History’s Most Famous Gamblers
Welcome to the Casino Time Machine. Today, we’ll go back in time to meet some of the most reputable gamblers in history. Well, they’ll not necessarily be remembered for their gambling skills but they were the most well-respected figures in science, literature, politics or arts with a sparkling reputation. However, when the night beckoned, their adventurous alter-egos came out.
King Henry the VIII (1491 – 1547)
Amongst many, many other unofficial titles, the man got himself the title of the best gambler in England. And although we know a thing or two about his flamboyant character, he never flashed his royal status during games. And he’s tried them all. Seriously, he took every gambling opportunity that existed in England – and beyond. Surely, he wasn’t the most well-liked royal figure ever, but when it came to his gambling, Henry was a pretty chill monarch and used to also play with commoners.
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René Descartes (1596 – 1650)
This quote is a wise thought to live by. Seemingly, Descartes was talking about himself here because this reputable French philosopher was sure that a gambling career would be much better than the military and law school. We’re just quoting the man. He did eventually turn to philosophy but always stayed true to gambling.
King Charles II (1630 – 1685)
We’re adding to our ‘royal flush’ with yet another English king who was a big fan of gambling. Well, playing was just one of his ‘passions’, the ladies were another. However, Charles II was much luckier as his gambling style was based on cold-blooded calculations and tactics. This monarch was so successful that we can compare his life with that of every modern rap artist. Even the nickname he got for himself sounds pretty hip – the ‘Merrie Monarch.’
John Montagu (1718 – 1792)
We hope you’re not fed up with adventurous British risk-takers just yet. Because, here comes another one. John Montagu was a British Statesman and dedicated gambler. This is basically what made him so famous. Well, partly. During his long gaming sessions, he often demanded a slice of meat between two pieces of bread. Oh, he also had the noble title of the 4th Earl of Sandwich. – Yep, that’s right – the man named the sandwich liked eating sandwiches!
Giacomo Casanova (1725 – 1798)
Really, nobody doubted that this man would show up on the famous gamblers list. What else can you expect from a man whose very profession was adventure? Now, in modern times, his reputation may not be exactly pristine. Back in the day, he was a real rock star. Casanova rose to gambling fame at the age of 21, though in fact, a very responsible young man. Oh, and yeah, he had indeed a weakness for the ladies in case you were wondering.
Queen Marie-Antoinette (1755 – 1793)
This lady is one of the most famous, controversial and charming women in French history. Not to mention mysterious. She’s remembered for many things but often criticized for her infamous phrase ‘let them eat cake’ which she never actually said. At the same time, very few know about her passion for gambling. And who would you think taught her to gamble? Her mother! Maria Theresa of Habsburg clearly wanted to show the future queen how to earn her own money.
James Butler Hickok (1837 – 1876)
He was an American legend, hero, lawman and member of the Poker Hall of Fame. He was best known as ‘Wild Bill Hickok’, surely, this badass name rings a bell to most of you. It was actually at a poker table where he was shot dead by one of his enemies. When he fell, the cards he held dropped on the floor, revealing a pair of Aces and a pair of Eights. This hand is known today as the ‘Dead Man’s Hand.’
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Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821 – 1881)
Authors often write stories based on their personal experiences. Dostoevsky wrote ‘The Gambler’. Can you see where we’re going with this? The problem with this particular literary genius is that he had to write his novels pretty fast to be able to cover his gambling hobby. Luckily, he was talented enough to keep ‘em coming. Aren’t we the lucky ones now?
Claude Monet (1840 – 1926)
We all know Monet as the founder of a new French art movement called Impressionism. He had no idea that he’d come to be remembered as one of the biggest names in painting. Guess what gave him the boost? That’s right, gambling! He quit his job to pursue his painting talent after he won the equivalent of almost $15,000 playing the French lottery.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 – 1945)
Now let’s go back across the ocean to America and see what great historical figures are representing the art of gambling there. The 32nd American president Franklin D. Roosevelt enjoyed playing poker at the official presidential residence and got so inspired at the table that he even called a new political program the ‘New Deal.’ You can tell how enthusiastic he was about his gaming endeavours.
Harry Truman (1884 – 1972)
Truman was the successor of Franklin D. Roosevelt and it looks like the two shared a passion for gambling. Now this president was actually using it as a diplomatic tool, playing with the most illustrious rulers like Winston Churchill. Mr Truman was also a big fan of poker tournaments at the White House. The president was also a high roller, unlike his predecessors. And like another fellow president and gambler Richard Nixon (1913 – 1994) said, ‘A man who isn’t good at poker can’t become a good president.’ Do you agree with his statement?
Charles Bukowski (1920 – 1994)
This prolific American poet wrote many pieces dedicated to gambling, and as we’ve mentioned before, artists often turn to their life experiences while working on their creations. Bukowski had a special knack for gambling, and says through his works that this type of ‘talent’ is essential in the modern world, when people are playing with chance on a daily basis. And to quote him, ‘If you don’t gamble, you’ll never win.’ It’s open to interpretation so think about it.
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