Basic Gambling Mathematics

Reviews / Votes

"Basic Gambling Mathematics: The Numbers Behind the Neon focuses on applying introductory probability theory to a plethora of well-known card games, dice games, casino games, and lottery games, as well as to their many less famous variations. ... This book is appropriate for readers who wish to understand the basics of probability theory, educators who wish to incorporate more concrete and exciting examples into their courses, and garners who wish to understand the mathematics behind their favorite pastimes. With its clear mathematical descriptions and multitude of examples and exercises, this book would even make an excellent supplement to any introductory probability course."
-Kathleen Ryan, in Mathematical Reviews Clippings, July 2015

"... the author does an excellent job at contextualizing probabilities and combinatorial quantities ... Too many times, introductory probability books leave readers with a feeling that probability should be useful in building strategies for game play, yet these books do not explicitly make this connection for its readers. However, Basic Gambling Mathematics: The Numbers Behind the Neon does indeed make this connection.
This book is appropriate for readers who wish to understand the basics of probability theory, educators who wish to incorporate more concrete and exciting examples into their courses, and garners who wish to understand the mathematics behind their favorite pastimes. With its clear mathematical descriptions and multitude of examples and exercises, this book would even make an excellent supplement to any introductory probability course. Moreover, by incorporating visuals, such as diagrams of casino tables and images of old-time punchboards, and by also providing historical background for games, commentary on state gambling laws, and insight into the inner workings of casinos, this book successfully transforms an already fun topic into an even more enjoyable read."
-Mathematical Reviews, July 2015

"... it offers advice, backed up by detailed calculations, on standard gambles found in casinos and on the variations used to spice up these games. Most of these 'extras' turn out to have a far larger house advantage, but in their zeal to hook in potential customers, casinos may offer bets that favour the punter, or even free bets. Savvy readers can discover here how best to exploit these baits. ... Useful tables list the basic data for a variety of games ... The final chapter runs through a plethora of general betting strategies that have been suggested and explains their deficiencies patiently. ... Reading this book would be time well spent for anyone contemplating a vacation in Las Vegas."
-John Haigh, London Mathematical Society Newsletter, November 2014

"Mark Bollman has written a wonderfully illuminating and accessible survey of the mathematics behind gambling. Firmly grounding his analysis in the historical and social context of the games, Bollman is able to explain both the theory behind the games and the practical application of that theory in a range of games, including not only the casino standbys of roulette, craps, and blackjack, but also new variations on those games. The included exercises give readers a chance to work out problems for themselves, which will undoubtedly enhance the usefulness of this book. This is a fantastic guide to gambling math, both for the beginner and the experienced gambler (or mathematician). As Bollman's math proves, there's rarely a sure bet, but Basic Gambling Mathematics comes pretty close."
-David G. Schwartz, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

"Basic Gambling Mathematics: The Numbers Behind the Neon is a must-have book for anyone interested in gambling mathematics. It not only covers all of the most popular casino games (blackjack, craps, roulette, keno), but is also a treasure trove of fascinating variants and novel games from casinos all over the world. Professors, students, and general gambling enthusiasts will all find something to capture their attention."
-Mike Ferrara, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver

"....the book presents the mathematical analysis of fortune games in an easy style. It is an advantage that the book is completely understandable even for readers being not familiar in probability theory. From this point of view, the book is recommended for everybody without limitations. However, if the reader is interested in deeper technical details on the subject then he or she must look for a more advanced source."

-Gabor Szucs, Szeged, 2017