The Zen of Gambling: The Ultimate Guide to Risking It All and Winning at Life

What a unique book "The Zen of Gambling" is! The best part is the chapter on the psychology of casino gambling called "Viva Las Vegas." Author Root's philosophy about the ways that casino execs trap gamblers and force High Rollers into playing "dumb" is a classic. His section on poker strategy is world class. This book is a must read for anyone thinking of setting foot in a casino!

I have been a losing casino and sports gambler most of my life. But I never stop trying, reading, and learning new ideas, philosophies and strategies. I think that I've finally found the winning formula with "The Zen of Gambling." This is quite simply the best gambling book ever written. I have applied Mr. Root's Contrarian strategy for over a year now and have had the best results of my life!

Simple and powerful- the best book ever written about sports gambling. I've been betting (and losing) my whole life. I always thought success at sports gambling was about knowing the players and gameplans. Root's book is fasinating- he has taught me it's not about the quarterback or the offensive line or the defense. It's about public perception, public betting trends and Contrarian psychology. Suddenly I win more than I lose (for the first time in my life). Amazing! I've changed my life with a $16 purchase- that's remarkable. Many thanks to Mr. Root.

Alot of great info on sports betting - covers not only football but college basetball and MLB. Great section on what to bet each month. Well worth the $20. I dont write many reviews but the book was worth my time.

I was impressed by "The Zen of Gambling". The focus of this book is mainly describing techniques used to win at sports betting. Root also shares stories from his past about how taking big risks at the right times made him successful. Before reading this book, I always viewed Root as a loudmouth salesman tout on television just marketing his sports predictions to suckers that get pressured into buying them. But this book will make you think differently about Root and see other sides of him. He honestly admits that not every sports bet he makes is a winner and that losing streaks do happen. Even though I consider myself to already be a "sharp" sports gambler, I found that this book reinforced a lot of what I have found profitable when it comes to sports betting. Root stresses the importance of having the confidence to bet underdogs and going against what everyone else is saying. I agree that this is how to find value and beat your bookmakers in the long run. It is also an entertaining read with Root throwing in a few pages with tips on health and building self esteem. He also reinforces that casino gambling cannot be beat in the long run and explains the kinds of tricks used by casinos for making people lose money. Although sports betting has its own "house edge" with what's known as "vigorish", it is not based on a mathematical formula as casino games are so it can be beaten with the right skills and money management. Root teaches that risking everything you have on one bet you feel strong about or parlaying a series of plays is wrong and that you have to grind money out with a few carefully selected wagers each week. I would recommend this book to anyone who bets on sports regularly or who is considering doing it. Beginners will probably get more out of it than sharper players, but even sharper players will find parts of it interesting. Once you read this book, you will have the motivation to believe in the calculated risks you take - even if you have been in slumps with gambling or other areas of your life before.