Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk

Avid Reader Press / Simon and Schuster. Hardcover. NEW. Billy Walters is known as "the greatest and most controversial sports gambler ever" (ESPN). With an unmatched winning streak of thirty-six consecutive years, Walters has become a living legend in Las Vegas and among sports bettors worldwide. In the wild and massively entertaining autobiography, "Gambler," Walters shares his extraordinary life story, his fiercely protected betting system, and breaks his silence about his complicated relationship with professional golfer Phil Mickelson. From a young age, Billy Walters defied the odds. Raised by his grandmother in extreme poverty in rural Kentucky, Walters hustled pool and pitched pennies to make ends meet. As a young adult, he set records as a used-car salesman and ventured into bookmaking and hustling golf. Eventually, he moved to Las Vegas, where he revolutionized sports betting strategy and became a member of the famed Computer Group, the first syndicate to apply algorithms and data analysis to sports gambling. Despite facing setbacks and battling addictions, Walters built a fortune while outmaneuvering organized crime figures made famous by Martin Scorsese's film "Casino." In "Gambler," Walters shares his insights into sports betting, providing readers with a master class on improving their odds. He reveals the secrets of his proprietary betting system and encourages bettors to dig deep into the available information to develop a sophisticated betting strategy and handicapping system. Walters emphasizes the importance of considering numerous variables, including home field advantage, player values, injuries or illness, weather forecasts, previous schedules, travel distance and difficulty, stadium quirks, and turf types. By breaking down the formulas, betting systems, and money-management principles he has developed over the years, Walters aims to help aspiring sports bettors enhance their craft. While Walters' success in the sports betting industry is unquestionable, his relationship with Phil Mickelson has been a topic of controversy. Walters breaks his silence in "Gambler," sharing the details of their long and complicated association. This revelation adds another layer to Walters' already captivating life story. Throughout the book, Walters captivates readers with tales of his audacious betting habits. On a typical weekend gameday, he bets a staggering $20 million on college and professional sports. This amount may seem insignificant given his accumulated wealth, but it marks a remarkable achievement for a man who grew up in poverty. "Gambler" goes beyond being a traditional autobiography. It is a gripping tell-all that delves into the secretive world of sports betting, offering readers an indispensable playbook for coming out on top. Walters' willingness to share his wisdom and pass down his knowledge to future generations of sports bettors is commendable. Overall, "Gambler" offers readers a unique glimpse into the life and mindset of a legendary sports gambler. Billy Walters' rise from poverty to becoming one of the most successful and controversial figures in Las Vegas is a testament to his determination and relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you are an avid bettor or simply interested in the inner workings of the sports betting industry, "Gambler" is sure to provide an insightful and exhilarating read.