History of Gambling
History of Gambling
History of Gambling
Gambling has been around as long as humankind. Gambling is the second oldest profession.
Dice were found in the tombs of the ancients. Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ garments at the
foot of the cross. Gambling, it seems, has had a role in virtually every civilization, from the
earliest of times. It is sometimes important to be reminded of this reality. Roll the Bones: The
Historical records indicate that gambling was practiced at least as early as 4,000 years ago,
specific and detailed knowledge of gambling practices through the ages is scant. From the
records that do exist, however it can be surmised that gambling was as popular, and a
The first records of gambling are Chinese, circa 2300 B.C. A gaming board used by Chaldean
tribesmen 2,000 years before the birth of Christ was recovered in excavations of the city of Ur,
Gambling was legalized and taxed in India during the reign of Chandragupta, from 321 to 296
B.C.
Gambling in the New World was introduced by Spanish, French, and English settlers, although
the Indians played some primitive games before tbe Europeans arrived,24 In Play the Devil; A
History of Gambling in the United States from 1492 to 1955, Henry Chafetz described the
gaming activities.
said the Indians "use a game upon rushes much like primero,
wherein they card and discard, and lay a stake, too. They
will play at this for their bows and arrows, their copper