This book investigates the intersection of professional football and the high-stakes world of sports betting, questioning how the gambling mentality influences the game itself. Larry Merchant, a seasoned sports columnist with a background as both a player and a coach, utilizes his insider perspective to examine the mechanics of pro football. He presents a detailed analysis of the betting apparatus, blending his professional observations with a narrative focus on the psychological commitment of a dedicated bettor.

Critics and readers often note the author's unique ability to combine sports journalism with a narrative style that captures the tension of the betting world. Experts highlight this work as a distinct look at the cultural side of sports wagering during the era in which it was written.