Gambling has long been a male-dominated world and the biggest gamblers do still tend to be men. In recent years however there has been a rise women who defied expectations, mastered their craft, and turned their skills into serious profits. These women became legends not just for their winnings but for their strategies, charisma, and tenacity. Here are ten famous female gamblers who proved that the game doesn’t care about gender—only skill.
1. Vanessa Selbst – The Poker Powerhouse
Vanessa Selbst is a name synonymous with excellence in poker. With over $11 million in tournament earnings, she holds the record as the most successful female poker player of all time. Known for her fierce competitiveness and innovative strategies, Vanessa won three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets during her career. She didn’t just play for the money—she refined and pushed the boundaries of poker theory. Her calculated risks and intellectual approach to the game earned her titles and respect from peers across the globe.
2. Annette Obrestad – The Online Poker Prodigy
At just 18 years old, Annette Obrestad won the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe Main Event, making her the youngest WSOP bracelet winner in history. Before that milestone, she became a legend in online poker circles, amassing millions under her alias “Annette_15.”
What’s even more incredible? She famously won a sit-and-go tournament without looking at her hole cards, relying solely on reading opponents’ actions. This wasn’t luck—it was raw skill and sharp instincts.
3. Kara Scott – The Multipotential Maverick
Canadian-English poker player Kara Scott is more than just her winnings—she’s a trailblazer. Known for her charismatic personality and skillful play, Kara has cashed in multiple high-profile poker tournaments, including earning sixth place in the Irish Open, one of the world’s oldest poker events. What makes her story inspiring is the balance she strikes—Kara transitioned from poker broadcasting to serious competition, proving that her talent wasn’t just behind the desk.
4. Jennifer Harman – The High-Stakes Queen
Jennifer Harman has been a legend in the world of high-stakes poker for decades. She boasts over $2.7 million in tournament earnings, not to mention the untold millions she’s pocketed from cash games. Jennifer has won two WSOP bracelets and is one of the few women to compete regularly in the “Big Game,” a Las Vegas cash game reserved for the industry’s elite. Her aggressive style and steely focus have earned her respect in rooms where even experienced players falter.
5. Barbara Enright – Breaking Barriers
Barbara Enright etched her name in history as the first woman to reach the final table of the WSOP Main Event in 1995. She’s won three WSOP bracelets and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame—the first woman to receive such an honor. Barbara’s victories shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female poker players. Her secret weapon? Unwavering confidence and the ability to read opponents with startling accuracy.
6. Kathy Liebert – The Strategic Genius
Kathy Liebert’s nickname, “PokerKat,” reflects not just her agility but her ferocious competitive spirit. With more than $6 million in career earnings, she has proven that consistency is key. Kathy was the first woman to win $1 million in a poker tournament, taking home the prize at the PartyPoker Million event. She combines strategy, patience, and an uncanny ability to sniff out the best opportunities, making her one of poker’s most enduring figures.
7. Vicky Coren Mitchell – The Writer-Turned-Champion
Vicky Coren Mitchell seamlessly juggles dual careers as a poker champion and successful writer. She became the first player in history to win two European Poker Tour (EPT) titles, accumulating millions in earnings. Known for her wit and poise, Vicky brings a unique perspective to the world of poker, blending intellectualism with sharp game instincts. Her career proves that poker is as much about strategy as it is about storytelling.
8. Alice Walker – The Tournament Trailblazer
Alice Walker broke barriers in the world of blackjack, solidifying her place in history with a monumental win at the 2007 World Series of Blackjack. Outplaying 39 other participants in a fiercely competitive tournament, she became the first woman to claim the prestigious title. That alone speaks volumes about her skills, but Alice didn’t stop there. She also earned the championship in Three-Card Poker, making her the only individual to secure back-to-back wins in both formats. Alice’s lifelong dedication to the game—starting at just three years old—proves that mastery comes from persistence and passion.
9. Denise Coates – The Visionary of Online Gambling
Whilst perhaps Denise Coates is not a “gambler” by definition she has made astronomical wealth through the world of gambling. Her foresight and expertise in econometrics allowed her to identify the untapped potential of online gambling at the dawn of the digital era. Launching Bet365 in 2000, Denise introduced groundbreaking features like in-play betting, which revolutionized how people engage with sports wagering, enabling users to place bets during live events.
Under her leadership, Bet365 has grown into one of the largest online gambling platforms worldwide, employing thousands and generating billions in annual revenue. Beyond her business acumen, Denise’s commitment to giving back shines through the Denise Coates Foundation. Her foundation supports a range of charitable causes, including education, medical research, and disaster relief, making a meaningful impact on communities across the globe.
10. Cathy “Cat” Hulbert – The Maverick Counter
Cathy “Cat” Hulbert turned blackjack into an art form through her razor-sharp card-counting skills. Starting her professional gambling career in the 1970s, Cathy joined one of the most celebrated blackjack teams, led by Ken Uston, where she helped rake in millions in winnings. Her mathematical mind, honed during her college years, made her a standout player. Despite facing bans from over 150 casinos and being arrested multiple times, Cathy’s resilience and unparalleled expertise remain a testament to her impact on the industry. Today, while she no longer plays blackjack, her legacy continues as an inspiration to those looking to master the game.
Lessons We Can Learn From Them
These women didn’t just make millions in gambling—they rewrote the rules and solidified their legacies in the industry. Their stories remind us that success stems from skill, persistence, and innovation. While poker often dominates as the game of choice for successful female gamblers, there’s no reason we won’t see more women rising to prominence in other areas of gambling.
For anyone looking to excel in gambling, or any competitive pursuit—these women serve as powerful role models. They didn’t just take risks; they took calculated ones. They didn’t just rely on luck; they sharpened their skills until luck became irrelevant. Their wins remind us that, regardless of the odds, breaking barriers is always possible.
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