With impressive online sites and lavish land-based casinos, gambling is one of the most popular activities in the modern world. But did you know that its popularity spans cultures and civilisations?

 

It is pretty evident how gambling has evolved and transformed with the changes in society. Gamblers in ancient civilisations, such as Mesopotamians, played dice primarily, while we in the modern world can enjoy a myriad of games, including slots, roulette and sports betting. This post will discuss the fascinating history of gambling, retracing its evolution from its ancient forms to the sophisticated industry it has grown into.

The Birth: Ancient Forms of Gambling


Although no one knows the inventor or origin of gambling, historians can trace the first evidence of the practice to as early as 2300 B.C. The games played during these times varied significantly depending on the specific culture and time. However, they all had a basic idea: players would wager on uncertain outcomes to win something with a higher value.

Some popular games in ancient times include different variations of sports/events betting, dice and board games. Events betting was prevalent in Greece, with spectators placing wagers on sporting events such as chariot races and the Olympic Games. Dice games included raffle, hazard and thimble-rig, while board games included the likes of ‘Senet.’ Senet was an Egyptian game involving moving pieces across a board based on dice rolls. The game has evolved over the years and is commonly referred to as Ludo in modern gambling. Card games were also popular, especially in China and Egypt.

Although ancient gambling was popular across civilisations, there were plenty of limitations that were often disadvantageous to the players. They include the following:

  • A lack of regulation – back then, the authorities did not care enough to put oversight mechanisms in place for the gambling industry. As a result, there were lots of unfair practices, such as cheating, that led to disputes.
  • Limited number of games – In the earlier days, the variety of games available for players was fairly low. That is because all the games revolved around sports events, card draws and dice rolls. The lack of many options made gambling a little boring for many players.
  • Social stigma – As you may already know, gambling is often viewed with disapproval in modern society. However, the levels of societal stigma were way higher in ancient times. Gambling was commonly associated with immoral behaviours and greed. That led to many players opting for secret gambling activities or stopping altogether.

A Shift in Perception: Gambling in the Middle Ages


The gambling industry in the Middle Ages saw massive improvements from the ancient ways. Perhaps the most notable improvement was the acceptance of the practice as a form of entertainment in events, such as medieval banquets. Guests of such events could participate in various games of chance, which mainly involved dice rolls and cards.

The Middle Ages also saw the emergence of new games, mainly due to travellers’ bringing new ideas and tricks from their adventures in other parts of the world. For instance, card games weren’t as popular in Europe in ancient times as they were in Asian and Arabian countries. However, trade exploits across continents exposed people to new cultures and created diversity in the form of gambling.

Besides the diversity in gambling games, the Middle Ages also marked the rise in gambling houses and the establishment of rudimentary regulations. The gambling houses were venues where people could visit and play different games for a chance to multiply their money. They are equivalent to casinos in the modern gambling world.

While the regulations around gambling at the time were still rudimentary when compared to what we have today, authorities aimed to curb cheating and settle gambling-related disputes. So, they introduced decrees and laws to that effect.

The Rise of Modern Gambling


The start of the modern era of gambling can be traced back to the late 17th and 18th centuries. These times saw the formalisation of gambling and the birth of modern-day casinos, regulated environments where players could engage in a wide range of games. Italy and Germany were the two main contributors and the very first hubs of casino activities in Europe.

Fast forward to the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution and technological innovations introduced a new dynamic to the gambling industry. Aspects such as transportation, communication and manufacturing saw massive enhancements, which contributed significantly to the development of new games and equipment and the spread of gambling to other parts of the world. Today, cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City are at the forefront of land-based casino gambling.

The invention of the internet in the 20th century is perhaps the most notable revolutionising factor in the gambling industry. With a mobile device and internet connection, players can now access 1337 Games non U.K. casino guide at their own convenience. These include live dealer games, sports betting and slot machines, which have significantly diversified what the gambling world has to offer.

Conclusion: Future Trends in Gambling


With fast-paced technological advancements, the future of gambling looks promising and exciting. We can expect further improvements through the integration of technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, which can take mobile gaming to a whole new level. Besides V.R. and A.R., mobile gaming could also take a step further by introducing more sophisticated apps and payment methods optimised for the regular player. Crypto gambling has grown immensely over the years. Still, with newer technologies taking root, we could see more and more sites accepting it as a mode of payment, promoting a more secure and anonymous gambling experience.