Chips 4 Free Virtual Magazine

Bad Boys of the Gambling World

Today, people frown upon gambling players who do not act gentlemanly, that is why Phil Hellmuth is greatly criticized for his actions. However, a lot of times in history, we saw some gambling players who are even harsher that Hellmuth is. We may call them the bad boys of gambling. However, learn to open your eyes, and see the gambler, not the person, and you will see just how big their contribution to gambling world is.

First off, we have Doc Holliday. Doc Holliday was a dentist before he engaged in professional gambling. He decided to shift careers when a doctor diagnosed him of tuberculosis. Knowing that he had little time left in his life, he ventured to another occupation in which he has more use, and that is gambling.

His gambling style was like no other. Many gambling fans would argue that he is the toughest, the bravest gambling player the world has ever seen. Also a gunslinger, it can't be helped if Doc Holliday acted like he did when he was alive. He does not back off when gambling opponents tried to threaten his life, after all he had only months to live. So he fought them, not only at the gambling table but also in hand-to-hand combats. Certainly, he revolutionized the meaning of the word "guts" in gambling.

Another noted bad boy of the gambling industry is Bugsy Siegel. Bugsy Siegel led a life of crime. He was a gangster, and a bootlegger before he ventured to bookmaking, another gambling game. His main contribution to the gambling industry is the construction of the Flamingo, and the evolution of Las Vegas. He made use of the profits from his bookmaking business to change the Las Vegas gambling scene.

No one would argue if I say that Stu Ungar is in league with these boys, in terms of being gambling's bad boy. Stu Ungar is one of the greatest poker players ever. He was also an excellent gin rummy player and blackjack player. He won a lot because of gambling, but he also lost a lot because he is a high stakes player, he did not care much if he lost. Because of this, people saw him as irresponsible. However, it cannot still be denied that is one of the best gambling players of all times, winning three championships each at the WSOP and Super Bowl of Poker - a feat only he has done.