The Best Sports Betting Books for Beginners & Beyond
- Greg Kajewski
- Mar 31
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 1
- Sharp Sports Betting by Stanford Wong: Learn the math behind betting, like breakeven percentages and expected value.
- The Logic of Sports Betting by Ed Miller & Matthew Davidow: Understand how sportsbooks work, line shopping, and bankroll management.
- Weighing the Odds in Sports Betting by King Yao: Focuses on data-driven strategies and analyzing market value.
- How to Win at Sports Betting by J. Edward Allen: Simple strategies for betting on major sports like football and basketball.
- The Smart Money by Michael Konik: A memoir offering insights into professional sports betting.
- The Complete Book of Sports Betting by Jack Moore: Covers the basics with a structured approach.
- Interception by Ed Miller: Explores how to exploit weaknesses in modern sportsbooks.
- Trading Bases by Joe Peta: Applies financial analysis to baseball betting.
- Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks by Joseph Buchdahl: Explains betting psychology, market efficiency, and value betting.
- Statistical Sports Models in Excel Vol. 1 & 2 by Andrew Mack: Teaches beginners how to build sports models using Excel.
Quick Comparison Table
Book Title | Key Focus | Price (USD) | Format Options |
Sharp Sports Betting | Math and strategy basics | $9.99 - $16.95 | Digital, Paperback |
The Logic of Sports Betting | Sportsbooks, line shopping, bankroll | $9.99 - $19.99 | Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook |
Weighing the Odds in Sports Betting | Data-driven strategies | $19.95 | Paperback |
How to Win at Sports Betting | Simple strategies for major sports | $10 | Paperback |
The Smart Money | Professional betting insights | $15.99 - $31.11 | Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook |
The Complete Book of Sports Betting | Basics with a structured approach | N/A | Paperback |
Interception | Exploiting sportsbook weaknesses | $9.99-19.99 | Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook |
Trading Bases | Financial analysis for baseball | $12.99 - 28.93 | Paperback, Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook |
[Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks](Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks) | Betting psychology and market trends | $11.99 | Digital, Paperback |
Statistical Sports Models in Excel | Building sports models in Excel | $36.99 | Paperback, Kindle |
Best sports betting books to read #sportsbetting #nfl #nflpicks
1. Sharp Sports Betting by Stanford Wong
is a go-to guide for beginners stepping into the world of sports betting. Written by Stanford Wong, a seasoned gambler, the book simplifies complex betting concepts into clear, actionable steps that novices can easily follow.
Wong dives into the core mathematics of sports betting, breaking down key concepts like:
- Breakeven percentages
- Expected value calculations
- Money lines vs. point spreads
- Parlays, teasers, and props analysis
"A wonderful primer if you're coming into sports betting with zero betting strategies, Wong's details the basics of the game and the math that drives everything from breakeven percentages to what have since become known as Wong teasers." - Unabated Staff
The book stands out for its practical teaching style. Wong’s approach is rooted in solving puzzles, as he explains:
"He loves to solve puzzles. That is the essence of sports betting – solving the puzzle of which team to bet on and how to bet."
Its principles remain relevant, even as the betting landscape evolves. As industry experts point out:
"Knowing how to quantify your edge or calculate expected value will never go out of style." - Unabated Staff
Many experienced bettors recommend this book as an excellent starting point for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in sports betting.
Available in digital format for $9.99 and paperback for $16.95, provides a thorough introduction to betting essentials. Wong’s focus on math and strategy equips readers with the tools to approach sports betting in a systematic and data-driven way.
This book is an excellent resource for developing a solid understanding of betting fundamentals before moving on to more advanced strategies.
2. The Logic of Sports Betting by Ed Miller and Matthew Davidow
Ed Miller, a best-selling author with over 300,000 copies sold, teams up with seasoned sports modeler Matthew Davidow, who brings over 15 years of experience, to simplify the mechanics of sports betting through straightforward lessons.
This guide goes beyond basic strategies, diving into how betting markets work. It covers how sportsbooks operate, explains concepts like implied probability and expected value (EV), and highlights the importance of line shopping and bankroll management using the Kelly Criterion. The authors also address common psychological biases bettors face. They present the betting "market" as a collective reflection of bettors' insights, teaching readers how to identify worthwhile opportunities.
"Matt and Ed are two of the smartest minds in sports betting."
"As a sportsbook employee for 30-plus years, I find it difficult to read or watch anything about sports betting. But I could not put The Logic Of Sports Betting down. It's that good."
The book is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 751 Amazon reviewers and is available in multiple formats: Paperback ($19.99), Kindle ($9.99), and Audiobook ($0.99 with membership).
With its clear explanations of odds, probability, and value, this book equips readers with the tools to make more informed betting decisions. Its focus on statistical principles ensures a strong foundation for anyone looking to understand the betting world.
3. Weighing the Odds in Sports Betting by King Yao
King Yao's 254-page book offers beginners a structured, data-focused approach to sports betting. It highlights the importance of combining smart analysis with thorough research and logical thinking for successful betting.
The book covers a range of topics, including football, baseball, basketball, futures, and proposition bets. Yao emphasizes the use of primary game lines and a well-maintained database of results to identify bets that may be mispriced.
"Weighing the Odds in Sports Betting allows us to ride along inside the author's brain as he analyzes the numbers on the board of the sports book. We learn what it is that he's looking for as well as how he crunches the numbers he finds in his quest for advantageous bets." - Nick Christenson
Yao breaks down key concepts that are essential for both experienced bettors and those new to the field. These include:
- Line movement analysis
- Scalping and middling strategies
- Hedging techniques and common mistakes
- Evaluating market value in sports betting
- Understanding the impact of returning starters in college football
- Timing bets for the best results
The book avoids overwhelming readers with complex math, includes a clear glossary, and features insights from trusted experts. This makes it approachable while maintaining a strong analytical foundation.
"This isn't a glamorous approach to sports betting, but it is both theoretically well founded and effective in practice." - Nick Christenson
Available for $19.95, the book serves as a guide to help readers build their own analytical strategies rather than providing a one-size-fits-all solution. It also shares practical tips, such as finding reliable line services and using online sports betting forums effectively, reinforcing the importance of an analytics-driven approach.
Howard Schwartz, a well-known industry expert, praises Yao's work for helping beginners become more informed and strategic bettors over the long term.
4. How to Win at Sports Betting by J. Edward Allen
J. Edward Allen's guide offers straightforward strategies for those new to sports betting. It covers key aspects of betting on professional and college football, basketball, baseball, and boxing, while also explaining the process behind setting betting lines.
Allen breaks down how oddsmakers create lines, showing how they consider different factors to set odds. The book emphasizes spotting overlooked opportunities that can give bettors an advantage.
He also provides strategies tailored to specific sports, explaining how each requires its own approach. Allen encourages readers to develop their own betting lines by analyzing unique market conditions, giving them the tools to make smarter bets.
5. The Smart Money by Michael Konik
This memoir dives into the high-stakes world of professional sports betting, offering a firsthand account of Michael Konik's experiences with the 'Brain Trust.' Through his story, readers get a glimpse of the intense pressures and strategies involved in this competitive arena.
Konik shares the emotional toll of handling daily financial fluctuations that could reach as much as $250,000. He emphasizes the need for steady nerves and disciplined bankroll management to navigate such volatility.
"It's all one big long game, with hundreds of little results adding up to one big victory." – Big Daddy Rick Matthews
The book explores key aspects of professional betting, like creating predictive models, finding the best betting lines, dealing with sportsbook restrictions, and managing funds effectively. It balances practical advice with real-life challenges, making it a compelling read for anyone curious about the betting industry.
With a Goodreads rating of 3.90/5 stars from 480 ratings, is both informative and engaging. Konik also sheds light on challenges such as sportsbook cutoffs and the potential risks of offshore betting, offering readers a clear picture of the realities of professional sports betting.
6. The Complete Book of Sports Betting by Jack Moore
Jack Moore, drawing from his background as a criminal trial attorney in gambling cases, provides a guide that simplifies sports betting for readers. His legal expertise adds a sharp, analytical perspective to understanding the basics of sports betting. Moore also introduces his own system, offering a structured approach to betting.
The book focuses on teaching betting fundamentals through the "Blindfold Method", a strategy aimed at consistent results rather than instant wealth. As Moore explains:
"It is not a panacea, however, and I do not conclude that anyone who uses it will become rich overnight. I say only that if you follow the prescriptions without deviation you will win over the course of each sport's season regardless of luck, and with a little bit of luck you will win significantly."
Key topics covered in the book include:
- Breaking down money lines and point spreads
- Learning essential sports betting terms
- Strategies for avoiding common betting mistakes
Bob Gregorka, race and sports book director at the Sands, shares his thoughts on the book:
"They are a help to someone who is a complete novice. They do lead the beginner away from square (foolish) bets. But it's the same with any game. Once you get the initial information, the rest is up to the bettor. The book isn't going to do much."
7. Interception by Ed Miller
Ed Miller's 2nd book on this list, dives into how bettors can take advantage of weaknesses in modern sportsbooks. The book explains that single-game parlays and in-game wagers often hold hidden opportunities for beginners. These insights pave the way for a deeper look at creative betting strategies.
The book outlines 12 betting strategies, ranging from basic arbitrage to exploiting differences in sportsbook rules. Miller, alongside co-author Matthew Davidow, sheds light on how technology influences today's betting environment:
"Modern sportsbooks are very sophisticated technology products that are designed with advanced technology yet occasionally marred by oversimplified models."
One standout tip from Miller is to view cashouts as a chance to place a new bet, unlocking potential value in these options. The book also points out flaws in in-game betting models, noting that errors can sometimes exceed 20% late in games. For sustained success, Miller advises bettors to create "noise" by strategically using single-game parlays and in-game wagers to disguise sharp betting patterns.
The authors also critique the limitations of sportsbook models:
"These lines represent the raw, regurgitated guts of sometimes oversimplified and miscalibrated models that have been rushed to production for business reasons and likely require years more work to make them solid."
What makes stand out is its focus on actionable advice. Miller shows that the edge in modern sportsbooks can be up to 10 times greater than in traditional casino games, making this book an excellent resource for beginners navigating the current betting world.
8. Trading Bases by Joe Peta
Joe Peta brings his background as a former trader to the world of baseball betting, applying financial analysis to the game. His approach paid off, with returns of 41% in 2011 and 14% in 2012. By treating baseball like a financial market, Peta created a structured system to evaluate performance and uncover value through sabermetrics and advanced statistics.
In 2010, his strategy resulted in a 1087-1008 record and a 28.81% gain on his bankroll. A key part of his success lies in his disciplined money-management system, which adjusts wager sizes between 0.1% and 2.0% of total capital, depending on the calculated edge. This focus on managing bankroll effectively highlights how critical it is for long-term success in betting. For newcomers, Peta's data-driven methods offer a solid starting point.
The book does a great job of simplifying complex ideas. Peta breaks down sabermetric principles like Pythagoras, DIPS, and WAR projections. His system includes:
- Adjustments for previous season performance
- Analysis of cluster luck
- WAR (Wins Above Replacement) projections
- Tracking in-season performance
One standout aspect of is its focus on quantifying "luck" in baseball outcomes. Peta shows how to adjust team stats for factors like Pythagorean luck and Runs Created luck, helping readers separate a team's actual skill level from its current record. His approach gives readers the tools they need to analyze baseball betting with precision and confidence.
9. Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks by Joseph Buchdahl
Joseph Buchdahl's book delves into why most gamblers - 97%, to be exact - fail to make a profit. It introduces several key ideas that every new bettor should grasp:
- Value Betting: Success comes from spotting situations where your estimated odds are better than the bookmaker's.
- Market Efficiency: With technology and more accessible data, sports betting markets are becoming harder to beat, as chance plays a bigger role.
- Bookmaker's Advantage: The concept of "overround" - the bookmaker's built-in profit margin - explains why casual betting often falls short.
These principles form the foundation of a disciplined betting strategy.
"In my new book, , I explore the science of probability and uncertainty, the difference between expectation and utility, the irrationality of human beings, luck & skill, market efficiency and the wisdom of crowds, why winners take all and why indeed we gamble at all." - Joseph Buchdahl
What sets this book apart is its scientific take on gambling psychology. Buchdahl examines why bettors often make irrational choices and highlights the critical difference between luck and skill - an understanding that becomes even more essential as betting markets evolve.
While the writing can be dense, the book's detailed analysis of probability, market trends, and decision-making offers practical insights for beginners. Priced at $11.99 on Apple Books, it provides a solid introduction to the science behind successful betting. It also helps readers identify common mental traps, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their betting approach.
10. Statistical Sports Models in Excel Vol. 1 and 2 by Andrew Mack
If you're new to sports betting and want to dive into statistical analysis without feeling overwhelmed, Andrew Mack's two-volume series is a great starting point. Using Excel, a tool most people are already familiar with, these books simplify the process of building sports models. On Amazon, Volume 1 has a 4.5/5 rating from 231 reviews, while Volume 2 scores 4.4/5 from 87 reviews, showing their popularity among readers.
These books include downloadable Excel models for major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, AFL, and the English Premier League. By working directly with these models, readers can grasp statistical concepts in a practical way, skipping the need for heavy theory. Mack focuses on making the material approachable, teaching the essentials of sports modeling through real-world examples.
"This book is my attempt to correct that, as I pull back the curtain on Excel spreadsheet models and techniques I developed in my first few years of sports betting. It is designed to give you an accessible crash course on modelling that will get you up to speed on the key relevant principles of statistics with a minimum amount of heavy technical jargon." – Andrew Mack
"The fact that he provides you with a full suite of workable models to compliment the material makes this an enormous value." – Michael, Amazon Reviewer
With its clear explanations and ready-to-use tools, this series is perfect for beginners eager to build a strong foundation in sports betting analysis - no advanced math skills required.
Key Learning Points
If you're new to sports betting, there are some core principles that can help you get started on the right foot. These basics are key to approaching betting in a smart and responsible way.
First, it's important to understand how sportsbooks work and to master the basics. This knowledge helps you spot opportunities where the odds might work in your favor.
Bankroll management is another critical piece. Stick to betting no more than 5% of your total bankroll on a single wager. For those who prefer to play it safer, consider limiting bets to just 1% of your bankroll.
Next comes value-based decision making. This means comparing odds, calculating expected value, steering clear of common traps like always betting on favorites, and looking for inefficiencies in the market.
Mental Discipline
Staying disciplined is crucial for long-term success. Here are three key aspects:
- Emotional Control: Keep a level head and avoid betting based on personal biases or loyalty to your favorite teams.
- Realistic Expectations: Even the pros rarely achieve win rates above 80%. Keeping this in mind can help you stay grounded.
- A Systematic Approach: Create and stick to a structured plan. This includes tracking your bets, analyzing patterns, and focusing on specific markets you understand well.
Continuous Learning
Improvement is an ongoing process. Keep up with the latest sports news, dive deeper into statistical analysis, and learn from your past mistakes by keeping detailed records. As you gain experience, you can start building predictive models. Begin with simpler bets, like moneyline wagers, while you're still learning. Over time, expand your strategies as your confidence and knowledge grow.
Sports betting success doesn't happen overnight. It takes patience, discipline, and a commitment to learning. These strategies provide a strong starting point for making informed, thoughtful bets.
