Michael Kaplan’s Advantage Players Launches with Style at Eight Cigar Bar in Las Vegas

On June 11, author and longtime journalist Michael Kaplan hosted a laid-back but lively book launch at Eight Cigar Bar inside Resorts World Las Vegas. The event celebrated the release of Advantage Players, his deep dive into the world of gamblers who don’t just play the odds….they beat them.

Kaplan’s known for writing about high-stakes risk-takers and the underground world of strategy, hustle, and edge with bylines in Wired, GQ, Cigar Aficionado, and the New York Post. This latest book pulls readers into that world, one calculated risk at a time.

The vibe was a perfect mix of classy but comfortable and ready to party. People came dressed to impress, but the energy stayed welcoming. Kaplan made his way around the room like a true host, signing books, cracking jokes, and having real conversations with just about everyone there.

He even had custom cocktails on the menu just for the event, and the bartenders were killing it fast, smooth, and clearly loving what they do. Guests enjoyed bites from Chef Nicole Brisson of neighboring Brezza and sipped whiskey-based “Advantage Player” cocktails crafted by Francesco Lafranconi, the creative force behind Carversteak’s standout bar program. The magician working the crowd? That was MoroMagic, pulling fast ones even on the sharpest gamblers in the room.

The guest list had some serious Vegas heat: Kelly “Baccarat Machine” Sun (whose wild winning streak is being turned into a movie starring Awkwafina), New Yorker writer Amanda Fortini, Vegas media maven Melinda Sheckells, and blackjack legend John Chang ; the real-life inspiration behind Kevin Spacey’s character in 21. Even Heidi Fleiss made an appearance. As the night wore on, she and Kaplan were overheard scheming about heading downtown for a few hands of blackjack.

“Last time we played there, Kaplan got backed off the game for card counting,” Fleiss laughed. “I loved it. He was the biggest f—ing gangster in the whole damn casino. But don’t worry. We’ll be back.”

If you missed the launch, you can still dive into Kaplan’s world of high-stakes strategy and sharp minds. Advantage Players is available now on Amazon.

Whether you’re into the psychology of winning, Vegas legends, or just love a smart read, this one’s worth the bet!