Nevada Gambler-Cum-Mayor Called Out for Bubble Peeking

Caliente--Nevada, Casino History, Crimes / Violence / Punishments: Cheating / Fleecing: Bubble Peeking, Donald E. Rowan, Gambling History, Games / Races: 21 / Blackjack, Gaming History, Governing / Regulatory Bodies: Nevada Tax Commission, It Really Happened, Nevada, Shamrock Club (Caliente, NV), United StatesLeave a comment

1955-1956 In March 1955, Nevada gaming regulators accused Caliente mayor Donald E. Rowan of cheating while dealing a 21 game — which is illegal — in the Shamrock Club. He’d operated the Clover Street gambling enterprise with his partner and father-in-law Joe Colombo for seven years. Rowan had been the elected head of this southeastern…

Greek Gambling Game Barbudi Doesn’t Catch on in Reno

Barboot Coffee House and Casino (Reno, NV), C. Mathias "Matt" Skender, Casino History, Casino: Openings, Gambling History, Games / Races: Barbudi, It Really Happened, Nevada, Reno--Nevada, United StatesLeave a comment

1964-1965 “Build it, and they will come” wasn’t a sure thing for gambling houses in Nevada, particularly ones offering an uncommon game. Case in point is the Barboot Coffee House and Casino in Reno. The Visionary C. Mathias “Matt” Skender, moved from Michigan to The Biggest Little City to introduce his favorite gambling game —…