Ch.4 Austin Gamblers Ep 3 Horses, Table Games and Payoffs

Ch4 Austin Gamblers - Ep. 3 Horses, Table Games and Payoffs

      Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a defense atty in the 1930s.  He shares first-hand stories of rigged horse races, slots and payoffs to local officials. Alamo Downs was popular, but the jockeys rigged many races.
       In the 1930s, big stakes often meant big losses. Ring-leaders occasionally paid off the losses not wanting to bring down the law on the games. Payoffs to Texas Rangers and the local Sherriff, also kept the games going. Even Andrew Zilker fell to their antics.
        Some games. like Skillball. were considered acceptable, even financing the American Legion. But, in time, a group from San Antonio threatened to shut us down. Rangers got paid to leave the gambling houses alone.
          Slot machines were in many Congress Avenue businesses and a common pastime for visitors and local businessmen.
        These were exciting times for Austinites looking for luck in a rigged game. 

Music: "In the Danger Zone" by Emmett's son, Polk Shelton

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Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.