The role of women in the world of gaming has long since been a tumultuous one. Rules and regulations have continued to fluctuate over the years, debating what women could and couldn’t do when it comes to casino gameplay. Despite the gaming industry being so heavily dominated by male players, this doesn’t mean that the female fanatics haven’t found ways to get involved in the action.
In particular, the past two decades have seen a great change in the way that women have been involved in the gaming industry. Admittedly, men still dominate the casino scene, however the ratio between female and male players is everchanging. For example, the American Gaming Association gathered data back in 2019 which indicated that 32% of all sports bettors were actually women – meaning that one in every three wagers were placed by female players!
With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at one of the first group of girls who paved the way for the acceptance of female players on the casino scene today.
Who?
Back in the 18th century, women engaging in gambling activities would run the risk of being completely outcast from society, if they were caught. However, this didn’t stop some of the most eager players from getting involved. In fact, a lot of women at that time would go on to gamble in private, in their own homes and secretly.
One of the most notable groups of female gamblers from this time were “The Faro Ladies”. The main members of this group were Lady Sarah Archer, Lady Buckinghamshire (Mrs. Albinia Hobart), Lady Elizabeth Luttrell, Mrs. Sturt and Mrs. Concannon – although there were multiple other members who would come and go.
The main group of Faro Ladies made the headlines of almost every major newspaper in the 1790s. The scandal was not only around the fact that they were gambling, but also that they appeared to live a double life. By day, these women were seen as respectable, responsible, law-abiding citizens who adhered to the norms of society. However, by night, they would sneak around between their own private homes to play the Faro card game, and get a piece of the gaming action.
What?
Nowadays, the card game of Faro is a little outdated, and you’re unlikely to find this option wherever you like to play. For example, even though you’ll find the new UK online casino griffoncasino offering a wide range of games and classics, Faro is still nowhere to be seen!
The game is a descendant of Poker – which you will find just about anywhere – and uses a 52-card deck, betting chips, the dealer’s box and coppers. The dealer acts as the banker, and a second employee or non-player takes on the role of the “case-keeper”. The case keepers’ job is to keep track of each card as it is revealed.
The dealer will turn over two cards at a time – one will be the winner, whilst the other will be the loser. To place a bet, players must predict which card will win, by rank. Once all of the bets have been made, the pair of cards can be revealed. The first card that has been turned over is the loser, with the second being the winner. After each pair of cards is flipped, they will be put to the side and all winnings will be paid, before the action is then repeated.
Whilst Faro might not be the most exciting game you’ve ever heard of, it certainly helped these ladies make a name for themselves. And, arguably, changed the way that casino gaming was perceived, as well as female players.
Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.
Click HERE for more info.
If you enjoy games and gaming and want more NEWS from the Gaming World Click Here
