Recommended Books, Podcasts & Courses for Poker and Gambling Enthusiasts

The world of gambling, particularly poker, is vast and continually evolving. From mastering game theory to understanding the psychology of opponents, there’s always something new to learn. The following books, podcasts, and courses will help you sharpen your skills, improve your decision-making, and deepen your understanding of the gambling industry.

1. Recommended Books

1.1. Poker Strategy Books

1. “The Theory of Poker” by David Sklansky

   • Why Read It: A must-read classic, this book teaches fundamental poker concepts like pot odds, bluffing, and expected value that apply to almost every poker variant.

   • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.

2. “Harrington on Hold’em” by Dan Harrington & Bill Robertie

   • Why Read It: Focuses on No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournament strategy, including hand selection, position, and tournament phases.

   • Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

3. “Super System” by Doyle Brunson

   • Why Read It: Written by one of the legends of poker, it covers various games and provides professional insights from multiple top players.

   • Skill Level: Intermediate.

4. “Modern Poker Theory” by Michael Acevedo

   • Why Read It: Introduces Game Theory Optimal (GTO) poker concepts, equipping players with strategies used by top online professionals.

   • Skill Level: Advanced.

5. “The Mental Game of Poker” by Jared Tendler

   • Why Read It: Focuses on the psychological side of poker, including tilt control, emotional discipline, and mental resilience.

   • Skill Level: All players.

1.2. Casino & Gambling Books

1. “Casino Gambling for Dummies” by Kevin Blackwood

   • Why Read It: Offers an overview of popular casino games and basic strategies for beginners.

2. “Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich

   • Why Read It: The thrilling true story of MIT blackjack card counters who took on Las Vegas.

3. “Fortune’s Formula” by William Poundstone

   • Why Read It: Explores the mathematics of gambling and the Kelly Criterion, a popular bankroll management concept.

4. “Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling” by David G. Schwartz

   • Why Read It: Provides historical context and evolution of gambling from ancient civilizations to modern casinos.

2. Recommended Podcasts

2.1. Poker-Focused Podcasts

1. “The Poker Life Podcast” by Joey Ingram

   • Why Listen: Interviews with top poker players, industry figures, and discussions on poker culture and trends.

2. “Thinking Poker Podcast” by Andrew Brokos & Nate Meyvis

   • Why Listen: Focuses on strategy discussions, game theory, and interviews with professionals.

3. “DAT Poker Podcast” with Daniel Negreanu, Adam Schwartz & Terrence Chan

   • Why Listen: Combines poker strategy, industry updates, and entertaining commentary from one of the game’s greatest ambassadors.

4. “Red Chip Poker Podcast”

   • Why Listen: Offers deep strategy discussions and insights into becoming a winning player.

2.2. General Gambling & Betting Podcasts

1. “Gambling With an Edge”

   • Why Listen: Focuses on advantage play, casino strategies, and interviews with professional gamblers.

2. “Bet the Board”

   • Why Listen: Sports betting insights and analysis, great for those looking to explore sports wagering.

3. “The Business of Betting Podcast”

   • Why Listen: Focuses on betting markets, analytics, and professional betting insights.

3. Recommended Courses

3.1. Online Poker Courses

1. Upswing Poker Lab

   • What You Learn: Comprehensive Texas Hold’em training with structured lessons, hand analysis, and real-world examples.

   • Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced.

2. Raise Your Edge Tournament Masterclass (by Ben “Bencb” Rolle)

   • What You Learn: Deep dive into tournament poker strategy, including preflop ranges, ICM (Independent Chip Model), and exploitative play.

   • Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

3. Run It Once Training (by Phil Galfond)

   • What You Learn: High-level cash game and tournament training, including advanced GTO concepts and live session reviews.

   • Skill Level: Intermediate to Professional.

4. Poker Coaching Premium (by Jonathan Little)

   • What You Learn: Offers structured courses, quizzes, and weekly live coaching sessions with multiple poker pros.

   • Skill Level: All players.

3.2. General Gambling & Betting Courses

1. “Sports Betting Basics” (Udemy)

   • What You Learn: Fundamental principles of sports betting, odds, bankroll management, and basic strategies.

2. “Mathematics of Gambling” (MIT OpenCourseWare)

   • What You Learn: Explores the math behind gambling games, expected value, and probability-based strategies.

3. Blackjack Apprenticeship Training

   • What You Learn: Advanced card counting, blackjack advantage play, and bankroll strategies.

4. Why You Should Use Multiple Resources

Relying on a single source of learning can limit your growth as a poker or gambling enthusiast. By combining:

• Books (deep theoretical knowledge)
• Podcasts (current industry insights and perspectives)
• Courses (structured and hands-on learning)

…you develop a balanced approach to mastering gambling strategies, bankroll management, and mental discipline.

Whether you’re looking to master poker, understand gambling psychology, or become an advantage player, these books, podcasts, and courses provide valuable knowledge and insights. From classic poker literature to modern GTO training, from high-level podcasts to structured online coaching, these resources will help you level up your skills and stay competitive in a constantly evolving gambling landscape.