I saw here different types of information including guides for the newbies and books for professionals.. I like it and added this site for bookmarks.. Hope today evening I`ll be free to read it before going to bed)
I am a professional casino player and my advice can be: do not spend the last coin until you have not gained enough skills, I actually started playing with my father, he taught me everything, and yes, it was easier to me to enter into this area.
Look at this article, you may be interested in: http://io9.gizmodo.com/how-casinos-use-design-psychology-to-get-you-to-gamble-1667182023
P.S. Actually, I tend to use online casinos. My fave is matchbook and it has good promos indeed.(extra info)