The Argot of Number Gambling

Abstract

THE TERM number gambling refers to the practice of wagering on the 1 outcome of certain numbers. It embraces a variety of games which diSer principally in the way the winning number is determined. The two basic types are 'policy,' in which the winning number is obtained by a drawing, and 'numbers,' in which the winning number is derived from various published statistics. Number gambling has its chief incidence among Negroes and the lower income levels of other groups. It is commonly referred to as the 'poor man's roulette,' since the minimum wager is ten cents in many of the games; in some instances it is as low as one cent. Drake and Cayton2 in their definitive study of Chicago's Negro community have characterized number gambling as a big business, a cult, and a community institution. This clearly summarizes the significant role which the activity has come to have in the life of the urban Negro. In every respect number gambl1ng is a big business. It has been estimated by some that for the country as a whole an annual intake of a billion dollars is probably conservative. Drake and Cayton estimate that in Chicago in 1938 there were approximately five hundred number banks paying a total of some $25,000 weekly in wages alone. It is judged that these banks employed over five thousand people and had an annual gross turnover of at least $18,000,000. It is likely that since that time income and wages have tripled. It goes without saying that a business of this size involves extensive and intricate organization. The cultist nature of number gambling is readily apparent. In the Negro community 'the numbers' are a perennial topic of conversation. Wherever people congregate one may hear 'number talk.' And frequently comments on the numbers have become the accepted form of greeting. Instead of the customary 'Good morning' or 'How do you do,' we often hear 'What was it?' and the answer '327,' '413,' '87S,' or whatever the winning number happens to be. The hold which this activity has on its devotees is shown also in their feverish pursuit of 'lucky numbers' via dream books, lucky incense and potions, spiritualists, numerologists, and conSdence men.