Jobs Museum

How did Thimbleriggers handle losing customers?

Frequently Asked Question about the extinct profession: Thimblerigger

Thimbleriggers, known for their shell game scams, often handled losing customers by employing various tactics. They would distract or mislead spectators, sometimes using sleight of hand to create the illusion of winning. If a customer lost interest, they might quickly shift focus to new participants or offer incentives to keep the game engaging, maintaining the illusion of fairness.

How did Thimbleriggers handle losing customers? - Thimblerigger | Jobs Museum