Jackpot Nation: Rambling and Gambling Across Our Landscape of Luck

As a problem gambler in recovery I like to read books that help me understand the mentality of the gambling industry and hear stories of people who have lived to tell a tale. I found that Jackpot Nation was truly an addictive read. It has all sorts of stats and delicious information that satisfied my curiosity about many forms of gambling. The part on dogs was a bit sad, but it was still informative. I had no idea that it was even happening. And poker and the Mormons? I had no clue. This book is factual and leaves out the typical storytelling drama. Unless you consider knowing just how much an Indian Casino makes. THAT was shocking. If you're interested in the recovery aspect of gambling addiction take a look at Numb No More: Simple Solutions to Achieve Freedom from Habits and Addictions. These books combined offer a powerful combination because one offers insight about the industry and the other shares recovery from it. Enjoy your success!

I bought this book because I like Richard Hoffer's boxing writing for Sports Illustrated and it seemed to have an entertaining concept. It did not disappoint on either score, it is well-written and filled with fun stories of his travels around the country, poking into different gambling venues. He includes accounts of his own considerable wins and more considerable losses. Somewhere along the way, I realized I was learning something. The book does not stop with well-known games like state lotteries and casinos. He buys a ticket in a meat raffle in Minnesota, finds an underground poker game in Salt Lake City and visits a slot machine manufacturers' convention. He discovers a depth and variety in contemporary American gambling, something you won't find in mainstream accounts or standard histories. Something's going on out there and Richard Hoffer got a look at it.