Renowned probability theorist Edward O. Thorp revolutionized the casino industry by developing card counting systems for the casino game of blackjack. Les Golden, the celebrated blackjack, roulette, and craps columnist for Bluff Europe, Gambling.com, iGaming Business, GamblingOnline, and Jackpots Review magazines, tells Thorp’s incredible true story of lucrative applied probability with charm, wit, and humor. 

Whether you visit casinos for fun, dinner money, or a living, or whether you’re simply interested in a story of romance and casino intrigue, this lively biographical novel will capture and delight you.

Illustrations by the author.

“I found the story tremendously entertaining, with a pantheon of compelling characters such as gambler Ed Thorp and bookie Manny Kimmel taking us from the casinos of Nevada to those of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Les Golden’s novel is a triumph begging for adaptation to the screen.”— LANA WOOD, Film and T.V. Producer, Actress (“Diamonds Are Forever”) Best-selling Author, Natalie, a Memoir

“Les Golden has an ever-increasing influence and burgeoning popularity.A significant name in the industry, the ‘go to’ man for strategy and anecdotal literarydexterity. I cannot acclaim his star highly enough.”— JAMES MCKEOWN, Editor, iGaming Business Magazine and Gambling.com Magazine
“Les Golden is a comedy genius. It really is as simple as that. An expert in the field,he makes getting educated not only painless but actually funny.”— DAVE BLAND, Editor, Flush Magazine, British television pundit

“I learn more about strategy through Les’ writings than I do through many failed tripsto Vegas. Always concise, easy-to-read, and intelligent.”— JON YOUNG, Editor WPT (World Poker Tour) Magazine

“Les Golden makes numbers hilarious. He's simply the funniest gaming strategy writer there is. His writing is ‘rakish’ and ‘bond-esque.’ ”— PHILIP CONNELLER, Editor, Bluff Europe Magazine
“The dialog crackles and the fictional elements brilliantly illuminate how cool Ed Thorp is. And there’s just the right amount of blackjack and math. I love it.”— AARON BROWN, Professional gambler, Wall Street risk managerAuthor, The Poker Face of Wall Street