KING OF BACCARAT

Southland Times, Issue 18973, 21 June 1923, Page 9

KING OF BACCARAT

HIGH STAKES AT CASINO. A DRAMATIC EPISODE. The talk of the clubs and casinos of the Continent at present is the high play of M. Vagliano, Greek ship owner of London. Last season at Deauville and this year at Monte Carlo Vagliano has played all comers without limit at baccarat. The principal baccarat table is reserved for him at Monte Carlo. He takes the bank at midnight, having several million francs on deposit with the sporting club, and announces that the game is without limit. He plays about every second or third night, and for one hour only. His bearing at the table is modest and calm, with a certain air of remoteness, but he is nevertheless alertly conscious of every move in the play. The most experienced observers consider that, though M. Vagliano’s judgment and instinct are good, the prevailing quality in his success is his luck. He wins enormously, but not always.

One of his recent defeats was at the hands of an Indian Maharaja, who was being shown about the great institution at Monte Carlo. The Greek ship owner was pointed out to the visitor as the most famous player in the Casino, and he asked to be presented to him. The formalities over, the Maharaja said graciously: “I will make one bet.” Then turning to his principal adjutant, he told him to place on the table a couple of lakhs, which would be equivalent to 20,000 pounds. “I regret, Your Highness, that I have only one lakh with me,” said the adjutant, who, producing notes from various pockets, got together the sum of 750,000 francs. M. Vagliano dealt the cards and the Maharaja, who seemed familiar with the game, turned up a king and ninespot. Vagliano drew a ten and a seven. The Indian potentate bowed, resumed his inspection of the rooms, and his adjutant took possession of 1,500,000 francs.