The gold rush is one of the most interesting periods not only in Canadian-American, but in world history. Its heyday was in the middle of the 19th XIX century, when millions of people from all over the world sought wealth, going to California and other territories where gold deposits were actively developed. This historical stage not only changed the economic situation in the USA, but also contributed to the development of gambling, which became an integral part of the lives of miners and settlers.
Physically and emotionally hard work stopped because people tried to find different ways to relax and unwind. For some it was alcohol, for others it was reading books, but gradually gambling began to come to the fore, which became an integral part of the life of gold seekers.
Games for gold in the time of the Klondikein
Among the money games of that time, it is worth paying attention to:
1. Poker. This white is one of the most popular card games among gold diggers. It was played on saloon tables and included variations such as five-card poker and Texas Hold'em. Players made bets based on the combinations of cards they had in their hands, and the goal was to win the pot by making the strongest combination or forcing the other players to fold.
2. Faro. In terms of popularity, this gambling game can without exaggeration be called the most popular in the 19th century, including during the Gold Rush. Bets were made on which card from the deck would come out next. The gameplay was fast and exciting, and the rules were relatively simple. Known for its fast pace and lack of complex strategies, the game attracted many adventurers.
3. Roulette. Among the employees of Klondike there were also many connoisseurs of roulette. To win, you need to correctly guess the exact number, group of numbers, color, etc. The winners were determined depending on where the ball stopped after spinning the wheel. The thrill of roulette was its unpredictability and the chances of a big win, so it is not surprising that incredible emotions, supported by strong alcohol, raged at the tables.
4. Craps or dice. One of the most favorite games among gold diggers. Players rolled two dice and placed bets on the results. This game was very dynamic and included different types of bets, which allowed participants to interact with each other, make their predictions and thereby increase social connections.
5. blackjack. Entertainment that conquered thousands of visitors to local salons. The goal of the game was to score as close to 21 as possible without exceeding this number. Players played against the dealer, using different strategies to increase their chances of winning, but this did not always help them. Wins and losses (especially large ones) have always been accompanied by violent reactions.
6. Lotto. This game also had its fans. It was distinguished by the maximum accessibility and simplicity of the rules, which did not require any special abilities, analytical mind and other skills from the players.
7. Gaming machines. Slot machines appeared a little later, but quickly became popular due to their simplicity. Players inserted a coin, pulled a lever and hoped that the symbols on the reels would line up in a winning combination. They were easy to use and offered a chance to win big with small bets.
In what currency were the bets made
In practice, different currencies were used for bets during the Gold Rush, but the specifics of the work gave impetus to the fact that the most popular game currency was gold. There were two types of bets using this metal:
- Using gold dust. It was the most common form of currency. Gold prospectors carried bags of gold dust with them, which they used to pay for goods, services, and gambling bets. Gold dust was weighed on special scales to determine its weight and value.
- With the help of gold nuggets. They were more valuable units. They were mostly used for large bets. The nuggets had different shapes and weights, so they were evaluated individually.
Official currencies such as US dollars and Canadian dollars were also used for betting. For the most part, it was inherent in medium-sized and large towns, and not directly in the suburbs. In some cases, local currencies or tokens issued by local enterprises or banks were also used. They had a limited circulation, but could be used for bets in a certain range of gambling establishments.
Lacking cash or gold, workers often resorted to barter. Some gold seekers used luxury items, cigars, alcohol, jewelry, as a means of exchange or for betting.
In some cases, when players did not have enough gold or money, they could use credit. Owners of establishments or other players provided loans secured by property or future gold production.
In large cities, there were banks that accepted gold for deposits and issued bank checks or paper money. This allowed gold miners to keep their wealth safe and have access to more liquid betting funds.
Where were the games for gold held?
Gambling was most often held in saloons and gambling houses. The owners of these establishments had special scales for weighing gold dust and checking nuggets. They ensured the integrity of the game and compliance with the rules. However, it is worth noting that many of them operated without licenses, and the rules were often changed in favor of the hosts. Cheating was quite common and players had to be very careful not to lose all their savings.
Thus, we can say with confidence that the Gold Rush became a certain impetus for the development and popularization of various types of gambling. Gold seekers became those people who created a certain game culture, which with one or another transformation has reached our times.