For most of the country, buying a lottery ticket is as simple as driving to the nearest convenience store or gas station. But for some, getting their hands on a Mega Millions or Powerball ticket requires a trip to another state entirely.

First they rigged the stock market, then they set up casinos on a grand scale. Our history columnists tell how the Blanc brothers made big money in the 19th century.

Casinos are continuing to enjoy year-over-year growth amid uncertain times, when people are dealing with higher costs of living. This goes to show that people remain willing to lay their money down at casinos with the ongoing economic challenges further boosting their appetite to gamble, according to David Schwartz, gaming historian and instructor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV).

Some are betting on red, some on blue, and others are taking their green and placing bets.

Inflation? High gas prices? American gamblers are shrugging them off — and losing money at casinos at a record pace.

Gamblers are shrugging off inflation concerns and losing money at casinos at a record pace.

Wealth is not a gift or an accident but a set of actions that lead people to success. What needs to be done to have enough money for a comfortable life? Surely you should stop relying on lottery tickets or relatives who somehow decide to leave you an inheritance. Start by reading books showing you the path to making money and financial stability. But what should you read first? Here are the five best books that will change your financial thinking and help you become richer.

nflation? High gas prices? American gamblers are shrugging them off — and losing money at casinos at a record pace.