The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo: Charles De Ville Wells, Gambler and Fraudster Extraordinaire

Charles Deville Wells is a notorious criminal who broke the bank at Monte Carlo ten times and became Europe's most wanted criminal. He is either phenomenally lucky or a clever fraudster, but he is known as 'Monte Carlo Wells - the man with 36 aliases.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Charles Deville Wells, a notorious figure in the annals of gambling history, achieved an extraordinary feat by breaking the bank at Monte Carlo not once, but ten times. His remarkable success resulted in substantial winnings equivalent to millions of dollars in today's currency. Following this extraordinary achievement, Wells embarked on another audacious venture, orchestrating a colossal bank fraud in Paris. As a result, he became the most sought-after criminal in Europe, hunted by the British and French police and widely referred to in the press as "Monte Carlo Wells—the man with 36 aliases." The question that arises is whether Wells's incredible streak of luck or his purported invention of an "infallible gambling system" truly accounts for his extraordinary success. Alternatively, could it be that he is merely an exceptionally clever fraudster who has managed to outsmart the authorities time and again?

Wells's life was marked by a series of remarkable events, including his early years in London, where he developed a passion for gambling. Despite his lack of formal education, he managed to excel in various card games and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled player. However, his gambling addiction led him down a path of financial ruin, and he was eventually forced to flee to Europe to avoid legal consequences.

In Monte Carlo, Wells's luck seemed to shine brightly. He began by winning small amounts of money, but his confidence grew, and he started placing larger bets. His success continued, and he soon found himself winning significant sums of money. It was during this period that he developed his "infallible gambling system," which he claimed could guarantee him a win every time.

Despite his claims of invincibility, Wells's luck eventually ran out. After a series of losses, he was forced to flee Monte Carlo, leaving behind a trail of debt and a reputation as a notorious gambler. He then moved to Paris, where he continued his gambling exploits, but his luck seemed to have deserted him.

In Paris, Wells orchestrated a massive bank fraud that resulted in him stealing millions of dollars. He used a complex scheme involving fake accounts and fraudulent transactions to dupe the bank into believing that he was a wealthy investor. However, his scheme was eventually uncovered, and he was arrested by the French police.

Wells's arrest marked the end of his gambling career, and he was sentenced to several years in prison. However, his story did not end there. While in prison, Wells continued to gamble, using his knowledge of the game to win small amounts of money. He also wrote a book about his experiences, which became a best-seller and helped to shed light on the world of gambling.

In conclusion, Charles Deville Wells's life was a remarkable tale of triumph and tragedy. He achieved incredible success by breaking the bank at Monte Carlo ten times, winning millions of dollars in the process. However, his gambling addiction and subsequent bank fraud led to his downfall and imprisonment. Despite his criminal record, Wells remained a skilled gambler and a captivating storyteller, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of gambling.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803993737
Edition number: New ed