Did Marvel name the X-Men character Gambit after the Wink Martindale game show of the same name?

[DodgerGirl]

With the passing of Wink Martindale I often wondered if Marvel named the X-Men character Gambit after Wink Martindale's game show which was also named Gambit? And I'm surprised that Marvel didn't get sued by Wink Martindale over the use of the name Gambit. I like Gambit because like Tiana he is from New Orleans and he is the coolest member of the X-Men

 

[BrianL]

With the passing of Wink Martindale I often wondered if Marvel named the X-Men character Gambit after Wink Martindale's game show which was also named Gambit? And I'm surprised that Marvel didn't get sued by Wink Martindale over the use of the name Gambit. I like Gambit because like Tiana he is from New Orleans and he is the coolest member of the X-Men

The word "gambit" is like a strategy for winning a game, like in cards or chess. I am sure tht the game show and the character used the term for the same reason, as it implies that there is more going on than meets the eye.

 

[DodgerGirl]

The word "gambit" is like a strategy for winning a game, like in cards or chess. I am sure tht the game show and the character used the term for the same reason, as it implies that there is more going on than meets the eye.

Thank you for the awesome reply Brian. Because I knew that Wink Martindale had hosted a game show named Gambit and it made me think that Marvel had named Gambit after the game show when they created the X-Men comics. I do wish that Gambit action figures could be found more in Marvel action figures though
Dodger