American Gambling History -- Slots Roulette Poker 2/11

Summary

Following the Revolutionary War, America experienced a population boom and a newfound acceptance of gambling across all societal classes. Andrew Jackson, a backwoods hustler with political ambitions, played a pivotal role in popularizing gambling in the early 1800s. His passion for horse racing and risk-taking nature epitomized the American spirit. Despite gambling's illegality, it flourished, especially in New Orleans with the emergence of 'carpet joints.' The moralists' response to the gambling epidemic would mark a significant moment in American gambling history.

Takeaways

• 📈 Post-Revolutionary War America experienced a surge in population and a new attitude towards gambling, which became widely accepted across different social classes.
• 🃏 The early 1800s saw the rise of Andrew Jackson, a political figure whose love for gambling and risk-taking became emblematic of the era.
• 🏇 Jackson's passion for horse racing was notable; he owned a famous horse named Truckton, which won a significant match race against Greyhound.
• 🎰 Jackson's gambling habits were so ingrained that he bet his inheritance on a dice game during his college years and later risked all his clothes on a horse race.
• 👔 Despite his gambling losses, Jackson's confidence in risk-taking paid off when Truckton won, allowing him to replenish his finances and wardrobe.
• 👨‍💼 As president, Jackson's frequent visits to the national racetrack and the accompanying congressmen highlighted the integration of gambling into high society.
• 🏢 The growth of commercial gambling was evident in New Orleans, where the first casinos, known as carpet joints, were introduced.
• 🚫 While gambling was technically illegal, its prevalence led to discussions of legalization among legislators.
• 💼 The influence of moralists and law enforcement, who were often bribed to look the other way, played a significant role in shaping the legal stance on gambling.
• 🛑 The moralists' growing power eventually led to a brutal response to gambling, marking a pivotal moment in the history of gambling in America.

Q & A

What was the impact of the Revolutionary War on America's population growth?

The years following the Revolutionary War saw unprecedented growth in America's population.

How did the attitude towards gambling change after America gained independence?

The hard-fought independence bred a new attitude, leading to gambling being enjoyed among all classes of society.

Who was the backwoods Hustler with political ambition that enhanced the reputation of gambling in the early 1800s?

Andrew Jackson was the backwoods Hustler with political ambition who enhanced the reputation of gambling and the West.

What was Andrew Jackson's background and how did it influence his attitude towards gambling?

Andrew Jackson was a backwoods jurist, a retired General, and a leading political figure. His background as the 'Common Man' risk-taker brought gambling to the American forefront.

How was Andrew Jackson involved in a gambling-related duel?

Jackson killed a man in a duel that apparently resulted from an argument about a debt settlement from gambling.

What was Jackson's gambling habit during his college years?

During his college years, Jackson gambled away his inheritance on a dice game.

What was Jackson's passion in terms of gambling and which famous horse did he own?

Horse racing was Jackson's passion, and he owned a famous horse named Truckton.

What was the outcome of the match race between Jackson's horse Truckton and the horse Greyhound?

Truckton won the match race against Greyhound in straight heats.

How did Jackson's financial situation improve after the horse race involving Truckton?

After Truckton's victory, Jackson quickly purchased the loser Greyhound, and he described himself as 'eased in my finances and replenished in my wardrobe'.

What was the attitude towards gambling among legislators in the early 1800s?

Gambling became so rampant that legislators openly discussed legalization until pressure from law enforcement and moralists persuaded otherwise.

How did commercial gambling evolve in New Orleans during the early 1800s?

Commercial gambling took hold in New Orleans where the first casinos, dubbed carpet joints, were introduced.

What was the response of moralists to the growing gambling epidemic in America?

The moralists, growing in power, responded brutally to the gambling epidemic, which became one of the seminal moments in the history of gambling.