Famous Gamblers
Gambling has made a lot of players cry for joy and from defeat. Nevertheless, the history of gambling will not be complete without the famous men who have embraced the games that gave them fame. Though not all of them may be champions or best gamblers, it's the attention that the public has for them that has put them in the realm of gambling imortality.John Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich and considered one of the first prominent gamblers, was addicted to gambling and lived a disreputable secret life. It was said that in 1762 he spent 24 hours gambling in his home refusing to eat anything. One of his servants desperately offered him a piece of salted beef to replenish his hunger. But the Earl suggested the servant to put the beef between two slices of bread so he could eat while playing. This event gave sandwich its name.
Doc Holliday was one of the most renowned gamblers in the West. He was a notorious drinker, fighter and brutal killer. His reputation is quite predominant that up to this day, the famed gunfight with Wyatt Earp at the O.K. Corral is still remembered.
Wild Bill Hickok's life was also a violent one. He is regarded for taming two of Kansas' most notorious towns, but made enemies in the process. He met his end playing at a poker table; shot by an assassin in the back of his head and in his hand were a pair of eights and a pair of aces. This card combination is now forever known as the Dead Man's Hand.
Benny Binion was a conman born in 1904. He went to Las Vegas at the age of 43 as a changed man and he opened his first casino. In the 1970's he purchased and promoted the World Series of Poker tournament which is now the biggest of its kind in the world.
Kerry Packer has always been a rich kid. His family owns a magazine/media empire totaling 60% from the whole of Australia's magazine circulation. He became popular when he won a $26 million blackjack game in Las Vegas, at the MGM Grand. But he wasn't always lucky because he lost $16.5 million in London, at the Crockfords casino. He is quite famous as a high-stakes gambler because of his big wins and losses.
Johnny Chan is one of the champions of the World Series of Poker tournament. He is dubbed as The Great Wall of China after winning the championships in 1987 and 1988. He played in most major games of the last 2 decades and he is very popular among his fans and opponents as well because of his pleasing personality.
Gambling can create champions, winners, losers, geniuses and all sorts of characters but one thing is for sure, these men have taken the game to another level to become the most famous people in gambling.