Chris Stringman gambled, and lost, 130,000 ($162,468), destroying his savings, losing his car and almost his house, but he managed to escape his addiction just before he fell over the precipice. This is not a book about how to win; rather, it is a book about how not to lose. It is essentially a self-help book for the delusional gambler. The author explores the gambling industry in a way that hasn't been done before. His personal demon was spread-betting and much of the book is focused on that industry. He explains how it operates, how it sucks gamblers in and keeps them there. He goes on to look at high-street bookies, fruit machines, casinos, poker and bingo. He also looks at how and why we gamble. Full of humor throughout and written in an accessible style, the book sets out to entertain as well as educate. York has produced a handbook for both the gambling addict and those who see it as 'just' an innocent hobby. He gives practical guidance on how to escape the clutches of gambling and how to spot the signs in others. [Subject: Memoir, Gambling Addiction Studies]