I don't remember it being played as a banked game, but in the 70's and 80's tournaments were very common. Top players were Michael Sall, David Sadd, and Stu Unger. Unger became famous as a poker player but his Gin Rummy skills were off the chart. He had a photographic memory and a killer instinct that made him unbeatable at gin. The Maxim, Sahara, and Desert Inn were Gin hot spots.