Daniel Negreanu Brings New Life to Little-Known Poker Book “Confessions of a Crossroad Gambler”
Daniel Negreanu Breathes New Life into Obscure Poker Book “Confessions of a Crossroad Gambler”
A poker book titled “Confessions of a Crossroad Gambler” by “Gentleman” Jack Newton, a high-stakes gambler from the post-Depression era through the 1970s birth of the World Series of Poker, was published in 2008 with little fanfare. The book contained gambling history, tales of marked cards and cheating, providing an entertaining glimpse into that era’s gambling world.
Recently, renowned poker agent Brian Balsbaugh of Poker Royalty acquired the rights and released an audio version narrated by poker superstar Daniel Negreanu. The autobiography recounts Newton’s life on the road, his adventures in card games across America, and the tactics used by “crossroad gamblers” who employed skill and cunning to win.
Negreanu, a seven-time WSOP bracelet winner and Poker Hall of Famer, provides a unique perspective through his narration of Newton’s exploits in the high-stakes gambling scene. The 2-hour-49-minute audiobook was released on July 17, 2024.
“I’m a sucker for old-school Vegas stories, and the book was really fun, so I didn’t hesitate when asked to narrate it,” Negreanu told PokerNews, adding that it was his first time narrating a book.
While Negreanu never met Newton, he interacted with Newton’s son during the recording sessions. One story that stood out involved Newton brilliantly figuring out how to introduce marked cards into a cheated game.
Negreanu acknowledged the book glamorizes unscrupulous tactics but noted there was a “code among cheats” in Newton’s era, where cheaters would sometimes reveal their methods over drinks, respecting the better cheat.
Although Negreanu narrated “Confessions,” he hasn’t released his own book since 2008’s “Power Hold’em Strategy” and 2007’s “Hold’em Wisdom for All Players.” When asked about a potential biography, Negreanu simply stated, “Too young for that.”
Physical copies of “Confessions” are available online, and the audiobook narrated by Negreanu can be purchased on Audible for $6.95 or accessed for free by Prime members during a trial.
