Global Gambler: Strange Betting From Across The World

And just like that I’m back with another collaborative post for you guys!  Ask any one of the cousins who have cruised with me and they’ll tell you that I tend to make my way towards the casino area of the ship at least once on a vacation!  I don’t always bet a lot, but it’s something about the thrill of gambling and possibly winning a TON that draws me to the machines. I’ve even been known to hit up a casino in Louisiana too when I visit the area.  Gambling isn’t legal here in Texas, and that got me thinking about how popular and legal it is in other parts of the world.

 

 

Gambling has long been a significant part of cultures around the world. Like today, people of the past would always have different traits, and one of the most commonly found is the willingness to take a risk. Of course, as long as you’re moderate with it, gambling can be harmless, though a lot of governments don’t look at it this way. Instead, in places like Japan, it is illegal to bet on the outcome of a game. How exactly do the people of nations like this manage to get their fix, then? This post is here to answer that question.

 

Japanese Pachinko – Japan has had strict gambling laws in place for a very long time, with this sort of entertainment being forbidden in public and people’s homes alike. Pachinko machines look very similar to normal arcade cabinets, though the game you play with them is largely randomized. You buy metal balls to drop into the machine, and will receive metal balls as the prize for the games which you win. Once you’re done playing, you don’t keep the balls, instead taking them to a neighboring store which will swap them for a real prize. This enables Pachinko store owners to take advantage of the whims of gamblers, without having to break the law.

 

Indian Satta Matka – Like Japan, India has criminalized the practice of gambling, though it is still enjoyed by a huge portion of the population. Satta Matka started as a betting system surrounding the New York Cotton Exchange, with people betting on the prices which it would close on. This is still done today, and is largely regarded as an alternative to gambling. It can be hard to find a place to take part in this without browsing around online, first. Satta Matka groups are very secretive, as it can be hard to play without finding yourself getting into trouble.

 

 

The UK – Not a lot of people associate the UK as a place of heavy betting culture, unless you consider things like Horse Racing. In reality, though, silly betting games play a fundamental role in society in this part of the world. While bets are often informal, they are usually taken very seriously, with people doing regrettable things if they lose. One person may bet their friend that they can drink a pint fastest, with another drink being downed as the punishment for the loser. Games like this can be found across the world, with a lot of different cultures embracing the sillier side of gambling.

 

Understanding a culture involves more than simply visiting it. By throwing yourself into the games which locals have played for generations, you will have the chance to take part in something very unique. Of course, though, it’s always worth being careful. When you’re in a country which has made gambling illegal, being caught in the act could be devastating. Some places, like Japan, will only slap you on the wrist. Others, though, could be far stricter, and may want to keep you in prison.

 

This post was a collaborative effort – please check out my disclosure policy page for more details.