There is one major difference between the old West gamblers and the ones who risk their bankrolls in today's elegant neon casinos and card rooms.
The way they dress.
While I am sure there are other differences -- in the old days, gamblers in some casinos had to check their pistols and other weapons before sitting down to play -- the attire of the average gambler was far superior to the way today's poker players dress.
In the early days, gambling was a respected profession. Gamblers, at least some of them, were held to a rather high level of respect and they dressed the part.
A gambler would enter a casino in his high hat, black suit, well-polished shoes or boots, and maybe even wear gloves. He would have his walking cane and check his pearl-handled Derringers or Colt revolver with the person who handled the weapons. Then, with a small twirl of his mustache, he would take his seat and place his cash on the table.
I have played in casinos from Arizona to Florida as well as in Nevada, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and the Caribbean, and I can assure you that today's poker players and other gamblers do not subscribe to a dress code.
In fact, if I would use one word to describe the way today's gamblers dress it would have to be somewhere between raunchy and slovenly.
Some dress like the musicians who make up punk rock bands. The wear cast-off clothing that looks like it was purchased at a Salvation Army or used clothing store. A dirty tee shirt, jeans that have seen better days, a baseball cap usually turned backwards.
And of course, there is the hood.
I don't know when hoodies became popular, but I suspect they struck the fancy of gamblers who saw them worn on television in those late night poker games.
Hoods make players look dangerous and unpredictable. They give an added protection to a player who may work in a 7-11, a Taco Bell Restaurant, or Walmart. The player thinks it makes him look cool.
On a personal note, I always wear my usual outfit. Jeans, leather boots, a black well dusted hat, and a serape. Some of the other players refer to me as Clint Eastwood or just Cowboy. The nicknames are okay. I am just there to play cards.
Now I would never ridicule a player for wearing a hood, even though some of them deserve it. They attempt to look sinister and threatening. To me, they just seem ridiculous.
Still, to each his own. The Diamond Jim Bradys, the Wyatt Earps, the Doc Holidays and even the Doyle Brunsons or Amarillo Slims of the past would sneer at their outfits.
If I win a major tournament, I am thinking of spending some of my winnings on a store that would sell clothing to gamblers. Las Vegas would be a good location for it, although I think it would be successful in any city where casinos are legal, like Phoenix, Tucson or even Ft. Lauderdale.
The store would feature elegant as well as funky outfits. Elvis Presley sunglasses. Western outfits. Sequined vests, and fancy boots. Maybe a line of tee shirts with meaningful slogans printed on them.
All I know is that gamblers should upgrade what they wear into a casino. Become a dandy dresser. Then you will be ready for the games to begin.