Introducing Alice Ivers, known as "Poker Alice"
Alice Ivers, known as Poker Alice, was an English poker and faro player who ๐ gained fame in the American West. She was born in Devon, England in 1851 and later moved to Virginia with ๐ her family. Poker Alice became well-known for her gun-carrying, cigar-smoking, and poker-playing in gambling halls. A widow from Deadwood, she ๐ turned to card games as a means of supporting herself. Although born in England, Poker Alice quickly adapted to life ๐ in the Wild West and became a gambling icon.
A Career Fueled by Gambling and a Life Led in the Black ๐ Hills
Poker Alice made a living by gambling and working as a dealer in gold rush towns of the Rockies and ๐ Black Hills. She would often win sizable sums from her poker games, resulting in her becoming a prominent and admired ๐ figure. Her gambling prowess made her a target, leading to instances of jail time, following accusations of cheating at cards. ๐ However, this could not deter Poker Alice from her passion nor her financial success, with her death in 1930 at ๐ the age of 79.
The Legacy of Alice Ivers: A Pioneer for Women in Gaming