History of Casinos and Gambling in India

G

ambling has been present in India for centuries. Modern forms of gambling, such as casinos and lotteries, have only emerged in the past few decades. Before that, gambling was typically done in public spaces, like race courses and stadiums.

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Going back, we've put our heads together to bring you a brief guide about the history of casinos and gambling in India. Let's start.

Gambling Defined

Gambling means to place or to risk money or other things of value on something uncertain, such as the outcome of a contest or game of chance; often used in some other sense. It can be legal in one country and illegal in another.

The form of gambling most people know is casino gambling, where players place bets on card games or other games like roulette and baccarat. Some countries even allow online gambling, although some are less accepting than others.

Gambling in Ancient India

The word 'gambling' comes from the Sanskrit word 'gaja', meaning game. Ancient India was very fond of gambling. There are two Sanskrit epics; Ramayana and Mahabharata. It mentioned gambling with dice and gambling boards, believed to be an ancient form of chess.

There was a positive attitude towards gambling in Ramayana, as this was when they were still used to gambling with dice and cards. However, the negative attitude towards gambling in Mahabharata has more to do with individual morality and ethics.

India's Early Gambling Devices

The early gambling devices used in India included dice, cards, lotteries, and games of chance. Dice were used as early as 4500 BC. A piece of charcoal was employed to roll the surface of a hard stone or clay, and the thrower would be expected to win if they got the number they desired.

Cards were introduced during the 1st century AD and were central to many forms of gambling in India then. Lotteries were also very popular in India during its ancient times, with tickets being sold by lottery sellers called 'Nilgiris.'

European Influence

While India had a major role in early gambling history, soon European influence came to dominate the scene. Cricket was popularized as the betting sport of choice during the 1720s, but it was not until the 18th century that it became mainstream.

The century following the British conquest of India was a time of great change. British rule brought major horse racing events to the country, allowing aristocratic families to compete in Indian-style turf races. Today, these horses are used as symbols of modern Indian culture and tradition.

Gambling Laws in India

In 1867, the Public Gambling Act was introduced to curb the growing gambling problem in India. It made it illegal even to run a gambling house. The government has used this to regulate gambling practices in India by surrounding it within legal frameworks, making it easier for them to control and limit.

Gambling is still illegal in India and will continue to be so for many years to come. The authorities have not shown any signs of changing their stance on gambling, which has, over the years, led to an increase in illegal casinos being set up by local gangs.

Present-Day Gambling in India

The rise of the internet, over the past few years, has given citizens of India a lot of advantages. Now anyone can play their favorite games online without visiting a physical casino. New games and promotions have become more popular in the online casino world, making it a fun place to be. Bonus offers are offered regularly to keep players coming back.

Conclusion

We hope you've learned a lot about India's gambling history. It is a fact that gambling is going to be a big business in India. Unfortunately, the Indian government has no plan to regulate this industry, so most enthusiasts will continue investing in an online platform.

โœ”๏ธ History of Casinos and Gambling in India

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