1864 Arizona Territory Gambling Law Manuscript Signed Gov. Goodwin – 1st Legislature
Item Description
Offered here is an original handwritten territorial legislative document from 1864, created during the First Legislative Assembly of the Arizona Territory (est. 1863).
Titled: “Chapter Fifty Nine – Of the Prohibition of Gambling”
This is a complete two-page manuscript act regulating gambling activity in early Arizona, along with the original Bill No. 46 slip signed by the Clerk of the House.
Signatures Included
- John N. Goodwin – First Governor of Arizona Territory
- Coles Bashford – President of the Legislative Council
- W. Claude Jones – Speaker of the House of Representatives
- James Anderson – Clerk of the House (on original bill slip)
Approved: November 9, 1864
Historical Significance
This document represents an early attempt by a newly formed U.S. territory to address gambling in a structured way.
Rather than banning gambling outright, the law:
- Imposed monthly license taxes on gaming tables
- Named specific games such as faro, roulette, monte, and dice
- Established fines and penalties for unlicensed activity
- Included protections involving minors (under 21)
- Directed enforcement responsibilities to sheriffs and local officials
It reflects the pragmatic realities of frontier governance, where gambling was widespread and governments sought to regulate and derive revenue from it.
Context
- Arizona Territory created: 1863
- This law passed: January 1864
- Same year Nevada became a state (1864)
- Decades before Nevada legalized gambling statewide (1931)
Physical Details
- Page 1: approx. 9.5” x 15”
- Page 2: approx. 10.5” x 15”
- Bill slip: approx. 4” x 5.25”
- Ink on paper manuscript
- Handwritten text throughout
Condition
- Overall good antique condition for age
- Expected wear consistent with mid-19th century manuscript
- Some toning, edge wear, and minor handling marks
- Please review all photos carefully for condition details
Authenticity / Notes
- This appears to be a period manuscript legislative document from the Arizona Territorial government
- Text aligns closely with known printed versions from the 1865 Acts, Resolutions, and Memorials