The Myth That Eskimos Don't Gamble

The statement that "Eskimos don't gamble" is not just wrong—it's a harmful stereotype that erases a vibrant aspect of Inuit culture. In reality, indigenous Arctic peoples have engaged in gambling games for centuries, long before European contact.

Traditional Gambling Games

One of the most well-documented examples is Inukat, also known as the bone gambling game. This game involves a bag of mixed bones, typically tarsal bones from seal flippers, though bones from birds and polar bears were sometimes included. Players would compete in what anthropologists describe as a cross between a jigsaw puzzle and a fishing game, often wagering on the outcome.

Dice games were equally popular, with handcrafted dice made from bones, stones, or carved ivory. These games blended skill with chance, reflecting the Inuit values of resourcefulness and adaptability in harsh Arctic environments.

More Than Just Entertainment

Gambling games weren't frivolous pastimes—they served important social functions. Historical records show that Arctic peoples wagered items ranging from hunting equipment to land use rights. Some games were played during funerals and celebrations, helping to strengthen community bonds.

The handgame, also called the bone game, remains popular today across indigenous communities. Players conceal marked bones in their hands while opponents guess their location, with gambling occurring both among players and spectators. Women competed against women, men against men, creating structured social events.

Why This Myth Persists

Stereotypes like "Eskimos don't gamble" often stem from oversimplified or romanticized views of indigenous cultures. Early anthropologists and missionaries sometimes portrayed Arctic peoples through a narrow lens, emphasizing survival skills while ignoring recreational and social practices.

The term "Eskimo" itself is considered outdated and potentially offensive by many indigenous Arctic peoples, who prefer specific names like Inuit, Yupik, or Inupiat depending on their nation.

Cultural Continuity

Today, traditional games like Lahal have experienced a revival in places like the Chilcotin region, played at celebrations and helping younger generations connect with their heritage. These games continue to serve as vessels for cultural transmission, carrying forward languages, songs, and social practices that have survived for millennia.

Far from abstaining from gambling, indigenous Arctic peoples developed sophisticated games of chance that were deeply woven into the fabric of their social and ceremonial life.