Discover how rebel advantage gamblers used early wearable computers to legally beat the casino for billions. Kit Chellel shares Lucky Devils' secrets.

Episode Resources:

• "Lucky Devils" by Kit Chellel
• Bloomberg Feature: The Gambler Who Cracked the Horse-Racing Code
• Guide to the Blackjack Ball Annual Gathering
• Official Site of the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Beating the house is the ultimate gambler’s dream, but for a secret society of math geniuses and tech pioneers, it became a billion-dollar reality. In this episode of Books & Looks, author Kit Chellel reveals the fascinating hidden world of advantage gamblers who used science and homemade computers to systematically conquer casinos and racetracks around the globe. By tuning in, you'll discover how a few rogue outsiders outsmarted the gambling industry and why everything you think you know about beating the odds is probably wrong.

Kit unpacks the wild evolution of advantage gambling, tracing its roots from the mental gymnastics of blackjack card counting to 1980s players hiding wire-wrapped, toe-operated microcomputers in their shoes - even when the batteries literally caught on fire. We explore incredible true stories from his new book, “Lucky Devils,” including how betting godfather Bill Benter engineered an algorithmic sports betting syndicate in Hong Kong and intentionally walked away from a $16 million jackpot just to protect his secret. You'll also learn the mathematical framework behind exploiting biased roulette wheels, but the biggest revelation of the episode just might change how you look at modern betting apps like FanDuel and DraftKings forever. 

Don't leave your next great read up to chance - hit subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this eye-opening conversation. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to grab your own copy of Kit Chellel's “Lucky Devils” and dive deeper into these unbelievable true stories.