Overview

Gambler is a dice-based board game originally published by Parker Brothers in 1975. Players roll dice to move around the board, landing on spaces that offer opportunities to bet and win money. Each player starts with $100 of in-game money, and the goal is to be the first to accumulate $1,000. The game’s signature feature is the “Dice Shaker,” a special device holding six dice that determines Sweepstakes outcomes. Rolling doubles triggers betting events where all players can wager on the results.

Components

• 1 game board
• Dice Shaker device (holds 6 dice in a line)
• 2 standard dice (for movement)
• In-game money ($100 starting per player)
• Player tokens

Setup

1. Place the game board in the center.
2. Each player takes $100 in starting money.
3. Each player selects a token and places it on the start space.
4. Place the Dice Shaker nearby with all 6 dice.
5. Youngest player or highest roller goes first.

Turn Structure

On your turn:

1. Roll Dice

Roll both dice and move your token that many spaces around the board.

2. Resolve Space

Follow the instructions on the space you land on. Spaces may:

• Award money
• Cost money
• Trigger betting events
• Draw cards with special effects

3. Check for Doubles

If you rolled doubles, you have a choice:

• Call a Sweepstakes: Trigger a Sweepstakes event (see below)
• Roll again: Attempt another roll of doubles for bonus rewards (risk of losing if you fail)

4. End Turn

Pass dice to the next player.

Actions

Sweepstakes (Dice Shaker Event)

When doubles trigger a Sweepstakes:

1. All players make a bet (wager an amount of money).
2. A player shakes the Dice Shaker, shuffling all 6 dice.
3. The dice are moved into the narrow handle, locking them in a specific order.
4. The order and values of the dice determine which player(s) win the Sweepstakes pool.

Board Space Events

Various spaces on the board provide betting opportunities, bonus income, or penalties.

Card Draws

Some spaces require drawing cards that may award money, impose fines, or trigger special events.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Win: The first player to accumulate $1,000 in in-game money wins.

There is no point scoring beyond money accumulation.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

Dice Shaker Mechanism

The Dice Shaker is the game’s unique component. It holds 6 dice that are shuffled randomly, then locked in order. The resulting sequence determines Sweepstakes winners. This adds a layer of randomness beyond standard dice rolling.

Doubles Strategy

Rolling doubles gives a choice between a guaranteed Sweepstakes or risking a second roll. Consecutive doubles can yield big rewards, but failing to roll doubles on the second attempt may carry a penalty.

Bankruptcy

If a player loses all their money, specific rules (varying by edition) determine whether they are eliminated or receive a bailout.

Out of Print

The game has been out of print since the early 1980s (US trademark cancelled 1983). Multiple editions exist with minor rule variations.

Player Reference

Turn: Roll dice -> Move -> Resolve space -> Doubles? Call Sweepstakes or roll again

Win Condition: First to $1,000

Key Numbers: | Item | Value | |——|——-| | Starting money | $100 | | Money to win | $1,000 | | Players | 2-6 | | Dice Shaker dice | 6 | | Movement dice | 2 |