John Haigh (–2021)

This was not quite the book I was expecting, and it was the more interesting for it. It begins with the type of introduction to probabllity that is common to most popular texts on this subject, but the following chapters each take a deep look at particular games of chance and forms of gambling. They do so in a depth that I've rarely encountered elsewhere, and deal with some modes of gambling that are a relatively modern development. Some of the more unusual topics include a chapter on TV games, such as "The Price Is Right" and "Breakout", and an analysis of Monopoly that goes well beyond considering dice odds and considers the chances of maximising returns taking into account the relative likelihood of landing on different positions on the board (the Go To Jail square means that these aren't all equally likely.) There's also a good analysis of the statistics and odds calculations behind modern commercial bets, such as when the first goal will be score in a particular match or betting on the total score in a match.

The text is hard going at times even for someone with a good educational background in these areas but effort is rewarded. There are tests with each chapter with worked answers at the end of the book, and four useful appendices on basic topics of probability, averages etc for those who need some extra grounding.

This book certainly isn't for everyone but if you have a more than passing interest in the topic, it's well worth reading.… (more)