I came across a cool site that shares the most interesting historical facts about gambling that I’ve come across. So interesting that I had to share some with you… Did you know, for example, that back in the 18th Century, when English betting shops were popping up (illegally) over town, one poor dude had the job of swallowing the dice if the police managed to swoop in on the establishment? Another fact I came across was that then US President, Richard Nixon actually funded his run for Congress in 1946 with money that he won playing poker while he served in the Navy during the Second World War. Did you ever stop to consider why the hand in poker made up of Aces and Eights is known as Dead Man’s Hand? According to this site, it was the hand that James “Wild Bill” Hickock, the famous American poker player, was playing when he was shot dead from behind. And finally, the Great Wall of China may be one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions, but it has quite an amazing beginning. Legend has it that the Chinese authorities used money from Keno to raise the money to build the wall. Cool or what?
Jokes for History Buffs:
Q: Why were the early days of history called the Dark Ages?
A: Because there were so many knights.
Q: How was the Roman Empire cut in half?
A: With a pair of Caesars.
Q: Which English king invented the fireplace?
A: Alfred the Grate
