Elijah Skaggs: King of Faro

This chapter explores the vibrant gambling culture of the 19th century, focusing on the game of Faro and the colorful character of Elijah Skaggs. It highlights Skaggs' rise as a skilled dealer and his establishment of America's first gambling syndicate, alongside the historical ties between organized crime and the evolution of professional sports. Through vivid storytelling, the chapter paints a picture of how gambling shaped both society and the business of sports.