Liverpool’s Most Famous Poker Ghost Story

Have you heard the famous Liverpool poker ghost story? This is sure to give you chills when you hear it…

We don’t know about you, but we love a ghost story. All the drama and suspense and questions over if it could really happen. Looking over your shoulder, turning on the lights and keeping an ear out for creaky floorboards.

We just can’t get enough of them. And the one we’re about to tell you is just about perfect. This Liverpool poker ghost story mixes our favourite card game and one of our favourite genres, all taking place in the wonderful city of Liverpool. What’s not to love?

The Liverpool poker ghost and how he came to be

Late at night on Rodney Street, a ghostly figure in a cloak and top hat can be seen wandering past the buildings. Sightings have been made of this Liverpool poker ghost for more than 170 years. But how did this figure come to occupy the spiritual planes of Liverpool? What was he before he came to be doomed to haunt the streets of the city?

Let’s find all of that out…

This story starts when Scottish contractor Alexander Mackenzie had his first child with his wife Mary. William Mackenzie was born in Lancashire England, the eldest of 11 children Alexander and Mary would go on to have.

After an abandoned stint as a apprentice weaver, William decided to turn his hand to civil engineering. He started his career as an apprentice to a lock carpenter on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. And by the 1840s, he was one of Europe’s most successful contractors.

A deal with the devil

As a successful businessman, he developed a taste for success at the poker tables. An avid gambler, it soon became one of his major ambitions to have a lucky streak that would never end. And to do this, he made a deal with the devil.

He told the devil he could have his soul the moment his body was interred in the ground in exchange for a lifelong lucky streak at the poker tables. The devil agreed and William saw great success as a gambler.

However, he played a trick on the devil himself. He instructed his family to not bury him when he died. Instead, he was to be propped up at a table, holding a royal flush. He would remain upright and not buried for eternity, encased in a granite pyramid.

When he died in 1851, his wishes were allegedly carried out and the devil didn’t get his soul. However, because a true burial never occurred, his soul couldn’t rest in peace either. Instead he was doomed to haunt the St Andrew’s Church graveyard and the adjoining Rodney Street for centuries to come.

And so goes the story of the Liverpool poker ghost.

In the mood for another ghost story?

For another spooky poker ghost story, check out our article on the Dead Man’s Hand. This tale turned Wild Bill Hickok and his final poker hand into the stuff of legend. The story is so famous, its inspired songs, films and much much more.

Alternatively, you can learn about the world’s most cursed sports teams. This is perfect for sports fans who want a fright and might just give you something else to chat to your friends with next time you’re watching the footie down the pub.

And after all that drama of the Liverpool poker ghost story, if you feel up to placing a wager, check out bet365. When you use this bet365 bonus code, you’ll be treated to an excellent welcome offer. And that’s on top of all the good stuff you can find on bet365, including Twister Poker, a wide range of cash games and lots more.