Gambling has been a pursuit of mankind from almost as far back as there are records of civilisation. It is a much quoted internet myth that cave drawings show gambling taking place. There is absolutely no evidence of this.
Historians believe that gambling games evolved from religious rituals. Even the ancient Egyptians and the Greek Gods were supposedly gamblers and were sometimes believed to have actually invented gambling. The first artefacts relating to gambling to be discovered date back to the ancient Mesopotamia of around 6000 BC and to Egypt of around 4000 BC. These were dice like objects and it appears that the favourite form of gambling then was a rich variety of games based on the throw of dice. Game boards, not unrelated to modern Backgammon boards, have been found and have been dated to the same era. There is also evidence that the first gambling regulations originated in Egypt and they date back to about 4000 BC.
Gambling in other civilisations developed in parallel, particularly in Indian and Chinese cultures. It is possible that the first casinos originated in India where gamblers were required to pay a gambling tax to the King.
Casinos were also popular in ancient china, where various gambling games took place alongside sports betting on cock fights and horse races. Playing cards appears to have been a Chinese creation as were dominoes and similar tile games that eventually became Mahjong. Games of extreme skill were also developed in China, such as the ancient game of Go. Although not a gambling game itself, it is certain that many side bets were made on the outcome of Go games and tournaments.
Much of the spread of the popularity of gambling was brought about by the expanding Roman Empire. “Heads or Tails” originated from those times and again dice was popular, particularly amongst the higher echelons of society. Big stake games were common beer. It is amazing what was staked on the roll of a dice back then, even kingdoms were gambled.
Dice and dice related games maintained ascendency until the Middle Ages when they were gradually replaced by card games and lotteries. Sports betting of all kinds remained a popular pursuit.
Over recent years betting has seen a new revolution with the online casino. Now we can play dice, cards and lottery games, along with more modern innovations without even leaving our desks. Perhaps playing with Coagula was more fun though it must have been more dangerous. Gambling must be in our genes; enjoy and make the best of it.
By stickystebee
Over recent years betting has seen a new revolution with the online casino. Now we can play dice, cards and lottery games, along with more modern innovations without even leaving our desks. Perhaps playing with Coagula was more fun though it must have been more dangerous. Gambling must be in our genes; enjoy and make the best of it.