Four books designed to make you more money

There are no sure things in gambling. If there were, we wouldn¹t call it gambling, right? But there are some resources, books, for example, which clearly will save you money if you¹re frugal or cautious or intent in stretching your recreational dollar. Here are four such books:

More Frugal Gambling by Jean Scott (406 pages, paperbound, $14.95). Perfect for the novice or player who has never realized what comps are and the value of joining a player¹s club if you offer casinos consistent, ³loyal² action. Scott, who wrote the popular Frugal Gambler in 1998, here follows with ideas about playing slots and video poker, about joining slot clubs and taking advantage of casino promotions and overall how to find your way through the maze of comps offered.

The 2007 American Casino Guide by Steve Bourie (495 pages, paperbound, $16.95). Ideal for the person who travels in an RV or by car or has the urge to explore other areas of the country to play on Indian reservations, riverboats or land-based casinos. Bourie tells you where these places are located and fills you in concerning addresses, phone numbers, food and rooms and who to contact at no charge for further information. With more than 100 pages of coupons, this book will save you money on everything from car rentals to match play table action to shows, souvenirs, gasoline. The book also contains easy-to-use maps and plenty of smart advice on how to play the casino games. It fits in your luggage or glove compartment, making it quite portable ¬ and it¹s a great gift item.

The Art of the Steal by Frank Abagnale (225 pages, paperbound, $14). Yes, it¹s by the same ex-conman who wrote Catch Me If You Can (made into the movie with Leo DeCaprio). Now a consultant to save people from getting swindled, Abagnale explains how to protect yourself from identity theft, credit card fraud, Internet cons, counterfeiters, ATM fraud, short change artists and phony mail order business ³opportunists.² He even offers web sites and phone numbers for government agencies where you can get help.

How to Become a Casino Cocktail Waitress by Sally Fowler (107 pages, paperbound, $19.95). This is one of the all-time sought after books by gentlemen with a wife, girlfriend, friend or relative with good legs and a willing smile who want to earn big tokes in the casino industry and by the young energetic woman who wants to make good money. Originally published 24 years ago and revised twice since then, it explains the good and bad side of serving a variety of drinks in a variety of situations to a diverse public. The author, who¹s been there, done that and survived it all, covers how to seek and apply for a job, what to expect your first day and how to work the pit area, including the dice and 21 pit, the poker room, slot and dining area, the lounges, pool, bingo areas as well. She includes a variety of serving hints such as how the handle the all-important tray, what physical ailments you might expect after a hard day or week, the importance of makeup and proper foot care and the all-important subject of the union.

Fowler explains the role of floor persons, the timekeeper and beginning on page 56, the variety of drinks which may be ordered, including liquor, mix and glass sequences.

The book also contains suggestions on quick methods of ordering drinking from the bartender; suggested drink abbreviations; common titles and slang for drinks and other casino terminology. Bottom line: The perfect survival guide for casino owners, food and beverage managers, bartender-waitress schools and anyone who intends to work in the gaming business.

Any item reviewed here is available from Gambler's Book Shop (Gambler's Book Club). The store's web site is www.gamblersbook.com. You may order there using MasterCard, VISA or Discover (no CODs please) or by phoning the store any day except Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time at 1-800-522-1777. Orders usually shipped the next working day. The store, now in its 40th year, is located a mile from downtown Las Vegas, a block west of Maryland Parkway, just off Charleston Boulevard at South 11th Street. You may view the store's complete array of books, videos and software via the Web site or request a hard copy of the catalog be mailed free and first class. The store's address is 630 S. 11th St., Las Vegas, NV 89101.