Roman Gambling

• Gambling on Roman Games was forbidden by Law in Ancient Rome, however under the Empire the laws were not enforced.
• The exception was the Roman Circus, where Betting was permitted during Roman Chariot Races.

History

• Roman Republic (509-27 BCE)
  • Gambling and Dice was banned by Law mainly because the Authorities were afraid Riots and of Magic being used.
  • The penalty was prison or a Fine, the Fine being multiples of the Sum bet.
  • All gambling was permitted during the festival of Saturnalia.
• Roman Empire (27 BCE-476 CE)
  • Under the Empire, the Laws appear not to have been enforced.
  • Shops existed where Dice was played.
  • Four Emperors are known to have been gamblers, Augustus, Nero, Claudius and Commodus, who turned his Palace into a Casino in an attempt to refill the Treasury he had depleted.