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.

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.

Just as football evolved with the introduction of the forward pass and basketball with the development of the jump shot, so too was handicapping forever changed by the use of speed figures--and it all started with Andrew Beyer's Picking Winners. This edition features a new foreword in which the author discusses the changes that have swept the sport since the book's original publication. Picking Winners remains a classic in the field of thoroughbred racing.

The extraordinary life of the best poker player who ever lived When Stuey 'The Kid' Ungar took his first World Series of Poker title, one journalist asked him what he would do with the money. His answer: 'Gamble it'. Stuey grew up among the hoodlums and wiseguys of New York's Lower East Side. A pint-sized high-school drop out who never worked a day in his life, never had a bank account or paid a penny in taxes, he lived to gamble and became the world's most feared card player. From the multi-million dollar fortune he won and lost, the addictions that consumed him, and one of the greatest phoenix-from-the-ashes comebacks of all time, this is the story of a Las Vegas legend.

Read this book--and we bet that the cash you save in just one trip to the casino will more than make up for its cost Simply put, this is the best guide to gambling ever written. It reveals the secrets of success known only to the most expert gamblers: how to bet smart, play the cards right, recognize when the odds are in your favor, and walk away a winner. You'll learn about beating the bank with odds and probability, "the house edge," money management, and the psychology of gambling. Here's all the info you need to play each game like a genius

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.

'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.

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.

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.

This book explores the manifold actual, possible and probable interconnections between gambling and crime in the context of the increased availability of wagering activities across many regions of the world. It examines the impact of the proliferation and propinquity of land-based betting establishments on crime, the role of organised crime in the provision of both licit and illicit forms of gambling, as well as problem gambling, crime and the administration of criminal justice. It also assesses the links between gambling, sport and corruption and the dimensions of crime that takes place in and around internet gambling sites. A thought-provoking study, this will be of particular interest to scholars in the fields of sociology, criminology and social policy.

This first comprehensive history of America's lottery obsession explores the spread of state lotteries and how players and policymakers alike got hooked on wishful dreams of an elusive jackpot. Every week, one in eight Americans place a bet on the dream of a life-changing lottery jackpot. Americans spend more on lottery tickets annually than on video streaming services, concert tickets, books, and movie tickets combined. The story of lotteries in the United States may seem straightforward: tickets are bought predominately by poor people driven by the wishful belief that they will overcome infinitesimal odds and secure lives of luxury. The reality is more complicated. For a Dollar and a Dream shows how, in an era of surging inequality and stagnant upward mobility, millions of Americans turned to the lottery as their only chance at achieving the American Dream. Gamblers were not the only ones who bet on betting. As voters revolted against higher taxes in the late twentieth century, states saw legalized gambling as a panacea, a way of generating a new source of revenue without cutting public services or raising taxes. Even as evidence emerged that lotteries only provided a small percentage of state revenue, and even as data mounted about their appeal to the poor, states kept passing them and kept adding new games, desperate for their longshot gamble to pay off. Alongside stories of lottery winners and losers, Jonathan Cohen shows how gamblers have used prayer to help them win a jackpot, how states tried to pay for schools with scratch-off tickets, and how lottery advertising has targeted lower income and nonwhite communities. For a Dollar and a Dream charts the untold history of the nation's lottery system, revealing how players and policymakers alike got hooked on hopes for a gambling windfall.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amarillo Slim Preston has won $300,000 from Willie Neslon playing dominoes and $2 million from Larry Flynt playing poker. He has shuffled, dealt, and bluffed with some of twentieth-century's most famous figures. He beat Minnesota Fats at pool with a broom, Bobby Riggs at table tennis with a skillet, and Evel Knievel at golf with a carpenter's hammer. Amarillo Slim has gambled with 'em all, and left most of them wishing they hadn't.

The memoirs of a living American icon, Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People is the story of life as a Texas road gambler and the discovery of the Wild West. It's also the story of how Slim won the World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe, became a worldwide celebrity, and brought poker from smoky backrooms to mainstream America. Just let him tell it:

"If there's anything I'll argue about, I'll either bet on it or shut up. And since it's not very becoming for a cowboy to be arguing, I've made a few wagers in my day. But in my humble opinion, I'm no ordinary hustler. You see, neighbor, I never go looking for a sucker. I look for a champion and make a sucker out of him ..."

"I'm fixing to tell you a few things that I've been keeping to myself for a lot of years. If you're not careful, you just might learn how to get rich without ever having a job."