The Role of Women in the History of Gambling

The role of women in the history of gambling world is rich, varied, and significant. Their contributions have been significant from as early as ancient civilizations to modern day and they have managed, despite societal limitations and many other challenges, to shape the world of gambling in no small way. This article will discuss the impact these groundbreaking females have made.

Ancient Rome

The festival of Bona Dea, a Roman celebration of the “Good Goddess” was the only time women were allowed to gamble in Ancient Rome. Only after Emperor Nero ascended the throne did he allow the gentler sex to openly participate in activities such as gambling.

However, statutes changed along with casino table games, and soon women were once again forbidden to play publicly, but behind closed doors, it was a different story. In fact, there was a very well-known group of aristocratic ladies in 18th-century England who would host faro card parties and were punished with fines as well as having their reputation tarnished. Back then, a scandalous rep was worse than being drowned for witchcraft.

The Middle Ages

The fall of the Roman Empire was how the Middle Ages came about, and it was during this period that gambling was considered incredibly sinful, thus, both men and women were forbidden from taking part in it.

History has shown us that a determined woman is an unstoppable one, and soon they found innovative ways to turn gambling into a living. They would sneak into gambling taverns and set up games where they would bet on the outcome, and their winnings were considered their earnings.

The Renaissance

This period was known for its shift into more modern thought, wisdom, and learning, and women greatly benefited from it. Their gambling became more open and some of the most well-known female gamblers were born out of this time. Madame de Montespan, in fact, was known for her impressive card skills and her love of all things gambling. She also happened to be King Louis XIV of France’s mistress.

19th Century to Now

As gambling moved into the mainstream of entertainment, women started owning their enjoyment of it with no worry of any societal repercussions. They took on jobs as croupiers or slot machine attendants at land-based casinos. However, there were still certain games that were not allowed to play, and female casino workers were paid less than their male counterparts, an issue that still exists today in some countries.

It was only with the advent of online casino gaming that the role of women shifted drastically. They started playing more prominently now that they could do it from the privacy of their homes. Today, women are a significant part of the gambling community, as both players, owners, and employees.

Trailblazing Females in Gambling

Eleanore Dumont

Eleanore Dumont was a female gambler of French descent who started working as a dealer in the American Old West. Her charm and sophistication meant she soon became one of the first females to own a gambling establishment called “Vingt-et-Un”, located in Virginia City.

Sadly, Dumont fell on hard times after great success with her business, and she was never able to recover. She died without a penny to her name but is still considered a pioneer amongst females in the gambling world.

Lottie Deno

Carlotta Thompkins Thurmond, aka “Lottie Deno”, was also a famous professional gambler in the Old West, known for her gambling skills in various games, notably poker and faro. She had the ability to calculate odds in her mind and had an exceptional memory, so she was often winning large sums of money.

Lottie was generous and beautiful and made a big name for herself as a fair gambler, up until she died at the ripe old age of 90.