A Look at the History of Women in Gambling
The history of women in gambling traces back to times when their roles were largely restricted to spectators and occasional participants, often overshadowed by their male counterparts. Early involvement was mostly in private games and salons, where women from affluent backgrounds might engage in card games as a social pastime. The public perception of gambling as a male preserve meant women faced significant barriers to entry in more formal gambling establishments and competitive scenes.
As the 20th century progressed, societal attitudes towards women in gambling began to shift, albeit slowly. The latter half of the century saw a gradual increase in the visibility of women in casinos and gambling halls, though they remained a minority. This period marked the beginning of a significant change, with pioneering figures starting to emerge on the scene. For example, Poker Hall of Fame inductee Barbara Enright became the first woman to reach the final table of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in 1995, setting a precedent and serving as an inspiration for female gamblers worldwide.
The turn of the millennium brought further advancements, with the online gambling boom providing a new platform for female players. This era saw women not only participating in gambling activities more freely but also excelling and gaining recognition for their skills and achievements. The digital age has played a crucial role in democratising access to gambling, allowing women to compete on equal footing with men and challenge longstanding gender stereotypes in the industry.
Prominent Women Gamblers
Today there are many famous women gamblers, some of whom have achieved truly remarkable feats.
Vanessa Selbst
Vanessa Selbst is one of the most accomplished female poker players in history, with a career that has set benchmarks in the world of professional gambling. Born in 1984 in Brooklyn, New York, Selbst’s prowess at the poker table quickly distinguished her in a field dominated by men. Her aggressive playing style and sharp strategic mind have earned her over $11.9 million in live tournament winnings, making her the highest-earning female poker player of all time.
Selbst’s list of achievements is extensive. She is the only woman to have ever reached the number one ranking in the world on the Global Poker Index. Her three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, won in 2008, 2012, and 2014, underscore her skill and consistency in the game. Notably, she made history by becoming the first woman to win three bracelets in open events, which are competitions open to anyone, as opposed to events specifically for women.
Her victories extend beyond the WSOP. In 2010, Selbst won the Partouche Poker Tour Main Event in Cannes, taking home €1.3 million. This win was a significant highlight in her career, showcasing her ability to compete and succeed in high-stakes international tournaments.
Despite retiring from the game in 2018 to focus on her personal life and other professional pursuits, Vanessa Selbst’s legacy in poker continues. Her success has not only paved the way for future generations of female poker players but has also challenged and changed the perceptions of women in the gambling world.
Victoria Coren Mitchell
Victoria Coren Mitchell is a truly famous figure in British media as a writer, presenter, and professional poker player, and she has significantly impacted the poker world. Born in London, her multifaceted career is distinguished by her unique position as the first woman to win a European Poker Tour (EPT) title, achieving this milestone in London in 2006. This victory was not only a personal triumph but also a groundbreaking moment for women in poker.
Coren Mitchell’s poker achievements are numerous and notable. In 2014, she further cemented her status in poker history by winning the EPT San Remo, becoming the first player ever to win two EPT titles. Her success at the poker table is a testament to her skill, strategic acumen, and determination, with career winnings exceeding $2 million.
Beyond her poker achievements, Coren Mitchell is known for her intelligence, wit, and engaging presence on television and in print. In addition to hosting the popular quiz show ‘Only Connect’, she has authored several books and is a regular columnist for major British newspapers, where she often shares insights into her life as a poker player among other topics. Her ability to bridge the worlds of media and professional gambling has not only raised her profile but has also brought a greater level of respect and interest to the game of poker, especially among women.
Kristen Bicknell
Kristen Bicknell, from Canada, has firmly established herself as a formidable force in the world of professional poker, recognised for her exceptional skill and determination. Her journey in poker began in college, where she was introduced to the game, quickly evolving from online cash games to live tournaments. Bicknell’s dedication to poker has paid off, earning her a reputation as one of the most successful and respected female players in the game.
With three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets to her name, Bicknell’s accomplishments are a testament to her prowess at the poker table. Her first bracelet came in 2013, in a $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Championship, marking her arrival on the international poker scene. She followed this up with further WSOP victories in 2016 and 2020, demonstrating her versatility and consistent performance in competitive play.
Bicknell has also been recognized for her achievements outside of the WSOP. She has received the Global Poker Index Female Player of the Year award multiple times, underscoring her dominance in the field. Her live tournament winnings exceed $5 million, a figure that places her among the elite in poker.
Beyond her success at the tables, Bicknell is known for her advocacy for women in poker, aiming to inspire and increase female participation in the sport.
Jennifer Tilly
Jennifer Tilly, an American-Canadian actress known for her roles in both film and television, has also made a significant name for herself in the world of poker. Tilly’s transition into the poker arena was marked by her immediate success, illustrating her skill and natural talent for the game. Her passion for poker is matched by her achievements, which include a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet, won in 2005 during the $1,000 Ladies’ No-Limit Hold’em event. This victory solidified her position in the poker community and showcased her as a serious competitor.
Beyond her WSOP success, Tilly has continued to perform well in numerous tournaments, accumulating over $1 million in live tournament earnings. Her presence at the poker table is formidable, combining a keen understanding of the game with a psychological acuity that has allowed her to compete at high levels against top players. Tilly’s commitment to poker extends beyond personal success; she is a visible figure in the game, participating in televised poker events and contributing to the broader poker narrative with her charisma and competitive spirit.
Tilly’s double career in acting and poker is unique, bridging the entertainment and gambling worlds in a way few others have. Her achievements in poker have not only brought her personal acclaim but have also served to highlight the increasing participation and success of women in the sport.
Annette Obrestad
Annette Obrestad, hailing from Norway, carved out a place in poker history with her remarkable achievements at a young age. Obrestad’s journey to prominence began with online poker, where she built a reputation under the nickname "Annette_15." Her online success translated to significant live tournament victories, most notably her win at the 2007 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event. This victory, achieved one day before her 19th birthday, made her the youngest person ever to win a WSOP bracelet, a record that still stands.
Obrestad’s WSOPE win was not just a personal triumph but also a groundbreaking moment that challenged perceptions about the role of youth and gender in poker. With live tournament earnings that place her among the top female poker players globally, Obrestad’s career showcases the potential for online players to transition successfully to live poker. Her strategic acumen and fearless playstyle have earned her respect in the poker community, inspiring a generation of young players to pursue their ambitions in the sport.
Join the Ranks of the All-time Greats at Queenplay
All these great women gamblers had to start somewhere and if you aspire to become one of the gambling greats, then so do you. We suggest you start right here at Queenplay. You’ll find plenty of games to cut your teeth on together with promotions to get you off to the best possible start on your journey to fame.
How Marketing Platforms Are Catering to Female Players