'Life in the Hologram' with our guest Don Zarin

Mr. Z

by Don Zarin

The Compelling True Story of How a Casino Enabled a Compulsive Gambler
to Become One of the Biggest Gamblers in the World

Mr. Z by Don Zarin is a true story that takes you behind the scenes to show how a casino’s actions enabled a compulsive gambler to get to levels never seen before. The book brings the reader into one of the craziest periods in gambling history. It reveals the back story to the beginning of casino gambling in Atlantic City, and the gambling scandal that ensued between David Zarin and Resorts Casino International.
David Zarin was known as Mr. Z at Resorts Casino International in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1978, when casino gambling began. He was a complex man; a consummate risk-taker, gregarious and exciting to be around, qualities that made him a successful entrepreneur and enticing ladies’ man…and eventually, a fearless, fixated and driven gambler. “Mr. Z” ultimately became, at that time, the largest gambler on a sustained basis anywhere in the world. This is his story. How it all came to pass, the compelling characters and relationships involved, and how the consequences of his actions impacted those he loved and cared about.
This is not your normal out-of-control gambling story. We see how Dave Zarin, a compassionate and politically astute businessman recognized that bringing affordable housing to Atlantic City was critical to fueling its economic comeback and to improving the lives of its residents. This risk-taker, immersed in an environment seeped with temptation, was destined for disaster. This is the rare story that takes you behind the scenes of the casino, and how the casino’s actions and decisions enabled Mr Z’s gambling to reach unprecedented levels. This book also explores the failure of casino gambling as a model for the economic resurgence of Atlantic City.
The story leading up to these events and the many twists and turns following these events, and the compelling characters surrounding Mr. Z, will keep you mesmerized and wondering “what else can happen?” Mr. Z’s gambling debacle ultimately led to one of the most famous tax court cases in U.S. history.
Mr. Z was the author’s dad. He loved and admired him, but his dad’s love of risk turned whole his family upside down. Mr. Z’s story is ultimately about his family and the many fascinating people who knew and admired him in all his complexity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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Don Zarin is an international attorney, specializing in international anticorruption and international trade. He is an avid traveler, and has lived and worked abroad in numerous countries. Don also worked as a volunteer for a non-governmental organization in several African countries on international humanitarian and development assistance projects. Don is currently retired. He lives in McLean, Virginia and spends his free time with his wife, kids and eight grandsons. He enjoys traveling, going to the racetrack, flying, sailing, and sitting on the beach with a good book. Visit him online at www.MrZbook.com.