Famous Ladies of Poker and Gambling

For many, the world of poker and gambling might seem like a realm historically dominated by men. However, a closer look at the annals of betting reveals a vibrant tapestry woven with the courage, wit, and strategic brilliance of countless women. From the dusty saloons of the Wild West to the glittering tables of modern Las Vegas, women have not only participated but have also profoundly shaped the landscape of card games and casinos.

These pioneering women broke barriers, defied expectations, and left an indelible mark on gambling history, proving that skill and determination know no gender. Join us as we celebrate some of the most famous ladies who mastered the art of poker and gambling, inspiring generations with their remarkable stories.

Poker Alice Ivers

Born Alice Ivers in England, this formidable woman earned her famous moniker, “Poker Alice,” through a life of high stakes and sharp wits. After moving to Virginia and then Leadville, she faced early tragedy with the accidental death of her first husband. It was then that Alice turned to poker, not just as a pastime, but as a means of survival and, eventually, prosperity.

Alice was known for her keen fashion sense, often using her elaborate outfits not just for personal enjoyment but as a clever tactic to distract her male opponents at the poker table. Her career saw her dealing and playing in numerous games, though she famously refused to play on Sundays.

Her life was as dramatic as her poker games. She met her second husband, a saloon owner, in Deadwood, South Dakota, marrying him after saving him from a knife-wielding drunk. After his death in 1910, she returned to the tables, even pawning her wedding ring to cover funeral costs. By the end of her poker career, Alice claimed to have amassed around US$250,000, a staggering sum at the time, equivalent to over US$3 million today, or roughly NZD $5 million. She even opened her own establishment, “Poker's Palace.”

Later in life, Alice faced legal troubles after a shooting incident, but due to her advanced age, she never served her sentence. She continued her colourful life as a gambler, madam, and bootlegger until her passing on February 27, 1930.

Mayme Stocker

Mayme Stocker holds a significant place in the history of Las Vegas, not for her poker prowess, but for her pioneering entrepreneurial spirit. Born in Pennsylvania, Mayme moved to Las Vegas in 1911, initially reluctant about the then-small, undeveloped city. Despite her reservations, she would go on to become the first woman in Nevada to legally own a casino license.

In 1920, she opened her club, the Northern Club, on Fremont Street. This establishment became a cornerstone of early Las Vegas gambling. In 1931, when gambling was officially legalised in Nevada, Mayme Stocker made history by securing one of the first casino licenses issued, a groundbreaking achievement for a woman in that era.

Over the years, she gradually stepped back from direct control, eventually leasing the Northern Club to Wilbur Clark in 1945. Mayme remained an active and respected member of the Las Vegas community, involved in local politics and various clubs, until her death in 1972. Her legacy is a testament to the women who built the foundations of the world's most famous gambling city.

Barbara Enright

Barbara Enright is a true modern legend of poker, whose achievements have inspired countless women to take to the felt. Her journey began at the tender age of four, playing five-card draw. By 1976, she was frequenting cardrooms, juggling multiple odd jobs to support her family.

Realising she earned more playing poker part-time than from her three jobs as a hairstylist, bartender, and cocktail waitress combined, Enright made the bold decision to become a full-time professional poker player. This decision would lead her to break numerous barriers in a male-dominated sport.

Barbara Enright is best known for being the first and, for a long time, only woman to reach the final table of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, achieving a remarkable fifth-place finish in the US$10,000 No-Limit Hold'em tournament in 1995. Her accomplishments didn't stop there; she was also the first woman to win two WSOP bracelets, then three, and to win an open event at the prestigious tournament.

Inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame, Enright continued to collect accolades, including the All-Around Best Play award at the 2000 Legends of Poker Tournament. Her career is a shining example of skill, perseverance, and breaking through glass ceilings in competitive poker.

Annie Oakley – Little Sure Shot

While not primarily a poker player, Annie Oakley, born Phoebe Ann Mosey, holds an iconic place in the broader history of card games due to her extraordinary marksmanship. Born on August 13, 1860, in Ohio, Annie's early life was marked by hardship, which led her to develop exceptional hunting skills from a young age.

Her talent with a gun quickly propelled her into the spotlight. After winning a shooting competition against Frank Butler, whom she later married, the couple began performing together. Annie's fame skyrocketed when she joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, where she became its undisputed star, earning the nickname “Little Sure Shot.”

Oakley's performances were legendary. She could shoot a dime tossed in the air, split a playing card held on its edge, and even shoot a cigarette from her husband's lips with remarkable precision. Her connection to playing cards, though as targets rather than tools for gambling, cemented her place in the cultural narrative surrounding card games and skill.

Beyond her performances, Annie was an advocate for women's rights and taught many women how to shoot. She continued to set records and inspire until her passing on November 3, 1926. Her legacy, though distinct from the poker table, embodies the spirit of precision and mastery that resonates with all forms of card play.

These incredible women, each in their unique way, shattered stereotypes and carved out their own paths in the worlds of poker and gambling. Their stories remind us that talent, determination, and a bit of daring can lead to legendary status.

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