Wild West

The second half of the 19th century was a time when Americans were looking for entertainment. The allure of the west resulted from its dearth of law enforcement. It was a "wild" region where gambling, drinking, and burlesque were commonplace. Vigilante justice took the place of regular law enforcement--guns were means of survival.

Back East, people looked to a version of the West called Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Additionally, Barnum's Circus, World's Fairs and a new industry of Professional Athletes all routinely sold out tickets making the performers wealthy and the spectators amused.

Learn and lead one of the most famous gaming pastimes of the period, e.g.,

Blackjack

Craps

Roulette

Poker