Inside the World of Elite Advantage Players, Gamblers, and Poker Players with Michael Kaplan

Welcome to Gambling With Good JuJu, the show that reviews more authors than Granny’s book club—and drops more casino hacks than your favorite gambling forum. This week, we’re thrilled to sit down with veteran journalist and author Michael Kaplan, whose brand new book Advantage Players pulls back the curtain on the most fascinating figures in gambling.

From Phil Ivey and Kelly Sun's edge-sorting scheme to Mattress Mack’s multi-million dollar sports bets, Kaplan takes us on a tour of high-stakes strategy, psychological warfare, and the rare personalities who consistently beat the house. We also dive into his earlier work covering legends like Stu Ungar, Doyle Brunson, and David Blaine, plus his unexpected path from punk zines to Cigar Aficionado’s gambling columnist.

📚 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Kaplan’s wild early days covering NYC punk rock and the late Stu Ungar
• The origins and ethics of Ivey and Sun’s notorious edge-sorting caper
• Which advantage player tried to deceive the author
• The cancer battle story that made it into the book—and why
• A behind-the-scenes look at characters cut from the final manuscript
• Tips for casual gamblers to find a tiny edge and maximize their comps

Whether you’re a seasoned sharp, a curious casino enthusiast, or just looking for a wild ride through gambling lore, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and strategy.

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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