THE STORY OF GAMBLING is a fascinating account of gambling from the past up until the present day. From Greek mythology and the ancient role of lots, dice and cards, to the explosion of gambling in the 17th century, right through to the high profile thrown cricket and football matches of today, gambling has always been a controversial and captivating phenomenon. Mike Atherton explores 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. Unforgettable cases such as the Cronje and Grobbelar incidents will be analysed in detail. He investigates 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.