Author(s): Mike Atherton

Current Affairs & Politics

"Gambling" is a fascinating account of gambling through history, from Greek mythology and the ancient role of lots, dice and cards, to the high profile cricket and football match throwing and 'super casinos' of today. Mike Atherton explores this controversial and captivating phenomenon and the way that many present day sports provide the most popular focus for gambling, why so many of today's sportsmen become fervent gamblers and how in some cases this has led to corruption, addiction and ruined reputations. Unforgettable cases such as the Cronje and Grobbelar incidents will be analysed in detail. He investigates why such a high proportion of the of the world's population have always sought out risk, and how this trend has encompassed all social classes and cultures.