We’re all pretty used to spam by now. Every day, my inbox is cluttered with solicitations for a new mortgage, male enhancement products, discounted software, and the interminable 419 scam emails. But today, I fired up my email to find something quite different–a matter, literally, of life and death.
The article from The Onion about seniors being able to put some of their social security money into sports betting was, it’s safe to say, a satire. But the New York Times has an article that might or might not be legit.
Real sports betting? Read More »
gambling & cultureThis week, there are not one, but two gaming-related articles in The Onion online: The Onion | New Social Security Plan Allows Workers To Put Portion Of Earnings On Favorite Team INFOGRAPH: Trump Casinos Bankrupt Check it out if you get the chance.
Funny news from The Onion Read More »
gambling & cultureFor a while, I’ve been unsure of what to call my next book, the one on the Wire Act and gambling prohibition. I tentatively settled on a title of something like “America’s gambling Prohibition,” but I wasn’t sure whether the title was apt. I think I’ve found some proof.
I’ve said it for years…legal sports betting is essential towards Atlantic City cementing its place as the casino capital of the East. Now, it looks like it has a shot of happening.
A must for Atlantic City Read More »
atlantic cityI’m back from my cross-country trek, the fruits of which are readily apparent. Already I have added an Atlantic City casino carpet gallery. I had a great time in Chicago. Here’s me with a horse: I think it says something that I go to a conference with dozens of historians and social scientists in one
Back from Chicago, NJ Read More »
what's newI’m going to be at the Social Science History Association annual meeting in Chicago for the next few days, so don’t expect much in the way of posts. It’s my first time in Chicago so I’ll probably have some interesting impressions. If I’m lucky enough to get to a computer, I’ll be sure to share
There were a bunch of stories in the British press about a guy being the country’s “unluckiest punter” because he barely missed a 6-way horse bet that would have made him a millionaire. Then, when the winner was about to give him a consolation prize, the poor guy died.
Now that’s unlucky Read More »
gambling & culture, haphazard worldAs I’ve been saying for about a year, Antigua’s suit against the US before the WTO is about more than Internet gaming: it is about the integrity of international borders in the Internet age. So I was happy to see legal analyist Joost Pauwelyn discuss the implications of this case.
Analysis of WTO case Read More »
news about gamblingAs I learned last night in the course of a really interesting discussion, Woody Allen once said that 80% of life is just showing up…at least that the way I heard it. Apparently, Benedict College has taken this to heart, as freshmen are guaranteed passing grades just for…showing up.
Just keep showing up? Read More »
haphazard worldEstonia, the small Baltic republic and recent addition to the European Union, apparently has had some problems with problem gamblers.
Estonian problem gambling Read More »
gambling & cultureAlthough there are many books about gambling published each year, including mine, I really didn’t have a handle on how lucrative the market could be until I read this story about the stupid hype around a forthcoming “winner tells all” book:
Gambling book gimmick Read More »
gambling & cultureThe US isn’t the only country trying unsuccessfully to stop foreign companies from offering Internet gaming to its citizens. The Czech republic is facing similar problems:
Online gambling, Czech style Read More »
news about gamblingOne of the questions I often get is, “What are the effects of the popularity of poker on teenagers?” I think that if you think about it for a second, that’s a really stupid question. First of all, it assumes that someone could measure exposure of teenagers to poker like it was a caustic substance
Banning cards in high school Read More »
gambling & cultureThe WTO panel which decided in favor of Antigua in that country’s suit against the United States has released its 287-page report. From the Register: US laws banning cross-border gambling break international trade rules, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled yesterday. The judgement in favour of the tiny Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, home
WTO releases decision Read More »
news about gamblingI guess that’s the pessimistic way to look at this story, but since no one in the media mentioned that aspect, I figured it was my duty. MGM Mirage has announced it will build a 4000-room casino resort and urban complex on the site of the Boardwalk casino. From Forbes via AP: MGM Mirage officials
Goodbye to the Boardwalk Read More »
life in vegasLocals casinos in Las Vegas often cash paychecks, which can be viewed as a convenient amenity or an inducement to gamble, depending on your humor. Since they don’t do this in New Jersey, it’s a practice I’ve always looked askance at, but what do I know? Here, Adam Goldman of the AP dissects the issue:
Payday at the casino Read More »
life in vegasIntuitively, casinos seem like unhealthy places, what with all of the drinking, smoking, and all-you-can-eat buffets. According to one British professor, problem gamblers have a host of health problems to worry about. From Medical News Today: Gambling is bad for your health and the truly addicted can suffer depression, insomnia, intestinal disorders, migraine and other
Gambling: Bad for you? Read More »
gambling & cultureIt’s always amusing to read things on the Internet, where people can post their thoughts without editorial control or even a spell check. Take for example some excerpts from this post on the moneycontrol.com messsage board: What would you have to return in order to make a chance of 11% a profitable play? Answer: 100/11
Nearly incomprehensible English Read More »
haphazard worldA few weeks ago, I posted a story about how a Hong Kong election was settled by picking ping-pong balls. Well, the tradition of settling tied elections by lot-casting is alive and well much closer to home, in White Pine County, Nevada. From the LVRJ: Ray Urrizaga turned over the queen of clubs. Bob Swetich
Democracy by lot in Nevada Read More »
gambling & culture