Hidden Gems: Unconventional Casino Games from Ancient Cultures
Published on December 26, 2025
While modern casinos dazzle with slots and blackjack, the true roots of gambling lie in fascinating games played thousands of years ago. Welcome to Casimo Casino – today we uncover some of the most unconventional casino games from ancient civilizations that most players have never heard of.
1. Senet – The Egyptian Path to the Afterlife
One of the oldest known board games (dating back to 3100 BC), Senet wasn't just entertainment. Egyptians believed it mirrored the soul's journey through the afterlife.
Fun fact: Tomb paintings show pharaohs playing Senet, and some sets included betting tokens made of ivory or gold.
2. Tali and Tesserae – Roman Dice Frenzy
Romans were obsessed with dice. They used knucklebones (tali) and six-sided dice (tesserae) in games of pure chance that closely resemble modern craps.
| Game Element | Ancient Rome | Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Dice Material | Bone, ivory, bronze | Plastic |
| Popular Bet | Venus throw (all different numbers) | Hardways in craps |
| Legality | Illegal except during Saturnalia | Regulated |
3. Liubo – China's Mysterious Lost Game
This strategic board game from the Han Dynasty combined elements of chance and skill. Despite its popularity, the exact rules have been lost to time – making it one of the most intriguing unsolved puzzles in gaming history.
4. Pachisi – India's Royal Betting Game
The predecessor to Ludo was played on massive outdoor boards by Mughal emperors, with real slaves sometimes used as pieces and enormous stakes on the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did ancient Egyptians really gamble?
Yes. Archaeological evidence shows that games like Senet and Mehen were often played for stakes, and
some historians consider Senet one of the earliest known betting games.
Are any ancient games still played in modern casinos?
Absolutely. The Chinese game Pai Gow evolved into the modern casino favorite Pai Gow Poker, while
dice games from ancient Rome directly influenced today's craps.
What was the most popular gambling game in ancient Rome?
The game of Tali (knucklebones) and Tesserae (dice) were extremely popular, often played illegally
in taverns despite strict laws against gambling.
These forgotten games remind us that the thrill of risk and reward has captivated humanity for millennia. Next time you play at Casimo Casino, remember – you're continuing a tradition that spans thousands of years.