the advice you are given might not be what you wanted to hear but what you need to hear
seriously i do not recommend any books. play for fun in the casino online if you do not want to risk money, you can see payouts and click on help to learn as you go. the understanding of the game will come as you play. roulette and BJ are not too difficult to know how to play just from the first hand or spin.
as for sportsbetting, google is your friend. look up the terms you mentioned in relation to gambling if that helps you.
not sure what part of taxes you are concerned about.