Calculated Bets
This is a book about a gambling system that works. It tells the story of how the author used computer simulations and mathematical modeling techniques to predict the outcome of jai-alai matches and bet on them successfully - increasing his initial stake by over 500% in one year! His results can work for anyone: at the end of the book he tells the best way to watch jai-alai, and how to bet on it. With humour and enthusiasm, Skiena details a life-long fascination with computer predictions and sporting events. Along the way, he discusses other gambling systems, both successful and unsuccessful, for such games as lotto, roulette, blackjack, and the stock market. Indeed, he shows how his jai-alai system functions just like a miniature stock trading system. Do you want to learn about program trading systems, the future of Internet gambling, and the real reason brokerage houses don't offer mutual funds that invest at racetracks and frontons? How mathematical models are used in political polling? The difference between correlation and causation? If you are curious about gambling and mathematics, odds are this book is for you!
- Exciting story of a successful gambling system
- Entertaining introduction to mathematical modelling techniques and methodologies
Reviews & endorsements
"Interesting, informative..." American Mathematical Monthly
"I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. The book is written in a leisurely, relaxed style. The author doesn't assume any mathematical, statistical, or computer science knowledge of the reader, and gives plenty of background material on the subject." The American Statistician
"It is a clearly written case study on the use of mathematical modeling...it may be useful as a text for a course in applied mathematics or simulation...I recommend this book for anyone who is curious about how mathematics and simulation can be used to learn how to win at gambling." The American Statistician
Product details
August 2001Paperback
9780521009621
252 pages
228 × 152 × 20 mm
0.35kg
35 b/w illus. 32 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- 1. The making of a gambler
- 2. What is Jai Alai?
- 3. Monte Carlo on the Tundra
- 4. The impact of the internet
- 5. Is this bum any good?
- 6. Modeling the payoffs
- 7. Engineering the system
- 8. Putting my money where my mouth is
- 9. How should you bet?
- 10. Projects to ponder
- Glossary
- For further reading
- Index.