Gambling -- don't do this

Cincinnati Enquirer, 1884

Ruined by Gambling

A YOUNG MAN LOSES $1,200 IN A POKER ROOM

A few days ago, a well-known businessman from Brookville came to Cincinnati to buy goods. He was formerly a clerk for a well-known house, but by hard work and economy had saved enough money to establish a business of his own.

On Monday night last, the young businessman left his home with $1,200 in cash. This was all the money he had in the world and represented his savings of a lifetime.

It was his intention to buy a stock of goods for his store in Brookville, but the electric lights of the city were too much for him, and he had no sooner reached the city before he was met by a friend, and after a few drinks, he was invited into a well-known poker room on Race Street.

The young man was asked to play and soon consented to risk a few dollars on the infatuating game. At first he won, but soon the wind blew the other way and dollar by dollar, it drifted away.

After playing all night, the early dawn found the young man with only $48 left. Disheartened with the loss of the money, the young man began drinking and for the past three days has been wandering the streets in  state of despondency.

His friend were advised of his condition and came to the city last night and took him home. The loss will prove disastrous to him and will ruin his business.

Note: This story has all the trimmings.