Backgammon Gambling in History
Archeological finds have established that backgammon existed as early as 3500 BC. Archaology has also established that cave people already used dice and used them for gambling even much earlier than that. When backgammon emerged in history, therefore, people have already been gambling for ages. It would make sense, therefore, that people would be gambling over any game of dice, including backgammon. It is even possible that the game was already a gambling game from its inception.
Historical records actually support this idea. Tabulae, recognized as an early predecessor of backgammon, was called Alea in 54 AD. Alea meant dice. Later writings from the 6th century defined Alea as "the art of gambling with dice." This establishes the early forms of backgammon gambling.
Throughout history, there are numerous instances of gambling being outlawed by monarchs and other leaders. This usually happens when a gambling game becomes so popular that it somehow disrupts some social structures or mechanisms. Among such prohibitions are many cases including backgammon gambling.
Backgammon was known as Sugoroku in early Japan. By the late 7th century, backgammon gambling was declared illegal by Empress Jito.
Backgammon was known as Jeux de Tables in early France, and was reputed to be much loved by gamblers. This type of backgammon gambling was forbidden in the royal court in 1254 by King Louis IX. It was just one of the many gambling games he banned.
Backgammon gambling was also very popular in England during the reign of King Henry the VIII. The king himself was wellknown to be an avid gambler. The church tried to curb the practice by ordering that all backgammon boards be burned. In order to be able to continue with backgammon gambling, though, people devised folding backgammon boards that could be hidden in hollowed-out books. Similar designs are still being used for folding backgammon boards today.
Backgammon gambling in England in the time of Queen Elizabeth was known as "games of tables." Significantly, this, too, was banned by Elizabethan law in 1571.
By the 1600s, a form of backgammon gambling was known as Trictrac. Francis Willughby wrote a Book of Games in 1660 describing the stakes of the game, thereby establishing it as a game of wagering.
Today, backgammon gambling has not only survived but is even prospering. Online backgammon gambling has contributed much to its global popularity. It seems that backgammon gambling will outlast any form of prohibition and will continue to be favored by people even in coming generations.