The legacy of Roman Empire was one of the influential civilizations in history, and its impact can still be felt today. Politics, architecture, and engineering are just some of the areas that in the 21st<\/sup> century can oft be found to have influences linking back to the innovative classical civilization.<\/p>\n\n
One more sphere of influence of the Romans is in what we call gambling today. From casino chips<\/a> we cash to the six faced dice we cast; the people of the great Empire have indelibly shaped the culture of gambling into what it has become.<\/p>\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\nWas Gambling Legal in Ancient Rome?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nThe Romans were avid fans of gambling, despite it not being entirely legal. Roman Emperors were concerned about the violence that occasionally broke out due to the outcome of a bet, or because cheating was rife. The emperors also had a healthy fear of magic<\/a>, which they believed some players used to cheat and win.<\/p>\n\n
Regardless of gambling\u2019s legality, the Romans would find a way to do so. In fact, their determination to have a bet would lead to the invention of the first casino<\/a> chip! Dice games played for money were forbidden, and those found breaking the law could be punished by a financial penalty of four times their bet. By using chips, the Roman citizens could circumvent the law by claiming that they were only playing for fun should the authorities come calling.<\/p>\n\n
The Festival of Saturnalia \u2013 A Celebration of Dice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nThere was, however, one day a year when gambling was not prohibited. In celebration of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, in December each year, the people of the Empire celebrated by turning convention on its head.<\/p>\n\n
This would take the form of things happening that would not previously be commonplace – Masters, for example, would serve their slaves dinner. In another reversal of convention, dice games would be permitted as they were usually forbidden!<\/p>\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\nWhat Did They Gamble On?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nDice games, or Alea<\/em>, were popular amongst the Romans and the dice themselves were often a reflection of the status of their owner. Whilst the wealthier citizens may own dice made from ivory or amber, the common people would have them made from wood, stone, or bone.<\/p>\n\n
A popular game for the people of Rome was a dice game with a board. On this board there were thirty-six squares with different symbols, including leaves, letters, and crosses. Each player would have three dice, each with six numbered sides \u2013 identical to what we still use today. The best throw was to get a total of eighteen, three sixes, and this could be rewarded. If a player threw one or more dice showing a one, then they would be required to pay a fine.<\/p>\n\n
Similar to today, betting at the races was a popular pastime as up to 250,000 Romans would flock to the iconic Colosseum<\/a> to watch Chariot races. People of all classes and backgrounds could attend these races and gambling was rife. Archaeologists have even found evidence of people maintaining detailed records of the past performances of individual horses and their drivers, possibly inspiring future almanacs!<\/p>\n\n
There was, however, one day a year when gambling was not prohibited. In celebration of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, in December each year, the people of the Empire celebrated by turning convention on its head.<\/p>\n\n
This would take the form of things happening that would not previously be commonplace – Masters, for example, would serve their slaves dinner. In another reversal of convention, dice games would be permitted as they were usually forbidden!<\/p>\n\n
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