All Bets Are Off

January 1, 2015

Wexler, a certified compulsive gambling counselor (CCGC) and former executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, has over 30 years of experience helping compulsive gamblers. In this work, with sports reporter Jacobson, the author reveals the story of his serious addiction to gambling. He admits frankly the sordid details of his hopeless chasing of a big win, only to continue coming up with empty pockets, and shares how his disease drove him to the edge of oblivion, before accepting the vital professional assistance that enabled him to escape the deadly cycle of gambling and begin to help others. Details of his account are recognizable--the beginnings of his addiction at a relatively young age, stealing money to continue gambling, and the impact on his family of his never-ending debt that dissolved all available financial assets. Wexler writes of the reality of devious gambling-house odds that always defeat customers while constantly stimulating them to continue risking their money and how to detect and appreciate signs of gambling behavior. He also provides a handy self-assessment tool designed to display signs of a developing disorder and explains the struggle of recovering gamblers working to establish compulsive gambling as a disease. VERDICT Wexler's heartfelt revelations add an emotional impact to valuable information that helps readers better understand addictive gambling. His direct, honest style will be well received by readers struggling with the disease and professional therapists working with them.--Dale Farris, Groves, TX

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