Thursday, March 09, 2006

Gambling in Mississippi is some centuries old. Even before Europeans or Africans called the state their home, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and other Indian people in the region gambled regularly. Early accounts tell that American Indians were fond of games and gambling. Amongst the popular sports was stick ball, or ishtaboli, which means little brother of war. It is highly competitive and combative and here two teams try to score by tossing a ball against the goal post of the opposing team. This game somehow resembled a modern-day combination of football and lacrosse, without helmets and padding. Wagers on the outcome of the game were placed, like todays sports betting. These wagers often included all of the players possessions
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