Gaming Guru

Readers Write

Dear Frank:

You are the gambling writer extraordinaire! I would just like to congratulate you on all of your wonderful success as a writer! Your books on gambling are actually a joy to read, unlike most other gambling guide books. I actually had fun reading them! I've read Guerrilla Gambling, Best Blackjack, and Beat the Craps Out of the Casinos.

Anyway, my question is this. I'm looking for a good gambling fiction book to read and really I can't find ANY. Could you recommend a few?

Thanks,
Timothy

Dear Timothy:

I am the gambling writer but if I were to say "extraordinaire" my wife would kill me! As to your question, I liked Mario Puzo's Fools Die. Puzo knows Las Vegas and he knows gambling and boy can he write. You might find Barry Meadow's Blackjack Autumn and Andres Martinez's 24/7 to read like novels -- both are very good -- even though they are non-fiction. I'd also recommend Ken Uston's Big Player (if you can find it) which also reads like a novel. There are not that many current novels on casinos that I am familiar with, although you could always go back and pick up Ring Lardner and Damon Runyon.

I wish I could be of more help. Can any readers out there give us a hand? Just e-mail John Robison at slotexpert@home.com and we'll post your replies for Tim and any other readers who are looking for some good fiction or non-fiction that reads like fiction.

Oh, and Timothy, I am really happy that you enjoy my books!

All the best in and out of the casinos!
Frank Scoblete