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Women in Gambling
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A Look at the Fairer Sex
The narrative of gambling spans a long and diverse timeline, akin to that of numerous other sectors. However, due to the effects of the 'Glass Ceiling,' even in modern times, it has only been in recent years that women have had a chance to engage in the gambling industry on a more level playing field with men.
Traditionally, gambling has been seen predominantly as a male pastime, with much less participation from women. To see this in action, simply visit any slot machine area or poker table at a casino, where it is common to find a greater number of male players compared to their female counterparts. This trend is also noticeable among professional poker players, where figures like Jennifer Harman and Cyndy Violette have made a name for themselves, alongside newer talents like Vanessa Selbst, who has made significant strides in the game, alongside a few celebrity players such as Jennifer Tilly. Nevertheless, professional poker remains largely male-dominated. Craps , Blackjack Returning to the concept of the 'Glass Ceiling,' there is a prevailing expectation that cocktail waitstaff will predominantly be women (after all, they are referred to as 'Cocktail Waitresses,' not 'Cocktail Servers,' right?). Though it has become more common to see female dealers and cage attendants over the last few decades, akin to trends in other sectors, women still face challenges when attempting to rise to higher management roles or positions on corporate boards.
This gender disparity in higher management is not indicative of any lack of competence among women; rather, it appears that the underrepresentation of women in senior gambling roles might come from their relatively lower interest in certain gambling formats compared to men. Yet, this isn't universally true, as evidenced by numerous Bingo Halls filled predominantly with women. In fact, many men often accompany their wives to these venues, sometimes with little enthusiasm. A specific instance shows that one Bingo Hall has around seventy percent of its players being women.
Bingo as a popular pastime for women flourished, particularly as they accompanied their husbands enjoying Table Games at casinos. study in the UK suggested Of course, there are exceptions to every generalization. In this section, we'll explore many well-known women in the gambling world. Primarily focusing on those who established their names before 2010, we note that while women in prominent positions within gambling are still rare, they have become less extraordinary over time, mirroring other industries.
Furthermore, slot machines In our focus, we will first highlight some of the most recognized professional female poker players over the years. This area seems to feature the largest number of well-known women in the gambling sector, though it doesn't imply that there are more female poker players than those engaged in other gambling areas; rather, it's more attributable to the 'Poker Boom,' which elevated both men and women to fame during the early 2000s. During this period, various televised tournaments emerged, including several as well as a unique show that combined casino tournament games like Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and possibly Baccarat—though I'm not entirely certain about the last one.
In this overview, Vanessa Selbst stands as the youngest female poker player featured (at 31 years old as of this writing), and she is also one of the most successful when it comes to live tournaments. Determining cash game success over an individual’s entire career can be somewhat tricky since not every game is documented. Nonetheless, Vanessa boasts three World Series of Poker Bracelets, each from a different poker variant, underscoring her diverse skill set. One of these is for the 10-Game Six-Handed format, which affirms her standing as one of the top all-around poker players in the scene.
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Furthermore, her accomplishments don't stop at poker; Vanessa is also well educated, holding a degree in Political Science from Yale University. In a remarkable achievement, she became the first player—male or female—to win two consecutive North American Poker Tour events in 2010 and 2011. Blackjack Tournaments With tournament earnings exceeding 11 million dollars and having held the title of the number one player on the Global Poker Index, Vanessa, at just 31, has a bright future ahead in the poker domain.
Vanessa Selbst
While she has received much acclaim for her success in tournament poker, casual fans may recognize Vanessa more than Kathy Liebert, who has only secured one World Series of Poker bracelet in 2004. However, for those who follow poker more closely, Kathy is a prominent figure with over six million dollars in career tournament winnings and almost forty cashes in WPT events.
Another successful female poker player is Vanessa Rousso, now 32, who emerged around the same period as Vanessa Selbst. Although Rousso may not have matched Selbst's level of success so far, she is likely more recognized because she was part of Team 'PokerStars' for nearly ten years and serves as a spokesperson for GoDaddy.com. Furthermore, she gained additional fame as a contestant on CBS's 'Big Brother,' where she finished in third place.
Although Rousso has yet to secure any WSOP Bracelets or WPT Titles, she has still made a name for herself with over 3.5 million dollars in live tournament earnings, producing four Final tables and twenty-five cashes across WSOP and WPT events.
Kathy Liebert
At just 27 years old, Annette Obrestad is the youngest individual on this list. Her impressive success in the online poker arena might not have been possible without her innate skills. She has made a name for herself as one of the top-winning players across various platforms, asserting that she never needed to deposit any money but instead built her bankroll through freeroll tournaments before entering paid games.
Vanessa Rousso
Annette has placed in the money at ten different World Series of Poker events, gaining a bracelet in 2007. Additionally, she secured a second-place finish in a European Poker Tour event after leading much of the final stages. As of now, she holds the record as the youngest player ever, regardless of gender, to win a WSOP Bracelet. PokerStars Jennifer Harman is well-known in the poker community and was formerly in a relationship with Todd Brunson, the son of renowned professional poker player Doyle Brunson. During her time with Todd, she encountered Daniel Negreanu, whose game Todd had a stake in during his first major win. Through this connection, a friendship evolved, and Jennifer played a significant role in instilling discipline in Negreanu when it came to game selection and bankroll management.
For those who closely followed poker during the Poker Boom, Jennifer Harman's name is likely familiar, as she regularly made appearances at final tables and on popular shows like Poker After Dark and High Stakes Poker. While she is chiefly recognized as a cash game player and the only woman frequently seen in the 'Big Game' at the 'Bellagio', she is one of just two women who possess two WSOP Bracelets.
Annette Obrestad
Another prominent poker figure from the Poker Boom era is Annie Duke, known for achieving the most cash finishes in WSOP events among women and earning a WSOP bracelet in 2004. With a brother in the professional poker scene, Howard Lederer, poker seems to run in her family. Howard was particularly influential in Annie's early career, providing her with lessons and funds to play in poker games while she lived in Montana. Online Poker After attaining substantial success in Montana, Annie visited her brother in Las Vegas, where she won a considerable amount playing poker, leading her to decide to relocate there permanently to pursue poker full-time. You can delve into her journey further in her autobiography, which is one of several instructional poker books she has written.
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Jennifer Harman
Even though the female poker players mentioned in this overview have accomplished a lot, one could argue that in recent times, there is no inherent disadvantage for women in the poker scene compared to men. The reality is that there are simply fewer women participating in the game. Ultimately, poker does not rely on physical traits like strength or speed, which is why many believe there are separate sports categories for men and women.
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Annie Duke
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The evolution of gambling boasts a rich and diverse history. However, reflecting the trends observed in many sectors, and notably due to the "Glass Ceiling\" phenomenon, women have only recently begun to enjoy a more equitable footing compared to their male counterparts in the gambling world.
Traditionally, gambling has been viewed as an activity predominantly for men rather than women. This perception remains observable; if you take a look at any
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or Poker Table in nearly any casino, you will likely witness a predominance of male patrons compared to females. This trend persists even in professional settings, where the ranks are largely filled by men, despite the presence of notable female players like Jennifer Harman and Cyndy Violette, as well as rising stars such as Vanessa Selbst, who currently stands out as one of the top players, alongside celebrities like Jennifer Tilly who have also made an impact. Nonetheless, professional poker remains largely male-dominated.
Returning to the "Glass Ceiling\" issue, it's widely expected that cocktail waitresses will be female, as the title suggests. In recent decades, the sight of female dealers or cage attendants has become increasingly common. However, as seen in numerous industries, women still struggle to break into upper management roles or board positions.
It's crucial to note that this struggle isn't due to any inadequacy in skills compared to men. In fact, the scarcity of women in prominent gambling positions might be linked to the observation that women's interest in various gambling forms tends to be lower than that of men. Yet, this isn't universally applicable; Bingo Halls across the nation often teem with female players, and where men do partake, they frequently accompany their wives. For instance, one venue reported that seventy percent of its Bingo clientele are women.
Judy Bayley
The rise of Bingo can largely be attributed to its appeal as a leisure activity for women accompanying their husbands at the casinos while they engaged in Table Games.
Of course, exceptions to every rule exist. In this context, we'll explore several iconic women in the gambling sphere. Our focus will primarily be on those who made their mark before 2010, as having a woman in a prominent role in gambling is becoming less of a rarity, similar to trends in other sectors.
Having been briefly mentioned in the introduction, we will first delve into an overview of some of the most prominent female professional poker players throughout the years. Although this segment may have a significant number of renowned female figures, it doesn't imply that female poker players are more numerous than women in other gambling areas. Instead, it relates to the "Poker Boom\" that brought many professional players to the spotlight during the early 2000s. Notable televised events, including various tournament format shows, contributed to a surge of interest in poker.
At just 31 years old at the time of this writing, Vanessa Selbst is the youngest talent featured here, yet she stands as the most accomplished, particularly in live tournaments. Cash game success is often hard to quantify, considering that not all games are reported. However, Vanessa has earned three World Series of Poker Bracelets across three distinct poker variants, which showcases her diverse skill set. Notably, one of these is the 10-Game Six-Handed variant, emphasizing her prowess as an all-around player.
In addition to her poker achievements, Vanessa Selbst is also a Yale University graduate with a degree in Political Science. As of the time of this writing, she remains the only player, male or female, to clinch two consecutive North American Poker Tour titles, first winning in 2010 and defending her title decisively in 2011.
With tournament purses exceeding 11 million dollars, Vanessa Selbst once held the coveted #1 spot on the Global Poker Index. Given her age, she has ample opportunity to reclaim such rankings in the future.
Though Vanessa Selbst is highly regarded in tournament circles, casual poker fans might be more familiar with Kathy Liebert, who captured a World Series of Poker bracelet back in 2004. Yet, Kathy is no stranger to poker enthusiasts, amassing over six million dollars in tournament earnings and achieving nearly forty cash finishes in the WPT.
Another formidable name is Vanessa Rousso, who, at 32 years of age during this writing, emerged around the same time as Vanessa Selbst. While Rousso's accomplishments may not entirely rival Selbst's as of yet, she enjoys greater public visibility due to her long-term association with Team
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and her role as a spokesperson for GoDaddy.com. Additionally, Rousso has gained some fame from her time on CBS' Big Brother, where she finished third.
Although Rousso has yet to secure any WSOP Bracelets or WPT Titles, she boasts a commendable total of over 3.5 million dollars in live tournament earnings, along with four final table appearances and twenty-five cashes in WSOP and WPT events.
Young at 27, Annette Obrestad is the youngest player listed here. Her success can be credited, in part, to her remarkable skills. She earned an impressive reputation in Online Poker, becoming one of the top players on various sites and claiming her initial winnings through freeroll tournaments, thus avoiding initial deposits.
With ten cash finishes at World Series of Poker events, she secured a Bracelet in 2007 and came in second at a European Poker Tour event after leading for much of the final table. As of this writing, she is the youngest player in history, regardless of gender, to have accomplished winning a WSOP Bracelet.
Jennifer Harman is known not only as a professional poker player but also as the former partner of Todd Brunson, the son of the legendary Doyle Brunson. She first crossed paths with Daniel Negreanu when Todd briefly invested in Negreanu's first tournament victory, where she was responsible for collecting Todd's earnings. A close friendship blossomed between Daniel and Jennifer, wherein she played a pivotal role in instilling discipline in Negreanu's gambling habits.
For avid poker watchers during the Poker Boom, Jennifer Harman is a name synonymous with success, having reached numerous final tables and appeared on well-known shows like Poker After Dark and High Stakes Poker. Despite being renowned primarily as a cash game player, Jennifer is one of only two women to have won two WSOP Bracelets.
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Annie Duke is another name familiar to fans of the Game during the Poker Boom. With more cash finishes in WSOP events than any other woman, she claimed her own WSOP Bracelet in 2004. Annie's affinity for poker may stem from her family, as she is the sister of professional player Howard Lederer, who recognized her potential early on and provided her with mentorship and financial support for playing poker in Montana.
After flourishing in Montana, Annie Duke ventured to Las Vegas and achieved considerable success at the tables, eventually deciding to pursue poker as her full-time career. Her journey is recounted in her autobiography and several instructional poker books she has authored.
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Patricia Becker
While the female poker players on this list have made remarkable strides, it can be argued that in more recent years, there is no inherent disadvantage for women in poker compared to their male counterparts – the reality is simply that there are fewer female players. Ultimately, Poker is a game that doesn't rely on physical attributes like strength or speed, and while this may not align with some trends in sports that necessitate gender divisions, it’s a fundamental truth in poker.
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Elaine Wynn
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The evolution of gambling spans a vast timeline and encompasses a wide variety of traditions; however, similar to many other sectors, the influence of the 'Glass Ceiling' has hindered women's participation in this field. Only in more recent years have women found themselves on a level playing field with men in the gambling industry.
Historically, gambling has been perceived as a male-dominated pastime, with women often seen as secondary players. A quick visit to any casino's game area or poker table will frequently reveal a higher concentration of male participants compared to female ones. This trend is equally prevalent among professional gamblers, despite the presence of notable female players like Jennifer Harman and Cyndy Violette, alongside newer talents such as Vanessa Selbst, who is currently regarded as one of the best. Nevertheless, the professional poker scene predominantly remains a male territory.
Returning to the topic of the 'Glass Ceiling', it's interesting to note that while it's generally expected for cocktail waitstaff to be female—after all, they are known as 'Cocktail Waitresses' and not 'Cocktail Servers'—the presence of female dealers and cage attendants has become more common over the years. Yet similar to various other industries, women still encounter challenges when trying to ascend to upper management levels or secure positions on corporate boards.
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It's important to recognize that this disparity doesn't stem from a lack of competency; women certainly can perform just as well as men in these roles. The limited advancement of women into senior roles may be, in part, attributed to the fact that women statistically display less interest in numerous gambling formats. However, this isn't a universal truth, as evidenced by numerous Bingo Halls filled predominantly with female players—some of whom may be there reluctantly alongside their husbands. For instance, a certain establishment reports that seventy percent of its Bingo players are women.
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Bingo originated and grew in popularity largely because it served as an entertaining activity for women accompanying their husbands at casinos where table games were the primary attraction.
Naturally, exceptions exist to every rule, and in this discussion, we will explore many prominent women within the gambling industry. Ideally, the focus will be on those who established their presence prior to 2010, as the landscape of gambling has evolved to the point where having women in influential positions is becoming less of an outlier, reflecting broader changes across various industries.
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To build on what was briefly mentioned in the introduction, we will begin by examining some of the most recognizable names among female professional poker players throughout the years. This category may showcase the largest number of well-known women in gambling, not necessarily because of the higher quantity of female poker players, but rather due to the 'Poker Boom' that gave significant exposure to all professional players, regardless of gender, during the early 2000s. During that period, numerous nationally broadcast events took place, alongside unique shows that featured a mix of casino tournament games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and possibly Baccarat—though I don't recall the specifics on the last one.
Alice Walker
Vanessa Selbst stands out as the youngest female poker player on this list at the age of 31 as of this writing, and she is also noted for her impressive achievements, particularly in live tournaments. Cash game earnings are often harder to track comprehensively, but Selbst's success is demonstrated by her three World Series of Poker Bracelets, each from different types of poker games, highlighting her adaptability. One of these bracelets was awarded for the 10-Game Six-Handed event, clearly showcasing her status as one of the top versatile players.
On top of her remarkable talent in poker, Vanessa Selbst also holds a Political Science degree from Yale University. Additionally, as of the current timeframe, she is distinguished as the only player—regardless of gender—to win two consecutive North American Poker Tour events, first triumphing in 2010 and successfully defending her title in 2011.
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With over 11 million dollars in tournament winnings to her name, Vanessa Selbst once held the number one spot on the Global Poker Index. Considering her young age, she still has ample opportunity to further enhance her legacy in the future.
Cathy "Cat\" Hulbert
While her tournament success is undeniable, casual poker enthusiasts might be more familiar with Kathy Liebert, who has one World Series of Poker bracelet from a victory in 2004. However, anyone with more than a casual interest in poker knows Kathy Liebert as well, having garnered over six million dollars in tournament earnings and marked her presence in the money at the WPT nearly forty times.
Another incredibly successful female player is Vanessa Rousso, who, at age 32 during this writing, emerged around the same time as Vanessa Selbst. Although Rousso may not have achieved the same levels of success as Selbst, she is recognized widely due to her long association with Team's and as a spokesperson for GoDaddy.com. Additionally, Rousso gained attention by competing in CBS's Big Brother, where she finished in third place.
While Rousso hasn’t secured any WSOP Bracelets or WPT Titles up to this point, her accomplishments are impressive; she has accumulated more than 3.5 million dollars in live tournament winnings and recorded four final table appearances and twenty-five cashes across the WSOP and WPT.
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At just 27, Annette Obrestad is the youngest on this list and she achieved considerable success early on. It’s likely that her triumphs in online poker were facilitated by her incredible skill. She became one of the most lucrative players across various platforms, claiming she never had to make a deposit, instead building her bankroll through freeroll tournaments before transitioning to paid games. reviewed She has placed in the money at ten World Series of Poker events and won a Bracelet in 2007. Additionally, she finished as the runner-up in a European Poker Tour event after leading for a significant portion of the final table. As of this moment, Annette Obrestad holds the record for being the youngest player—regardless of gender—to earn a WSOP Bracelet.
The Future of Women in Gambling
Among her many innovative contributions, Judy made the Hacienda the first casino to introduce Live Keno to the Strip, transitioning a previously downtown-centric form of gambling into a more mainstream option. While Live Keno might not hold the same allure today as it did during the mid-60s, its introduction was a pivotal moment that attracted many players.
Currently, Mandalay Bay, a property of MGM, occupies the location formerly held by the Hacienda, marking the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. The success of Judy Bayley’s Keno initiative in the mid-60s likely played a crucial role in the Hacienda's survival during those years.
More importantly, Judy Bayley was celebrated as a community leader and philanthropist, deeply loved by the residents of Las Vegas, who affectionately referred to her as 'Our Judy.' Her activism and charitable efforts spanned many areas in Las Vegas, whether it was organizing events or raising funds and donating to various causes.
The Hacienda changed ownership shortly after Judy Bayley passed away in 1971, but it continued to operate successfully under different owners until 1996, thanks to the strong foundation she established. WizardofVegas.com Claudine Williams has an extraordinary legacy in the gambling industry, not only for being a trailblazer for women but also for achieving remarkable milestones at a young age. Born in Louisiana in 1921, she began working when she was just twelve and was employed at a gambling establishment by the age of fifteen!
Claudine Williams was determined to go beyond simply being an employee in a gambling venue. She diligently educated herself about the industry and is often viewed as one of the first women to strive against the Glass Ceiling. By the age of twenty, she successfully co-founded an after-hours gambling club with another woman.
During this period, she met Shelby Williams, whom she later married in 1950. They eventually moved to Las Vegas, where they acquired the Silver Slipper Casino in 1964, running it together until 1969 when they sold it to Howard Hughes. They then transitioned into building the Holiday Casino, which opened across from Caesar’s Casino in 1973. Unlike Judy Bayley, who mainly operated behind the scenes, Claudine and Shelby Williams were true partners in every facet of their business ventures.
Following Shelby's passing, Claudine quickly took on the roles of President and General Manager in 1977, making history as the first woman to hold these titles. Eventually, she sold her stake in the Holiday Casino to Holiday Inn Corporation and became the Chair of the Board of Directors. Her accomplishments did not stop there; she also played a pivotal role in establishing the American Bank of Commerce, becoming the first female chairperson of a bank.
Similar to Judy Bayley, Claudine was actively involved in philanthropy and community service, contributing to numerous charitable initiatives in Las Vegas, particularly in collaboration with UNLV.
Claudine Williams is also distinguished as the first woman inducted into the Nevada Gaming Hall of Fame.
A more contemporary figure, Jan Jones Blackhurst, was inducted into the Nevada Gaming Hall of Fame in 2014. She served two terms as Mayor of Las Vegas at a time when the city was recognized by Inc. magazine as the top city in the nation for entrepreneurs and experienced rapid growth.
In addition to her role as Mayor, she was Chairwoman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and participated as a director in the Nevada Resorts Association. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Vice President at Caesars Entertainment Corporation.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jan Jones Blackhurst is a dedicated advocate for LGBT rights, environmental initiatives, and is a prominent supporter of equal pay for women. Notably, she was the first elected female Mayor of Las Vegas.
Patricia Becker is renowned for her groundbreaking role in regulatory affairs, being the first woman to serve on the Nevada Gaming Control Board. She leveraged her expertise to take on executive positions within casino companies, including being Chairperson of the Compliance Committee at Bally Technologies and Tropicana Resorts. Moreover, she has held various executive roles in other casino and gaming establishments.