Breaking the House Edge

For decades, gambling was seen as a man’s world—but these women proved otherwise. From poker tournaments to blackjack tables, the top female gamblers in history have mastered the art of strategy, psychology, and fearless play.

They’ve broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and made millions doing what they love. Let’s meet the top 10 female gamblers who changed the game forever.

1. Vanessa Selbst – The Queen of Poker

When it comes to female poker legends, Vanessa Selbst reigns supreme. With over $11.9 million in live tournament winnings, she’s the highest-earning female poker player of all time.

Highlights:

• 3-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner.
• Known for aggressive and unpredictable play.
• Holds a Yale Law degree—she’s as sharp off the table as on it.
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Pro Tip: Selbst’s strategy blends math, psychology, and boldness—a combination that dominates any table.

2. Annie Duke – The Duchess of Poker

Nicknamed “The Duchess of Poker,” Annie Duke is one of the most respected figures in professional poker.

She’s won over $4 million in live tournaments, including the 2004 WSOP Tournament of Champions and the NBC National Heads-Up Championship.

Highlights:

• Author of bestsellers on poker strategy and decision-making.
• Advocate for women in gaming and business.
• Uses her analytical mind to outthink opponents.

Fun Fact: Annie’s brother, Howard Lederer, is also a professional poker player—but she’s arguably the more famous of the two.

3. Kathy Liebert – The Consistent Crusher

Kathy Liebert has been a staple in the poker scene since the 1990s and has earned over $6.9 million in winnings.

Her calm, methodical approach has earned her respect in a game known for chaos and unpredictability.

Highlights:

• 1 WSOP bracelet.
• 300+ tournament cashes worldwide.
• Known for staying cool under pressure.

Pro Tip: Liebert’s longevity proves that discipline beats drama in professional gambling.

4. Victoria Coren Mitchell – The First Two-Time EPT Champion

British poker pro and TV personality Victoria Coren Mitchell made history as the first player ever to win two European Poker Tour (EPT) titles.

Highlights:

• Over $2.5 million in tournament earnings.
• Celebrated BBC presenter and writer.
• Known for her intelligence, charm, and razor-sharp wit.

Fun Fact: She balances her poker career with television work, proving that brains and composure make a deadly combination at the table.

5. Annette Obrestad – The Teenage Prodigy

Norwegian poker phenomenon Annette Obrestad made headlines when she won the World Series of Poker Europe Main Event—just one day before her 19th birthday.

Highlights:

• Youngest WSOP bracelet winner in history.
• Earned over $4 million by age 20.
• Known online as “Annette_15.”

Pro Tip: Obrestad famously won an online poker tournament without looking at her cards, relying purely on reading opponents—a true mind-game master.

6. Shannon Elizabeth – From Hollywood to Hold’em

Best known for her role in American Pie, Shannon Elizabeth transitioned from acting to professional poker with surprising success.

Highlights:

• Consistent performer at celebrity and professional tournaments.
• Cashed in multiple WSOP events.
• Advocates for responsible and charitable gambling.

Fun Fact: Elizabeth now runs a wildlife charity, proving that poker winnings can do good beyond the felt.

7. Jennifer Harman – The Poker Veteran

Jennifer Harman is a legend of the Las Vegas poker scene and a regular in the world’s biggest cash games.

Highlights:

• 2 WSOP bracelets.
• Over $2.7 million in tournament earnings.
• Member of the Poker Hall of Fame.

Harman’s ability to read opponents and manage emotional balance makes her one of the most respected players—male or female—of all time.

8. Alice Walker – The Blackjack Genius

Not to be confused with the author of The Color Purple, Alice Walker was one of the few women in the early blackjack scene who could consistently beat the odds.

She gained fame as part of a professional blackjack team, mastering card counting and bankroll management.

Highlights:

• Specialized in team-based blackjack play.
• Advocated for fair treatment of female gamblers in casinos.

Pro Tip: Her success came from discipline and teamwork—a reminder that strategy beats luck every time.

9. Judy Bayley – The First Lady of Gambling

Long before poker and blackjack went mainstream, Judy Bayley became the first woman to own a casino in Nevada.

Known as “The First Lady of Gambling,” Bayley ran the Hacienda Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas after her husband’s death in 1964.

Highlights:

• First female casino owner in the U.S.
• Advocate for responsible gaming and charity.
• Inspired future generations of women in gaming leadership.

Her story isn’t just about gambling—it’s about breaking the ultimate glass ceiling.

10. Liv Boeree – The Scientist Gambler

British poker star Liv Boeree is known for her unique mix of brains and boldness. With a background in astrophysics, she combines science with strategy at the table.

Highlights:

• EPT Sanremo Champion and WSOP bracelet winner.
• Over $3.9 million in tournament winnings.
• TED speaker and advocate for rational decision-making.

Pro Tip: Boeree proves that poker is more than cards—it’s math, psychology, and logic rolled into one.

Bonus: The Next Generation of Female Gamblers

Women like Maria Ho, Kristen Bicknell, and Melanie Weisner continue to dominate the modern poker scene, showing that female players aren’t just catching up—they’re leading.

As online casinos grow, expect even more women to rise through the ranks, blending intelligence, confidence, and intuition into unstoppable gaming success.

The Future Is Female

The gambling world is no longer a boys’ club. These women didn’t just play the game—they changed it forever.

From Vanessa Selbst’s record-breaking wins to Judy Bayley’s historic ownership, every one of these women proved that skill, intelligence, and courage have no gender.

Whether at poker tables or roulette wheels, the next generation of female gamblers is already making its mark—and the casino world is taking notice.

Explore our featured online casinos to play where legends are made.