This book begins with my day of sentencing. I had been practicing law in Henderson, North Carolina for ten years and on this day I am in court for armed bank robbery. I share what this day was like as well as prison life. While confined, I came to the realization that I was a compulsive gambler. I share my background of growing up in a small rural area in Eastern North Carolina and the details of how my gambling began and more specifically the card game of poker. Recounting and sharing many aspects of my life were painful but then there were other aspects that were a joy. Sharing my mental hospital experience and the sharing of the crime were difficult. But sharing where I am now and how blessed I have been were moments of joy. It is about this thirty-six year old lawyer who had been practicing law for ten years but because of unwise choices, flawed judgment, terrible foresight and bad habits, eventually ends up in prison. I end this book by attempting to show that in the face of adversities, one can still overcome and be successful, if he has the determination, perseverance and faith. The book in not intended to be a detailed autobiography but rather a life of gambling; especially, the card game of poker.

After surviving Tonegawa's dastardly schemes set outside of the hotel tower, Kaiji was let inside the building for what may be one last chance to pay off his debts. But while his last two tests were partially physical and emotional, this new game is a test of wills. E-Card is a simple card game but when played against someone who says he can read minds, it may be an impossible game to win at consistently! Kaiji has gone too far now, so he'll literally put his body on the line as payback!

A reprint of one of the classic volumes on racetrack efficiency, this book is the only one in its field that deals with the racetrack betting market in-depth, containing all the important historical papers on racetrack efficiency. As evidenced by the collection of articles, the understanding of racetrack betting is clearly drawn from, and has correspondingly returned something to, all the fields of psychology, economics, finance, statistics, mathematics and management science.

A reprint of one of the classic volumes on racetrack efficiency, this book is the only one in its field that deals with the racetrack betting market in-depth, containing all the important historical papers on racetrack efficiency. As evidenced by the collection of articles, the understanding of racetrack betting is clearly drawn from, and has correspondingly returned something to, all the fields of psychology, economics, finance, statistics, mathematics and management science.

Provides a historical perspective for understanding the exponential growth of casinos in the United States since 1990, by telling the story of Atlantic City, New Jersey since the 1970s. This work uses oral history to focus on the human stories of the region in addition to the broader story of economic and social impacts.

While the gambling industry is indisputably large and powerful, it has received little attention from political scientists. Utilizing a variety of perspectives and techniques, von Herrmann analyzes gambling's recent expansion, finding public attitudes have been shaped both by government policies and the industry's attempts to create a family-friendly image.

Von Herrmann examines the politics of state and federal gambling policy, particularly policies relating to casinos and state lotteries. She considers gambling policy from a variety of perspectives, including the politics of adoption, the state and federal governments' role in policy formation and implementation, and the broad economic and social impact questions related to gambling. The inclusion of several state case studies provides insight into the largely successful reshaping of Americans' image of gambling--from seedy, sinful, and corrupt behavior to a benign, pleasurable entertainment experience--which ultimately has led to widespread availability.

While many have asserted that gambling policy fits well within the political models of morality politics, von Herrmann challenges this notion. Noting that true consensus has not been achieved in the area of gambling policy, she shows how supporters' economic arguments and opponents' moral concerns have effectively bifurcated the current debates on gambling policy; gambling is now viewed by many in two distinct and separate bodies of thought. As she observes, the challenge for the future of gambling policy is to find ways to bridge the gap. Of particular interest to scholars, students, and other researchers involved with public policy, particularly that relating to gambling.

Against a background of extraordinary growth in the popularity of betting and gaming across many countries of the world, there has never been a greater need for a study into gambling's most important factor - its economics.
This collection of original contributions drawn from such leading experts as David Peel, Stephen Creigh-Tyte, Raymond Sauer and Donald Siegel covers such interesting themes as:
*betting on the horses
*over-under betting in football games
*national lotteries and lottery fatigue
*demand for gambling
*economic impact of casino gambling
This timely and comprehensive book covers all the bases of the economics of gambling and is a valuable and important contribution to the ongoing and growing debates. The Economics of Gambling will be of use to academics and students of applied, industrial and mathematical economics as well as of being vital reading for those involved and interested in the gambling industry.

Frank Legato is not only a recognised slot expert, but he also knows what it's like to take on the one-armed bandits; he's a player first and foremost. In this funny and insightful book, Frank shares his 20 years of experience researching, writing about, and playing the slots. You'll learn: exactly how slot machines work; which machines pay back the most money, and which pay most frequently; which slot beliefs are merely silly myths and which are facts; how to recognise phoney (and funny) slot systems that should be avoided; Frank's own strategies for increasing your winning potential; how to maximise your returns from slot clubs; and more... States. From Las Vegas to Atlantic City to Tunica, Mississippi, from Indian casinos to riverboats to 'racinos', Frank explains the character and history of each slot venue and reveals his favorite places to play slots in each location. After reading this book, you'll know everything there is to know about slot machines, including how to win millions playing them... or lose trying.

'The Age of Chance is a wonderful book, scholarly and at the same time compulsive reading' - Heather Worth, University of Auckland

In this highly readable work that engages topics in American cultural, social and business history, Ann Fabian details of gambling in industrializing America. She investigates the relationship between gambling and other ways of making profit, such as speculation and land investment in the nineteenth century, and explores the moral and cultural implications of this relationship.

For decades, casino gaming has been steadily increasing in popularity worldwide. Blackjack is among the most popular of the casino table games, one where astute choices of playing strategy can create an advantage for the player. RISK AND REWARD analyzes the game in depth, pinpointing not just its optimal strategies but also its financial performance, in terms of both expected cash flow and associated risk. The book begins by describing the strategies and their performance in a clear, straightforward style. The presentation is self-contained, non-mathematical, and accessible to readers at all levels of playing skill, from the novice to the blackjack expert. Careful attention is also given to simplified, but still nearly optimal strategies that are easier to use in a casino. Unlike other books in the literature the author then derives each aspect of the strategy mathematically, to justify its claim to optimality. The derivations mostly use algebra and calculus, although some require more advanced analysis detailed in supporting appendices. For easy comprehension, formulae are translated into tables and graphs through extensive computation. This book will appeal to everyone interested in blackjack: those with mathematical training intrigued by its application to this popular game as well as all players seeking to improve their performance.

Gambling, simply stated, is as American as baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie. Despite the best efforts of our Puritan forbearers, America has, throughout its history, been a country of rebels and gamblers. The games-pharo, poker, keno, hazard, roulette, and others-have produced objects that are highly collectible and valued by a growing number of aficionados. This wonderful new book explores the world of gambling collectibles in a way that will inform and amuse both the novice and the established collector. A myriad of gambling items are illustrated in over 400 full-color photographs. Included are some that are very rare and some that are not, but all of them are exceedingly attractive. They have about them an aura of romance and intrigue. In addition there is substantial text, helping the collector to put the items in a historical context as well as giving very practical information about building a collection.

The sports gambling book you can bet on Sports betting combines America's national pastime (sports) with its national passion (gambling). In the U.S., more than a third of the population bets on at least one sporting event every year. With the recent lifting of the federal ban on sports gambling, states are pushing legislation to take advantage of the new potential source of revenue. The best sports betting books are data driven, statistically honest, and offer ways to take action. Sports Betting For Dummies will cover the basics, as well as delving into more nuanced topics. You'll find all the need-to-know information on types of bets, statistics, handicapping fundamentals, and more. Betting on football, basketball, baseball, and other sports Betting on special events, such as the Superbowl or the Olympics Money management Betting on the internet With handy tips, tricks, and tools, Sports Betting For Dummies shows you how to place the right bet at the right time--to get the right payoff.

Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is packed with information that teaches you the ins and outs of the racetrack. You'll learn how to improve your odds, avoid common betting mistakes, and just plain have fun at the races. This is a spectator's easy-to-understand guide, so you'll have no trouble identifying the racing breeds with their strengths and weaknesses, sizing up the jockey, understanding the importance and role of a trainer, placing bets, managing money, and beyond. Can't make it to the track? No worries! You'll get the scoop on online betting with off track betting sites and apps. This update covers the latest changes in the betting world and in the racing world, so you'll know just what you're wagering. Learn about the different types of horse racing Discover and identify the best racing breeds Know your jockeys and trainers Make smart wagers and manage your funds For beginning betters, Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is your ticket to well informed wagers and a winning edge. Already know the ropes? You'll love the market trends and insider tips you'll find inside.

This single volume gives you comprehensive information on Asia-Pacific gaming! Casino Industry in Asia Pacific: Development, Operation, and Impact is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive review of the gaming industry in various countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This valuable resource thoroughly details the history, the operational issues, and the impact of casino gaming in Australia, Korea, Macao, and Southeast Asiaand the Pachinko phenomenon in Japan. International authorities discuss crucial issues that involve policy makers and casino developers, allowing industry players a global perspective as they consider various important viewpoints in their long-range planning. Casino Industry in Asia Pacific is organized into three sections: Development, Operation, and Impact. Chapters in the Development section provide a thorough history of gaming for Australia, Japan, Korea, Macao, and Southeast Asia. Laws and regulations are also reviewed for each location. In the Operation section, each chapter analyzes an important casino operational issue, including regulations, licensing and due diligence, internal control and auditing, and rolling commissions. The last section reviews the economic and social impacts for various regions. Chinese culture and gaming are also examined in detail to illustrate the intertwined relationship between gaming and people's daily life. Extensive bibliographies, helpful tables, and fascinating photographs are also included. Casino Industry in Asia Pacific discusses: casino history and gaming legislation in Australia, Korea, and Macao Japan's form of gamblingPachinko gaming in Southeast Asia suggestions for Asian gaming jurisdictions casino licensing investigations accounting, internal controls, and casino auditing the use of non-negotiable chips the societal and economic impacts of gaming in Australia the impacts of casinos in Korea gaming and Chinese culture Casino Industry in Asia Pacific: Development, Operation, and Impact is an essential resource for graduate students, advanced undergraduate students, educators, researchers, gaming policymakers and lobbyists, concerned civic organization leaders and members, casino developers and executives, hotel professionals, travel and tourism professionals, and anyone interested in the gaming industry.

This single volume gives you comprehensive information on Asia-Pacific gaming! Casino Industry in Asia Pacific: Development, Operation, and Impact is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive review of the gaming industry in various countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This valuable resource thoroughly details the history, the operational issues, and the impact of casino gaming in Australia, Korea, Macao, and Southeast Asiaand the Pachinko phenomenon in Japan. International authorities discuss crucial issues that involve policy makers and casino developers, allowing industry players a global perspective as they consider various important viewpoints in their long-range planning. Casino Industry in Asia Pacific is organized into three sections: Development, Operation, and Impact. Chapters in the Development section provide a thorough history of gaming for Australia, Japan, Korea, Macao, and Southeast Asia. Laws and regulations are also reviewed for each location. In the Operation section, each chapter analyzes an important casino operational issue, including regulations, licensing and due diligence, internal control and auditing, and rolling commissions. The last section reviews the economic and social impacts for various regions. Chinese culture and gaming are also examined in detail to illustrate the intertwined relationship between gaming and people's daily life. Extensive bibliographies, helpful tables, and fascinating photographs are also included. Casino Industry in Asia Pacific discusses: casino history and gaming legislation in Australia, Korea, and Macao Japan's form of gamblingPachinko gaming in Southeast Asia suggestions for Asian gaming jurisdictions casino licensing investigations accounting, internal controls, and casino auditing the use of non-negotiable chips the societal and economic impacts of gaming in Australia the impacts of casinos in Korea gaming and Chinese culture Casino Industry in Asia Pacific: Development, Operation, and Impact is an essential resource for graduate students, advanced undergraduate students, educators, researchers, gaming policymakers and lobbyists, concerned civic organization leaders and members, casino developers and executives, hotel professionals, travel and tourism professionals, and anyone interested in the gaming industry.

Having survived the games at the Starside Hotel, Kaiji is invited to join another game for a chance at even more cash! But while the previous game was physically challenging, this game, E-Card, is socially twisted. At its core it is a card game similar to rock-paper-scissors, but like the cards played - slave, citizen, emperor - the power balance is not in the favor of the challenger.

Betfair is the world's leading online betting exchange. Launched in 2000, its annual revenues reached GBP145m in 2006. In the last year, Betfair has more than doubled its number of registered users. Since the first edition of the book was published, the total number of Betfair websites has risen to 18, and an Australian exchange has launched. The services Betfair offer have also expanded, including a telephone betting operation and new games including poker, blackjack and baccarat. This is the definitive insider's guide to playing - and winning - on Betfair. Written by Betfair insiders it gives you the full picture of how Betfair works; it explains the terms and jargon, helps you get started on the site, introduces every type of play - including poker and the Betfair Casino - and offers tips and insider know-how that both newcomers seasoned Betfair punters can use to maximise returns.

Over the last forty years, Cousin Sal has made bets with doctors, lawyers, teachers, agents, bookies, writers, comedians, radio DJs, tv producers, baseball players, front office executives, bandleaders, movie stars, publicists, weed lab owners, hedge fund operators, and even professional wrestlers. From his early days growing up in Brooklyn and Long Island flipping baseball cards to now hosting podcasts and TV shows and managing several offshore accounts we don't talk about, Cousin Sal has truly become the average American sports fan's go to source for gambling tips. So here's how not to do it . . . With hilarious tales of love and loss, winning and (a lot) of losing, crazy family and fatherhood, and a life saga that inspired the Phil Collins' song, "Against All Odds," Cousin Sal has now written THE Vegas super-system, MIT-algorithmic, sharp-approved book for how to gamble like a pro -- or at least not how not to go broke and lose your kids to Child Protective Services.

There is growing interest among academics and policymakers in the economics of gambling, which has been stimulated by major regulatory and tax changes in the U.S., U.K. Continental Europe, Asia, Australia and elsewhere. Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive source of path-breaking research on this topic. To fill this gap, we commissioned chapters from leading economists on all aspects of gambling research. Topics covered include the optimal taxation structure for various forms of gambling, factors influencing the demand and supply of gambling services, forecasting of gambling trends, regulation of gambling, the efficiency of racetrack and sports betting markets, gambling prevalence and behavior, modeling the demand for gambling services, the economic impact of gambling, substitution and complementarities among different types of gambling activity, and the relationship between gambling and other sectors of the economy. These are all important issues, with significant global implications. Specifically, we divide the Handbook into sections on casinos, sports betting, horserace betting, betting strategy, motivation, behavior and decision-making in betting markets, prediction markets and political betting, and lotteries and gambling machines

*William Hill Sports Book of the Year award winning author*

Monsieur X is a dazzling tale of glamour, riches, violence and ultimately tragedy.

Patrice des Moutis was a handsome, charming and well-educated Frenchman with an aristocratic family, a respectable insurance business, and a warm welcome in the smartest Parisian salons. He was also a compulsive gambler and illegal bookie.

Between the late 1950s and the early 1970s, Des Moutis made a daring attempt to beat the French state-run betting system. His success so alarmed the authorities that they repeatedly changed the rules of betting in an effort to stop him. And so a battle of wills began, all played out on the front pages of the daily newspapers as the general public willed Des Moutis on to ever greater triumphs. He remained one step ahead of the law until finally the government criminalised his activities, driving him into the arms of the underworld. Eventually the net began to close, high-profile characters found themselves the target of the state's investigation, and people began turning up dead.

It's official! The only comprehensive casino chip price guide in the field, featuring chips from the major gaming cities and riverboats in the U.S, is now in its bigger, better second edition! This attractive guide features an easy-to-use system that identifies and grades over 15,000 chips for rarity, condition, and price, complemented by color photos of more than $1,000,000 in rare chips, and nostagic postcard snapshots of dozens of casinos. Also new to this edition are thorough listings of Commemorative Limited Edition chips for Las Vegas and elsewhere. Professional advice on collecting and interesting insider information make this book your best resource for this fascinating hobby. Its convenient size and durable binding are ideal for the heavy use it will receive.