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`Sharks in the Desert` by John L. Smith

`Sharks in the Desert`

by John L . Smith

A Critical Book Report

Introduction

Las Vegas is a well-known center for gambling and lottery in the United States today . Although a desert , the said area within the territories of America remains to be the ocean of finances in the country . Most likely it has been reported that the said state of the country gives much support to the projects of the American government . Both in Europe and America , gambling remains to be the huge source of financing for the projects of

the government . Hard-up Britain is gambling away the blues with the biggest-ever betting splurge in Europe - perhaps in the world ' declares The Sunday Express . Britain 's deep economic crisis did not keep her subjects from gambling about 6 .75 billion in 1974 , an average of over 120 each and about 20 percent more than in 1973 . Says the National Association of Bookmakers : Who can blame them ? They look at their money and wonder how much will it be worth in six months U .S . gambling spots such as Las Vegas and Reno are also enjoying a bonanza of business

Egyptians . Interestingly , though , authorities have usually treated it with caution . In the Middle Ages , churches opposed it because it was associated with heavy drinking and bad language . The state opposed it because they thought it led to idleness , lack of thrift , cheating and crime

Were they right ? It is noteworthy that gambling is still associated with bad practices . For example , the magazine U .S . News World Report tells us that Las Vegas , Nevada , the `gambling capital ' of America , had that nation 's highest per capita crime rate in 1979 . It added : There are 10 ,000 prostitutes active in the city - a number equal . to 1 out of every 9 women in the area between the ages of 15 and 39 . The state has the highest alcoholism rate in the country and a suicide rate more than double the national average ' Commenting on the link between prostitution and gambling , a casino manager explained : It all goes together , like tonic with gin , like sauce on spaghetti ' So perhaps those early authorities were right when they were dubious about gambling

It is also noteworthy that in most European countries that have casinos the local populace is forbidden to gamble there . Why ? In giving one of the reasons , the Encyclopaedia Britannica says the authorities feel that an accessible casino close by would be too much of a temptation for too many citizens

Are such fears well grounded ? Evidently , yes . A surprising number of people show lack of self-control in gambling . British police authorities , speaking of the increase in the number of gambling halls in their country , said : There is no doubt that much family hardship results from habitual attendance at these places , very often by persons with low means ' The excitement of gambling can lead to real addiction There is an organization called Gamblers Anonymous that gives the same kind of help to addicted gamblers...

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