Gambling’s Most Celebrated Women in History
Some may argue that gambling is a pastime best fit for men, but even over the years, the fairer of the sexes have proven they too deserve their spot at the table. Women have been involved in gambling activities as far back as when it first started. Even the very first Las Vegas casino license was given to a woman.
In this post we take a look at some of these impressive ladies and how they made waves in a world run by men.
Mayme Stocker
Mayme Stocker was the first lawful casino operator in casino country, Las Vegas. Mayme got the license in the 1930s, a time when women weren’t seen anywhere near a card game. She was also a respected member of the community and held glamorous parties. Even though Mayme did not have any background in gambling, she made a huge success.
Faro Ladies
The ‘Faro Ladies’ was a group of women who played private games of what they used to call Faro in the 1700s. Faro is a distant cousin of poker, and the ladies would meet to play. These events were sometimes held late into night where other aristocrats would socialise, gamble and discuss politics.
Eleanor Dumont
In the 19th century, Eleanor Dumont, or Madame Moustache as she was called, was the first professional female blackjack player in America. She opened her blackjack salon in California where she outdid some of the best male blackjack players. Eleanor singlehandedly conquered the stigma about blackjack being a game for men only.
Poker Alice
Poker Alice made a name for herself playing, well, poker. She dealt cards and quickly started learning how to count cards and figure out odds. Her actual name was Alice Ivers Duffield Tubbs Huckert and she could win up to $6,000 on a single night.
Lottie Deno
Another player from the days of saloons in the Wild West was Lottie Deno. Deno was such a great poker player that she quickly made a name for herself as one of the best players around. She soon assumed the name of Poker Queen after she beat Doc Holiday, a professional gambler and poker player.
Even though these ladies made a big difference in the way the gambling industry was perceived, it is still a hobby commonly held by men. Some of the famous female gamblers we know today include Pamela Anderson and Shannon Elizabeth Fadal.