bookies in the times

The New York Times ran a fairly well-written article this weekend on the bookies who populate Costa Rica and some of their recent woes with American anti-gambling laws.

Betting operations are now among San Jose's most lucrative and visible enterprises, and their success has transformed the city. One prominent suburban landmark is an office building occupied by an outfit called BETonSPORTS.com. Throughout its nine floors, 1,500 Costa Ricans are employed (in mostly clerical positions) and offered amenities like on-site day care and classes to improve their English.