The exact origins of the game of Poker are unknown but there are several theories that have been put forth. Some say it originated in Persia in the 1600's, others say in Europe where it was called "Poque" or "Pochen" and still others suggest it originated in the United States in New Orleans in the 1800's prior to the American Civil War - where it spread rapidly to various towns throughout the Old West.
Poker was played by two distinct groups of gamblers. The first group was made up of gentlemen players who enjoyed the game in moderation. They played mainly for pleasure and did not depend upon their winnings for their livelihood. The second group consisted of professional gamblers - men who relied on their winnings for financial survival. The latter group were looked down upon by the general public who viewed them as con men cheating their victims out of their hard-earned money.
The Western Frontier towns tolerated gambling in the early 1800's until 1830 when laws were passed prohibiting gambling. Many of the well-known gamblers were run out of town, some of them were tarred and feathered and some were lynched by vigilante groups. Because gambling was now prohibited on land, many gamblers began playing on steamboats on the Mississippi River where Poker became popular for many years.
Gambling became popular in California because of the Gold Rush since there were so many miners in the area with a great deal of money. Miners poured into Northern California which resulted in gambling houses popping up all over the region to provide the men with women, Poker and music. However, with the growth and civilization of the area, gambling was outlawed - first in Nevada in 1909 and then in California shortly thereafter.
Ernest J. Primm was running illegal casinos in the mid-1930's under the patronage of Frank Shaw, the corrupt may or the City of Gardena. Shaw was recalled by the voters of Los Angeles and as a result, Primm's casinos were raided and closed. Furious at the loss of revenue, Primm thoroughly researched the 1872 California Statute that outlawed gambling. He happily discovered that the listing of illegal games did not include Poker.
Consequently, Primm was able to have card rooms in California legalized and because of him, the well-known Bicycle Club and the Commerce Casino are popular and perfectly respectable places to gamble.
California Poker/Gambling Trivia · Total number of gaming machines in the State of California is 58,101 and total number of table games is 3,162.
· The most casinos in a California city - 13 in Santa Clarita. There are 26 gaming machines and 65 table games in this city.
· The largest casino in the State of California is the Pala Casino Resort and Spa in the City of Pala where there are 85 table games and 2,250 gaming machines.
· California is second only to Nevada with the number of casinos and card rooms.
· Unlike Las Vegas, California casinos may not give free drinks to gamblers. Vegas casinos will provide you with the drink of your choice as long as you are gambling - whether it be at the tables, slot machines or even Bingo.
· State law mandates that liquor sales in California end at 2 a.m.
For those who wish to learn all about Poker strategies, commentators Bart Hanson and David Tuchman who are professional Poker players, provide all the information needed during their popular television show "Live at the Bike" which captures Poker as it is really played at the tables in every casino and card club in the country.
Poker was played by two distinct groups of gamblers. The first group was made up of gentlemen players who enjoyed the game in moderation. They played mainly for pleasure and did not depend upon their winnings for their livelihood. The second group consisted of professional gamblers - men who relied on their winnings for financial survival. The latter group were looked down upon by the general public who viewed them as con men cheating their victims out of their hard-earned money.
The Western Frontier towns tolerated gambling in the early 1800's until 1830 when laws were passed prohibiting gambling. Many of the well-known gamblers were run out of town, some of them were tarred and feathered and some were lynched by vigilante groups. Because gambling was now prohibited on land, many gamblers began playing on steamboats on the Mississippi River where Poker became popular for many years.
Gambling became popular in California because of the Gold Rush since there were so many miners in the area with a great deal of money. Miners poured into Northern California which resulted in gambling houses popping up all over the region to provide the men with women, Poker and music. However, with the growth and civilization of the area, gambling was outlawed - first in Nevada in 1909 and then in California shortly thereafter.
Ernest J. Primm was running illegal casinos in the mid-1930's under the patronage of Frank Shaw, the corrupt may or the City of Gardena. Shaw was recalled by the voters of Los Angeles and as a result, Primm's casinos were raided and closed. Furious at the loss of revenue, Primm thoroughly researched the 1872 California Statute that outlawed gambling. He happily discovered that the listing of illegal games did not include Poker.
Consequently, Primm was able to have card rooms in California legalized and because of him, the well-known Bicycle Club and the Commerce Casino are popular and perfectly respectable places to gamble.
California Poker/Gambling Trivia · Total number of gaming machines in the State of California is 58,101 and total number of table games is 3,162.
· The most casinos in a California city - 13 in Santa Clarita. There are 26 gaming machines and 65 table games in this city.
· The largest casino in the State of California is the Pala Casino Resort and Spa in the City of Pala where there are 85 table games and 2,250 gaming machines.
· California is second only to Nevada with the number of casinos and card rooms.
· Unlike Las Vegas, California casinos may not give free drinks to gamblers. Vegas casinos will provide you with the drink of your choice as long as you are gambling - whether it be at the tables, slot machines or even Bingo.
· State law mandates that liquor sales in California end at 2 a.m.
For those who wish to learn all about Poker strategies, commentators Bart Hanson and David Tuchman who are professional Poker players, provide all the information needed during their popular television show "Live at the Bike" which captures Poker as it is really played at the tables in every casino and card club in the country.
Terri Arnold, MS, has a Masters Degree in Counseling and was a Psychotherapist for 20+ years. Writing and research have always been her hobby in the past and she now writes website content full-time from her home office for search engine optimization companies and individual business owners on such varied subjects as real estate, personal relationships, travel, credit repair, payday loans, gambling and other topics.
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