Frank Scoblete Reviews Blackjack and the Law

Blackjack and the Law
by I. Nelson Rose and Robert A. Loeb
(RGE Publishing, $24.95)

Rating: * * * * *

If you gamble in a casino, or carry loads of cash, and/or desire some modicum of privacy apart from the prying eyes of intrusive government and faceless, heartless bureaucrats in your private life, buy this book right now. Blackjack and the Law is not just for blackjack players; it's not just for gamblers. It's for anyone who would like to get a handle on how the "law" operates to thwart justice in the land of the free and the home of the brave. It is well written, displays a remarkable amount of passion, and has the voice of authority as I. Nelson Rose (who writes for this site) and Robert A. Loeb know their subject matter thoroughly.

While many sections are devoted to card counters and their problems, many of which I've written about and experienced, the book transcends its title. It scared the hell out of me, too, because there were certain things I didn't know about our laws and about our government. I've always thought some aspects of the "law" have become twisted absurdities; rather than helping law-abiding citizens and protecting us, the "law" actually hurts us when we pursue justice. This book only fueled that belief.

Without stealing the authors' thunder, here is something I didn't know. If you are carrying an inordinate amount of cash, the FBI or other government agents can seize your money on the assumption that it is an ill-gotten gain. The word "inordinate" here doesn't mean hundreds of thousands or even tens of thousands -- they can seize a couple or few thousand. Then, after a tortuous process to prove yourself innocent of any crime, you might not get it back! And you have very little recourse. Think of that the next time you raid your gambling bank account to bring a few thousand to your favorite casino.

And let this rattle around in your brain for a day or so: There is a form called "The Suspicious Persons Form" that can be filled out by casino personnel if they think you look suspicious. What is the definition of "suspicious"? You might suspect yourself by the time you finish this book!

Visit Prof. I. Nelson Rose's site at www.gamblingandthelaw.com.