The Boardwalk Jungle

Demaris, who muckraked Las Vegas in The Green Felt Jungle, here writes an even more sizzling expose about Atlantic City. Although casino gambling in that resort city is less than 10 years old, the annual take amounts to some $2 billion. And, of the 10 gaming palaces now in operation, most have ties to either organized crime or to figures whose backgrounds are unsavory, charges Demaris. He shows that big money overcomes all opposition: many casinos open with temporary licenses, spend millions on their buildings, hire hundreds of workers and then apply for permanent status; the state control commission is not likely to deny approval under such circumstances. And, while the high rollers arrive via free jets and the low rollers via day-trip buses, Atlantic City has become a boardwalk jungle; there has been no filtering down of casino prosperity to local residents, according to the author. Well-researched, providing documentation to support its allegations, thisbook is an eye opener. Major ad/promo.(April 30)