I wonder when was the origin of sports betting. I read it is pretty common during Ancient Rome like horse racing and gladiator fights.
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^ I think before that is not gambling for them during ancient days, it is a competition or it could be entertainment during when there is a special days and time to time, they found out how to bet. I read this before somewhere else but don't know how to remember it. Gambling before probably the very first common is competition because people not only gamble but also it will be entertained.
However, I have learned a lot with the thread of OP, I don't know that during BC there is a dice game and they already knew it but on my mind, the origin of gambling should be on China.
Gambling or betting between competitors/fighters was commenced during the fight. There is historical record where one of the emperor lost in his bet during a gladiator fight.
As mentioned, Augustus himself was fond of gambling and did not allow his own laws to deter him from the action. He reportedly lost 30,000 sesterces when betting on a match at the Colosseum. The sum was thirty times more than an average Roman soldier’s annual salary. He was so passionate about placing a wager that many writers often commented on his weakness for various games.
Romans Gambling History:
Did you know Romans so loved gambling that they banned it.Gambling Laws in Rome
Despite gambling proving popular with Romans from all backgrounds, the pastime was generally prohibited in ancient Rome throughout the republican and imperial era. In addition to the Bona Dea festival, Romans were legally allowed to gamble during Saturnalia, a week-long festival that honoured the God Saturn. The event also allowed slaves to place a wager at the same table as their master. If, however, a Roman was caught gambling outside of the celebrations, they would receive a fine.
Did you know Roman women were not allowed to participate in gambling involving men.The Social Classes
Almost everyone gambled in ancient Rome. Every social class it seems, from a humble slave through to the emperor, would bet regularly. However, women were not permitted to participate in gambling games that involved men. It was only during the Bona Dea Festival that they were allowed to legally place a wager as the event was held especially for women.
Did you know sports betting already exist during Ancient Rome.Chariot Racing – Ancient Sports Betting
Chariot racing has been depicted in various forms of media from Ben Hur to Gladiator. It was brutal, dangerous and exhilarating and, of course, provided the Romans with a great opportunity to bet. Only the rich and powerful could bet, and this was more of a gentleman’s bet between two people. The emperor was always present during these races and the imperial box, called the pulvinar, was directly connected to the imperial castle. Chariot racing was the height of entertainment in the Roman period, challenging the Colosseum and the gladiator battles as the most popular spectator sport.
Gladiator Fights – Fight To The Death
Gladiator battles were the crème de la crème of Roman entertainment and only challenged in popularity by chariot racing. It involved two or more men battling it out to the death, only to be spared under the emperor’s decision. Like most Roman sports this, of course, allowed for betting. Betting was a tricky affair, as one gladiator was generally better equipped and better skilled than the other. The underdog rarely won and, for that reason, not many bets gentlemanly bets were placed. Some were though, and fights often broke out as bettors cheated each other.
source:
Romans Loved Gambling So Much They Banned It!Why Gambling was Popular in Ancient Rome