Most people, even if they’re not gamblers at all, know about slots, poker and other globally common types of gambling game. But there are loads of incredibly popular games from around the world that aren’t so recognized out of their home countries. What are they like?
From a 1000-year-old Chinese numbered ball game that is increasingly finding popularity globally, to an Indian card game based on simplified poker, or a once popular but now largely forgotten card game of the American west, these are some historic gambling games you might not have heard of.
Keno is a Chinese Lottery Ball Game
Keno is one of the oldest gambling games in the world that is still played in its current form. It is thought to have originated in China in the 200AD Han Dynasty.
If you’re looking to play Keno, online or anywhere else, familiarizing yourself with the different variants and payout structures of the game is a must. Check out online casino comparison experts to find out where the best keno options are, and what kind of bonuses or promos are there to help you get into the game.
Originally known as The Game of the White Dove, how Keno got to its current name in the west is not certain. Some historical accounts say this lottery ball game was used to raise funds to build the Great Wall of China.
Players choose from a set of numbers, and the house draws the same set of numbers from a lottery. If the players picks match the balls, they win.
This casual game has massive variance, with huge wins possible for the extremely unlikely event of matching all the numbers you pick. It also adds an element of trade off, as you can pick 1 ball or up to 10 or 20.
Teen Patti is an Indian Game Similar to Poker
Teen Patti is a hugely popular Indian card game. Although its name may sound funny to English speakers, it simply means “Three Cards” in Hindi.
The game is based upon a combination of poker and the older British game Three Card Brag. It is seen regularly all over India, having become a staple of festivals and other celebrations in Hindi culture.
In this simple but engaging game, players are given three cards face down and then have to bet on who has the best. It can be played without gambling, or just for fake coins, although it is usually played for money.
There are also dozens of variants that make things more complicated, but the main version is simple enough for almost anyone to pick up and play.
Faro was a Staple of Saloons in the Old American West
Faro was an extremely common card game in North America during the late 18th and most of the 19th century. By the early 20th century, it had been almost completely overtaken by Texas Hold ‘Em Poker.
Meaning Pharaoh in French, supposedly named after a popular pack of playing cards that had an Egyptian Pharaoh as the King card.
Despite inventing it, France actually outlawed the game in the 1700s and fans of the game soon spread it across the world. By the late 19th century, Faro was by far the most popular gambling game in the US.
The game revolves around a dealer with a special box or felt layout. Players put bets on which cards they think will be drawn from the deck, and if they match they’re paid out.
Two famous players of the game include legendary 18th century raconteur Casanova and 19th century American lawman Wyatt Earp.
At the turn of the century, cheating was so commonplace in American Faro games that it fell out favor and was largely replaced by poker, which doesn’t need a banker or a specialist set up.
Trente e Quarante is a French Game still Popular Today
Meaning Thirty and Forty in French, this 17th century game is not common worldwide anymore but can still be found at swanky casinos in France, Italy and Monaco.
The game is played by a dealer spreading out two rows of face down cards, and players make various bets on what the cards might be when face up. The main bet is Rouge the bottom line cards adding up to more, or Noir, the top line adding up to more.
The game’s name comes from the winning score, which will always range between thirty and forty.
In Germany it was for a while known as Dor Den Hund or Dog’s Game, because of all the inexperienced players whose fortunes “went to the dogs” when playing against French travellers.
The game mostly failed to gain traction in North America as the house edge was too low for many gambling hall and saloon owners, and Faro was a competing but more popular option.
