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Howard Schwartz, the "librarian for gamblers," is the marketing director for Gambler's Book Club in Las Vegas, a position he has held since 1979. Author of hundreds of articles on gambling, his weekly book reviews appear in numerous publications throughout the gaming industry.

Nov. 14, 2007

Stat, Log Book; Casino Guide Fresh, Valuable Resources

Marc Lawrence's Playbook Stat & Log Workbook (320 pages, 8x11 plastic spiralbound) and Steve Bourie's 2008 American Casino Guide (496 pages, 5x8 paperbound, $16.95) are two highly-sought after resources because one helps coordinate betting on hoops, the other saves you money with valuable coupons, advice, directions and casino descriptions.

Although a bit late in arriving, The Playbook Basketball Workbook was well worth waiting for. It has college and pro basketball schedules; room to track scores, spreads, totals (pros only); while supplying the bettor with two years of results; spreads and totals. For those who want an idea of how each team did for the past four years in summary form, you'll see for example how the 76ers performed home, away, as dog or favorite overall against Boston. They are 1-7 in the past four years against the line at home versus the Celtics -- yet against Miami are 6-1 straight up during the same period.

How powerful is Duke off double digit wins for the past 10 years? (They are 53-31 against the spread during that decade.)

You'll be able to see streaks, winning and losing and to record the same information in the record-keeping section.

There's also room to record tournament, post-season play and the charge to the Big Dance for March Madness.

Each year, more and more travelers, visitors who like to gamble discover and utilize the American Casino Guide. With more than $1,000 in valuable casino coupons, for room, board, bets for use in Nevada, Atlantic City, Indiana and Mississippi among other states, and packed with gambling advice (126 pages) about most casino games, it's a "glove compartment-must" for the savvy bargain hunter.

Also, it's perfect for those in a RV or truckers who want to know if their destination has a gambling operation. Included are maps, phone numbers (many of them toll-free), hours of operation, buffet costs, number of rooms, games offered, whether senior discounts are available and price range of rooms.

A handy index makes it easy to locate specific gaming locations, by state and to identify coupons which apply to those renting cars, rooms, match play wagers, free slot play and drinks.

Easy to read, easy to use and good for virtually all of 2008, it'll make a fine gift item or stocking stuffer for yourself, friend or relative.

Any item reviewed here is available from Gambler's Book Shop (Gambler's Book Club). The store's web site is www.gamblersbook.com. You may order there using MasterCard, VISA or Discover (no CODs please) or by phoning the store any day except Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time at 1-800-522-1777. Orders usually shipped the next working day. The store, now in its 40th year, is located a mile from downtown Las Vegas, a block west of Maryland Parkway, just off Charleston Boulevard at South 11th Street. You may view the store's complete array of books, videos and software via the Web site or request a hard copy of the catalog be mailed free and first class. The store's address is 630 S. 11th St., Las Vegas, NV 89101.