Mark Rogers

The Chicago troops and I headed to the bright light city for a couple days of bachelor debauchery. My buddy Hebda will be taking the eternal plunge May 12. My cohorts had their eyes peeled for blackjack tables, poker tournaments and Bunny. In stark contrast, my mind set on one man, Howard Schwartz.

That's right, the librarian for gamblers himself has shop just ten minutes from the strip. This is the home of the Gamblers Book Shop; a virtual candy-land for a gambler. I brought an entourage of two with me, Don Burgess of ppwellness.com, Chicago's finest personal trainer and damn good Tommy Boy impressionist. And Matt Booma of amalgamstudio.com, the creative genius that designed my poker history book. Impressed? Neither am I. As I walked into the corner lot of the book shop, it became very obvious what a tri-peon monster we were entering the gambler's sanctuary. Sure the dark red book I authored stood front and center, but of course I gave Howard notice of my arrival. I gazed up at the collection of photographs Howard had hanging up bordering the book shelves. Famous actors, movie directors, sports figures and poker icons all freeze framed from the otherwise non-descript concrete shell ten minutes from the ritz of the strip.

The Gamblers Book Shop opened its doors in 1964. Fifteen years later, Susan bore Mark Rogers, and Howard Schwartz took the marketing director role at GBS. Coming from a journalism background, Howard traveled this country from New York to California writing for various newspapers. He has authored numerous gambling articles and his gambling book reviews are featured in many publications. Having conquered the gambling scene long before I was a twinkle in the poker world, Howard remained a gracious and extremely excited host. My "Eric" and "Turtle" joined me, as Howard gave us the tour of his second home as if it was his first time. Leaving the public space behind, we ventured into room after room, I didn't remember the CMU block extending that far from the outside. Filing cabinets were filled with historical gambling data, old WSOP flyers lay on shelves, and newspapers from the 1800's stuck in the corners. The whole time Howard filled our ears with stories of Doyle Brunson, Jack Straus and countless other dignities to share a moment of history at the book shop.

Recounting his stories blog-style would be an injustice to the storyteller. Instead, I recommend taking the time from Vegas' vices, to make the trip to Howard and his shop. Give the place a call first, make sure Howard is there. The librarian for gamblers is as much a part of the GBS as the annals of gambling books that store their.

Gamblers Book Shop
630 South 11th Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
702-382-7555
www.gamblersbook.com

Mark Rogers is the author of "52 Greatest Moments World Series of Poker"
www.52pokermoments.com