CHAPTER XIV.
THE LAWS AGAINST GAMING IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES.
The Gaming Table: Its Votaries and Victims, In all Times and
Countries, especially in England and in France | ||
1. ANCIENT ROME.
IN ancient Rome all games of chance, with the exception of five which had relation to bodily vigour, were absolutely prohibited in public or private. The loser could not be sued for moneys lost, and could recover what he might have paid, such right being secured to his heirs against the heirs of the winner, even after the lapse of 30 years' prescription. During 50 years after the loss, should the loser or his heirs neglect their action, it was open to any one that chose to prosecute, and chiefly to the municipal authorities, the sum recovered to be expended in that case for public purposes. No surety for the payment of money for gambling purposes was bound. The betting on
Cicero, in his second Philippic, speaks of a criminal process (publicum judicium) then in force against gamblers.
The laws of ancient Rome were, therefore, very stringent on this subject, although, there can be no doubt, without much effect.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE LAWS AGAINST GAMING IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES.
The Gaming Table: Its Votaries and Victims, In all Times and
Countries, especially in England and in France | ||