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Gambling History


Read true stories. Dive into the underworld. Explore compelling features.

CASINO HISTORY!

“One of the best casino biographies I have seen. Meticulous detail, well researched, and by far the most detailed account yet of the twisted history that the operation deserves. … Your account is superb.”

—Howard W. Herz, American Gaming Archives

Available in:

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Old Tales of Nevada

IT REALLY HAPPENED!

This blog brings to life compelling and true casino- and gambling-related stories, from around the world, between 1800 and 2000.

  • Crimes

  • Celebrities

  • Lawsuits

  • Gangsters

  • Wins

  • Corruption

  • Casinos

  • Follies

  • Pop culture

  • And much more.

By Doresa Banning

September 14, 2022

Wyatt Earp's Main Career Was Gambling

Iconic American figure, Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp (1848-1929), is heralded for his courageous exploits as a lawman, but he was a gambler first and foremost, often relying on the then-respectable profession to earn income throughout his lifetime. He’s earned a spot in U.S. gambling history. Earp’s Gambling Education and Practice At age 20, the tall, […]

By Doresa Banning

June 22, 2022

It Really Happened! Blog Update

  Fabulous Subscribers, Just a quick note to inform you we’re taking the summer off from developing new blog posts for It Really Happened! We’ll be back in September, rejuvenated and reinvigorated, with fresh content, so please stay tuned. As always, we’re super grateful for your readership, encouragement and support. We wish you all a […]

By Doresa Banning

June 8, 2022

From a Craps Game to the ICU

1934-1935 An argument between two underworld men devolved into violence during a dance endurance competition in Hollywood, California on April 14, 1934. Explosion of Rage At 7 a.m., the 21th consecutive hour of the walk-a-thon,* competing dancers sluggishly moved about the Winter Garden Auditorium floor. Mobster James “Socks” McDonough, among the spectators, sat at a […]

By Doresa Banning

May 25, 2022

Enjoy the Web’s premier source of fact-based gambling and casino history.

While you peruse the content, know that all of it’s been researched and vetted for accuracy as much as possible. Source lists are provided.

All components of the site are works in progress, updated regularly.

Enthralled by Bugsy, Capone, Lanksy, Costello, Luciano, et. al?

The Mobsters section is dedicated to these and similar notables — organized crime members involved in gambling. Bet you a cold beer or a hot latte you can’t ID everyone in the gallery.

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