The 6 Must-Read Books For Serious Sports Bettors

best sports betting books

Choosing the right books for sports bettors can significantly enhance their understanding of the industry, improve their analytical skills, and increase their chances of success.

Whether it’s NBA, NFL, MLF or Soccer, these books are a great read for anybody who is serious about getting an edge on the bookies over the long run.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and these books will give the know-how on bankroll management, complex betting strategies, plus some juicy stories from their own wins and failures over the long run.


The Best Sports Betting Books For Bettors

Here are six essential books that we at TheMidfield feel every sports bettor should consider adding to their library.

1. “Sharp Sports Betting” – Stanford Wong

Stanford Wong’s “Sharp Sports Betting” is a classic must-read for anyone serious about sports betting.

First published in 2001, this book offers a guide to the fundamentals of sports betting, including understanding odds, betting strategies, and the importance of shopping for the best lines.

Wong explains complicated concepts like teaser betting and parlays with clarity. This book is particularly valued for its thorough breakdown of NFL sports betting, providing readers with detailed strategies for success.


2. “The Logic of Sports Betting” – Ed Miller and Matthew Davidow

Ed Miller, a renowned poker strategy author, and Matthew Davidow, a sports betting expert, delve into the often-misunderstood nuances of sports betting in “The Logic of Sports Betting.”

This book explains how betting markets operate on a fundamental level, including how sportsbooks make money and how to think like a professional sports bettor.

It covers topics from basic betting concepts to more advanced strategies, such as how to exploit sportsbook inefficiencies and understand market psychology.


3. “The Man with the $100,000 Breasts and Other Gambling Stories” – Michael Konik

This book is a compelling collection of true stories about gamblers and betting from Michael Konik, a well-known gambling columnist.

While it offers fewer direct strategies on sports betting, Konik’s book is invaluable for understanding the mindset of gamblers, the psychology behind betting, and the extremes to which bettors can go.

It’s both entertaining and enlightening, providing a colorful backdrop to the often dry theories and strategies typically discussed in betting books.


4. “Fixed Odds Sports Betting: Statistical Forecasting & Risk Management” – Joseph Buchdahl

Joseph Buchdahl’s book is essential for those who want to take a more analytical approach to sports betting.

Focusing on the importance of statistical forecasting in sports betting, Buchdahl discusses how bettors can use statistical research to find betting edges.

This book is particularly useful for bettors who have a good grasp of math and statistics and want to apply these skills to manage risk and assess the value in their sports betting decisions.


5. “Trading Bases: A Story About Wall Street, Gambling, and Baseball” – Joe Peta

“Trading Bases” is part memoir, part betting guide, and follows Joe Peta, an ex-Wall Street trader, as he applies financial trading strategies to betting on baseball.

This book provides a unique perspective on using statistical analysis and model-based systems in sports betting.

It’s particularly appealing for those interested in baseball, but the strategies discussed can be adapted to other sports.


“Lay the Favorite: A Memoir of Gambling” – Beth Raymer

In this memoir, Beth Raymer shares her experiences working in the sports betting industry. While it’s more of a personal story than a strategic guide, “Lay the Favorite” offers an insider’s look at the world of professional gambling and sports betting.

Readers gain insights into the operations of sportsbooks and the characters involved in the industry, which can be incredibly useful for understanding the environment and tactics of professional bettors.


Get Reading – Grab some of these books today!

So, if you’re serious about profits in the long-term, and love to have a punt, why not take home one of the above books and get stuck into some great ideas around sports betting, and also some great stories.