Frontier Gamblers
The image of the Frontier Gambler is deeply etched into the collective memory of the American West. Often romanticized as a debonair Southerner operating outside the bounds of conventional law, this character, in reality, was far more diverse. Gamblers, historically, were not confined by gender, social class, profession, or nationality. They occupied a respected, even integral, position within frontier society. However, as the West transitioned from a wild expanse to a more settled and structured environment, public sentiment towards gambling shifted. This evolving perception led to the enactment of anti-gambling laws across numerous state and territorial legislatures, aiming to "clean up" towns and tame the perceived lawlessness. Despite these efforts, the gambler remains a captivating figure in the Western narrative, embodying the spirit of openness and the inherent risk-taking associated with the era.
The golden age of gambling in the West spanned from approximately 1850 to 1910. During this period, gambling reigned supreme as the premier form of entertainment. It permeated all strata of society, with nearly every resident participating at some point. Cowboys, miners, lumberjacks, businessmen, and even lawmen indulged in games of chance, seeking both amusement and financial gain. The emergence of a new settlement or camp invariably saw the swift construction of a gambling hall, often among the first structures to appear. As the settlement prospered, these halls expanded, becoming increasingly elaborate and opulent. Gaming establishments frequently stood as the grandest and most lavishly decorated buildings in town, often incorporating a bar, a stage for theatrical performances, and hotel rooms to accommodate guests. These establishments served as significant economic drivers, and the prosperity of a town was often gauged by the number of gambling halls and professional gamblers it hosted. Towns that embraced gaming were commonly referred to as "wide-awake" or "wide-open," signifying their permissive attitude towards gambling. The allure of the Frontier Gambler was undeniable, drawing people in with the promise of fortune and excitement.
The prevailing attitude among Western citizens considered gambling a legitimate and respectable profession. Those who chose to pursue it as a livelihood were often held in high esteem within the community. "Gambling was not only the principal and best-paying industry of the town at the time, but it was also reckoned among its most respectable," wrote Bat Masterson in 1907, reflecting the sentiment of the era. Professional gamblers typically operated by renting a table within a gambling house and using their own funds to bankroll the games. This arrangement encouraged many professional gamblers to establish themselves in a single location, fostering stability and contributing to the local economy. To thrive as a respected businessman, a gambler needed to cultivate a reputation for fairness and honesty, ensuring that the games were conducted without manipulation. These individuals were often known as "sports," adhering to a code of conduct that discouraged excessive drinking, cheating, or profanity. They diligently paid rent and licensing fees, encouraged patrons to patronize the bar, and strived to embody the image of "reputable and respectable merchants," as described by historian Hubert Hoover Bancroft. Bancroft further categorized professional gamblers into three distinct types: the itinerant or "free-floating" professional, the established and legitimate operator, and the recreational gentleman. The mystique of the Frontier Gambler added a layer of intrigue to the burgeoning towns of the West.
The California Gold Rush of 1849 acted as a powerful magnet, attracting droves of migrant gamblers eager to capitalize on the influx of wealth. San Francisco rapidly ascended to become the gambling epicenter of the West. Renowned gambling houses, such as the Parker House, Samuel Dennison’s Exchange, and the El Dorado Gambling Saloon, flourished, drawing patrons from all walks of life. Portsmouth Square became particularly renowned for its dense concentration of gambling establishments. The popularity of gambling extended beyond San Francisco, permeating the numerous mining camps scattered throughout California and the Southwest. So intertwined was gambling with the Gold Rush that the overland route to California through Panama became colloquially known as the "Gambler’s Route." Dealers were ubiquitous along this path, and countless expeditions to the goldfields were said to have ended prematurely, succumbing to the allure of the gaming table. Mining towns beyond California also witnessed the proliferation of large-scale gambling operations. Deadwood, South Dakota; Silver City, New Mexico; and Tombstone, Arizona, gained notoriety not only for their abundant mineral deposits but also for their thriving gambling halls and saloons. The image of the Frontier Gambler is often associated with these boomtowns.
Cattle towns situated in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska also transformed into significant gambling hubs. Fueled by the burgeoning railroad and cattle industries, these towns attracted a large workforce with disposable income, creating a fertile environment for wagering. Abilene, Dodge City, Wichita, Omaha, and Kansas City all possessed an atmosphere conducive to gaming. Predictably, this environment also attracted trouble, leading to these towns developing reputations as lawless and perilous places. The allure and danger surrounding the Frontier Gambler became intertwined in the popular imagination.
While men dominated the gambling scene, women also actively participated, placing bets and engaging in games of chance. The presence of women at the gaming table was not uncommon. Some women even took on the roles of dealers or operated their own gambling houses, affording them opportunities for financial independence and social advancement. Among the most celebrated figures was Eleanore Dumont, later known as "Madame Mustache." Dumont managed several gambling establishments in Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and gambling acumen. Another notable figure, Alice Ives, popularly known as Poker Alice, embarked on a gambling career following the death of her husband. For nearly four decades, she remained a readily recognized figure in the West. Kitty LeRoy, another prominent female gambler, leveraged her charm, flamboyant personality, and exceptional gambling skills to become a formidable presence in Deadwood. Her tumultuous personal life, marked by multiple marriages and a reputation for shooting men, further solidified her legendary status. These women defied societal expectations, carving out their own niches in the male-dominated world of frontier gambling. The stories of these women highlight the diverse roles played by the Frontier Gambler.
The ranks of frontier gamblers encompassed a diverse array of nationalities and races. During the California Gold Rush, prospectors from across the globe converged in search of fortune, bringing with them their own gambling traditions and preferences. Mexicans, Chinese, Australians, and Peruvians all contributed to the vibrant gambling landscape. Anglo migrants arriving in the Southwest encountered established Mexican communities with thriving gambling scenes. Most towns boasted at least one or two salas, or gambling houses. Monte, a popular card game originating in Mexico, was widely adopted and eventually modified into the game of three-card monte. The Chinese, known for their enthusiasm for gambling, introduced various games to North America, including Fan Tan and different lottery variants. San Francisco’s Chinatown became a popular destination for those seeking to partake in these games, housing numerous gaming houses that catered to a diverse clientele. The Frontier Gambler came from all walks of life, reflecting the melting pot of the American West.
Gamblers generally favored fast-paced games that offered the potential for quick profits. Faro, often referred to as the "king of all games," reigned supreme in popularity. However, other games, such as monte, Vingt-et-Un (twenty-one), roulette, and chuck-a-luck, also attracted significant interest. Poker, initially less popular due to its slower pace, gradually gained traction over time. Not all games involved playing cards; dice games like craps were common, as were games utilizing a wheeled device, such as roulette or hazard. Saloons and gaming tables were not the only venues for wagering, as Westerners were known for their willingness to bet on virtually anything. Horse races became immensely popular betting opportunities, and foot races and boxing matches offered similar avenues for wagering. Even animal fights, such as cockfighting, dogfights, and even staged battles between panthers and bears, drew considerable betting activity. This willingness to wager on almost anything highlights the risk-taking spirit that defined the era. The games played by the Frontier Gambler reflected the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of life on the frontier.
The archetypal image of the frontier gambler typically depicts a tall, slender man with a mustache. He is impeccably groomed, sporting a tailored suit, often black in color. Frequently portrayed as having a Southern background, the frontier gambler is typically presented as a gentleman, characterized by refined manners and a strong adherence to a code of honor. He maintains a calm and composed demeanor, remaining cool under pressure. However, when provoked or crossed, he can swiftly transform into a ruthless and deadly adversary.
The enduring presence of gambling in Western mythology underscores its strong association with the risk-taking and uncertainty inherent in both migrating to the West and navigating daily life there. In a sense, those who chose to leave their established lives and venture westward were already engaging in a significant gamble. Gambling is also closely linked to extralegal activities, and its prevalence suggests a popular perception of the West as a place with relaxed legal and moral standards. The figure of the Frontier Gambler served as a symbol of this lawlessness and the allure of quick riches.
Several well-known figures from the Old West are often associated with gambling, including Bat Masterson, Pat Garrett, Doc Holliday, Lottie Deno, Luke Short, Poker Alice, Soapy Smith, Wild Bill Hickok, Wyatt Earp, Kitty Leroy, Billy the Kid, and Ben Thompson. These individuals, whether primarily gamblers, lawmen, or outlaws, all contributed to the rich tapestry of the American West and its enduring fascination with gambling.
Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated April 2025.