The Best Sports Betting Books: What to Read to Make Better Bets

If you are looking to take a deeper dive into the world of wagering, our list of the best sports betting books gives you ten must-reads from our sportsbook experts. From understanding betting psychology to learning the systems that have beat the bookies, our list includes the most influential betting books of all time.

These sports betting books help you understand the fundamentals, regale you with wild betting stories, and offer valuable insights into strategies that help you maximize your bankroll.

Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk

By Billy Walters

Billy Walters is the most famous sports bettor of all time for a reason – he has consistently been a profitable sports bettor for decades. However, his entire life story is full of ups and downs that will have you turning pages to see what happens next.

Not only does the book document everything from growing up in rural Kentucky to his move to the bright lights of Las Vegas, it also provides a look into his winning sports betting strategies. The blend of an incredible life story and the systems he used to go on his 36-year winning steak of betting, which includes a $3.5 million winning bet on the Super Bowl, will keep you both entertained and informed as a betting enthusiast.

Sharp Sports Betting

By Stanford Wong

Stanford Wong’s guide is a thorough introduction to the essentials of sports betting. It meticulously explains how betting lines work, the importance of understanding the odds, and how bettors can leverage this knowledge to their advantage.

Wong also delves into more advanced topics, such as the role of psychology in betting and strategies for money management. This book serves as both a foundation for newcomers and a strategic refresher for seasoned bettors, emphasizing smart betting practices.

The Logic of Sports Betting

By Ed Miller and Matthew Davidow

This insightful book reveals the inner workings of sportsbooks, providing bettors with the knowledge to think like a bookmaker. Miller and Davidow explain how odds are set, the significance of betting markets, and how bettors can find value in these markets.

The authors share techniques for identifying profitable betting opportunities and strategies to avoid common pitfalls. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to understand the market dynamics and improve their betting strategy.

Fixed Odds Sports Betting

By Joseph Buchdahl

Buchdahl offers a deep dive into the statistical foundations of sports betting, focusing on fixed odds. The book guides readers through the process of analyzing data to make more informed betting decisions.

It emphasizes the importance of understanding probability and how to apply statistical analysis to assess betting value. For bettors interested in the quantitative aspect of betting, this book provides strategies to minimize risk and optimize returns.

The Smart Money: How the World’s Best Sports Bettors Beat the Bookies Out of Millions

By Michael Konik

Through captivating narratives, Michael Konik explores the world of professional sports bettors and their secrets to success. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these individuals use discipline, research, and innovative strategies to outsmart bookies and secure massive wins.

Konik’s storytelling not only entertains but also educates, offering readers valuable lessons on adopting a professional mindset towards betting.

Conquering Risk: Attacking Vegas and Wall Street

By Elihu D. Feustel and George S. Howard

This book presents a unique perspective by comparing sports betting to financial investing. Feustel and Howard discuss risk management techniques and how to apply principles from the financial world to sports betting.

The authors cover mathematical models for predicting outcomes and strategies for diversifying betting portfolios. Ideal for bettors who appreciate a systematic, investment-oriented approach to sports betting.

Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind How Sports Are Played and Games Are Won

By Tobias J. Moskowitz and L. Jon Wertheim

Moskowitz and Wertheim investigate the factors that influence sports outcomes, from referee bias to home-field advantage. The book uses statistical analysis to uncover how these factors can impact betting. It provides readers with insights into spotting value bets by understanding the deeper dynamics at play in sports contests.

An engaging read that challenges conventional wisdom and enriches betting strategy.

Sports Betting for Dummies

By Swain Scheps

Swain Scheps breaks down the complexities of sports betting into digestible pieces, covering a wide range of sports and betting types. From understanding odds and lines to exploring betting strategies for different sports, this book is a comprehensive guide for beginners and a source of new ideas for experienced bettors.

Scheps’ straightforward explanations make it easy to grasp the essentials and start betting with confidence.

Gambling Wizards: Conversations with the World’s Greatest Gamblers

By Richard W. Munchkin

Munchkin’s book offers a rare glimpse into the lives of professional gamblers through in-depth interviews. Readers learn about the discipline, analytical skills, and psychological attributes necessary for gambling success.

The conversations reveal strategies, experiences, and the mindset of individuals who have made a fortune through betting, providing inspiration and practical advice for aspiring professional bettors.

Mathletics: How Gamblers, Managers, and Sports Enthusiasts Use Mathematics in Baseball, Basketball, and Footbal

By Wayne L. Winston

Winston showcases how mathematical models and statistical analysis can be applied to sports betting. This book is particularly appealing to those with an interest in the data-driven aspects of betting, offering methods for evaluating teams and predicting game outcomes more accurately.

Winston provides a compelling case for the use of analytics in sports betting, aiming to give bettors a significant edge in their decision-making process.

Start Reading to Make Better Sports Bets Today

By reading the best sports betting books in this list, you will undoubtedbly learn new techniques and skills that can make you a more profitable bettor.

You can also check our own experts betting advice and best bets. The BetPreview team have spent years as professional handicappers, sportsbook managers and more to deliver the best betting predictions and tools.