- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (Oct 28 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0312336012
- ISBN-13: 978-0312336011
- Product Dimensions: 2.3 x 1.4 x 0.3 cm
- Shipping Weight: 476 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#133,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Books > Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Gambling > Roulette
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
In the 1970s, a young Marcus was introduced to the art of "pastposting," a form of casino cheating that involves switching bets at roulette, craps or blackjack after the outcome has been determined. For the next 25 years, he and his team-a "mechanic," a "claimer" and a "frontman" (who cases the place for security)-traveled the casino world, cheating their way to millions in profits. Considering that this account is often a rodomontade to Marcus's felony theft, it is entertaining- assuming, that is, that readers are comfortable with his depiction of casino cheating as a war between the amoral gambling industry and the noble albeit equally amoral author and his team. Even allowing for hyperbole and dramatic license, the serendipitous escapes, harrowing backroom interrogations and a Billy the Kid/Pat Garrett-like rivalry with a relentless security chief feel like plot devices. Marcus (never caught and now retired) is likable and creates suspense as he takes on casino after casino. His habit of vilifying casino personnel who challenge him (suspicious women dealers are "bitchy," and male dealers who thwart him are "paranoid") is amusing if unintentionally so. Readers who find vicarious thrills sharing the rush of risking thousands of dollars against years in a Nevada prison will appreciate this title.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
Today you can hardly turn on television without seeing a behind-the-scenes show on exposing gambling cheats. Here you can learn it from a real pro. Marcus was a career cheater for 20 years. His most creative invention, dubbed the Savannah (named after a stripper), involves hiding a large-denomination chip under a five-dollar chip on a roulette layout and then removing (or raking) the big chip just when you know your number didn't win. Sounds easy enough, but what about the ever-present "eye in the sky" or even the dealer? No problem, says Marcus; you just act dumb and pretend you didn't know the ball had fallen. And believe it or not, he prospered in the world's greatest casinos by employing this simple system. Although getting into the cheaters' heads is extremely entertaining, it is certainly a guilty pleasure, for it's hard to cheer for a common thief, even if he is an underdog. A fun read, but don't try these tricks on your next trip to Las Vegas. Mary Frances Wilkens
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
First Sentence
WHEN IT FIRST HIT ME THAT I HAD PROBABLY DISCOVERED THE BEST Cheating move in the history of casino gambling, one that appeared absolutely flawless, with minimal risk-even when getting caught red-handed-I experienced a feeling of euphoria that would have been complete had it not been for the sliver of doubt that naturally crept into my brain. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
WHEN IT FIRST HIT ME THAT I HAD PROBABLY DISCOVERED THE BEST Cheating move in the history of casino gambling, one that appeared absolutely flawless, with minimal risk-even when getting caught red-handed-I experienced a feeling of euphoria that would have been complete had it not been for the sliver of doubt that naturally crept into my brain. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
American Roulette: How I Turned the Odds Upside Down---My Wi,
By
This review is from: American Roulette: How I Turned the Odds Upside Down---My Wild Twenty-Five-Year Ride Ripping Off the World's Casinos (Hardcover)
It's a shame that Hollywood's Rat Pack is no more, because Marcus's account of his career cheating casinos (he is now retired-and not in a jail cell) would be the perfect vehicle for Old Blue Eyes, Dino, and the gang. It features high rollers, exotic locales, beautiful women, a detective obsessed with busting the protagonist, and tension in every move. At times, nongamblers will get lost in the details of the games and scams, and some readers may find it ironic when Marcus speaks of pep talks and team spirit or makes statements such as "I felt a great pleasure to be working with people who weren't dominated by greed." And while he sells himself as Robin Hood stealing from the rich casinos that make money robbing gamblers, this image is less convincing when he talks of lifting chips from drunks or other inattentive players. Despite these drawbacks, the book is an engaging and, in the end, a likable book. Recommended for most public libraries, especially those near casinos
4.0 out of 5 stars
You'll never view casinos the same again...,
By
This review is from: American Roulette: How I Turned the Odds Upside Down---My Wild Twenty-Five-Year Ride Ripping Off the World's Casinos (Hardcover)
Not all my recreational reading is fiction... :-) I recently finished American Roulette by Richard Marcus. This book tells the story of Marcus and his 25 year career of cheating casinos all over the world. While a little repetitive at times, it's a fascinating look into a world that many of us know nothing about.Marcus started out as a dealer in Las Vegas after losing a bundle and ending up sleeping under a bridge. His personality attracts the attention of a team of casino cheats who enlist him into their group. He learns the art of "pastposting", which is learning how to switch chips after the outcome of a game is known. This can involve either adding more chips to a winning bid or removing high-value chips after a loss. This pastposting routine is used successfully at roulette, craps and blackjack, and Marcus starts to travel the world. His team quickly becomes known world-wide by casino management, but they are unsuccessful at catching and stopping the team. He "retired" a couple years ago, never having been caught and convicted during his 25 year career. The story is an interesting look at the mentality of casino and cheats, as well as the psychology involved in pulling off successful scams. It's also interesting to see how the team progresses from $100 moves to $10000 moves over the years. I'm a little surprised that he would be as detailed as he is, as it seems like law enforcement could use this as a "confession" of sorts to prosecute him after the fact. Regardless, it's a good read that will make you view casinos in a new light.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping and fun,
By kevnm "kevnm" (Costa Mesa, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: American Roulette: How I Turned the Odds Upside Down---My Wild Twenty-Five-Year Ride Ripping Off the World's Casinos (Hardcover)
This hugely entertaining book takes the reader through casinos across the world with a group of nervy and sophisticated roulette cheats. The brisk narrative follows the career of Richard Marcus from his adolescent wanderings, through his tutelage by an older casino cheat, and into his formation and leadership of an expert roulette crew. Close calls are many, mistakes are costly and rewards are great.I have no opinion on the veracity of Mr. Marcus's story, but I know an entertaining book when I read one. This is an exhilarating read!
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