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What is the Best book to learn probability - poisson, binomial, regression, etc.

I am working as an odds adjuster at a bookmaker and need to advance my skills to an odds compiler level.

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Perhaps few here know what the mathematical level required of an odds adjuster is, or that of an odds compiler: it would probably help you to get better answers if you elaborated a little. – Scortchi Jan 10 at 20:05
I understand. Hence, I stated poisson, binomial, etc. As these are what is required in the field. Most basic probability books cover these distributions at a very basic level. I am looking for, not an advanced but a complete book which would cover say "Poisson Regression" and not just "poisson" or "regression", separately. Again, appreciate all the help as at other forums I havent been getting many answers. – O P Jan 10 at 20:18
Saying 'Poisson' doesn't help all that much - Poisson processes are covered in graduate level monographs & in 'Statistics for Dummies'. – Scortchi Jan 10 at 20:44
you are right. How about a probability book which will arm me with tools to deal with such a question "Wigan scores after 30 minutes. Calculate home, away and draw in percentage terms with poisson regression, assuming pre-match odds were 5.00 - 4.00 - 1.80 for Win/Draw/Loss respectively" – O P Jan 10 at 20:58

2 Answers

I think your question is worded a bit too "loosely". In any case: A number of excellent books are mentioned in this (aggregated) thread that deals mostly with Machine Learning books. From those mentioned probably The Elements of Statistical Learning is your best shot for a free book. All of them offer a general treatment for probability and regression.

Talking about non-free books I have found Statistical Models by Davison and Van Kampen's Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry extremely helpful "to learn probability - poisson, binomial, regression, etc." but this is a quite open-ended approach...

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I am sure there are books out there that deal purely with probability topics without delving into "machine learning" or "chemistry, physics". appreciate the help nevertheless. – O P Jan 10 at 20:15
What's your level of Stats/Probability experience? Maybe Papoulis' Probability, Random Variables and Stochastic Processes is a better introduction. And don't be fooled by the titles and labels, "machine learning" books might as well contain all the information you need about regression. Finally, Van Kampen's book is a excellent read for Stochastic Processes, albeit coming from a physicist's perspective. – user11852 Jan 10 at 20:28
In that case, I won't be fooled and will definitely check it out. Again, like i posted above, do u think those books will help me answer questions like "Wigan scores after 30 minutes. Calculate home, away and draw in percentage terms with poisson regression, assuming pre-match odds were 5.00 - 4.00 - 1.80 for Win/Draw/Loss respectively". – O P Jan 10 at 20:59

Grinstead & Snell is very good (& free):

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chance/teaching_aids/books_articles/probability_book/book.html

(Note it doesn't cover statistical topics e.g. regression, just probability.)

As you mention Poisson regression in a comment:

Dobson, An Introduction to Generalized Models

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