Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a town that has long been known for its beauty, natural hot springs, and world-class bathhouses. Since the 1800s, the town has been a retreat for those looking for health and wellness in a natural setting. It is hard to imagine that during the town's prime years, there were just as many illegal gambling dens as there were bath and healing houses.
While Gambling was illegal in town, it was one of the largest industries in Hot Springs through the 1960s. Originally opened in 1893, the Southern Club was one of the most famous gambling dens in town. It was frequented by tourists, locals, politicians, and mobsters, including Al Capone. Pictured above are a pair of casino dice from the Southern Club.
It is hard not to romanticize a time when casinos were in backrooms and gambling towns were small hideouts for those in the know. Though in reality, it was likely not so elegant, my mind always imagines these "clubs" as the most fun and exclusive hangouts to ever exist.