Evolution of Gambling in Indian Culture

Gambling has deep roots entwined within the rich tapestry of Indian culture, tracing its origins back to ancient scriptures and royal courts. As the nation evolves with modernity, the face of gambling continues to transform, reflecting a unique blend of tradition and contemporary trends.

By Arthur Brown
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Updated on August 21, 2024 EDT
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Fact checked by Steven

Gambling has been an integral part of Indian culture for thousands of years, evolving from simple dice games to sophisticated digital platforms. This journey reflects technological advancements and shifts in social attitudes and legal frameworks. From the ancient game of dice mentioned in the Mahabharata to modern online gaming platforms like odds96, the story of gambling in India is a fascinating tale of continuity and change.

Ancient gambling: More than just games

While it’s well-known that ancient Indians gambled with dice, the deeper cultural significance of these practices is often overlooked. Archaeological findings suggest that dice in the Indus Valley Civilization weren’t just for entertainment – they were often used in divination rituals. Priests would cast dice to interpret the will of the gods, blurring the line between gambling and religious practice.

This spiritual dimension of gambling persisted in various forms. In some rural communities, even up to the early 20th century, disputes were sometimes settled by a game of chance, with the belief that the gods would favor the righteous party. This practice, known as “pasa-kesari” in parts of Rajasthan, highlights how deeply gambling was intertwined with notions of fate and divine justice.

The linguistic legacy of gambling

The evolution of gambling in India has left an indelible mark on the country’s languages. Many common Hindi and regional language idioms have their roots in gambling practices. For instance, the Hindi phrase “ekka-dukka” (meaning “a little bit”) comes from the lowest rolls in a dice game. The expression “chaupar mat khel” (don’t play chaupar) is used to warn someone against taking unnecessary risks, referring to the ancient board game often played for high stakes.

Even the word “juari” (gambler) has found its way into everyday usage, often used to describe someone who takes chances in life, not just in games. This linguistic influence underscores how deeply gambling concepts have permeated Indian cultural consciousness.

Gambling and gender dynamics

The role of women in Indian gambling history is an often overlooked aspect. While gambling was predominantly a male activity, there were notable exceptions. In some matrilineal societies, such as the Khasi community in Meghalaya, women traditionally had more freedom to participate in gambling activities.

Interestingly, certain forms of gambling were specifically associated with women. The game of “pachisi,” often played on a cloth board, was popular among women in royal harems. It provided entertainment and a means of social interaction in secluded environments.

In modern times, the digital revolution has significantly altered gender dynamics in gambling. Online platforms have provided women with more access and anonymity, leading to a noticeable increase in female participation in various forms of gambling.

Gambling and entrepreneurship

An unexpected offshoot of India’s gambling culture has been its influence on entrepreneurial spirit. The concept of calculated risk-taking, central to gambling, has often translated into business acumen. Many successful Indian businessmen of the colonial era, particularly in trading communities, were known to have honed their risk assessment skills through gambling.

This connection persists in modern times, with some studies suggesting a correlation between a propensity for gambling and entrepreneurial tendencies. The ability to assess odds, manage resources, and make quick decisions under pressure – all skills developed in gambling – have proven valuable in the business world.

The role of gambling in diplomacy

Historically, gambling sometimes played a surprising role in diplomatic relations. During the Mughal era, high-stakes games were occasionally used to negotiate subtlely between rulers. A game of chess or cards could serve as a backdrop for political discussions, with the outcome sometimes influencing real-world decisions.

This tradition continued in a different form during the British Raj. Horse racing events became venues for informal interactions between Indian elites and British officials, sometimes facilitating political and business negotiations away from formal settings.

Gambling and the arts

The gambling theme has been a rich source of inspiration for Indian arts and literature. Beyond the famous dice game in the Mahabharata, countless folk tales, poems, and songs across various Indian languages feature gambling as a central theme.

In visual arts, scenes of people gambling have been depicted in ancient cave paintings, medieval miniatures, and modern art. These representations often serve as social commentary, reflecting the attitudes of their times towards risk, fate, and morality.

The digital age: New frontiers and challenges

The advent of online gambling has opened up new dimensions in India’s gambling landscape. While it has made gambling more accessible, it has also created unique challenges:

1. Virtual economies: Online games with in-game purchases and tradable virtual items have created new forms of quasi-gambling activities, blurring the lines between gaming and gambling.

2. Cryptocurrency gambling: The rise of cryptocurrencies has added another layer of complexity to online gambling, making transactions more difficult to track and regulate.

3. Gamification of trading: The gamification of stock trading apps has led to concerns about promoting a gambling mindset in financial markets.

4. AI and gambling: The use of artificial intelligence in creating personalized gambling experiences raises new ethical questions about exploitation and addiction.

Ethical gambling and corporate social responsibility

As the gambling industry grows in India, there’s an emerging focus on ethical gambling practices. Some companies are pioneering responsible gambling initiatives, using technology to prevent addiction:

  1. Self-exclusion programs: Advanced systems allow players to ban themselves from gambling platforms voluntarily.
  2. AI-driven intervention: Algorithms that detect problematic gambling patterns and trigger interventions.
  3. Reality checks: Features that remind players of time spent and money wagered during gaming sessions.
  4. Gambling literacy programs: Initiatives to educate the public about the risks and realities of gambling.

Responsible Gambling

Here are some tips for responsible gambling:

  • Set a budget and stick to it: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Decide on a specific amount of money to gamble with before you start, and don’t spend more.
  • Set time limits: Decide how long you can afford to gamble and stick to that time limit. When your time is up, walk away, even if you’re winning.
  • Take breaks: Get up and walk around every hour or so. Take some fresh air and clear your head.
  • Gamble Responsibly: for fun and entertainment, and understand the basics of responsible gambling.
  • Don’t gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs: These substances can impair your judgment and make you more likely to gamble irresponsibly.
  • Be aware of the signs of problem gambling. If you find that you are gambling more than you can afford to or that gambling is causing problems in your life, seek help.
  • Gamble for fun, not to make money: Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to get rich.

Conclusion

The future of gambling in India will likely involve navigating ethical gambling practices and harnessing technology to mitigate risks. Whatever form it takes, gambling is set to remain an intriguing and contentious aspect of Indian culture, continuing its long journey of evolution and adaptation in unexpected ways.