From Ancient Sticks to Modern Online Casinos - A Journey Through Gambling's Past

Join us as we traverse the evolution of gambling in Canada, from ways of life in 2000 BC to our digital love of online gaming today. Ready for a time-bending adventure?

• Canada's gambling scene influenced by diverse cultures

• Games of the First Nations: Spiritual, Athletic, and Pure Entertainment

• The Hidden Viking Influence: Games and Combat

• The British Empire's Influence: Card Games & Controversial Rulers

• Colonial Gambling in Canada - Was it Tied to the British Crown?

• Gaming Among the French Nobility

• 1800s & 1900s - Two Centuries Rich in Gambling Evolution

• The Legendary American Influence on Canadian Gambling

• Today's First Nations: Merging Business with Leisure in Gambling

• Reflections on Canada's Flourishing Casino Industry

• Concluding Remarks on the Timeline of Gambling in Canada

Canada's gambling scene influenced by diverse cultures

Dive into Canada's gambling timeline and learn how it shifted from spiritual roots to a lifestyle staple.

Discover the ancient pastimes of The First Nations and bold Viking games, and see how the modern-day gambling world has evolved.

What are we dealing with here?

Before we unravel Canada's gambling history, let's first understand what gambling is all about.

As per Encyclopædia Britannica, gambling involves bets based on chance; sometimes, it combines chance and skill, like sports.

With the groundwork laid, let's journey through the rich history of gambling in Canada, chronicling each era.

Games of the First Nations: Spiritual, Athletic, and Pure Entertainment

The history of ancient Canadian gambling is vibrant and continues to thrive today, thanks to the native people. Let's explore their games and props.

1. Team games emerge

Gambling traditionally involves multiple players. From antiquity, Canada's ancestors crafted luck-based games for groups both large and small.

Stay with us to learn about these fascinating games and races!

2. Sticks and stones make me gamble

Creating props for games reminiscent of today's table games was an art in ancient times. With limited materials, people crafted pieces from wood, stone, and bone.

Archaeological finds support these claims of early craftsmanship.

3.  Slahal or the “Stick Game”

Picture two rows of people seated opposite one another. With one row passing animal bones, guided by music, the other team must tune in to the rhythm to guess who holds the bone.

Why?

The goal for the team without bones is to figure out who has the bones when the song ends.

Curious why a game with bones is called 'The Stick Game'?

Scores are tallied using specially carved wooden sticks.

Indigenous Motives Behind These Games

Ancient tribal wisdom advises games are vital for wellness, balancing the body and mind.

From early explorers to modern scientists, it's been noted that the First Nations use games to foster physical and spiritual well-being, as well as to teach basic skills like math.

Beyond education, gambling often serves as pure entertainment.

5. Sports and sports betting appear

Similar to the ancient Olympics, early Canadian societies loved athletic competitions.

They often displayed mastery in activities like:

• Spear handling/throwing;
• Archery;
• Speed canoe;
• Toboggan.

Ever wondered what this entails? Let us explain!

A toboggan is a simple, streamlined sled used by the Innu and Cree for snowy, quick travel.

Yes, snow races would determine the Toboggan champion with the shortest race times.

Interestingly, though a Canadian hallmark, similar sleds existed in Australia, where they aided transportation across deserts.

6. Evidence of dice-like objects

Brown, rectangle keepsakes made from animal bones or antlers persist to this day.

Though different from today's dice, their shape and function closely resemble them.

While precise rules of ancient dice games elude us, indigenous communities carry on these traditions, crafting and evolving usage for new generations.

7. Slender stick dice game

It might be unusual for a 21^stImagine a concept of dice as elongated, beautifully carved sticks covered in detailed patterns.

For the Meskwaki, Cheyenne, Arapaho tribes, this is just ordinary.

Yes, that’s right!

Chippewa stick dice, with light and dark faces, are thrown in sets of three. How they land defines the score.

Dice side	Points accumulated
All plain combination	4
One plain + two snakes	6
One snake + two plains	6
One snake + two men	6
One of each	0
One man + two plains	4
One man + two snakes	4
One plain + two men	4

The game continues until one player reaches a total of 50 points to win.

The Influential Role of Indigenous Women

First Nation women have always been and remain active in gaming and athletics, supported by historical and contemporary evidence.

Some tribes hold athletic competitions for young women to prove their prowess, like the 'Foot Races.'

While historically these races taught survival skills and societal roles, today, they are friendly competitions between peers. Even when colonizers tried enforcing delicate femininity, First Nation women were equals in gaming.

Celebrating the First Menstruation, young women competed in races like these.

The Athletic Woman as an Ideal

Indigenous women celebrated games with enthusiasm, captured in histories from authors and archaeologists.

Physical prowess and intellect in games were attractive traits, contrasting Western norms labeling them 'unfeminine.'

These women still cherish their love for competition today.

10. Spear dice: Toys for the Gods

History also preserves slender 29-inch wooden sticks with painted red or blue tips, housed in museums.

Decorated with vibrant feathers and detailed painting, these artifacts were likely not weapons or religious items.

Они кости!

The Zuni stick-dice, designed for playing, originally paid tribute to the Twin Heroes, spiritual bringers of civilization within tribal lore.

Fascinatingly, these objects predate the bow's widespread use by thousands of years.

Игра в кости диктовала судьбу человека

In some Northwestern tribes, destiny rested on puberty rituals involving these dice, where half-human guardians played for outcomes like angels.

It was believed that these spiritual guardians played spear dice in their world, determining the fate of their protégé.

Games like Slahal still occur today, with video guides like YouTube preserving these traditions.

11. Взгляд в прошлое

The original stories convey the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

In tales, ancestral humans stood opposite bears, winning dominion over the land with deserved triumph celebrated in each game.

Disputes over resources were sometimes settled through these intense, day-long games with sticks and music.

Но это были не единственные роли!

Exploring the Comprehensive History of Gambling in Canada (The Divine Gambler)

12. Выдерживая испытание временем

Our ancestors played with bone dice and sticks, paving the way for today's online gambling. Let's delve into gambling's roots and learn from the past.

Diving into Canada's Rich Gambling Past (When Gods Played)

From Ancient Stick Games to Modern Online Casinos - A Complete Gambling Journey Комиссия по азартным играм Канаваке Tracing the Evolution from Ancient Stick Games to Today's Online Casinos

13. От фольклора к занятости

Join us on a journey through the various eras of Canadian gambling—from 2000 BC to our present fascination with online casinos. Are you prepared to travel back in time?

The diverse cultural influences that have shaped Canadian gambling

Games of the First Nations: A fusion of religion, sports, and leisure

The Hidden Viking Influence: Games and Combat

Discover the Vikings' lesser-known influence: Their games and battles

The British Empire's Impact: Card games and cunning rulers

14.  Хнефатафл

Colonial Canadian gambling – A Reliance on the British Crown?

The Kingdom of France's Aristocratic Approach to Gaming

• Великобритания & Шотландия;
• Исландия;
• Гренландия.

The 19th and 20th centuries: A flourishing era of gambling

Какова цель?

How American gambling culture has left its mark on Canada

Modern First Nations: Balancing business and pleasure in gambling

Insights into the thriving state of Canada's contemporary casino scene

A reflection on Canada's vibrant gambling history and its ongoing journey

Unveiling Canada's gambling timeline: From its religious roots to its contemporary status as a lifestyle, gambling remains ever-present.

Discover how The First Nations entertained themselves, then delve into the world of the relentless Vikings. We'll explore the Modern Era and how gambling appears today.

• Дерево;
• Стекло;
• Кости животных;
• Драгоценные камни или металлы.

To begin our exploration, we must first clarify what gambling entails before examining its evolution within Canadian borders.

The Encyclopædia Britannica describes gambling as betting or participating in an activity driven by chance, or sometimes a mix of chance and skill, like sports or competitions.

16.  Лошадиные бои: Шоу для Одина

With a foundation established, let's embark on a chronological exploration of Canada's gambling heritage.

The tapestry of ancient Canadian gambling is intricate, and the native communities continue to nurture its legacy. Let's delve deeper into the games and playing tools.

Traditionally, land-based gambling requires the participation of multiple players. From time immemorial, the ancestors of this land devised chance-based games played by small groups and eventually larger teams.

Stay tuned to uncover the details of these ancient games and races!

To participate in activities akin to our modern table games, props were essential. In ancient times, materials were limited, prompting ingenuity in crafting game pieces from wood, stone, and bone.

Archaeological findings substantiate this assertion.

Picture two rows of individuals seated opposite one another. One group handles the animal bones, passing them from person to person while traditional songs fill the air. The opposing team must focus on the rhythm of the bone's movement, matching the music.

The objective for the team without bones is to correctly identify the individual holding the bones when the music ceases.

18.  Шестигранный кости из кости

Why is this bone-based game often referred to as 'The Stick Game'?

To keep track of scores, participants carve distinct wooden sticks with specific shapes and sizes.

Игра в кости Майера

The cultural reasons Indigenous peoples engage in such games

According to longstanding tribal wisdom within Canada's borders, games hold a vital role in maintaining well-being, contributing to both physical health and mental balance.

• Reports, from post-John Cabot accounts to modern scientific studies, highlight how First Nations incorporate games of luck and skill to promote health, impart foundational life skills, and foster spiritual growth. Similar to other cultures, gambling games serve as a tool for learning fundamental math.
• Of course, not all games are educational. Some are simply entertaining pastimes.
• Like the Greek Olympic Games, Canada's early civilizations delighted in participating in sports competitions.

Competitions frequently showcased prowess in disciplines such as:

Not familiar with that term? Allow us to clarify!

19.  Викинги и шахматы?

A toboggan is a simple, aerodynamic sled primarily used by the Innu and Cree peoples of Canada to navigate snowy terrains from point A to point B.

Табула

Indeed, snow races were held, during which toboggan champions were crowned based on their swift race completion times.

Как вы это распознаете?

Interestingly, although a distinctly Canadian creation, sleds similar to toboggans have been discovered in Australia, where the Tangalooma indigenous people employed them for desert transportation.

Rectangular, brown game pieces crafted from materials like animal bones or antlers have been preserved and are celebrated to this day.

Халатафи

Though distinct from contemporary dice, their purpose and form are remarkably akin.

Sadly, the detailed rules of ancient dice games elude us. Yet, Indigenous people preserve this heritage by training artisans to craft these items and innovate new uses.

Visualize century-old dice reimagined as elongated, delicately adorned sticks with elaborate designs, a concept foreign to most.

The British Empire's Influence: Card Games & Controversial Rulers

To tribes such as the Meskwaki, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and others, this concept remains commonplace.

Chippewa stick dice bear a dark side and a light side. Each player holds a complete set of three, tossing them into the air, and the pattern they form upon landing signals the player's score.

Давайте углубимся в эту мысль!

20.  Элизаветинское влияние на азартные игры

The game concludes when a player accumulates 50 points!

17^thThe significant role of Indigenous women

• Нарды;
• The substantial involvement of Indigenous women in gaming and sports
• Крапс;
• Стрельба из лука.

Women among the First Nations, historically and presently, actively partake in gaming and athletic endeavors, corroborated by historical accounts and present-day evidence.

Numerous Native American tribes host athletic competitions where young women showcase prowess and endurance, such as the 'Foot Races.'

In antiquity, such athletic events aimed to instill life-saving skills and affirm status among the young. Today, these events primarily foster friendly competition. Despite the white colonizers' attempts to impose ideals of fragile femininity on the First Nations, traditional gender distinctions in gaming prowess were virtually nonexistent.

Fun fact: Adolescent girls have historically celebrated their first menstruation with such races.

Athletic women as aspirational figures

Athletic women as the epitome of beauty

Indigenous women have embraced the spirit of games, evident through the consistent findings of authors, archaeologists, and sociologists.

Забавный факт:

1. Physical strength and mental acuity, evidenced in gambling successes, were highly prized attributes. This stands in stark contrast to Western standards that deemed such traits 'unfeminine' and occasionally improper.
2. Even today, Indigenous women revel in playful competition, proudly embracing their competitive nature.

22.  Все любят играть на деньги

From time immemorial, history unveils yet another element of gaming craftsmanship. Slender wooden pieces up to 29 inches long, featuring red or blue tips, are meticulously preserved in museums. The sides are often adorned with green or blue patterns painted with precision and repetition.

Различия заключаются в ставках

Beyond paint, some objects are finished with vibrant plumage embellishments. Initially, they might appear to be weaponry or religious artifacts.

Played by the Zuni, stick-dice were initially crafted as gifts to the Twin Heroes, the mythological architects of tribal civilization. These offerings transitioned from sacred objects to venerated toys and, at times, symbolic arrowheads.

Верхний класс	Средний и нижний класс
Fascinatingly, archaeological evidence posits that these artifacts predate bows, with an estimated age of over 10,000 years.	Кости, крапс

In Northwestern tribes, a man's destiny wasn't solely his own. Upon reaching puberty, boys embarked on lengthy rituals to connect with their guardian in a dream. The guardian, a human-animal hybrid, protects its human protégé, akin to angels in Judeo-Christian tradition.

23.  Вист или Трамбовать противников

В 16^thIt's believed that within the 'Other World'—visible only to shamans—guardians engage in dice games that determine their human's fate.

If a guardian were to lose, unfortunate consequences would befall the person under its watch.

Today, you can witness games like Slahal being played, and digital resources like YouTube ensure their enduring legacy.

Historically, this tale illustrated the harmony between humanity and nature.

24.  Изменения в законах об азартных играх

Avowed opponents, humans and bears clashed, and with humans victorious, they celebrated by initiating new games.

In some instances, disputes over food and territory prompted communities to resolve issues through extended stick-and-music gaming marathons.

Каждому свое!

25.  То время, когда игры были запрещены

Believe it or not, gambling and sporting contests were a big part of life in Ancient Canada. It's fascinating how these games, relics, and traditions have endured through the ages.

Despite facing the tragedies of genocide, the tribes of this region have passed their age-old games from one generation to the next for countless Sundays.

Casinobonusca deeply respects the First Nations' intricate connection to gambling. To celebrate this, we've crafted a special page to delve into this topic.

Colonial Gambling in Canada - Was it Tied to the British Crown?

A short overview

Before European settlers arrived, Canada's people were busy organizing these games on a grand scale. It involved craftsmen, athletes, and tribe leaders who all had dedicated roles.

This enduring spirit has weathered countless millennia of change and instability.

Read all about it in this section!

26.  Three major gambling eras

In 1990s Canada, a remarkable 71% of those employed in First Nation casino resorts were of Indigenous heritage. The initially bleak unemployment rate of 40% in these marginalized communities was effectively reduced to 15%.

We can distinguish three periods.

Colonial gambling

Over a thousand years ago, fearless Northern explorers made their way to Canada. They coined a name for the locals, 'Skealings', and introduced their own games.

Here, we delve into the popular Viking gambling pastimes, some of which have woven themselves into Canadian heritage.

Imagine a board game that marries the strategic depth of chess with the dice-driven dynamics of backgammon. That's what we're talking about.

Confederation & modern gambling

Archaeological digs in Viking settlements have unearthed proof of this game, including sites like:

Post-1970’s gambling

It seems quite likely that the warriors and navigators touching Canadian soil were familiar with it. On this rectangular game board, the King piece sits central, shielded by teammates, while opponents line the perimeter, readying their assault. Regrettably, the full set of rules for this game is lost since the followers of Odin preserved their rune inscriptions for sacred purposes or memorialization.

Gaming Among the French Nobility

Fun tidbit: The most pristine game set was uncovered in Iceland. Featuring 12 red and 12 white pieces crafted from animal teeth, with a whalebone King piece sculpted like an aged, two-bearded man.

Brave warriors found eternal rest alongside their beloved game sets.

The discovery of Hnefatafl boards in graves hints at its revered place among passionate players.

27.  Rouge et Noir: Red and Black

These boards came in two forms: a smaller 7x7-square grid and a much larger 19x19 variant. Surviving pawns were crafted from materials like:

The enigmatic 'Dark Ages dice' boasted four faces numbered from 3 to 6. Whether this represented a distinct system or an evolutionary step lost through time remains uncertain.

Interesting note: A Nordic fable says the aristocracy adored gambling. Legend speaks of two kings wagering in a dice game to determine the ruler of Hisigen island.^thand 18^thVikings relished intense animal confrontations, often featuring vigorous young stallions. Battles raged until one succumbed or retreated.

28. The Queen card: A French invention

Even more ferocious contests were staged with challenges from other animals, urging fighters to display their dominance.

To earn divine favor, Northerners sacrificed creatures, notably pigs and horses, with dead horses being regular offerings to Odin, the All-Father.

Nine Men's Morris, a centuries-old precursor to Tic Tac Toe.

29. The Templars and “21” or Blackjack

Although it has aliases like Nitavl or Tavl, the game remains unchanged. The nine-point board features dark and light pieces, and like chess, the player with the light pieces moves first.

The goal is to align three identically-colored pieces. It's that straightforward.

The game starts with a few pieces, but as it proceeds, the board fills with pawns. Executing a successful sequence lets the winner claim a piece from the opponent's set.

Tip for enthusiasts: Position your piece to traverse two lines. This positioning greatly enhances your odds.

30. Catholic France vs Gambling

Indeed, Vikings indulged in other chance-driven games using six-sided bones, well-polished for play.

• It first started in 1254 with Saint Louis;
• It was picked up again by Charles IV in 1319;
• Sadly, not all games have survived, but we have faint memories of a few.
• It also happened in 1560 for Charles IX;
• In this game, dice are shaken within a bowl by a player who sees the rolls. The score can either be honestly reported or deceitfully adjusted.

The opponent then has choices:

Trust and aim to surpass it;

Fun fact:

1. Call out the bluff and, if correct, the deceiver loses a 'life';
2. Accept the roll at face value.

31.  An overview of 18^th-century French influence

Scoring involves adding up the dice numbers. For instance, in a typical game, rolling two sixes equals 12. But in Meyer, you combine digits to make 66.^thVictory goes to the individual with the highest score and remaining lives.

No credible history suggests Northerners played chess. While today's chess begins in India, the Vikings had two strategic games in a similar vein.

They used various boards, divided into smaller zones.

Movement of 15 game pieces was decided by three-sided dice, restricting them to counter-clockwise turns. Moves range from three separate ones to moving three pawns in unison per roll.

Captured pieces return to their starting position on the board.

Tabula should not be confused with Halatafi, another popular yet distinct game.

Halatafi is identified by its board's holes rather than squares, and the red and white pieces are separated by an intervening space.

In gameplay, any direction is allowed, but retracing steps is prohibited. The aim is to 'capture' the most pieces; the player with four or fewer pawns is defeated.

Around 1497, the Italian navigator John Cabot mistakenly identified Canada as Asia, annexing it for Britain.

Unquestionably, Britain and its Empire have significantly influenced Canadian culture, including its gambling landscape.

Though Cabot sailed for Henry VII, it wasn't until Queen Elizabeth I that the Empire matured into a unified powerhouse, exporting its gaming culture across the Atlantic.

Colonial-era Canadians likely socialized and wagered on games including:

34. Canada and France similarities

One & Thirty (an early form of Blackjack);

Spectators also enjoyed wagering on blood sports. Caged animals battled with trained dogs, driving them to brutal clashes.

Games of chance, initially outlawed.^thDespite perpetual evasion, a law known as The Unlawful Games Act of 1541 sought to curb chance games which were seen as inappropriate distractions.

Over time, Queen Elizabeth legalized the first state lottery, initially to fund naval and harbor repairs from 1566 to 1569.

It wasn't like today’s lotteries though!

Tickets sold from 1566 bore no winning labels until the final year when payouts began. Historical accounts suggest participants recouped their investments, with Canadian representatives also in the draw.

Essentially, Elizabeth's lottery served as a loan from her people to the state.

Eventually, 'brokers' mediated sales, pioneering today's stockbrokers. Shares of whole tickets fostered early stock markets as few could buy full entries.

Even the British-American War received financing tributary to British loyalists through similar lotteries.

Britain has long embraced gambling, a tradition rooted from eras ancient to modern. Over time, especially during the Middle Ages, society largely welcomed gambling.

1800s & 1900s - Two Centuries Rich in Gambling Evolution

Various classes gambled, yet perspectives differed. The wealthy wagered lavishly, while impoverished classes likely did so modestly.

Aside from wealth differences, tastes varied too.

36.  A legal overview

Animal contests, races, chess, and card games, were popular pastimes.

Fun trivia: England's King Richard restricted gambling to nobility within monetary limits, and King Richard II later banned games from Monday to Saturday.

1867 Constitution allowed the 1892 ban

Back in the days when the British Empire was at its peak, a new card game took everyone by storm and eventually rose to fame over a century. This game, which captivated the gambling world, is now known as Whist .

1900: Bingo exception

At the turn of the 20^thIn its setup, Whist is a game enjoyed by several players, one of whom takes on the role of the dealer. Some versions add a twist with a dummy hand . This is basically an imaginary player whose cards are laid face up on the table, adding an extra layer of unpredictability.

1910: Legal horse betting emerges

Pro Tip: Having the dummy hand on the table allows you to deduce which cards are no longer in play, giving you an edge in strategic planning.

1925: Fair fun

In a lively variant of the game, teams might earn what are known as “honours” . These are bonus points awarded when the dealer deals them a face card, such as a Jack, Queen, King, or Ace.

1969: Off the lottery, we go

Throughout history, there was no unified stance among the Monarchs; views fluctuated because of political, religious, and economic influences.

1985: To each province, its own

The more devout factions campaigned for bans on games of chance, while Monarchs in need of funds for wars and large-scale projects merrily authorized them.

37.  A total ban and a push to charity

During the rule of Richard III , all games involving cards and dice met with prohibition.

Interestingly, despite his noble lineage, Richard III seemed to have had little fondness for gambling. While records are scarce on his motivations, some speculate he considered it a distracting vice.

What can we derive from this shift?

Yet, as we mentioned earlier, more forward-thinking Monarchs realized that gambling could be both a recreational activity and a lucrative source of revenue through raffles, betting, and racing.

Gambling connection between the colonial era in Canada and the British Crown?

38.  Betting in the shadows

European colonists, upon arriving in North America's northern regions, engaged in fierce battles for land and resources, resulting in a tumultuous tapestry of bloodshed, conflict resolution, and agreements.

Our focus isn't to dive too deep into the pages of broad history, but we do aim to sketch out a brief timeline regarding gambling legislation.

• As Canada started shaping into the beloved nation it is today, the legal environment regarding games of chance shifted along with societal attitudes.
• Cockfights;
• Horse races.

39.  Faro: a forgotten gem

We, as people of the 21^stBetween John Cabot's exploration and the year 1867, internal affairs were chaotic. Indigenous groups defended their lands vehemently while settlers attempted to assert dominance.^thDuring this tumultuous era, gambling preferences varied on both sides—a subject we've touched on earlier.

During this interval, the Quebec Act (1774), a melding of British and French philosophies, prohibited gambling in establishments not under regulation.

The years from 1867 to 1969 mark a significant period, one where historians dive deep into the trends and influences that shaped today's social fabric.

40.  Turn of the century changes

Between the last years of the 19^thcentury and the first quarter of the 20^thToday, we're in an era where gambling is all around. With burgeoning online casinos, luxurious resorts, hotels, and First Nations' enterprises, the industry is booming.

Let’s review them together!

• For those on the lookout for expertly chosen online casinos, we offer guidance, leveraging industry expertise while maintaining the perspective of true gaming aficionados.
• Canada's unique identity derives from an intertwined British and French cultural heritage, influencing everything from laws to lifestyles.
• Gambling, too, has been shaped by this mix of cultural influences.

41.  A Liberal lobby

Here, we present some of the most enduring games and events that have either stood the test of time or have left their mark on history.

While this particular game has faded from the US and Canadian shores, it continues to enjoy immense popularity in Monaco’s opulent casinos.

It melds elements of Roulette with card gaming, as bets are made by laying cards upon a distinctive table featuring two rows of colors.

42.  Combined forces

With one “Observer” alongside two dealers, this game became part and parcel of the 17th-century high society and military circles, including Canada's elite, offering an estimated 98% return to players.

• Newfoundland;
• Prince Edward Island;
• Nova Scotia;
• New Brunswick.

France's rich tapestry in the realm of card games is full of milestones, including pioneering feminist steps, such as introducing the Queen into the card deck hierarchy.

Initially, the Marseille-designed cards portrayed a King and a Nobleman below the Ace.

An interesting tidbit: Blaise Pascal, the mathematician and philosopher, invented what became the prototype of the Roulette wheel, aiming to mimic perpetual motion.

The card game known as “21”, Blackjack, or Vingt-Et-Un, is steeped in history and remains a favorite around the globe.

Legend has it that The Knights Templar , a secretive medieval order, concocted their version of the game, which remains largely unchanged to this day.

Curio: Western Europe and North America embraced this game with slang pronouncing it as Van John in the UK!

When you stumble upon the term “Pontoon” in old manuscripts, recognize it as an alias for Blackjack, particularly favored by Canadians during the Great War (WWI) . Although it surfaces post-1760s in France's Académie des Jeux, it appears documented post-1800s in “Hoyle”, an instructional card manual.

Despite France’s prolific role in disseminating casino games, the prevailing sentiment from the Middle Ages onward was largely one of disapproval, with several leaders outlawing it over time:

Charles V, reigning in 1369, echoed similar prohibitions.

And later, Henry III reaffirmed these restrictions in 1577.

The Legendary American Influence on Canadian Gambling

Cardinal Mazarin introduced a lottery, ostensibly to fund a bridge over the Seine that aligned with the grand Palais Louvre in Paris.

Here are the main aspects

45.  Poker, King of The Gambling World

The very first French national lottery was held to celebrate the nuptials of Louis XIV.

Faced with bans in France, gaming moved covertly within embassy grounds, safe havens with diplomatic immunity.

During the 18th century, Canada's exposure to France's eternal love for card games marked a major shift in cultural pastimes.

Regardless of societal status or creed, the French approach to card gaming transcended divisions, embraced by all.

46.  Hidden dens, a New York influence

On the US East Coast in the 19^thFrom 1720 to 1770 , this tradition spurred the rise of varied gambling houses and inspired artistic endeavors in plays and literature, richly illustrating the sovereigns of the era. Neighboring countries and territories, including Canada, followed suit.

32. Take Poker, for instance: a timeless enthusiasm that has transitioned effortlessly from traditional rooms to digital spaces.

In the continuum of French card games celebrated in Canada, Poker is a standout. The origins of this game spark debate—some herald it as an American innovation, while others trace its roots back to France.

Gambling hot spot

Despite the digital age, France grapples with accepting every game of chance, owing to their addictive allure. Yet Poker, a game demanding both math skills and memory, enjoys legal status online and offline.

47.  Gambling: deviant or spiritual?

33. Introducing Charles Deville Wells: a legend born of Monaco's gaming halls.

Throughout history, certain figures have been absorbed by games of chance. Their tales, often embroidered with intrigue, crossed the ocean into the “New World”.

A similar issue

The exploits of Charles Deville Wells are nothing short of remarkable. Notoriously successful, Wells famously played 30 consecutive games of Roulette in 1891, achieving victory in 23. His daring strategy of doubling bets post loss yielded him winnings equating to around 6 million CAD today.

Naturally, Canadian Roulette enthusiasts at the time were eager to emulate Charles's winning streak in Monaco's hallowed halls.

Yet, parallels exist!

The 19th century heralded the rise of state-sanctioned, taxed horse racing in both nations, a tradition that endures. With jockeys competing on tracks echoing the grandeur of spectators donned in sumptuous fashion seated ringside.^thcentury.

Moreover, Baccarat is widely accessible in both countries’ physical casinos.

While Canadian gamblers can also enjoy Baccarat digitally at vetted gambling sites, French law confines such play to physical locations.

35. Boule: the charming diversion adored by all ages.

One can trace the origins of Boule—a wheel game rocked by a wooden ball—to two centuries ago, captivating audiences in France, Canada, and across the pond to the UK and the US.

The wheel bears 9 slots , and the player sends forth the wooden 'boule' into the mix, anticipating where it will settle.

Because each color and number corresponds to a 'winning horse,” the game is affectionately dubbed “Les Petits Chevaux,” signifying “The little horses.'

Today's First Nations: Merging Business with Leisure in Gambling

Bets can be placed on colors, odds or evens, or specific number clusters, reminiscent of Roulette.

This section will guide you through:

• Remarkable legal cases;
• Economic growth;
• Facts to take home.

50.  Self-governing includes games?

Even as we trace through these historical eras, today's Canadian gambling landscape, a multi-billion-dollar industry , firmly roots itself in developments from these past 200 years.

As naturally, we revisit these two centuries, unraveling the threads of Canada’s formative years to the present you know today.

In what way?

The transition through these past two hundred years showcased definitive changes in regulations, either opening or closing doors of opportunity to Canadian gambling enthusiasts.

How did it end?

In a bygone era within the British Empire, a particular game began to dominate gambling salons and quickly rose to fame over a century, eventually being christened as Whist .

51.  Aboriginal gaming industry now

This is a social card game involving several participants, one of whom takes on the role of the dealer. Interestingly, certain variations introduce a unique twist with the inclusion of a “dummy” hand . This element simulates a player whose cards are visible since no physical participant occupies that seat.

• British Columbia;
• Manitoba;
• Alberta;
• Pro tip: In certain scenarios, this open hand can be used strategically. By observing its cards alongside yours, you might deduce which cards are yet to appear.
• Teams can earn extra points known as “honours” , particularly in lively game variants, when the dealer bestows a high-ranking court card, such as Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces.

Historically, Monarchs never achieved complete alignment. The disagreements stemmed from varied political, religious, and economic philosophies.

While devout individuals aimed to curb gambling activities they deemed reliant on luck, monarchs who needed funds for ventures, including wars, often allowed such activities quite generously.

52.  How many Indigenous people gamble?

There was a time during the reign of Richard III when he prohibited games involving cards and dice.

• Despite his aristocratic roots, Richard III reportedly held reservations about gambling, perhaps viewing it as a perilous diversion, though the specifics remain somewhat debatable.
• On the contrary, progressive-minded Monarchs appreciated the pastime as a viable source of revenue for the realm. Activities like lotteries, betting events, and races were leveraged for royal coffers.

What games are in the top preferences?

The tale of gambling in Colonial Canada intertwined with the influence of the British Crown?

Upon their arrival in North America, European settlers confronted Indigenous populations over land and resources, leading to a turbulent historical tapestry filled with conflict and negotiation.

Reflections on Canada's Flourishing Casino Industry

Our aim isn't to delve deeply into general history but to provide a timeline regarding gambling legislation.

As Canada matured into the country we cherish today, so too evolved its stance and legal definitions surrounding games of chance.

53.  Changes in the Criminal Code

From John Cabot's exploratory days to the confederation in 1867, legal chaos reigned, as Indigenous peoples defended their lands against settler encroachments.

During this era, gambling was a pastime that saw favour from both sides, points we have previously discussed.

Interestingly, the Quebec Act (1774) drew from British and French ideologies, curbing gambling in unregulated establishments. how to tell a winning lottery ticket before scratching it.

This particular stretch of history, spanning from 1867 to 1969, is detailed further in discussions elsewhere.

54.  The Kahnawake Gaming Commission

In our current era, gambling thrives with resorts, hotels, Indigenous institutions, and an abundance of online casinos.

We are committed to assisting those in search of reputable online casinos. Our team evaluates industry giants with both expertise and enthusiasm, offering reviews as credible as they are insightful.

Canada binds British and French influences so closely that every facet of life, gambling included, mirrors this duality.

55.  The last legs of Puritan opposition

Gambling was no exception to this profound cultural blend.^thcentury, but it slowly faded away.

This section explores the most iconic games and events that have stood the test of time, leaving an indelible impact.

56.  Present moment gambling stats

Though it has largely faded from North America, one game continues to thrive in the opulent casinos of Monaco.

The game marries elements of Roulette with card mechanics, utilizing a distinctive table format.

Simple lottery entries	Scratchcards	Other casino games
65%	36%	22%

Fun fact:

1. Featuring two dealers and an “Observer” , this game was the toast of high society, engaging everyone from elite citizens to 17th-century military figures, including a large portion of Canada's aristocracy.
2. France's deep-rooted relationship with gambling is noteworthy, from establishing its oldest gaming houses to pioneering feminist progress in card representation by including Queens.

In the past, playing cards, inspired by Marseille, featured a King and a Nobleman beneath the Ace.

+40 to 55	55 to +64
Bingo	Slot machines

Fun fact: The Roulette wheel prototype, aimed at perpetual motion, was the brainchild of mathematician Blaise Pascal.

Renowned globally, the card game known as “21” or Blackjack, also revered in France as Vingt-Et-Un, holds a rich legacy.

• Legends suggest the Knights Templar conceived a variant that has largely endured throughout the years.
• Fun fact: As this game spread across Western Europe and North America, quirky names like Van John gained popularity in player lexicon.
• If you come across the term “Pontoon” in old literature, it's simply an early name for Blackjack, often associated with Canadian forces during the Great War, appearing in 18th-century texts and manuals.

While France spearheaded numerous gambling innovations, societal views ranged from toleration to prohibition over centuries.

57.  Employment

Charles V, succeeding Philippe VI, enforced similar restrictions in 1369.

The numbers don’t lie.

Certain prohibitions resurfaced with Henry III's policy in 1577.

Yet, some influential figures recognized state-sponsored gaming's potential benefits.

Cardinal Mazarin , for instance, used lottery raffles to finance infrastructure projects, like a bridge facing the Palais Louvre.

The first organized lottery celebrated the nuptials of Louis XIV.

Games thrived in embassies, capitalizing on diplomatic immunities, post-prohibition in France.

One significant 18

century French legacy extending into Canada was an undying fervor for card games among the populace.

Cards transcended social and religious barriers, becoming a widely accepted means of communal enjoyment.

Between 1720 to 1770 , a proliferation of games and gambling venues inspired countless artistic endeavors, reaching colonies like Canada.

What do we mean by that?

32. Poker: from historical roots to digital

When pondering French games that gained traction in Canada, Poker can't be overlooked.

Academic sources spar over Poker's origins; some claim it stems from US Western trends, while others credit ancient French gameplay.

60.  A national data centre

France, although stringent in online gambling regulations due to concerns over addiction, permits Poker, given its merge of strategic and numeric skills.

33. Charles Deville Wells: a legend of Monaco's gaming scene

Tales of individuals mesmerized by gambling echo throughout history, spreading as far as the “New World”.

One such figure is Charles Deville Wells, among the most legendary gamblers.

61.  What have we learned from 2020?

His 1891 triumph—23 out of 30 Roulette games won by doubling bets on loss—netted a modern equivalent of about 6 million CAD . This inspired Canadian Roulette aficionados to test their fortune, emulating his methods. as entrepreneurs is on the rise.

Unlike France's sanctioned national lotteries under the 1993 law, Canada's lottery framework chronicles its provincial and national beginnings from the 1970s.

There are often parallels!

During the 19

Concluding Remarks on the Timeline of Gambling in Canada

century, formally sanctioned horse racing garnered popularity in both nations, fostering events where spectators rival in sartorial elegance.

Furthermore, the classic bank game Baccarat remains a staple, accessible in physical casinos of either country.

While Canadians enjoy Baccarat digitally, France restricts it to traditional casino visits.

Always be gamble aware!

The sources we have consulted:

• Gambling – Encyclopædia Britannica
• 35. Boule: An enchanting game across ages
• Originating two centuries ago, this charming little wooden game captured imaginations in France, Canada, and parts of the UK and US.
• The wheel boasted 9 slots , with 'boule' being the wooden ball that players tried to land within a favorable slot.
• With bets on colors, and sequences much like Roulette, the game's alternate name “Les Petits Chevaux” symbolizes its racing theme.
• Traversing through layers of history, the thriving multi-billion-dollar Canadian gambling sector was firmly seeded a couple of centuries back.
• Thus, undivided focus is warranted for these foundational hundred years, connecting early Canada to contemporary society.
• These centuries marked significant legal shifts, impacting Canadians' gambling experiences to comply or defy regulatory acceptance.
• Back in the days when the British Empire was at its zenith, a card game began to weave its magic in the realm of gambling. Fast forward a hundred years, and this game was the luminary of its time. We call it Whist now.
• Dice games – Lore & Saga
• In this game, several participants come together to play, including one who takes the role of the dealer. To inject some unpredictability into the mix, some formats introduce a 'dummy' hand. This 'dummy' acts like another player, but since there's no actual player handling it, the cards are dealt face up.
• Pro tip: Having the cards of a 'dummy' hand exposed can sometimes present a strategic edge, as it lets you narrow down which cards are still in play between you and the dummy.
• Gambling in France: Gaming in the 18^thCentury – History 1700s
• In a lively variant of the game, teams can be awarded 'honours', those are additional points that come their way when they're dealt a high court card such as a Jack, Queen, King, or Ace.
• Rulers never quite saw eye-to-eye over the years on matters of gambling. The debates often leaned on political, religious, and economic ideologies.
• Devout individuals attempted to put constraints on games dependent on chance. In contrast, monarchs who needed financial resources for wars and other major undertakings allowed them more openly.
• During the reign of Richard III, a decree came down banning all card and dice games.
• Historical records show that despite his noble roots, he didn't have much fondness for gambling. What exactly motivated his ban on it remains uncertain. Some suggest he viewed it as a tempting distraction.
• However, as we've noted, enlightened monarchs appreciated both the societal pastime and the financial boon to the crown when people engaged in games like lotteries, races, and similar ventures.
• How did gambling take root in colonial Canada under the British crown?
• When European settlers ventured to the North American continent, they vied fiercely over land and resources. This inevitably led to bloodshed, war, negotiating, and several other historical episodes.
• We won't dive too deep into the broad strokes of history but must outline a timeline of gambling legislation. )
• As Canada transformed into the nation we recognize today, the perceptions and legal stance towards betting games evolved alongside it.
• Gambling – Statistics Canada