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Summary: Thought she knew Las Vegas
Review: As the former Public Information Officer for the City of Las Vegas and the former City Editor of a local business/political daily, I assumed I knew everything worth knowing about Las Vegas. But at the urging of my husband - who happens to be the nation's preeminent gaming attorney - I started reading 24/7 and couldn't stop reciting pithy and insightful passages to him and anyone else within earshot. It's a wonderful, witty look at Las Vegas delivered in a voice that is kind of a cross between Mark Twain and Hunter S. Thompson. While Martinez doesn't sneer at our angular city, he certainly doesn't fawn over it, either. He does, however, expose some of our more colorful quirks and weaves them into a new-age tapestry worthy of the first city of the 21st century. We actually bought the book to give to friends. It's that good.
Rating: 
Summary: All color, no meat
Review: Other reviewers seem to have found the hook of gambling away a $50,000 advance to be intriguing or fun. I think it's insane. If the author had taken the time to do a little research first and learn from some of the better gambling authors such as Frank Scoblete or John Grochowski, he could have gotten all his stories without wasting away his advance. I suppose many will find this an entertaining look at gambling society. I find it a cringe-inducing waste.
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Summary: Vegas Vet reviews Martinez's 24/7!
Review: I have been visiting Las Vegas for the past twenty years, two and three times per year. I am a Las Vegas addict. 24/7 is a super book that gets into some of the unknown phases of the Las Vegas scene. The gaming part of the book is good, but what is especially appealing is the interaction between the author and the many people he meets such as the shoeshine man, the superintendent of schools and a topless dancer. This is the first book I have read cover to cover in quite some time. I could not put it down. Highly recommend for any person who has been to Las Vegas a few times. You can bet the ranch, you will love this book.
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Summary: Author Should have Read More Before His Trip!
Review: This is a great book with an ending that didn't have to be. Martinez is a fine writer. Before he made his trip, he should have researched gambling more, read some books by Frank Scoblete or Henry Tamburin to get the lay of the land. Since the author spent so much time playing blackjack and baccarat, he should have read Best Blackjack and Baccarat Battle Book. These would have helped him immensely. People reading this review should be aware that some games in the casino are beatable with the right strategies while others can have the house edge reduced to fractions of a percent. I loved this book because it certainly captures the excitement of Vegas. I think it is the best diary-type book since Scoblete's diary in Best Blackjack and Barry Meadow's Blackjack Autumn, two other fine books that give you a real feel for Vegas and casinos. I highly recommend Martinez's book with this caution: It didn't have to end the way it did! You don't go to war with a powerful enemy and not bring along the best weapons you can find. In gambling's case, the best weapon is knowledge. This book will show you what NOT to do, other books will show you what you SHOULD do!
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Summary: A Winner!
Review: Glad the author dropped out of law and became a writer. This is a really well-written book on a fascinating topic. He covers gambling and Vegas WITHOUT condescending to the participants as most books on this topic stoop to. He understands the emotional and psychological aspects of gaming well and expresses them with clarity. Hope he writes more!
Rating:
Summary: The Best YET!
Review: This book could not be better! I have been to Vegas only once but,Andres told the story of casinos nation wide.This book could have took place in Biloxi,Atlantic City,Reno, etc.,etc.,I hope they make a movie about it.The author is from a background that is foreign to me but, I felt like I knew him.
Rating:
Summary: A must read
Review: 24/7 is a gripping book. Even though my wife just had a baby and free time is at a premium, I found myself stealing away to read Mr. Martinez's account of his month in Las Vegas. What impressed me the most was Mr. Martinez's ability to transport me to the casinos he visited. His ability to capture the essence of the fascinating people he encountered, the rollercoaster all night gambling sessions and the City of Las Vegas is astounding. I also discovered that 24/7 is not just a book about gambling. It is an insightful look into American culture at the end of the 20th century. I've recommended 24/7 to all of my friends and suggest that you pick-up a copy.
Rating:
Summary: Totally entertaining!
Review: I'm a Las Vegas "fan", and make the trip from San Francisco several times a year. Each trip, I make it a point to experience a different hotel/resort. This book was fun, funny, and just plain entertaining! I could totally relate to Andres' experiences.
Rating: 
Summary: interesting qualitative field study.
Review: as a grad student, i rarely have time for pleasure reading, but this book caught my eye and i stayed up a little later each night to read a chapter or two. coming from pittsburgh and living now in syracuse i was delighted to see these cities referenced in the book. the author takes 50k (a tidy sum, but in vegas it's all relative) and gambles around town, while at the same time describing his experiences. i thouroughly enjoyed the book. i liked some of the asides better than others; most were all too brief. i also enjoyed the little tidbits of info that the average tourist would not consider or be privy to. towards the middle of the book, i got a little tired of the fact that his wife came to visit. arguably, a single's perspective would probably have allowed some more candid and interesting observations! I can pack my bags and be ready to go right away! buy the book.
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Summary: BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
Review: Being a professional, er, recreational, er -- okay -- compulsive gambler myself, I feared Mr. Martinez would not be able to convey the feeling of adrenaline when winning or the remorse when losing. I was wrong. Especially the remorse; his description of lying in bed with guts exposed sums up the emotion. I visit casinos frequently, with an annual trip to Las Vegas, and also write about the people who work and play at these adult arcades. I have discovered that gambling can cause people to expose their true emotions, many with their nest eggs on the line. They are not losers, as Mr. Martinez emphasizes, most are just out to have fun, while others strive to deal (pun intended) with an addiction. Casino gambling can be rewarding -- sometimes monetarily, but usually as a form of entertainment -- as long as control is resumed. Mr. Martinez found out just how difficult maintaining control can be and maybe his story will benefit in making people, with this addiction, aware of how to curb their gambling habits. His insight and knowledge and humor make this a great read even for someone not interested in gambling. Kudos.
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