Gambling is known as one of the oldest activities in history; it’s a leisure activity that gives pleasure to its players. Gambling in India is just the same as in other countries and its history is vastly rich in events and games found in different cultures.
Gaming in India has evolved past the early centuries of games. It has been modified into present-day games like lottery, sports betting platforms, and even staking on the best Indian online casinos. These online Indian casino websites are beneficial for Indians who prefer to gamble in the comfort of their homes. However, before investing in any online gaming sites, it’s best to research them properly. Ensure you ascertain its legitimacy, the games available, and the incentives offered. This way, you get to play in the best online casino for Indian players.
Keep reading this article to understand how people started gambling in India and its detailed history.
The Early Years of Gambling in India
Historians believe gaming in India has existed as far back as 430 BC. It was written in Ramayana, an ancient Sanskrit epic that Indians believed dates back to the 7300’s BC. In this compelling Indian epic, gambling boards that people interpreted to be the wagering of dice and game of chess were described in it. This board was called Aksa, while other sources called it Devana.
The attitude towards gaming in India’s compelling epic was entirely different from what it is now. The tone in which it was mentioned in the Ramayana was casual; it wasn’t recorded as a forbidden activity or taboo. The disregard for it began in the Mahabharata. Indians believed the Mahabharata dates back to 3200 BC, but historians believed the Mahabharata was written in 120 BC or 800 BC.
This common statement by Indian gamblers, “I lost my shirt,” originated in ancient India when Hanumat shook the trees to strip them of their fruits and took away defeated gamblers’ clothes and belongings. The history of gambling in India has shown that it involves wagering a valuable substance (majorly money) on a game with unpredictable outcomes.
The Early Gambling Devices in India
In the early days, the Buddhist text described how Indians used nuts from a Vibhitaka tree as dice in 300 BC. Then, the Vibhitaka tree nuts (dice) were changed to astragali, which birthed the Passa game. Indians then grew beyond the dice game and started staking on animals. It began with ram fights, and then innovated to cockfights. With time, Indians developed to gaming in civil horse racing. History has proven that Indians are chronic gamblers and can gamble without regard for the next day. And it was forewarned in the Hindu script and hymns about the negatives of wagering.
Europeans have been known to get the reputation for creating some games and events. Still, games like the early version of playing cards and gaming devices found in Europe all had Indian symbols embedded in them. This connotes that Indians have a significant impact in developing and assisting the gaming surge.
During the 15th century, it became rampant, and casino houses that were legally approved sprung up all over India. These houses were under strict regulations by local legislation to ensure the games played were orderly and fair to both parties. The rule didn’t protect the players but made it possible that the players could willingly pay up their dues to the house. One more historical proof was the introduction of gambling tax.
Gambling States Law in India
The country’s 29 States and 7 Union territories were given the authority to decide if they would legalize gaming or not. And most states have laws that restrict gambling, yet they permit some forms of horse racing.
Although most states in India enforce the Public Gambling Act, there are few states like Goa, Sikkim, or Maharashtra. But Goa is still the friendliest when it comes to gaming. Goa is usually referred to as the Las Vegas of India. It’s the most popular location to go for a gaming trip; it has been attracting tourists since the 1960s and 1970s. There are over ten casinos in Goa alone and most have luxurious lounges and live entertainment. And there are the best online casino for Indian players to enjoy the liberty of wagering without restriction.
Additionally, the idea of Responsible Gambling emerged intending to protect players. This refers to a system of regulations and best practices established, controlled, and supported by national gaming organizations and authorities. The casino companies are also accountable for providing fair games in a secure gaming environment, addressing issues such as:
- Vulnerable and underage players
- Money laundering activities
- Information Privacy
- Prompt and accurate customer payments
- Fair Gaming
It’s evident from the history that the country will still develop in gambling. But its evolution in India has grown so much that it now has some of the best online Indian casino sites. Since no laws restrict online casino companies’ access, gamblers can only see this as an opportunity to continue the long-lasting history of gaming in India.
Thanks to our expert guest post author, Ram Rao Oak, we have shared in detail the history of gambling in India and how it has evolved from nuts as dice to an online Indian casino.
