The Wild Wild West was a time of cowboys, outlaws, and other legendary characters, most of whom were actually known to have been pretty avid gamblers. Between the shootouts and standoffs, poker games gave off just as much heat.
Today, that thrill of the West is now accessible in the comfort of your home with online casino games. But not without leaving you stories that ring on in every facet of popular modern culture. From riveting games of chance to high-stakes showdowns, the Wild West was a rough-and-tumble playground for infamous gamblers, whose names still echo through poker rooms today.
The History of Cowboy Gambling
Gambling in the West picked up during the California Gold Rush and lasted until the end of the cowboy heyday in the early 20th century. As people looked to make their fortunes in gold, gambling became synonymous with the pursuit of prosperity.
It wasn’t just about winning money. It was a significant aspect of the social fabric, defining a time when fortune was literally up for grabs. Life was uncertain and unpredictable, making gambling a fitting pursuit for many. Legends like Poker Alice and Bat Masterson not only gained infamy but also played pivotal roles in shaping society.
Wild West Gambling Techniques
In the Wild West, gambling was a craft that required not only luck but skill, bravery, and the ability to read other players. Tools of the trade were often rudimentary, but the techniques used by these gamblers were far from simple. They used everything from counting cards to elaborate schemes in order to win. Mastering poker body language and bluffing was as essential then as it is when you play online poker games today.
Gambling Saloons: The Casinos of the Wild West
Gambling saloons were the casinos of the Old West. But saloons were not just watering holes. They were the pulsating heart of the community, where people could deal out their fates over a hand of dice or cards. Saloon tables hosted many poker tournaments where people joined from far and wide, similar to the online poker tournaments we have today.
Top Ten Notorious Gamblers of the Wild West
- Alice Ivers (AKA Poker Alice): Known as Poker Alice, Alice Ivers was a famous female gambler who wasn’t afraid to join the predominantly male gambling tables. As a master poker player, she used her wit and strong bluff to win countless games.
- Carlotta J. Thompkins (AKA Lottie Deno): Denoting “a lotta dinero,” she was highly skilled in poker and known for fleecing Doc Holliday. Lottie was indeed a queen of the cards, and her gambling exploits and elegance became a mythical persona that has inspired countless feminine heroes in pop culture today.
- Bat Masterson: With a reputation as a lawman, buffalo hunter, and army scout, Bat was also a notorious gambler. He traveled around saloons in the Wild West, laying down bets and honing his poker skills.
- John Henry Holliday (AKA Doc Holliday): Known for his friendly demeanor, Doc Holliday was a dentist by trade but a gambler at heart. His gun-slinging skills were only matched by his ability to win at the poker table.
- Ben Thompson: This gambler and gunfighter rubbed shoulders with some of the most famous figures of the Old West. He operated in high-stakes games and wasn’t afraid to defend his winnings with his quick draw skills if necessary.
- Eleanor Dumont (AKA Madame Moustache): Madame Moustache was one of the most notorious female gamblers during the Wild West era. She was known for her sophistication, poker skills, and the distinctive line of dark hair on her upper lip, earning her the nickname.
- Luke Short: Known as “The Undertaker’s Friend,” his small physique concealed a fierce gambler and gunfighter. He managed several saloons and engaged in numerous gunfights over poker squabbles.
- Belle Siddons (AKA Madame Vestal): After marrying a gambler, Belle found that she had a natural knack for playing cards and quickly made her way into the gambling scene. She charmed men at the betting table with her beauty and wit.
- Jefferson Randolph Smith II (AKA Soapy Smith): Jefferson “Soapy” Smith was a shrewd and cunning individual who had a knack for winning big bucks at casino games and also ran an elaborate soap auction scam that earned him his nickname.
- James Butler Hickok (AKA Wild Bill Hickok): A renowned lawman, spy, and gunfighter, Wild Bill was also a proficient card player. His love for poker was so strong that even in his last moments, he was fatally shot mid-game holding the now-infamous “dead man’s hand.”
Popular Wild West Gambling Games
Traditional gambling games in the Wild West included faro, three-card monte, and the ever-popular Texas Hold’em poker game. These games were not restricted to saloons and gambling houses, often spilling out into streets, camps, and even church meetings.
- Texas Hold’em poker: Not much has changed since then. The game embodies the essence of the Old West, where your ability to read your opponents was as critical as the cards you held. A single card could turn your fortune.
- Faro: Originally brought over from the French gambling scene, it quickly became incredibly popular in the Wild West. It was fast-paced and appealing due to its simple rules and quick outcomes. The goal was to beat the house by guessing the outcome of two drawn cards.
- Three-Card Monte: This deceptive gambling game was used by tricksters to lure the player (the mark) into betting money and trying to identify the position of a specific card in a shuffle of three. It seems simple enough, but the game was famous for being rigged by the dealers.
Evolution of Gambling Since the Wild West
Since those days, gambling has evolved into an industry with worldwide recognition. With the advent of technology, gambling has moved from the saloon table to the online world. From beginners honing their skills playing poker online to specialists joining high-stakes online poker tournaments, now anyone can try their luck without leaving home. Live dealer casino games also provide an immersive experience reminiscent of the old gambling saloons.
Online gambling has transformed how we participate in games of chance. Staples like Texas Hold’em poker games are still here, but digitalization has brought rules and formats that would never have come about in the Wild West. Gambling has come a long way since then, but the thrills and risks of the games remain.
Go From Wild West to Digital Desks With Borgata Online
This is your chance to relive the heydays of Wild West gambling from the comfort of your home. Try your luck in online poker tournaments or delve into a massive catalog of online casino games. Whether you win or lose, the spirit of the West still prevails. Just as it was then, it’s not about the hand you’re dealt but how well you play your cards. So, saddle up and register with Borgata Online to spur your gambling adventure into action today.