The Origins & History of Gambling in China, India, and Japan

Author: Live Casino Direct
 
The Origins & History of Gambling in China, India, and Japan
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Gambling is one of mankind's oldest activities. Ancient games, dice and betting are mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahābhārata. Board games are also mentioned at the birth of Chinese civilisation in 2100 BC.

Gambling is one of mankind's oldest activities. Ancient betting games are recorded in both the Ramayana and the Mahābhārata. Board games mentioned at the birth of Chinese civilisation in 2100 BC. Archaeologists have unearthed ancient dice, tiles, and games.

Gambling is a big part of Chinese culture. The Chinese imperial system has repressed betting, making it illegal and sending it underground. Lotteries in China are a national obsession. Horse track racing is making a comeback in Macau. i in the Great Wall of China was repaired with monies raised through a game similar to Keno called the ‘white pigeon game’.

Gambling was a hugely popular pastime in both ancient and colonial India. The 1867 Public Gambling Act prohibits both visiting and running a gambling house in India, and only three states have casinos. After China, India is the world's most populous country with nearly 1.4 billion people.

Gambling is popular in China, India and Japan. The first recorded reference to gambling in Japan is in 635 AD. Professional gamblers were the forerunners to the modern day yakuza. Gambling in all three countries is heavily regulated but popular. Responsible regulation looks like the future for these growing economies.