Chronicle Editor
The gambling industry is the source of many stories, myths, and legends. It’s not just about trivial stories about winning at slot machines or the ominous number 666 on roulette. Some of the stories seem so incredible that they are hard to believe. Let’s tell you seven little-known facts directly or indirectly related to casinos and gambling.
A poker game lasting 8.5 years
In 1881, Billy and Lottie Hutchinson opened The Bird Cage Theater in Arizona. On the basement floor, there were poker tables. Only the rich gathered at them, as only big bets were accepted. The game was played without pause, including on weekends. It lasted 8 years, 5 months, and 3 days.
This legendary institution hosted famous poker players of the time. Bets worth tens of millions of dollars were placed at the table. The exact profit of the “Birdcage” owners is unknown. However, they received 10% of the bank.
Napoleon and blackjack
According to various sources, Napoleon Bonaparte was fond of gambling. His favorite pastime was a game called Vingt-et-Un, which is similar to modern blackjack. When the French emperor was exiled to the island of Elba, he had plenty of time for his hobbies.
Casino for African-Americans
In 1955, the famous Moulin Rouge Casino opened in the United States. It was the first casino African Americans could visit, and information immediately appeared in the newspapers, so there was no shortage of visitors.
Nuclear explosions in Vegas
In 1951, the US Department of Energy conducted a large-scale nuclear weapons test just 100 kilometers from Las Vegas. However, this event did not scare people; on the contrary, it attracted many tourists. One of the gambling houses even organized a beauty contest called “Miss Nuclear Energy”.
The first legal casino in Vegas was established by a woman
It is commonly believed that the first casinos in Nevada were founded by male gangsters. However, the first license for gambling activities in Las Vegas was obtained by a respectable woman, the wife of an ordinary worker and mother of three children.
On September 5, 1920, Mamie Stocker opened the Northern Club on Fremont Street. In 1931, the establishment was legalized, becoming the first official casino in the state. Her clientele must have been primarily men, but if you believe the , men and women are equally fond of gambling.
Mini casino in a taxi
In London, you can visit the world’s smallest casino. Grosvenor Casino is located in the back of a cab. Guests can access a gaming table, a bar, and a TV showing sports matches. These include cricket, which is popular in England. Passengers can bet on the outcome of sports matches from the cabin using their cell phones. To start doing this, you need to choose a gambling application. Topical information sites, including the search leader Cricketbettingapps, can help you find in seconds. It won’t take more than a minute to register and replenish your account, either. Therefore, you can start betting almost immediately.
Casino is the birthplace of the sandwich
The famous snack of slices of bread, meat, and other fillings is popular worldwide. It appeared thanks to John Montague, the fourth Earl of Sandwich of Great Britain.
In the XVIII century, John was the First Lord of the Admiralty. However, contemporaries did not remember him for his successful political activities. He became famous for his passion for gambling as he could play for hours without stopping.
Sometimes, Montague did not even stop for lunch. To satisfy his hunger without leaving the game, he invented a dish: a piece of the month between two pieces of bread. The audience was surprised by this solution, but after a while, the dish became in demand and appeared on the menus of many establishments.
Online Reporter