The Winning Corpse
The story of Monsieur Labon (or Lebon?) was widely reported in 1929. He won 500,000 francs at roulette by betting 1000 francs on 17 and then letting his winnings ride. And 17 kept winning. The problem was that he had died after the initial bet, but no one noticed until his winnings had reached 500,000 francs. The casino wanted to award his estate only what he had won on the initial bet, but his widow had taken them to court to get the full amount. I'm suspicious that the story was a hoax. First, there's a lack of details, such as his first name and the name of the casino. Second, it's difficult to believe that he could have died sitting at the roulette table and no one noticed. How did he remain sitting upright? Third, there were never any follow-ups to the story. And finally, the story doesn't seem to have been reported in any French sources. Edmonton Bulletin - Apr 12, 1929
The story of Monsieur Labon (or Lebon?) was widely reported in 1929. He won 500,000 francs at roulette by betting 1000 francs on 17 and then letting his winnings ride. And 17 kept winning.
The problem was that he had died after the initial bet, but no one noticed until his winnings had reached 500,000 francs.
The casino wanted to award his estate only what he had won on the initial bet, but his widow had taken them to court to get the full amount.
I'm suspicious that the story was a hoax. First, there's a lack of details, such as his first name and the name of the casino. Second, it's difficult to believe that he could have died sitting at the roulette table and no one noticed. How did he remain sitting upright? Third, there were never any follow-ups to the story. And finally, the story doesn't seem to have been reported in any French sources.
The problem was that he had died after the initial bet, but no one noticed until his winnings had reached 500,000 francs.
The casino wanted to award his estate only what he had won on the initial bet, but his widow had taken them to court to get the full amount.
I'm suspicious that the story was a hoax. First, there's a lack of details, such as his first name and the name of the casino. Second, it's difficult to believe that he could have died sitting at the roulette table and no one noticed. How did he remain sitting upright? Third, there were never any follow-ups to the story. And finally, the story doesn't seem to have been reported in any French sources.
Edmonton Bulletin - Apr 12, 1929
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