10 Fun Facts about Famous Gamblers

Step into a world where luck meets legend. Our list of ten fun facts unveils the thrilling escapades and quirky inventions of gambling’s most iconic figures. From historic poker hands to the unexpected origins of the sandwich, each fact offers a glimpse into the adventurous lives of those who dared to bet against the odds.

1. Wild Bill Hickok – Legendary for his poker skills, Hickok met his end holding the now-famous “Dead Man’s Hand” in poker.
2. John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich – Famed for playing for hours on end, he reportedly invented the sandwich as a way to eat without leaving the game table.
3. Charles II of England – Known for his love of gambling, he often indulged in high-stakes games, influencing the English court’s social scene.
4. Nicholas Dandolos (Nick the Greek) – Renowned for his high-stakes gambling, he is remembered for the phrase, “The next best thing to gambling and winning is gambling and losing.”
5. Fyodor Dostoevsky – The acclaimed Russian novelist, fascinated by gambling, penned the novel “The Gambler” based on his own experiences.
6. Kerry Packer – The Australian media tycoon was known for his colossal wins and losses, often betting millions in a single visit to the casino.
7. Archie Karas – Famous for ‘The Run’, turning $50 into over $40 million in a gambling spree that spanned various games.
8. Ben Affleck – A skilled poker and blackjack player, Affleck won the 2004 California State Poker Championship.
9. Edward Thorp – A math professor who used his understanding of probability to become a successful blackjack player and author of “Beat the Dealer.”
10. Phil Ivey – Often regarded as one of the greatest poker players, Ivey has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets.