Scarne's New Complete Guide to Gambling

by John Scarne

The world still recognizes the legendary John Scarne as the most authoritative expert on gambling who ever lived. Author of dozens of books On the subject Scarne Collected and distilled everything he knew in this, the most comprehensive book on gambling ever written. Since its publication in 1961 and subsequent new editions, Scarne's New Complete Guide to Gambling has been far and away the best-selling book of its kind. As gambling consultant to several governments and many of the world's top casinos, Scarne knew the world of gambling from the inside out, with access to many of the most powerful figures and innermost secrets of gambling's fascinating and complicated world. He spices the volumes of gambling advice and inside tips contained here with many of the stories and personalities he knew in his fabulously successful life as a gambling expert, advocate and writer. Every aspect of gambling at games of chance and skill is covered official rules; correct adds and house percentages; advice and instruction on playing strategy; explanations of swindling methods and how to detect them. And every game and sporting event involving betting of any kind is reviewed, explained, analyzed. More than 100 million Americans gamble at one time or another during any given year. Now, more than ever, this is the one book they'll need to become consistent winners in their chosen game.

Genres: Reference, Games

871 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1974

About the author

John Scarne was an American magician and book author who was particularly adept at playing card manipulation. He became known as an expert on cards and other games, and authored a number of popular books on cards, gambling, and related topics.

Reviews

[Michael Baggetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Scarne got me started doing card tricks and card manipulations when I was around 14 years old. He was the best!

[Hannah Nahhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to rely heavily on Steam Marketplace, but with the restrictions and slow cashout options, it became frustrating. That’s when I started exploring third-party platforms and came across SkinSwap. The experience was far smoother than I expected. The biggest highlight for me was the instant cashout feature and how easy it was to navigate the interface. If you're curious to explore a faster and more efficient option for trading skins, I highly recommend visiting https://skinswap.com/ . Everything is laid out clearly, and I appreciated how transparent the platform is with fees and trade values.

[Peter Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. I know that sounds ridiculous--I mean, John Scarne, a guru? But reading The Complete Guide to Gambling made me realize the "house" side of the equation was where I wanted to be. So I jumped at the opportunity to join a friend's traveling carnival. And made a bundle of money before I was 20 on gambling games that were impossible to win. Talk about a house advantage!

Thanks Mr. Scarne. Sorry marks.

[Rick O'Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may be dated as casinos have changed the rules and invented new games, but for an overview in detail, Scarne's book can't be beaten. If you are a new "gambler" or think you know what's what -- read this book and any more specific-to-your favorite game by Scarne. It's a cheap education.
If I get around to it, I'll rebuy it and enjoy the memories the book will kindle.

[Roar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may not be the target audience for this kind of book, but I'm a huge nerd about gambling statistics. I think this is truly the Holy Grail of gambling books, when they say complete guide, they mean it. Very dense, but you can also just read the sections that interest you. I am a personal fan of the section about fair and carnival games as well as the section on horse betting.

[Santiago Velasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dense but masterful manual by gambling legend John Scarne, covering everything from casino odds and cheating techniques to betting strategy across dozens of games. It’s technical, historical, and incredibly thorough

[Jesse Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information on gambling cheating alone makes this worth a read; add in some gaming history, explicitly worked out odds and strategies, great vintage photographs, and Scarne's blatant self-promotion, and you have a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.

[Trent Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The part on cheating was interesting..lots of good odds tables to use..the old photos were cool too..great reference book....

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read portions of this book--all of the sections on shooting Craps.