Sports betting books: asking for expert book recommendations

Jazz · Jul 11, 2003

I'm not talking about 'bet the home dog of 3 or less' books or books for tourists, I'm talking about books that actually have made a difference in your handicapping. I am not asking anyone for any of their capping strategies here (and I don't want them) - I can read, think and analyze on my own - but I am asking for what you'd consider the most useful books on 'sharpening' up. Currently I'm one of those 'educated gamblers' mentioned in another topic (Sancho Panza was absolutely correct in his advice in that topic, too) but since I'm retired I'm interested in turning my analytical skills (previous systems analyst/programmer) to sports handicapping. Not saying in my lifetime that I'd ever get 'sharp', but hell, I have a lot of spare time, relational database skills, ability to learn and a lot of patience. Whatever I end up trying will initially only be on paper, as I figure out approaches. I'm planning on capping the next NFL season as a dry run, and if I am not positive on paper for the year, I'll continue doing dry runs for entire seasons until I am profitable - so obviously I have a great incentive to do well even if no cash is changing hands, since I do enjoy gambling - what I DON'T enjoy is losing. If I never get anywhere, at least I won't have lost my cash wising up - and for those doubting I have the will to do this (and I don't blame you), you don't know me - lol.

I have understood from past readings that the Las Vegas Bookstore is a good source - if you do know of online sources where I can get these books, that would be most helpful as well.

Appreciate any help you may offer. Please note that what I don't know about handicapping would itself fill several large volumes - I am not approaching this endeavor with any preconceptions about what I'll need to do nor with any illusions about success, nor an ego that needs constant gratification, nor the urge to have action.

drunkguy · Feb 16, 2004

well, since no one has responded in 7 months, I will throw you a bone

Here's my 2 favorites

Sharp Sports Betting by Stanford Wong - nice intro to probability of sports gambling. Extensive data for NFL is presented (and updated tables are provided on his website). Outlines methodology for a lot of techincal handicapping - determining key numbers, value of half points, etc, which can be applied to other sports. Not a whole lot of stuff that will make you money off the bat, but if you read between the lines you can get a lot out of it.

The Unemotional Football Bettor by Sixth Sense - this book may well become the bible of situational handicapping. Introductory chapters deal with money management (excellent chapter which debunks a lot of myths) as well as how to evaluate a "system". Later chapters present a number of systems for college and pro football, as well as previous years records. A great resource for learning how to create your own systems. Can be used "out-opf-the-box" for some decent winning systems as well.

Over at SSB they also have been touting a book by Dan P. (forget his last name - Pesynski maybe?) called "Win More, Lose Less". Since he's from the Wong boards, I suspect it is heavy on probability theory and number crunching, although I haven't read it yet.
It is definitely on my list though.

Most other books I have read are pretty worthless...

Hopefully some others can add their favorites (and you too Jazz

)

Jazz · Feb 16, 2004

LMFAO!!! Well, how the hell did you find this topic??? I appreciate the response, I'll check into them - personally, I don't have any favorites nor have I read very much. This year I capped some at the beginning on paper but was not consistent, hence I didn't bother betting. Whether I EVER bet straight remains to be seen, but I certainly enjoy reading books on the subject that are well thought of.

Here's a link to Dan's book, btw - and thanks:

WIN MORE -- LOSE LESS

Maximizing Profits on NFL Wagering
by Don Peszynski

http://www.sharpsportsbetting.com/ads/winlose.shtml