Card sharp versus card shark

[George Thompson]

If I may obfuscate this discussion?

Here is an early 19th century use of the word "shark". with a mid-19th century explanation:

Although this man's name was not known, he was recognized by several as a person who had been what is commonly called a Fly Market Shark for several years.
Commercial Advertiser, December 13, 1821, p. 2, col. 2 [from a report that a drunk had been found dead]

“Shirk” or “Shark Butchers”, who were generally a set of shiftless characters, devoid of either principle or honor . . . ; and when driven off from the stands or benches, they would “shirk” around for another; and they became known as “shirkers” or “sharks”.
Thomas F. DeVoe, The Market Book, 1862, p. 222, (writing of about 1806-07.)  [This refers to an era when licensed butchers were confined to markets, as opposed to running neighborhood stores.  A relict of this policy is seen in NYC in the "Jefferson Market Court House Library", 6th Avenue and 11th street, a branch of the NYPL in a landmark mid 19th C building originally used as the market for the northwestern part of the city, then adapted as a courthouse, and now used as a library.]

Is there a connection between this "shirk" or "shark" and the gambler as "shark" or "sharp"?

GAT

George A. Thompson
Author of A Documentary History of "The African
Theatre", Northwestern Univ. Pr., 1998.