Gambler

Secrets from a Life at Risk

By: Billy Walters

Narrated by: Billy Walters

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * “An insightful read…Walters is a larger-than-life character.” —Sports Illustrated * “This book is going to become the sports gambling bible…The formula’s in the book.” —Pat McAfee

The wild and massively entertaining autobiography of Billy Walters—“the greatest and most controversial sports gambler ever” (ESPN)—who shares his extraordinary life story, reveals the secrets to his fiercely protected betting system, and breaks his silence about Phil Mickelson.

Anybody can get lucky. Nobody controls the odds like Billy Walters. Widely regarded as “the Michael Jordan of sports betting,” Walters is a living legend in Las Vegas and among sports bettors worldwide. With an unmatched winning streak of thirty-six consecutive years, Walters has become fabulously wealthy by placing hundreds of millions of dollars a year in gross wagers, including one Super Bowl bet of $3.5 million alone. Competitors desperate to crack his betting techniques have tried hacking his phones, cloning his beepers, rifling through his trash, and bribing his employees. Now, after decades of avoiding the spotlight and fiercely protecting the keys to his success, Walters has reached the age where he wants to pass along his wisdom to future generations of sports bettors.

Gambler is more than a traditional autobiography. In addition to sharing his against-all-odds American Dream story, Walters reveals in granular detail the secrets of his proprietary betting system, which will serve as a master class for anyone who wants to improve their odds at betting on sports. Walters also breaks his silence about his long and complicated relationship with Hall of Fame professional golfer Phil Mickelson.

On a typical weekend gameday packed with college and pro sports, Walters will bet $20 million. It’s a small sum for someone with his resources today, but an unbelievable fortune for the child who was raised by his grandmother in extreme poverty in rural Kentucky. By the age of nine, Walters became a shark at hustling pool and pitching pennies. As a young adult, he set records as a used-car salesman, hustled golf, and dabbled in bookmaking. He eventually 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. He built a fortune while overcoming addictions and outmaneuvering organized crime figures made infamous by Martin Scorsese’s film Casino.

In Gambler, Walters shares everything he’s learned about sports betting. First, he shows bettors how to mine the information we have at our fingertips to develop a sophisticated betting strategy and handicapping system of our own. He explains how even avid bettors often do not grasp all of the variables that go into making an informed wager—home field advantage, individual player values, injuries or illness, weather forecasts, each team’s previous schedule, travel distance/ difficulty, stadium quirks, turf types, and more. Variable by variable, Walters breaks down the formulas, betting systems, and money-management principles that he’s developed over decades of improving his craft.

A self-made man who repeatedly won it all, lost it all, and earned it all back again, Walters has lived a singular and wildly appealing American life, of the outlaw variety. Gambler is at once a gripping autobiography, a blistering tell-all, and an indispensable playbook for coming out on top.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Billy Walters (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Can somebody make a movie of this!

Unbelievable life story with ups and downs. Really would love to see Oscar quality movie of this story.

Life Revisited

What an inspirational personal story Billy Walters has shared with the world. His life is evidence of the the power each of us has to create a different, productive life through determination, hard work and a few breaks. As I listen to the author’s narration I am humbled by his vulnerability, tenderness, character and his servant’s heart. I pray it will be a lantern in the darkness for many.

A one of a kind real life story!!

I love the Billy Reddit. No one has ever lived a life like this guy super entertaining! I highly recommend!

Interesting Story

I don’t like gambling and this book reinforced all the reasons. The crap he put his wives through is horrible.

With that said, the story kept my interest. The appeal was getting insight on how people very different from me live.

A truly enjoyable book

Exceptional account of a truly exceptional man. Proof you can accomplish anything no matter your beginnings with hard work and fortitude.

Interesting life to lead

Loved the premise and the stories but not a fan of spilling all the dirt on others… gamblers have a code of silence…

Perfect book for a degenerate gambler

I loved every part of this book. At first I was like why do I care about how he grew up etc I just want the sports betting stuff. But it’s such a good read as a person who has dealt with addiction

Eye-Opening

Great story, and a great move having the author narrate it. He isn't as polished as professional narrators, but that actually adds to the book's sincerity. If you like sports, gambling, and/or investing, this is a must-read.

the ups and downs of life And gambling

it was a great story by great storyteller I enjoyed the book immensely. I also appreciate how you find how you take tragedy and turn it into triumph.

When does the movie come out?

This is one of the best audiobooks I've experienced. What a wild story. Truly incredible.