Have you ever thought that even royals might have a weakness for the adrenaline of gambling? While we mere mortals visit the casino to play at the online casino, there have been princes and queens who have made the green tables of the most exclusive casinos in the world tremble and, to tell the truth, they are not even a few and have spanned every era. In short, sovereigns have always loved to gamble their fortunes. Prepare yourself for a journey through time and space, between royal splendor and clinking chips!
The Prince of Wales: a playboy at the green table
Let’s start with a dive into late 19th-century London. The protagonist? None other than the future King Edward VII, then still the Prince of Wales. This guy knew how to have fun, I tell you!
In 1890, during an evening at Tranby Croft, a Yorkshire estate, our prince found himself involved in a scandal that shook the crown. Imagine the scene: cards flying, whiskey flowing and… accusations of cheating flying through the air. The prince, a key witness, was forced to testify in court. How embarrassing for Queen Victoria!
But that’s not all. Edward was a regular at casinos all over Europe. Monte Carlo? It was practically his home! It is said that he once won 600,000 francs in a single night. And to think that today we are happy to win a few pennies online!
The princess who tempted fate: Pauline Bonaparte
Let’s go back a little, to the beginning of the 19th century. Do you know Pauline Bonaparte? Napoleon’s sister and a princess by right.
In 1810, while her brother was busy conquering Europe, she amused herself by breaking the bank in Baden-Baden. It is said that she once bet and lost the entire contents of her trunk of jewels. Imagine the scene: necklaces, rings, tiaras… everything on the green table! And do you know what she did next? She sent a messenger to Paris to have more jewels brought to her.
A spicy anecdote: Pauline’s bet
It is said that once, short of cash, Pauline bet… herself! That’s right, the princess would have offered a night of passion in exchange for a large sum to gamble. Of course, these are just rumors.
The king of rock ‘n’ roll at the gaming table: Elvis Presley
Elvis wasn’t a real king, but he was the king of rock ‘n’ roll! And he loved gambling almost as much as he loved peanut butter sandwiches.
In 1956, at the height of his career, Elvis went to Las Vegas to perform. And guess what? He fell head over heels in love with Sin City. So much so that in 1969 he began a residency at the International Hotel (now the Westgate), where he performed by night and gambled by day.
Elvis was an avid fan of blackjack and craps. He is said to have once bet $1,000 on every number on the roulette table. Imagine the croupier’s face! Unfortunately for him, luck wasn’t always on the king. It is estimated that he lost millions of dollars over the years.
