Gambler

Secrets from a Life at Risk

By: Billy Walters

Narrated by: Billy Walters

Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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

A Life Hard to Believe

Purchased the book ,to here the Michelson story,and loved the entire story. The time Billy spent in prison was most interesting!

Amazing

This is an amazing book and Mr Walters life story is the epitome of life having its ups and downs even if you have all the money in the world. Thanks for sharing your inspirational life story.

Very interesting story!

I enjoyed Billy reading this story. It added an interesting element to the book. His story is inspirational to people who must overcome bad things that happen to them.

Amazing story

Great story. Some of the gambling might be confusing but it was a great listen.

A must read true life story of the heart of a gambler …

Love the honest depiction of a life as a gambler, father, and husband. The soul, crushing defeat and the heartwarming victories. 

Great story, terrible narration

Within the pages of Billy Walters' fascinating life story lies a captivating narrative, brimming with adventure and charm. While the tale itself is engaging, those less inclined towards football or professional gambling might find solace in skipping a few chapters.

Regrettably, the allure of Billy's story is somewhat diminished by his choice to narrate the book, often leading to moments of mumbling that detract from the overall experience. While commendable for his efforts, the decision not to employ a professional narrator, especially after reading the introduction, might dissuade many from completing this otherwise intriguing read.

One of the best books I have ever had the privilege to read.

I had the chance to talk to Mr. Walters over the phone about 12 years ago. A true gentleman, who did not know me at all, but took the time during this life story to give me the courtesy to talk to him. I will always appreciate the conversation we had, and after hearing his story, respect him even more now today. Thank you Mr. Walters, for sharing this amazing story with the world. Sincerely, Lance Baldwin

Amazing story

A truly captivating story that should honestly be turned into a movie some day. Along with it comes his insanely intricate gambling method that has helped him generate millions in earnings. What an amazing book and thank you Billy Walters for this

Bill Walters and his story are inspiring and legendary,

The story of his life is life changing, inspiring and with the remarkable narration by Bill Walters himself, extremely entertaining. As I listened to his story I experienced every emotion from laughter, sadness, joy and inspiration.

Incredible Story!

This is a must read, or listen-to. Incredible story and inspiring! I have recommended this book to many of my friends.