The Herd with Colin Cowherd The Favorites - Great Moments In Gambling's History Part 4
Jun 20, 2025
Dive into the wild history of gambling with tales of infamous characters and pivotal events. Discover Ed Kurd, a notorious bookmaker with mafia connections, and explore Elijah Skaggs, America's first gambling syndicate creator. Learn about John Bet-a Gates, who transformed from farmer to gambling innovator. Each story reveals how gambling has shaped culture and society, illustrating the colorful tapestry of characters who made their mark in this intriguing domain.
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Ed Kurd's Secret Bookmaking Room
- Ed Kurd, a bookmaker for the mafia, had a secret room in his Lexington estate for running a nationwide betting operation.
- Chad Millman visited this untouched basement, revealing a fascinating piece of sports betting history.
Elijah Skaggs' Gambling Syndicate
- Elijah Skaggs became a master Faro dealer and ran America's first gambling syndicate nationwide.
- He trained cheats, funded inventors, and dominated the market before retiring a multimillionaire.
Gamblers Founded Pro Sports
- Many major professional sports teams were founded by gamblers with high risk tolerance.
- Early sports leagues were funded by bettors, not industrial titans, shaping sports history.