Gambler's Book Shop, launched in 1964, was originally known as Gambler's Book Club; the alternate name was added in 1988 to clarify that this brick-and-mortar store didn't require a membership card or special credentials to shop here. To the founders, the word "club" was an invitation to anyone interested in exchanging ideas about gambling to use the storefront as a gathering place.

After more than 30 years in one location, in May 2010 we moved to 5473 S. Eastern Ave.,Las Vegas NV 89119, Near McCarran International Airport. We're between Russel & Hacienda.

Publishers of more than 100 books (the first manual on hold'em poker, written by David Sklansky, came off the presses in 1976 for example), the store has mentored hundreds of budding authors, researchers, documentary film makers and pre-production personnel from Hollywood and television). Ex-mobsters, active and retired FBI agents and law enforcement personnel on an international scale shop with Gambler's Book Shop and some of the most successful book signings took place here with Nick Pileggi (Wise Guys, Casino author); Jimmy Breslin (biographer of Damon Runyon) and thoroughbred handicapper Andy Beyer (The Winning Horseplayer, Beyer on Speed) in attendance. Casino owners Steve Wynn, Jackie Gaughan, Bob Stupak, Carl Icahn and Jack Binion, all millionaires shop for books on casino management, surveillance, customer service.

Owner Howard Schwartz, who categorizes himself as a "librarian for gamblers" personally sees or talks to more than 100 potential authors or researchers annually and has reviewed more than 1,000 gambling books in more than 30 subcategories of the topic. Mr. Schwartz, who was born in Brooklyn and earned degrees from the University of Montana, Kansas State and the University of Northern Colorado, has a newspaper and teaching background. His files, accumulated for more than 25 years, are open to writers and researchers six days a week.

Using traditional methods (mail order, phone orders) as well as the Internet, he store sells books internationally, including to China, Japan, Central and South America, Europe, Australia. Colleges teaching management courses and Indian reservations are among customers also.

Gambler's Book Shop has mailed more than 2 million catalogs since 1964 and updates its listings twice a week on its web site gamblersbook.com. The store has a free-wheeling blog to which the entire staff contributes and a podcast, that invites famous gamblers, authors and serious players to talk about their successes and offer advice to those who dream of the "big win."

The store's gambling philosophy is moderation and everyone here advises beginners and the hopeful pros of the dangers of certain games and the importance of "money management."

The physical store is open five days a week (Monday-Friday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.