Squares and Sharps, Suckers and Sharks: The Science, Psychology and Philosophy of Gambling

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Squares and Sharps, Suckers and Sharks: The Science, Psychology and Philosophy of Gambling
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Joseph Buchdahl
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:352
Dimensions(mm): Height 234,Width 153
Category/GenreGambling - theories and methods
ISBN/Barcode 9780857304841
ClassificationsDewey:306.482
Audience
General

Publishing Details

Publisher Oldcastle Books Ltd
Imprint High Stakes Publishing
Publication Date 19 May 2021
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

People have been gambling, in one form or another, for as long as history itself. Why? Money, entertainment, escape and a desire to win are all traditional explanations. Arguably, however, these are secondary considerations to a higher order purpose: a craving for control. Gambling offers a means of gaining authority over the unknown, granting us a sense of control over uncertainty. Almost always that sense is illusory - gambling, including betting and investing, is essentially random - yet for many it is nonetheless profoundly rewarding. This book attempts to explore the reasons why. Along the way, it examines: The science of probability and uncertainty Why gambling is often condemned The difference between expectation and utility The irrationality of human beings Evolutionary perspectives on gambling Luck and skill Market efficiency and the wisdom of crowds Why winners take all Cheating Why the process matters more than the outcome

Author Biography

For 20 years, Joseph Buchdahl has worked as a betting analyst, providing historical sports data and betting odds through his websites Football-Data.co.uk and Tennis-Data.co.uk. He is the author of Fixed Odds Sports Betting, How to Find a Black Cat in a Coal Cellar, Squares & Sharps, Suckers and Sharks and Monte Carlo or Bust published by High Stakes Publishing, and has been a regular contributor for the online sportsbook Pinnacle, with over 60 betting-related articles. He continues to tweet regularly via 12Xpert.

Reviews

'Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks is a thoughtful book and a refreshing read' - Betfair Pro Trader; 'Joseph delivers on his promise to familiarise anybody with an interest in betting or investing with the workings of the betting mind through an abundance of practical examples' - Pinnacle