The new year is the best time to pick up a book again and browse by the crackling fireplace or warmly wrapped up on the sofa. Whether it’s a classic, a thriller or a drama, we have a few reading tips for all the casino fans out there. If you’re looking for literature on the subject of casinos, casinos, gambling or gambling, you’ll find it in these books.
OUR LIST FOR YOU
Ian Flemming: Casino Royale
Daniel Craig was justly celebrated for his impressive performance in Casino Royale in 2006. The 6th leading man in the history of the James Bond series finally brought back thrills and glamor. What many don’t know, however: The original dates back to the 50s and has been filmed two times before, but without even beginning to reach the success of the 150 million expensive remake.
As cool, rough and realistic as the new 007 is, quite a few fans missed the real Bond in the form of the cultivated gentleman and secret agent of his majesty with the license to kill. Anyone who can appreciate the charm of the agent novels from the Cold War era should treat themselves to the new translation by Anika Klüver and Stephanie Pannen from 2012. Perfect for a rainy winter day!
Thomas A. Bass – “The Las Vegas Coup: Computer Geniuses Break the Bank.”
A couple of college students with too much intelligence in their heads and too little money in their pockets devised a plan in the ’70s to use their knowledge of physics and computer technology to predict outcomes at the roulette table. Sounds unbelievable, but it’s based on a true story and written in a damn exciting way to boot.
Fyodor Mikhaylovich Dostoyevsky: “The Gambler”
In his acclaimed drama “The Gambler,” Dostoevsky not only incorporates parts of his own life as a gambler, but delivers one of the most compelling dramas ever written on the subject of casinos. This book about casino and gambling portrays especially the thrill, but above all the dangers and the loss of reality that gamblers can suffer. Absolute casino reading tip!
1. T. A. Hoffmann: “Gambler’s Luck
Casinos, roulette and card games, and a love triangle. If you didn’t fall asleep at Novalis, Joseph von Eichendorff or Clemens Brentano in school, and have no problem with language that seems old-fashioned nowadays, you should treat yourself to Spieler-Glück for a bit of variety.
David G. Schwartz: “Roll the Bones”
If anyone knows gambling, it’s him. David Schwartz is director of the Center for the Study of Gambling at the University of Nevada–no kidding–Las Vegas. In an entertaining way, he describes the history of gambling for money – and in some cases, one’s own freedom, women’s children, or one’s own life.
Unfortunately, this standard work is only available in English. However, “Roll the bones” is not a heavy book, but written in an appealing, but easy to understand way. If you are interested in gambling in the Stone Age, Germanic dice throwing or Voltaire’s enthusiasm for gambling, this standard work is perfect for you.
Beth Raymer: Lay the Favorite: A Story About Gamblers
Two warnings beforehand: On the one hand, this book is only available in English. In addition, thanks to the not really successful film adaptation called Lady Vegas (starring: (Bruce Willis Rebecca Hall, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Vince Vaughn) from 2012 does not have a particularly good reputation – unfortunately.
For in her autobiographical novella, Beth Raymer impressively depicts a world of appearance and reality. Stranded as a naive waitress in Las Vegas, Beth gradually becomes a cog in the wheel of the (illegal) sports betting world. Anyone with even an ounce of interest in gambling or sports betting will love Lay the Favorite.