by Michael Konik
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Product Description
Some people will do anything for money. Take Brian Zembic, recipient of the world's most notorious boob job. After a fellow gambler bet $100,000 that Brian wouldn't subject himself to the breast implants he so admired in women, Brian found himself going under the knife to become a 38C--and $100,000 richer.
Anchored by this incredible tale, gambling expert Michael Konik introduces readers to the quirky subculture of high rollers and hustlers in dozens of other outrageous true stories profiling gamblers who make wagering a way of life.
You'll meet the man who turned $10,000 into $17 million with a pair of dice, the man responsible for determining the point spread of the Super Bowl, and the world's most notorious golf hustler. In addition to the bizarre and hilarious escapades of hard-core gamblers, Konik shares insider tips for how to score more in comps than you lose at the tables, how to identify casino games that should be avoided, and how to gain a legal advantage over the house.
In this rollicking collection of stories, Konik celebrates the glamour, glitz, and excitement of gambling culture in Vegas and beyond, giving readers a behind-the-tables look at one of the nation's most lucrative entertainment industries.
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Average Customer Review:
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 Quick hitters with substance, 2008-09-23
I have probably given this book out as presents to at least a half dozen people since it's release. Although I don't want to jump on the person who gave the book 3*, they were completely missing the point.
This book was ranked #2 on the Wall Street Journal's list of the 5 best books on gambling.
This book opens up with the ultimate risk taker, Brian Zembic. A man who will take a bet on everything, and lives up to it. To be perfectly honest, as mentioned, it only takes up about 10-15% of the book, but I don't want it to take up more. As one of the other 5* reviewers said, the worst part of the book is that it stops.
We read bios on Trump, Walsh, Jordan, and Woods, but here we read "mini-bios" on a differnet style of person. Andrew Beyer, Roxy Roxborough, Archie Karas, Johnny Moss. You read about how odds are made, how blackjack is played, and how comps get you paid. Poker, Horse Racing, Backgammon, Sports Betting, Blackjack... on and on... But don't think its just about this, they are stories that put you inside, and you don't want to leave.
Obviously the book leans towards people who enjoy the art of gambling, but also to those curious about why they don't gamble. My favorite story in the book is the very last one, "The Hand That's Dealt". Konik knows how to paint a picture with words. The story takes place at a poker table, but it's the furthest thing from a poker story.
Overall, without a doubt, Excellent.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 Interesting reading...., 2007-07-09
Overall I liked this book quite a bit. Very interesting stories, all bite sized and well written. The last half dozen stories are about poker--I'm not a player so these didn't hold much interest.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Man with $100,000 Breasts, 2006-03-29
I had heard about this guy a long time ago and finally found this book. After reading the first chapter, I was a bit dissapointed that the story of the man with the $100,000 breasts was over, but to my suprise, the stories just got better. Each chapter tells a different gambling story, which I must say, were all great stories.
I think a lot of people won't read this book because of the title, but it is a shame because the book is that good. I showed it to some coworkers and they thought I was nuts for reading a book about what the title depicts. I tried to explain to one of them how good it was but many turned there nose up without trying it. The one who did try it out read the first 3 chapters and said-- I want it when your done!!!
Very entertaining and unlike the previous review, I think anybody would enjoy this book. You don't have to be a hard core gambler.
One last note- I am not a book reader. I have read very few books, but i have to tell you, I could not put this one down and finished it within a week, reading a couple of chapters before bed each night. I only wish there were more stories!!!
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Fantastic, you'll wish it was longer. , 2005-12-11
This is one of the many "gambling milieu" books that have hit the scene over the course of the past few years; although, unlike many of the others, Konik's effort features strong writing and a furious pace. Upon finishing it, I took a look at the page numbers because I couldn't believe it was over. It wasn't that it was too short, the real problem was that it was too good. In small chip size pieces, Konik addresses the infamous world of gambling. His coverage is far better than that of the average commentator as he includes horse racing, greyhounds, blackjack, sports betting, and golf hustling within his narrative. To say this one is fascinating is an understatement. A better description is that it will even, dare I say, appeal to the general public--and, indeed, it has. The title essay concerns crazy proposition man Brian Zembic, and it may well be the best of the compilation. After all, how many people become quasi-transvestites for 100 grand? Well, that's the terrain you're in once you open these pages, and you'll be grateful that Konik did such a magnificent job of immersing himself in it.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
Fun and entertaining, 2005-01-29
A great collection of gambling related stories, with strange but likeable characters. Each story is different, but fun to read. Even if you have no knowledge of some of the activities or games covered, the stories are enjoyable.
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