Manners.
Gambling-houses a Century ago.
From “The London Mercury” of January 13, 1721-2.
There are, it seems, in the parish of Covent-garden, twenty-two such houses, some of which clear sometimes 100l., and seldom less than 40l. a night. They have their proper officers, both civil and military, with salaries proportionable to their respective degrees, and the importance they are of in the service, viz.
A commissioner, or commis, who is always a proprietor of the gaming-house: he looks in once a night, and the week’s account is audited by him and two others of the proprietors.
A director, who superintends the room.
The operator, the dealer at faro.
Croupees two, who watch the card, and gather the money for the bank.
A puff, one who has money given him to play, in order to decoy others.