Luck is something cannot be bought, stolen or given, but surely it can be lost. There is a very good example for that. His name is Charles Wells, one of the most famous roulette players of all times.

Background

Charles Wells was born in 1841. Many of us heard the song "The Man Who Broke the Bank in Monte Carlo," written by Fred Gilbert. Well, Charles Wells is thought to be the inspiration for this song. There are solid grounds for claiming that as this man was extremely lucky when playing roulette! He managed to win lots of times and became very rich, but ended up in prison and then died poor. That is a very interesting story of how luck can be lost forever. But let first things come first.

Gambling in Monte Carlo

Charles Wells was obsessed with the idea of becoming rich and successful from early childhood. He called himself as an inventor, but no one believed it. Charles was a very talented cockney who became famous for gambling. There are lots of interesting facts about his gaming experience in Monte Carlo:

  • The first time he went to the casino in Monte Carlo was in 1891. The money he got for gambling was given him by investors he believed in him. So, he spent £4000 and won 1 million francs! That was astonishing sum of money! The most amazing fact was that he won 12 times! Who could believe that happen?
  • No detectives could find evidences to accuse him of cheating and arrest him.
  • The same year Charles Wells won another million francs in roulette.
  • Many casino players were watching his play and imitated him.
  • one more trip to Monte Carlo. Charles Wells came at the luxurious yacht to the casino. He told everyone he was testing one of his inventions but soon started gambling again. Could you believe that he broke the bank another 6 times? Well, he was extremely lucky.
  • At the same time with his winnings he lost all his money as well as that give n by investors and was arrested. Charles Wells was sentenced 8 years after which he returned to his tricks and got in jail for 3 more years. Afterwards, another 5 years he spent in prison for fooling people.
  • Charles Wells died in poverty.