The History of Betting: From Ancient Games to Modern Gambling

Betting has been part of human life for thousands of years, across cultures, classes and continents.

From ancient games of chance to modern day online gambling, the history of betting is part of the human story.

Let’s go back in time and see how betting has shaped the world and still affects us today.

Earliest Evidence of Betting in Ancient Civilizations

The first recorded evidence of betting is around 3000 BC in Mesopotamia where the first six sided dice was discovered.

Dice at that time were made from animal bones, clay or stone and weren’t just for entertainment.

In early societies, dice were also linked to religious rituals, used to make decisions or predict the will of the gods.

In Egypt, archaeological findings show that betting was prevalent during the time of the Pharaohs, especially with games like Senet, an ancient board game.

Senet was believed to have both recreational and spiritual dimension, it symbolised the journey of the soul through the afterlife.

Although not purely a betting game, it had an element of luck and early Egyptians may have bet on its outcome.

Betting Games in Mesopotamia, Egypt and China

In Mesopotamia, simple forms of betting were betting on dice throws or racing animals like horses or camels.

Betting was a communal activity and often took place during festivals or religious gatherings, so it was part of social life.

In ancient China, betting was big. The Chinese are credited to have invented some of the earliest forms of lottery systems which was used as a means of raising funds for big state projects.

For example, the proceeds from these lottery games were used to build the Great Wall of China.

Photo by Mehmet Yasin Kabaklı

The game of Keno which evolved from these early lottery systems is one of the oldest known betting games and is still played in modern casinos today.

Dice games were everywhere in these early cultures but other forms of betting emerged.

In ancient India, for example, betting is mentioned in the sacred text Mahabharata where a key scene in the epic revolves around a dice game that led to the downfall of a kingdom.

This shows that even in antiquity, betting had risks that could lead to big social consequences.

Dice and Lots in Early Betting

Dice played a big role in the evolution of betting, especially in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and later in Greece and Rome.

Originally used for religious purposes—casting lots was a way of seeking divine guidance—dice transitioned into tools for entertainment and betting.

They symbolised randomness and the influence of fate which made them perfect for games of chance.

Casting lots, similar to dice rolling, was also common. In many cultures, lots were used to divide property, make decisions or even select leaders.

In Greece, lots were cast to decide who would hold public office, in Rome they were used to settle legal disputes.

Although casting lots had serious applications, people would probably bet on the results so it was one of the earliest forms of betting.

Some of the earliest dice were not the six-sided cubes we are familiar with today.

The first dice used in Mesopotamia were four-sided or pyramid-shaped.

In Egypt dice were often knucklebones from animals, so betting evolved from early forms of hunting and survival practices.

Betting in Greek and Roman Societies

By the time we get to ancient Greece and Rome, betting was already widespread but with varying degrees of social acceptance.

In Greece, games of chance were popular during festivals and religious ceremonies.

Although the Greeks saw betting as a leisure activity, it was also associated with moral questions.

In Greek mythology, even the gods bet—Zeus, Poseidon and Hades rolled the dice to divide the universe and Zeus won and took control of the heavens.

Greek citizens bet on various activities including dice games, animal races and athletic competitions especially during the Olympic Games.

Photo by Frans van Heerden

Some betting games were frowned upon but it was part of Greek culture; they believed in fate and fortune.

The Romans however took betting to a whole new level.

Although there were laws to restrict betting (especially during the Roman Republic), the people found ways to indulge in their love of games of chance.

Dice games, known as alea, were very popular and despite efforts to regulate them, they were played in taverns, private homes and even during military campaigns.

The Romans also developed a taste for betting on more elaborate events. The Colosseum became the hub of Roman betting culture where citizens would bet on gladiatorial combat.

Chariot races was another big betting event, Roman citizens would place huge bets on the outcome of these thrilling contests.

The Circus Maximus, Rome’s great chariot racing arena could hold hundreds of thousands of spectators and many came as much for the betting as for the race itself.

Despite the Romans love for gambling, it was officially considered a vice and was strictly regulated.

For example under Emperor Augustus, gambling was forbidden except during the festival of Saturnalia where the rules were relaxed and citizens of all classes could bet.

In fact many Roman soldiers would gamble between battles, using dice and makeshift betting games to kill time.

This made soldiers notorious for their betting habits, they would bet their spoils of war and even their own armour.

Medieval Betting: From Taverns to Royal Courts

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash

As Europe transitioned from ancient civilizations to the medieval era, gambling continued to evolve, becoming a prominent feature of daily life.

Betting took place everywhere, from local taverns to royal courts, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time.

Despite opposition from religious authorities, gambling remained a popular pastime across all levels of society.

Popularity of Dice Games and Card Games in Medieval Europe

During the Middle Ages, dice games were a common form of gambling, enjoyed by both peasants and nobility alike.

The simplicity of dice made them accessible, and games like Hazard—a precursor to modern craps—were played in taverns throughout Europe.

While dice games had existed since ancient times, their popularity surged in medieval Europe due to their portability and the excitement they generated.

In the late medieval period, card games began to emerge, likely introduced to Europe from the Middle East or Asia via trade routes.

One of the earliest recorded card games in Europe was Primero, a precursor to poker, which became particularly popular in royal courts.

These games allowed players to bet on the strength of their hands, setting the stage for future developments in card-based gambling.

Gambling Among Different Social Classes

Gambling was not restricted to the nobility. In fact, peasants and lower classes were heavily involved in betting activities, often wagering on dice or card games.

Meanwhile, the upper classes and royalty indulged in more sophisticated gambling events, often involving large sums of money.

Nobles would host lavish gambling nights at their estates, betting on card games, dice rolls, and even jousting tournaments.

Despite the commonality of gambling across all classes, there were significant differences in the scale of bets and the types of games played.

The upper classes could afford to wager vast amounts of wealth, while peasants typically gambled with smaller stakes, such as food or household items.

The Church’s View on Betting and Attempts to Ban It

The medieval Church didn’t like betting and saw it as a vice that led to moral decay.

As a result there were various attempts to regulate and even ban betting. But many people continued to bet in secret and even some members of the clergy were known to play games of chance.

Famous Gamblers Throughout History

Throughout history many famous people have been known to be gamblers.

King Henry VIII of England was one of them, he loved to bet on dice and card games.

He was so addicted to it that he reportedly lost huge sums of money – losing a reported £3,250 on cards in two years (a lot of money in those days) and died owing 50 palaces!

No doubt this added to his already controversial reputation.

Organised Betting in the 17th and 18th Centuries

The 17th and 18th centuries saw the biggest change in the history of betting with the rise of organised betting and betting becoming more mainstream.

Lotteries as State Sponsored Betting

Photo by Markus Winkler

One of the biggest developments during this period was the rise of lotteries. Governments started to sponsor lotteries as a way to fund public projects.

For example the British government used lotteries to fund the colonization of America while European countries held lotteries to fund infrastructure projects.

Probability Theory and Betting

The 17th century also saw the birth of probability theory thanks to mathematicians like Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat.

This new mathematical understanding allowed bettors to calculate odds more accurately and changed the way people bet.

It was a big shift, betting moved from pure chance to a more calculated approach.

Horse Racing as a Betting Sport

Horse racing, often called “the sport of kings” became one of the most popular forms of betting in the 18th century.

Organised races started to attract big crowds with people betting on the outcome.

This period also saw the establishment of formal rules and regulations for horse racing and laid the foundation for modern sports betting.

Gambling Houses and the Birth of Modern Casinos

By the late 18th century gambling houses started to pop up across Europe.

These houses offered various games like cards, dice and early forms of roulette.

They were the forerunner to modern casinos, a controlled environment for people to gamble.

Betting in the Wild West: Saloons and Steamboats

Photo by Dimitrije Djekanovic

Betting was part of the culture of the American Wild West where it flourished in saloons and on steamboats that cruised the Mississippi River.

Betting in the American Frontier

The 19th century was the era of the American frontier and betting.

Saloons where cowboys, miners and outlaws would gather had card games and dice rolling at the heart of their entertainment.

Betting was a way of life for many settlers and frontiersmen.

Famous Old West Gamblers and Their Stories

The Wild West produced legendary figures who were known for their gambling. Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and Wild Bill Hickok were not only famous gunfighters but also skilled gamblers.

Their lives and stories have become part of American folklore with tales of high stakes poker games and showdowns.

Betting in Frontier Towns’ Economy

Betting was a big part of the economy in frontier towns.

Saloons and gambling halls attracted people from all over, boosting the local economy. 

Cheating, Violence and Attempts to Regulate

The Wild West was lawless and betting was no exception. Cheating was rampant and disputes over bets would often end in shootouts.

Local authorities would sometimes try to regulate betting but enforcement was often weak and the frontier was a hotbed of betting activity.

20th Century: Vegas, Baby!

The 20th century saw the birth of Las Vegas which became the world’s betting capital and changed everything.

By the mid 20th century Las Vegas was a fully fledged city from a small desert town thanks to the legalization of betting in Nevada in 1931.

The big casinos and resorts and the lure of betting made Las Vegas the place to go for tourists looking for fun.

Prohibition Era and Underground Betting

During the Prohibition era in the 1920s when alcohol was banned in the US, underground betting flourished.

Speakeasies and illegal gambling dens operated in secret often with the involvement of organised crime.

This was also the era of illegal bookmaking and sports betting.

Legalization and Regulation of Betting in Various Countries

Throughout the 20th century several countries legalised and regulated betting seeing it as a source of tax revenue and economic growth.

The UK for example passed the Betting and Gaming Act in 1960 which legalised betting shops, casinos and bingo halls.

Organised Crime in the Betting Industry

Organised crime was a big part of the development of the betting industry especially in the US.

Mobsters like Bugsy Siegel were behind the creation of the Las Vegas casino empire.

Although regulation would eventually curb most of the criminal influence organised crime’s role in the industry is part of its history.

The Digital Revolution: Online Betting and Beyond

The late 20th and early 21st centuries has seen betting go digital and betting is in the homes of millions worldwide.

Online Casinos and Sports Betting Sites

The internet changed the betting industry in the 1990s with the arrival of online casinos and sports betting sites.

This allowed punters to bet from their own homes and the betting market grew rapidly.

Online sites have since evolved to offer a multitude of games including virtual slot machines, poker and sports betting.

Mobile Betting and Accessibility

The arrival of smartphones changed the betting landscape. Mobile apps made betting more accessible than ever, punters can bet anytime, anywhere.

This increased convenience has grown the betting industry but has also raised concerns about gambling addiction.

Virtual Reality

The future of betting may lie in virtual reality (VR).

Some online casinos are already experimenting with VR environments that allow players to step into immersive digital casinos, complete with virtual dealers and other players.

As technology continues to advance, the gambling experience may become even more interactive and engaging.

The Social Impact: Betting’s Influence on Culture and Society

While betting has provided entertainment and economic benefits, it has also had significant social impacts that continue to spark debate.

Gambling Addiction and Efforts to Promote Responsible Betting

One of the major social concerns surrounding gambling is addiction. As betting becomes more accessible, the risk of addiction increases.

Many governments and organisations now promote responsible gambling initiatives, providing resources and support for those affected by gambling-related problems.

The Economic Impact of Legalised Gambling on Communities

Legalised gambling can bring significant economic benefits to communities, particularly in the form of tax revenues and job creation.

However, these benefits must be weighed against the potential social costs, such as gambling addiction and financial hardship for individuals.

Betting in Popular Culture: Movies, Books, and Music

Betting has long been a theme in popular culture, appearing in countless movies, books, and songs.

From films like Casino and Rounders to novels like The Gambler, the world of betting has provided rich material for storytelling and artistic expression.

The Ongoing Debate: Social Costs vs. Economic Benefits

The debate over the social costs and economic benefits of gambling continues.

While legalised betting can generate significant revenue for governments and businesses, critics argue that it can also lead to addiction, crime, and other social problems.

Striking a balance between regulation and freedom of choice remains a challenge for policymakers.

Conclusion

The history of betting is a story of evolution, innovation, and cultural significance.

From ancient civilizations to the digital age, the way humans engage with gambling has changed dramatically, yet the core thrill of taking a chance remains timeless.

As technology continues to reshape the industry, the future of betting promises to be just as exciting as its storied past.