Just One More Hand: Life in the Casino Economy

Mutari and Figart, labor economists who pronounce themselves "fascinated by how people earn a living," examine, in intriguing if unsettling detail, the struggles of casino workers in the post-recession U.S. While the book may initially seem limited in scope, the authors cast their subject as a metaphor for the larger, equally embattled American economic order. Once a thriving industry, casinos are now barely keeping afloat. As a result, many experienced casino workers are desperate for work, a situation presented as microcosmic of an economy in which many industries and governments are cutting costs to survive. The authors share stories of current and former casino employees, such as Laurel, a longtime dealer with a high hourly wage who fears that she's a target for downsizing. They also offer a detailed examination of the industry's changing fortunes, presenting unions as a force for good in employees' lives at a time of rapid change. The authors close on a somber note, sharing their thoughts on the industry's future in light of the possible legalization of online gambling. (Feb.)