Made my annual trip to Gambler's Book Club today

[CBedo]

I made my first trip GBC since they moved to their new location on Eastern. It's basically a house, turned into a storefront (like others on Eastern), but if you're looking for a store front or strip mall, you'll likely drive right by it.

The staff was friendly and helpful, but as I expected, they had nothing for me to buy horse racing related. I either already own it, or it didn't seem worth purchasing.

I miss the old days of scrounging around in the used section talking to Howard about racing, sports, & poker. I remember when the whole back wall of the old store (two stores ago now I guess, lol) was racing and their was only one tiny section on poker. (I don't miss my car getting bombarded by pigeons at the old store though).

They do have a used section still, but the racing section is pretty much one small shelf with some old track stats and a couple other pamphlets.

I was hoping to get lucky and find something new to read, but got shut out.

[Overlay]

You once posted (back in 2006) that you had purchased Overlay Handicapping (among other titles) at the old store. Did you happen to notice if it is still on the shelves since the move? (I don't see it listed at all in the current horse racing section on the GBC website.)

[CBedo]

Originally Posted by Overlay

You once posted (back in 2006) that you had purchased Overlay Handicapping (among other titles) at the old store. Did you happen to notice if it is still on the shelves since the move? (I don't see it listed at all in the current horse racing section on the GBC website.)

Honestly, I did not notice it, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there. I just quickly scanned the shelves to see if anything jumped out at me.

The store feels much smaller than the original one (well at least original as long as I've been going there), and is definitely smaller than the old strip mall location there were in for a short time.

[Overlay]

Thanks, I'll get in touch with them.

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by CBedo

I made my first trip GBC since they moved to their new location on Eastern. It's basically a house, turned into a storefront (like others on Eastern), but if you're looking for a store front or strip mall, you'll likely drive right by it.

The staff was friendly and helpful, but as I expected, they had nothing for me to buy horse racing related. I either already own it, or it didn't seem worth purchasing.

I miss the old days of scrounging around in the used section talking to Howard about racing, sports, & poker. I remember when the whole back wall of the old store (two stores ago now I guess, lol) was racing and their was only one tiny section on poker. (I don't miss my car getting bombarded by pigeons at the old store though).

They do have a used section still, but the racing section is pretty much one small shelf with some old track stats and a couple other pamphlets.

I was hoping to get lucky and find something new to read, but got shut out.

There have been very few worthwhile books about our favorite game getting published in recent years.

I wonder why...

Is there nothing left to say about this game anymore?

[Dave Schwartz]

Man, I used to love the old place on Charleston.

Huey Mahl, Bob Baskett and Doug Manley. All great guys. All gone now.

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by CBedo

The store feels much smaller than the original one (well at least original as long as I've been going there), and is definitely smaller than the old strip mall location there were in for a short time.

Smaller than the original one? Geez you couldn't swing a cat in that one.
The new one must be small.

[bigmack]

Originally Posted by CBedo

The store feels much smaller than the original one

Where do ya park and is Howard still around?

[CBedo]

I parked right where the white truck is. There are two spots up front, but a sign that says there is parking in the rear; I didn't check. The bottom left protrusion is the store. Nothing upstairs and nothing in the right section.

P.S. I think the building is a reddish color now, not white.

[Tom]

That back room was a gold mine. I bought of great stuff when I was there.
I'll never forget those pidgeons.....or thier calling cards!

[RaceBookJoe]

The new GBC is classier looking inside than the original store but thats the only thing i liked about it. Went there a few months back and was totally disappointed, i was looking for more horse racing stuff. The back room at the old store was great, and i loved all of the old pictures of gamblers overhead. The main focus there now is poker and sports betting...at least thats how it appeared to me. I drive by it at least once a week but most likely wont be stopping in again. rbj

[David-LV]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwartz

Man, I used to love the old place on Charleston.

Huey Mahl, Bob Baskett and Doug Manley. All great guys. All gone now.

Quoting from the song:

"Those were the days my friend, we thought they would never end."

_______
David-LV

[Handiman]

Was there not too long ago and it made me almost cry. Very small and kind of creepy actually. Back room is almost nonexistent.

Howard comes in once in a while but not very often. Just by luck if you see him there.


I won't ever go back.

Handi

[Dave Schwartz]

There have been very few worthwhile books about our favorite game getting published in recent years.

I wonder why...

Is there nothing left to say about this game anymore?

Well, I have heard there are a few good videos to be found.

[Light]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

Is there nothing left to say about this game anymore?

That's a really good question. I think we had our "revolution" of major works and now its become assimilated into mainstream handicapping on a personal and commercial scale. I think there is quite a bit more to say but if it has any merit, nobody's talking.