Gambling, the act of wagering on the outcome of a game or event with an element of chance, has a storied history that intersects with culture, religion, and society. In the Middle East, this history is as ancient as civilization itself, reflecting a complex relationship with the practice that spans millennia.
The origins of gambling in the Middle East can be traced back to the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia, around 3000 BCE. The region, known as the cradle of civilization, saw the creation of some of the first known games of chance. These early forms of gambling were often linked with divinatory practices, where casting lots was not only a form of entertainment but also a means to divine the will of the gods.
As civilizations in the Middle East flourished, so did the sophistication of gambling activities. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, were known to place bets on board games like Senet, which dates back to around 3500 BCE. This game, like many others of the era, combined elements of strategy and chance, reflecting a society that believed in the influence of supernatural forces on the mundane.
In ancient Persia, the game of As-Nas, a precursor to modern poker, emerged around the 17th century. This game was played with a deck of 25 cards with five suits, showcasing the region’s innovation in gambling activities. Gambling in ancient Persia, much like in other parts of the Middle East, was not merely a pastime but a reflection of the cultural and social dynamics of the time.
The introduction of Islam in the 7th century AD brought significant changes to the gambling landscape in the Middle East. Islamic teachings explicitly prohibit gambling, considering it a major sin. The Quran mentions gambling alongside alcohol consumption, advising believers to avoid such activities as they are the work of Satan, designed to cause animosity and hinder the remembrance of God. As a result, the practice of gambling went underground, persisting in the shadows of society despite religious and legal prohibitions.
Despite these restrictions, gambling continued to exist in various forms throughout the Islamic world. Informal betting on horse races, camel races, and other competitions remained popular, albeit discreetly. The game of backgammon, which has origins in Persia around 5000 years ago, remained a staple of Middle Eastern culture, occupying a gray area between skill game and gambling activity.
In modern times, the attitude towards gambling in the Middle East is varied, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural, religious, and legal landscapes. Some countries maintain strict bans on all forms of gambling, in line with Islamic law, while others have allowed limited forms of betting, such as horse racing and lotteries, or have established regulated gambling zones aimed at tourists.
The history of gambling in the Middle East is a testament to the enduring human fascination with chance, risk, and the unknown. Despite religious prohibitions and legal restrictions, gambling has adapted and survived, woven into the social fabric of the region in complex and often hidden ways. From the ancient casting of lots to the modern-day horse tracks, the legacy of gambling in the Middle East is a rich tapestry that reflects the intertwined history of faith, culture, and the human penchant for the game of chance.
