history of canfield casino saratoga springs ny

In 1911, the city of Saratoga Springs bought the property for $150,000, a great deal less than the original price. In 1907, anti-gambling forced the closing of the casino. Only the most elite, arriving from all over the country, walked up the long staircase to play there. Upstairs, the stakes were much higher, oftentimes as high as $100,000. This room had vaulted ceilings, colorful Tiffany stained-glass windows and over-the-top chandeliers, which added to the air of splendor Canfield was aiming for.ĭownstairs, gamblers could begin with $1 dollar bets. Nearly $1 million was devoted to renovations, with a stunning grand ballroom added.

Although he’d decided to keep the name of the Club House intact, it was the public that dubbed it ‘Canfield Casino’ and it stuck. John Morrissey passed away in 1878 and the Club House fell into a state of decline until 1893.

Women were allowed to gather together in the library, over their love of music and gossip, while the men wagered throughout the long hours of the night. Men who might gamble what could be hundreds of thousands of dollars a night, played together in this exquisite Spa City establishment. No ladies, only cash transactions and no locals allowed.Ĭatering only to the very rich and very famous, the Casino drew the most elite from all over the world. Instead you’re surrounded by gorgeous fashion of the late 1800’s displayed on old mannequins, interesting memorabilia carefully arranged in the Historical Museum’s glass cases and views of the impressive high stakes gaming room where it was men and men only who were invited to play, way back when.īuilt in 1870 by John Morrissey, a famed boxer and member of the notorious Tammany Hall crew, the Casino was first known as the Saratoga Club House and there were three rules strictly adhered to while it was in business. Once the handsome wood doors open and you step foot inside, you can say goodbye to the year 2015. If you have an extra five bucks in your wallet and want to see something both interesting and different while wandering around the city, you need only walk into Saratoga Springs Historical Museum and Casino, located downtown, in the center of the town’s picturesque Congress Park.Ī much talked about landmark, it is steeped in both history and rumors of hauntings.

History of canfield casino saratoga springs ny