The Free State of Galveston: Casinos, Clubs & the Balinese Room
The "Free State of Galveston" is the nickname for the island's wide-open era from 1915 to 1962, when casinos, nightclubs and luxury hotels operated openly despite Prohibition and Texas gambling laws. Galveston became known as the "Playground of the South." The era ended after state authorities raided the island's clubs in 1957, but the stories, and several of the sites, are still here.
In short
• 1915–1962: Galveston ran as a "Free State", largely ignoring Prohibition and gambling laws.
• The island's nightlife was dominated for decades by the Maceo family.
• The Balinese Room, a club on a pier over the Gulf, became the most famous casino on the coast.
• The Texas Rangers' 1957 raids shut the casinos down. Hurricane Ike destroyed the Balinese Room in 2008.
• Our 2-hour Rat Pack Tour shows you where it all happened.
What was the Free State of Galveston?
For almost half a century, Galveston played by its own rules. While the rest of the country lived under Prohibition, the island had illegal casinos, bars, big-name entertainment and booze smuggled in by sea. Our guides like to call it the blueprint for modern-day Las Vegas, and once you hear the stories, you will see why.
Local law enforcement looked the other way for years. Texas Monthly tells the story of a sheriff who said he never raided the Balinese Room because it was a private club and he was not a member.
Who ran the Free State?
After federal crackdowns removed earlier gang leaders in the 1920s, the Maceo brothers took control of the island's nightlife. For three decades their clubs, casinos and connections shaped the island's economy and its reputation.
What was the Balinese Room?
The Balinese Room was the crown jewel of the Free State: a nightclub and casino at the end of a long pier stretching out over the Gulf of Mexico from Seawall Boulevard. The long pier was part of the legend. When lawmen came through the front door, the story goes, there was plenty of time to hide the tables before they reached the casino at the end.
Other famous names from the era include the Hollywood Dinner Club and the Pelican Club. Our Rat Pack Tour takes you past the sites tied to all three.
How did the Free State end?
In 1957, the state stepped in. Texas Rangers raided the island's casinos and used court injunctions to shut down slot machines and gaming tables. The open-gambling era was effectively over by the early 1960s.
The Balinese Room survived for decades as a landmark, until Hurricane Ike destroyed it in September 2008.
Where can you see the Free State era today?
Much of the Free State happened in downtown Galveston and along Seawall Boulevard, the same streets you can ride today. The Rat Pack Tour is a 2-hour guided Segway tour through the stories and sites of the era:
Length: 2 hours
Price: $79 per person
Departs: 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Starts at: 519 25th Street, Strand Historic District
Experience needed: None. Training is included
The 6:00 PM departure is a fun way to start a night out, which makes it a favorite for birthdays, bachelorette parties and group outings. Want more of the island's history? Pair it with the Magical History Tour, which covers the Strand, the 1900 Storm and the East End mansions.
FAQ
What years was the Free State of Galveston?
Roughly 1915 to 1962, when casinos, bars and nightclubs operated openly on the island despite Prohibition and Texas gambling laws.
Why was Galveston called the Free State?
Because the island largely ignored state and federal laws on alcohol and gambling, and local authorities rarely enforced them.
Is the Balinese Room still in Galveston?
No. The Balinese Room was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in September 2008. You can still visit the site on Seawall Boulevard, and our Rat Pack Tour tells its story.
Is there a tour about Galveston's gambling history?
Yes. Segway Galveston's Rat Pack Tour is a 2-hour guided Segway tour of the Free State era, including the sites of the Balinese Room, the Hollywood Dinner Club and the Pelican Club. It costs $79 per person.
Ready to ride? Book the Rat Pack Tour or call 409-692-6691.