Gambling: A Story of Triumph and Disaster

by Mike Atherton

Overview

Gambling is a fascinating account of gambling through history, from Greek mythology and the ancient role of lots, dice and cards, to the high profile cricket and football match throwing and 'super casinos' of today.

Mike Atherton explores this controversial and captivating phenomenon and the way that many present day sports provide the most popular focus for gambling, why so many of today's sportsmen become fervent gamblers and how in some cases this has led to corruption, addiction and ruined reputations. With recent high profile incidents involving the likes of Mohammad Amir and Joey Barton, gambling in sport is a topic that remains at the top of the sporting agenda.

Scandalous cases such as the Cronje and Grobbelar incidents are analysed in detail, as well as an investigation into why such a high proportion of the of the world's population have always sought out risk, and how this trend has encompassed all social classes and cultures.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781444718751
Publisher:	Hodder & Stoughton, Ltd.
Publication date:	09/06/2007
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
File size:	502 KB

About the Author

Michael Atherton is a broadcaster, journalist and a former England international cricketer. A right-handed opening batsman for Lancashire and England, and occasional leg-break bowler, he achieved the captaincy of England at the age of 25 and led the side in a record 54 Test matches.
Following retirement he became a journalist and is currently a cricket commentator with Sky Sports, and cricket correspondent for The Times.

Mike Atherton was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Cambridge University. He was made captain of the England cricket team in 1993 at the age of 25. He was one of the most determined batsmen of the nineties, and as an opener, a vital component of the England team. Atherton played professional cricket for Lancashire and England for 15 years, despite a serious back complaint. He represented England in 115 Test matches and captained his country on a record 54 occasions.