When you are winning gambling seems very easy. You place a bet and receive your winnings. The thrill is a joyous electric shock of joy and applause. And winnings.

If you lose, well, at first you know your luck will turn. It must, you're a winner. But if your luck fails, and keeps failing, misery endures and then envelops your life. Everything is centered on that next roll of the dice, the turn of the card... Nothing else matters. You are addicted. These two sides of the coin are examined here by some enthralling literary talents such as Alexander Pushkin, James Joyce, Ella D'Arcy, Bret Harte, Anthony Hope and Saki.