Cathy Hulbert

Childhood

Born in 1950, Cathy was one of six children raised by a truck driver and a nurse. Demonstrating early independence, she left school at the age of 15 and worked to finance her own college education.

Career

Hulbert's initial exposure to the gambling industry came through an unexpected avenue: her work as an assistant to the minority leader of the New York State Senate, where she investigated the industry. This sparked her interest, leading her to take a course in blackjack dealing. In 1977, at the age of 25, she made a pivotal move to Las Vegas, the epicenter of the gambling world.

It was in Las Vegas that Hulbert made her mark as one of the first professional female card counters. She joined the Czechoslovakia team and collaborated with the legendary blackjack strategist Ken Uston. Her skill and daring at the blackjack tables were undeniable, and she became the first woman to amass over a million dollars playing the game. Her success challenged prevailing notions about women's mathematical abilities and emotional fortitude under pressure.

Later in her career, Hulbert transitioned to 7-card stud poker, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable card player. In 1996, Card Player Magazine recognized her exceptional talent by naming her one of the top seven-card stud players in the world, making her the only woman on the prestigious list. The Game Show Network even hailed her as "the best female gambler on Earth."

Beyond playing, Hulbert dedicated time to mentoring other women in the gambling world. For many years, she taught women-only poker classes at the Hollywood Park Casino, aiming to empower them with the skills and confidence to compete effectively.

Personal life

Hulbert was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1990. She was married twice, with both marriages ending in divorce. In her later years, after battling cancer, she retired from professional gambling and transitioned into a role as an online casino consultant. Cathy "Cat" Hulbert passed away on September 20, 2022, due to cancer.

Revenue

While precise figures for Hulbert's total career earnings are not publicly available, it is documented that she was the first woman to win over a million dollars playing blackjack. Her consistent success at high-stakes tables throughout her career suggests substantial earnings.

Interesting facts

Hulbert was selected as one of BBC’s 100 Women of 2016, an honor celebrating influential women worldwide.

She was one of only eight professional gamblers featured in Richard Munchkin’s book, Gambling Wizards.

Hulbert authored Outplaying the Boys, a humorous book published in 2005 that aimed to equip women with strategies for success both in life and at the gambling tables. She was a contestant on Blackjack's Tournament of Champions. Hulbert famously employed individuals over the age of seventy to play casino slot machines for her.

A biographical article about her groundbreaking achievements on the BBC website reportedly garnered a million views on its first day.

Legacy

 Cathy "Cat" Hulbert's legacy extends far beyond her impressive winnings. She is remembered as a true trailblazer who shattered the glass ceiling in professional blackjack and poker. Her fearless and aggressive playing style challenged gender stereotypes within the gambling community and inspired countless women to pursue their passion for cards. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring further solidified her impact, empowering a new generation of female gamblers.