Their astounding success leads to the casinos banning “spotting” and implementing laws to prevent others from attempting similar feats. Unfortunately, acording to gambling news in the UK, that means you can’t use card counting technques at online casinos like 22Bet Casino.

The film adaptation, released in 2008 and starring Kevin Spacey as the teacher orchestrating the scheme and training his prodigies, became an overnight sensation due to the director’s exceptional choreography. For movie enthusiasts who also enjoy a good read, “Bringing Down the House” promises to be a perfect choice, as it is widely known that books often provide a more enriching experience than their film adaptations.

Who Is Ben Mezrich?

Ben Mezrich has enjoyed a remarkable 19-year career as an author. He’s written 24 novels including gambling books that collectively sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making him an international bestseller. Notably, his works. “Bringing Down the House ” and “The Accidental Billionaires’ ‘ achieved immense success, spending more than 15 weeks on the bestseller list. They were also adapted into successful movies by major studios. This accomplishment has made him one of the few writers in history to have two blockbuster movies to his credit and reach the top 25 writers in Hollywood.

Mezrich’s writing style is groundbreaking and genre-defining. Particularly in the way he brings to life stories about brilliant individuals. He masterfully portrays the risks taken by these trendsetters as they reshaped the world. As such, he leaves readers captivated and eager to devour each of his novels in one sitting. Among his other notable works are “Sex on the Moon,” “Ugly Americans,” “Busting Vegas,” and many more.

Gambling Books – Casino Royale By Ian Fleming

As for “Casino Royale” by Ian Fleming, it stands as a quintessential addition to any list of gambling books and movies. Fleming crafts an enthralling and suspenseful thriller. He provides a unique perspective on James Bond that sets it apart from other adaptations.

While the book delves deeply into the gambling world, the movie pays homage to the writer while delivering action-packed scenes. Daniel Craig’s portrayal of James Bond is hailed as one of the finest in the franchise’s history.

The book and movie recount the thrilling adventures of James Bond, Agent 007, as he immerses himself in the world of espionage and gambling scandals. Sent to France to take down Le Chiffre, Bond’s mission is not without the intrigue of a beautiful love interest, Vesper Lynd, who harbours a dark secret from MI6. It’s worth noting that Ian Fleming wrote “Casino Royale” in 1953. This marks it as one of the earliest books in the renowned James Bond series. It offers a return to the character’s origins and his high-stakes journey shortly after obtaining the 00 status.

The Auther Behind 007

Ian Fleming, the renowned figure behind the James Bond franchise, is a name that is virtually impossible to miss if you’ve ever watched a single James Bond movie. He’s the mastermind behind all the books and the source of inspiration for the entire film series. Throughout his career, Fleming penned 12 novels and nine short stories featuring the captivating adventures of the dashing spy.

Interestingly, Ian Fleming has an illustrious family background as well. He was the grandson of Robert Fleming, the founder of Robert Fleming & Co. bank and Scottish American Investment Trust. Beyond his literary pursuits, Fleming’s life was multifaceted, encompassing roles as an author, journalist, and even a navy commander during World War II.

Fleming’s writing predominantly occurred in the post-World War II era. This was a time when the British empire was gradually losing its former glory. To counter the prevailing sense of decline and to uplift morale during these challenging times, the creation of James Bond became paramount. The Bond mythology served as a means to bolster the British spirit. In fact, it could be said that it fostered an inflated ego.

That it rekindled a sense of pride and self-worth in the aftermath of the wars. Ian Fleming, with astute awareness of the diminishing British prestige, crafted a remarkable hero in his books. One who exuded not only charm and sophistication but also formidable prowess. A true British hero ready to protect national interests whenever called upon by the government.

Gambling Books – Molly’s Game By Molly Bloom

Molly’s Game by Molly Bloom can be described as a captivating blend of biography and the enticing world of gambling. It’s also infused with elements of sex and drama. In one of the most thrilling gambling books ever published, we delve into the author’s rise as a figure skater, tragically cut short by an injury that forced her to retire.

Undeterred, Molly capitalised on her fame, utilising her connections to establish an exclusive gambling ring catering to renowned high rollers and celebrities like Ben Affleck and Toby Maguire. Operating underground and shrouded in secrecy, her establishment attracted the most influential individuals.

However, as fate would have it, her alluring venture took an unforeseen turn when she crossed paths with notorious gamblers from the mob. The ensuing events, filled with suspense and intrigue, chronicle how Molly navigates these treacherous waters and emerges victorious—an enthralling tale that awaits readers without revealing any spoilers.

This compelling story was later adapted into a successful movie bearing the same title, featuring outstanding performances by Edris Elba and Jessica Chastain as Molly. The film impeccably captures the book’s events. Especially the interactions with powerful and famous individuals, including Russian mafia figures. Jessica Chastain’s portrayal exemplifies the strength of women. It showcases how Molly skillfully controlled influential personalities through her words and the captivating facade she built around her establishment. 

Who Is Molly Bloom?

As for the real-life Molly Bloom, she was renowned as an Olympic skier who dedicated years to pursuing her dream. Only to have it shattered by a devastating injury. In the aftermath of her high-stakes gambling ring conviction, she faced a fine of $200,000 and a year of probation, along with 200 hours of community service. However, Molly demonstrated resilience by turning her life around. She evolved into an entrepreneur and a motivational speaker. Thus expanding her influence beyond being an accomplished author.

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