1. What metaphors for gambling appear in the
texts collected in these pages? How are they used to deepen our
understanding of gambling beyond its literal meaning?
2. What kinds of “gamblers” are represented in the anthologized
works (e.g., compulsive addicts, risk-takers, philosophical
gamblers)? How do their voices differ?
3. In these texts/narratives, does anyone truly "win" Even when
characters win money, do they seem satisfied?
4. Which excerpt in this section resonated most with you, and
why?
5. Does this section and the book in general suggest that
gambling reinforces the American Dream, exposes its flaws, or
both?
6. Thompson describes Gambling as ‘The Sixth Reich’. What does
this hyperbole suggest about the author’s view of American
consumerism and how people spend their time in general? pg 240
7. In "Maxims for Revolution," it entails that the only one
who wins off roulette is the owner of the wheel. Many
stories in today's reading mention the struggles of
roulette. Why do you believe the roulette
specifically got this bad reputation during that time
period?
8. Lord Byron claims, "men will back their opinions with a
wager." How important is overconfidence to the gaming
industry? And why is over-belief in one's skills in sports
betting or blackjack dangerous?
9. In the final snippet in the entire book, the author
claims that the Circus-Circus casino in Las Vegas is what the
entire world would be doing on a Saturday night if the
Nazis had won the war. Is this statement completely
insane? Or is there some truth in it?