The history of gambling: from ancient dice to digital platforms
Contents
Mesopotamia: the origins of gambling and the first bets
Gambling in the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome and the first restrictions
The invention of cards and lotteries in China and the East
The spread of cards in Europe and the opening of the first casinos
The emergence of the modern industry in Las Vegas, Macau and Ukraine
The emergence of probability theory based on gambling
The digital era of online platforms, VR and crypto-technology in 2026
Interesting facts
Gambling is closely intertwined with the history of humanity. It has evolved alongside cultures, states and technologies, influencing not only leisure but also social norms, the economy and even scientific discoveries. Ukraine also has its own place in this history, from games in the days of Kievan Rus’ to the modern legalised market, which generates billions of hryvnias in tax revenue.
Mesopotamia: the origins of gambling and the first bets
The first known games of chance appeared over 5,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Archaeologists have discovered dice made from camel bones, dating back to around 3000 BC. They bore symbols of eyes and stars and were used both for divination and for disputes involving an element of risk.
One of the most famous games of that time was the Royal Game of Ur, found in the tombs of ancient Ur and dated to around 2600 BC. It was a board with 20 squares, where players moved pieces by rolling dice. Stakes could include crops, property or other valuables. In Ancient Egypt, the game of Senet was popular, combining elements of play and ritual.
Gambling in the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome and the first restrictions
In Ancient Greece, gambling became part of everyday life and religious beliefs. Dice were used not only for games but also for divination. There are also references to games in which aristocrats risked substantial fortunes.
In Rome, gambling became even more widespread. The Romans used four-sided dice, and Emperor Claudius even wrote a treatise on backgammon. Along with its popularity came the first bans. The Senate issued edicts against gambling, yet these did not deter either ordinary players or emperors. This period laid the foundations for a long-standing conflict between the freedom of entertainment and the state’s attempts to restrict gambling.
The invention of cards and lotteries in China and the East
While the ancient world was in decline, the first paper cards appeared in China in the 9th century during the Tang dynasty. According to legend, they were created for entertainment at court. Later, card games spread across the Indian Ocean and influenced the gambling traditions of other regions.
Different civilisations used different forms of gambling. In Mesopotamia, it was dice; in Sumer, the game of Ur; in Egypt, Senet; and in China, cards on paper or silk. These games formed the basis for the further development of gambling culture.
The emergence of the modern industry in Las Vegas, Macau and Ukraine
Cards reached Europe in the 14th century. The very first mentions of bans indicate their popularity. In the following centuries, card games became commonplace among the aristocracy and the urban population.
In France during the reign of Louis XIV, gambling became very popular at court. In Venice in 1638, the Ridotto was opened, which is considered the first public casino. The establishment operated under state control, which became an early model for the regulation of the gambling industry.
Modern times: Las Vegas, Macau and Ukraine
In 1931, the state of Nevada legalised gambling, which became the starting point for the development of Las Vegas. The city became one of the world’s leading centres for the gambling industry. However, in 2025, Macau surpassed Las Vegas in terms of gross gaming revenue, generating $30.9 billion compared to approximately $15–20 billion in Las Vegas.
In Ukraine, gambling has been known since the times of Kievan Rus’. In the 16th century, playing cards became widespread, and in 1991 the first casino appeared. Following the ban in 2009, the market recovered in 2020. In 2025, the gambling industry in Ukraine paid 17.4 billion hryvnias in taxes. At the same time, discussions regarding addiction and regulation continue.
The emergence of probability theory based on gambling
In the 17th century, gambling gave impetus to the development of mathematics. It was the analysis of games that prompted Blaise Pascal and Pierre Fermat to exchange letters, from which the theory of probability emerged. Later, Christiaan Huygens formulated the concept of mathematical expectation.
These discoveries extended far beyond gambling and influenced the development of statistics, insurance and other fields of science. Thus, gambling became not only a form of entertainment but also a source of significant intellectual change.
The digital age of online platforms, VR and crypto-technology in 2026
In the modern era, gambling has moved online. Since the 1990s, online platforms have been developing rapidly, and subsequently, crypto-casinos and new betting formats have emerged. In 2026, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and blockchain will be added to this sector.
The text notes that VR platforms allow the casino atmosphere to be recreated in a virtual environment, whilst AI dealers personalise the game. In Ukraine, this segment is subject to licensing, whilst the state is attempting to combat the grey market. Gambling is increasingly moving into the digital space, where technology, business and regulation converge.
Interesting facts
Among the facts cited is Ferdinand Cesar Tonges’ $6 million win on a slot machine in 2003, where the odds were 1 in 50 million. The symbolism of a 52-card deck, with four suits and a division into red and black, is also highlighted.
It is noted separately that in 2026, VR casinos such as Decentraland will offer metaverses with NFT betting, and that in 2025, Macau earned twice as much as Las Vegas thanks to baccarat. The text also cites data showing that in Ukraine, 27% of people know someone with a gambling problem.
Gambling has evolved from simple dice and ritual boards into a complex global industry that combines history, mathematics, technology and significant financial flows.
