More Gambling Books Reviewed

Beyond the Glitz and Glamour of Las Vegas by Rosemary A. Cunliffe North

Recently I received a copy of a revised edition of the book Beyond the Glitz and Glamour of Las Vegas by Rosemary Cunliffe North. I had read the original and found the author’s story to be riveting. I was particularly interested in her story because of my own experience with many late-onset female gamblers.

I was moved by the author’s losses: the loss of her health after a diagnosis of a chronic illness, the loss of a son in a totally random act of violence and the potential loss of her soul. It was the reaction to the loss of her son that nearly cost Rosemary her life. As a result of the pain, she tried to kill herself three times and descended into the world of compulsive gambling.

The author began as a social gambler years ago. However, due to these events, her gambling went to a new level, culminating in bankruptcy and the loss of her home and her family’s resources.

In other ways, it’s a typical story of what it’s like to be a female gambler. The majority of women who present for treatment show a preference for “escape activities” such as video poker and slots. With many late-onset female gamblers, a series of losses may trigger the desire to escape the reality of their existence. This is especially true in the author’s case.

The revised edition of Beyond the Glitz and Glamour of Las Vegas can be ordered on Amazon. I recommend this book because it shows resilience, the ability to move from the depths of despair to a new and productive life, and the strength of the human spirit. The author’s  willingness to share her story is inspiring. It offers hope that no matter how devastating a situation may be for gamblers and those affected by gambling, there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Last year Rosemary Cunliffe North celebrated 10 years of abstinence.