Archie Karas is the ultimate gambler, a man who could (and did) turn $10,000 into $17 million only to lose it. Did he use the money to buy an estate, to invest in the market? Nope. Like Nick the Greek Dandolos, Archie liked the action more than the results of the action. He claims to have gambled as much as "anyone in the history of planet," outside the stock market . He came to the U.S. in his teens after leaving Greece, learned to play pool and hustle well while in Los Angeles, graduated to poker and won, then lost big in California card rooms. By 1992 he said he'd lost $2 million in high stakes games, then headed for Las Vegas with $50 in his pocket.... and that's where this interview with the man begins.

David Stratton is the managing editor of Gaming Today, America's oldest gaming newspaper (founded 1976). Stratton, a 1972 graduate of UCLA, won the Stardust Invitational while making his tournament debut in 2003. His point spread record of 21-14 (60%) blitzed a quality field that included the likes of Bryan Leonard, Kevin O'Neill, Ted Sevransky and Steve Fezzik. Stratton, a prolific author, has written six books on the city he knows best: Las Vegas, Nevada. His best-seller, now in its fifth printing, is titled "Insider's Guide to Las Vegas GamingToday.com

Author of the classic baccarat text, Baccarat Made Simple, David Vernon talks with Howard about the game and his book.