A renowned card game tournament with royal stakes was held in Russia during the 18th century, during the grand masquerade balls hosted by Empress Catherine the Great. These lavish affaijackpot slots real moneyrs were well-known for their opulence and extravagance, and both foreign and Russian dignitaries attended them. These balls featured fiercely competitive card game tournaments with substantial cash and valuable prizes up for grabs. Catherine the Great used these tournaments as a means of entertaining her courtiers and guests and showcasing her authority and influence.