Sam Skolnik, High Stakes

Gambling is big business in the United States. And it's not only on Reservations; many states are in the business too, with the proliferation of lotteries and other government-sponsored venues. But at what cost. In High Stakes: The Rising Cost of America's Gambling Addiction, journalist Sam Skolnik investigates the growth of gambling and the growth of its aftermath. Skolnik's study is a systematic look at gambling and addiction from a number of perspectives. He looks at the growing state dependence on gambling, as more and more state governments rely on lottery revenue to fund their budgets (but at what cost?). He also looks carefully at the rise of problem gambling that has inevitably followed on the heels of the increased legalization and availability of gambling. With both stories of people who have been affected, and large scale investigation into the character and scope of problem gambling especially in the United States, Skolnik has written an important book. Especially as many states look at budget shortfalls and grab at the chance for quick revenue, it is essential that we come to grips with the true cost of gambling. Among the important problems he cites are the conflicted role that government plays, with both the desire to protect its citizens but also to profit from the revenues, and the need for independent research into the causes and extent of gambling addiction, as much current research is funded directly or indirectly by the gambling industry itself. In all, this is an informative read on an important and timely topic, and I hope it gains a wide readership. Thanks to Amazon.come Vine program and the publisher for the review copy.