Nick Dandolos

Childhood

Nick the Greek was born into a wealthy family in Rethymnon, Crete (then part of the Ottoman Empire). His father was a carpet merchant, and his godfather a shipbuilder, ensuring a privileged upbringing.

Education: He studied philosophy at the Greek Evangelical College, earning a degree that later earned him the nickname "The Aristotle of the Don’t Pass Line".

Move to America: At 18, his grandfather sent him to the U.S.

First Gambling Experience: After a failed romance in Chicago, he moved to Montreal, where he learned horse racing from a jockey. Within six months, he turned his allowance into $500,000—only to lose it all just as quickly.

Career

Nick the Greek’s gambling career was marked by astronomical wins and losses, cementing his reputation as a fearless high roller.

Key Highlights

• Chicago & Early Poker Fame: After losing his horse racing fortune, he mastered poker and dice in Chicago, becoming notorious for bluffing and high-stakes wagers.
• Las Vegas Era: When gambling was legalized in Nevada (1931), he moved to Las Vegas and became a casino attraction. Despite offers from mobsters and casino owners, he remained an independent player.
• The Legendary Moss vs. Dandolos Match (1949): A five-month poker marathon against Johnny Moss at Binion’s Horseshoe Casino. Though Nick lost $2–4 million, the event inspired the World Series of Poker.
• Charity: Despite losses, he donated 20 million (equivalent to 400M today) to education and charities.
  

Personal life

Friendships: Nick mingled with celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Aristotle Onassis, and even Albert Einstein, whom he jokingly introduced as "Little Al from Princeton" to avoid scrutiny.

No Marriage: He never married, dedicating his life entirely to gambling.

Later Years: Broke but unfazed, he played $5 poker games in California, famously saying, "It’s still poker, isn’t it?".

Revenue

Nick’s net worth fluctuated wildly:

• Estimated Lifetime Winnings/Losses: Over 500 million ( 15 billion today).
• Final Years: Died nearly penniless but was given an extravagant funeral funded by wealthy friends, including Sinatra.
  

Interesting facts

• Einstein’s Poker Buddy: He allegedly played poker with Einstein, hiding his identity to avoid mockery.
• 73 Rags-to-Riches Cycles: He claimed to have gone from broke to wealthy 73 times.
• Famous Quote to a Texan: After a million-dollar game, he challenged a Texan to "double or quit" with a single card draw—the Texan refused.
• Faro Obsession: His favorite game was faro, an Old West card game.

Legacy

• Poker Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1979 as a charter member.
• Cultural Impact: Inspired books (Gambling Secrets of Nick the Greek), songs (The Great Dandolos), and even a Breaking Bad reference.
• WSP Influence: His marathon match with Moss laid the groundwork for the World Series of Poker.