The "sawdust game," was a confidence scam that only swindled those who deserved to be swindled.
The term “bunco” has come to mean to any type of swindle, but in the 19th century it usually referred to a confidence game involving crooked gambling.
The Audacity of a Professional Thief.
c. 1833-1842 - "From coquetry to selfishness, or what the Sea of Wealth has to do with the City and District of Love." From BrainPickings.org



