Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk Hardcover – August 22, 2023

Gambling is a business for some and entertainment for others. Like many things in life people find pleasurable it can become addictive. For a poor boy from Kentucky who has a gift for numbers and an enormous appetite for risk it became a highly lucrative business which made him wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.Billy Walters, an admitted alcoholic and gambling addict, fell into every trap there is for the naive and unsophisticated who gamble high. It took the loss of two marriages and untold amounts of money for him to come to his senses. He quit drinking, smoking and changed his approach to gambling pretty much at the same time. Having been successful in business, he decided to approach gambling as a business. In the book he explains not only how he did this but gives insight into the rules of the road to be a successful gambler. He tells the reader how his systems work, how he bets and the tricks he learned to mitigate some of the risk. He explains how he had "branches offices" with employees and partners all over the country and the world in order to take advantage of all the betting lines available, gather information, find the best odds and spread out his bets.Though this might be considered a gambling primer the book is much more. It is also the very human story of a troubled man from a troubled family who was able to control and conquer his personal demons. It is filled with wonderful anecdotes about the life a high stakes gambler lives and the colorful characters who populate that world. Hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions of dollars ride on the turn of a card, the making of a three foot putt or the erratic bounce of a football, all things Billy and his buddies live with on a daily basis.But there's more. Remember, in gambling when someone wins, some else loses. It is not possible to live in that world without making some enemies. Billy tells how he was constantly pursued and harassed by the law, had millions of dollars confiscated by them and ultimately wound up in federal prison for 31 months, after being convicted of trading stocks on insider information, before President Trump commuted his sentence. It is fascinating to hear Billy's side of this story and learn how our justice system sometimes works, in his opinion, unfairly.Billy also tells us of the things which he finds most meaningful in his life. Tales of his charitable gifts and untiring work for various charities to help the disadvantaged, something he has been doing for many years, are heartwarming. He does not tell us of this work out of vanity, self aggrandizement or to cleanse his reputation, rather to make people aware of the need to do more. A great read I highly recommend.

As a beginner in the world of sports betting, I recently read "Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk" by Billy Walter's and found it to be an insightful and informative read. Here are a few reasons why I would give it a four-star review:1. Billy Walter's expertise: Throughout the book, it is evident that Billy Walter's is highly knowledgeable and experienced in the field of sports betting. He shares valuable insights, tips, and strategies that he has personally developed over his career. As a beginner, I appreciated learning from someone with such a wealth of experience.2. Practical advice: What sets this book apart is its focus on providing practical advice rather than just theoretical concepts. Walter's breaks down his strategies and explains how to apply them in real-life betting scenarios. This hands-on approach helped me grasp the concepts better and gave me a solid foundation to start my own betting journey.3. Risk management: One aspect that stood out to me was the emphasis on risk management. Walter's stresses the importance of being disciplined, setting betting limits, and managing bankrolls effectively. This focus on responsible betting was crucial for me as a beginner to understand the potential risks involved and how to mitigate them.4. Engaging storytelling: The book is not just a dry guide on sports betting; it also includes personal anecdotes and stories from Walter's own experiences. This storytelling aspect made the book more engaging and enjoyable to read, while also providing valuable insights into the mindset and psychology of a successful gambler.However, I would deduct one star from my review for two reasons:1. Lack of specific examples: While Walter's provides excellent advice, I would have appreciated more specific examples to illustrate his strategies in action. This would have made it easier for me as a beginner to fully grasp the concepts and apply them effectively.2. Limited sports coverage: The book primarily focuses on Walter's experiences and strategies in horse racing and sports betting. While these are undoubtedly valuable, I would have liked to see more coverage of other popular sports, as it would have made the book more versatile and applicable to a wider range of readers.Overall, "Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk" is a valuable resource for beginners in sports betting. Billy Walter's expertise, practical advice, and emphasis on risk management make it a worthwhile read. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it offers valuable insights and strategies that can help beginners navigate the world of sports betting more successfully.

Wish it was longer. This man deserves more recognition for what he is currently doing

such a good book

I enjoyed this book as it was all true , illustrates what a crooked legal system there is in the US eg Trump

Divertissant et intéressant

Hasn't Billy had some adventures. I enjoyed his tales of hustling and improving. Outside of some of his golf adventures this book never becomes a yawn. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Some decent gambling tips as well.