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The Gaming Table by Andrew Steinmetz, Volume II

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Doings In Gaming Houses

GAMBLING AT THE WINE AND OYSTER ROOMS, OR 'SALOONS.'

The gambling which was carried on in the private rooms of the
wine and oyster houses, about thirty years ago, and perhaps
later, was just such as that which had so long flourished in the
low vicinity of St James's. Indeed, the constant frequenters of
the former had attained the most profound knowledge of the art of
robbing at the West End gaming houses. The blacklegs visited the
saloons every night, in order to pick up new acquaintances among
the young and inexperienced. They were polite, well-dressed,
gentlemanlike persons; and if they could trace anything 'soft' in
the countenance of a new visitor, their wits went to work at once
to establish an acquaintance with him. Wine was set a- going,
and cards were proposed. The master of the concern soon provided
a room, and play advanced, accompanied by the certainty of loss
to the unfortunate stranger. But if the invitation to play was
rejected, they made another plant upon him. The ruffians
attacked him through a passion of a different kind. They gave
the word to one of their female 'pals,' who threw herself in his
way, and prevailed upon him to accompany her to HER
establishment. In the morning the 'gentleman,' who in vain had
solicited him to play at the saloon the night before, would
call--just to pay 'a friendly visit.' Cards were again spoken
of, and again proposed, with the additional recommendation of the
'lady,' who offered to be the partner of her friend in the game.
The consequence was inevitable. Many young noblemen and
gentlemen were plundered by this scheme, of hundreds, nay, of
thousands of pounds. To escape without loss was impossible.
They packed and distributed the cards with such amazing
dexterity, that they could give a man, as it were, whatever cards
they pleased.

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