There is little entertainment in prison. Despite this, the prisoners actively play table gambling games. Such entertainment is prohibited in places of detention. However, people play at their own risk. There are many popular prison gambling games, which are prohibited by the administration and security. What games do prisoners in US jails like the most? Let’s take a closer look.
10. Backgammon
The well-known backgammon game is not too common in gambling houses. In the “bird” and the US Navy, they prefer the “ace-deuce” combination. This game appeared over 5000 years ago in the Middle East. The goal of the game is to remove all the opponent’s checkers first. Many people think that this game is loved only by pensioners, but they are wrong. Backgammon is especially popular in jails. This gambling game is extremely popular among prisoners.
9. Blackjack
This popular game is called “21 points” by the people. Blackjack is the second most popular prison game. In jail, it is very easy to play it without attracting the attention of the administration. The losers choose a dealer, determine the amount of the bet and distribute cards. Blackjack does not lose its popularity, no matter what.
8. Bridge
Another famous game in prisons is Bridge. Despite the fact that it is considered fun for pensioners, prisoners willingly play it. The bridge is a type of popular game of whist. It was invented in the 19th century. Despite the fact that bridge is considered one of the most peaceful games, there are constant disputes between prisoners regarding the rules of the game. The bridge is another variation of the popular card game whist. The rules of this game allow you to play without serious disputes between opponents, however, there is always a tense situation in jail.
7. Craps
Dice is one of the most popular prison games. This ancient entertainment appeared in the 11th century during the Crusade. The game came to New Orleans in 1870. Craps are loved by casino visitors and prisoners. Small cubes are easy to disguise in the cell from prisoners or guards. Since that time, this game has spread all over the world. Today, people play it both in casinos and in jails. They also take it with them on trips.
6. Kaluki
This game is better known as “rummy”. The second name of the Kaluka is “Jamaican Rummy”. This card game is especially popular in the Caribbean. The goal of this game is to get rid of all the cards he has first. This game is very simple. Many prisoners manage to play it secretly, trying to pass their time.
5. Keno
Keno is a lottery-style game. However, the prisoners in the dungeons have modified it. They successfully replaced the balls with other objects. Remember the Anthony Hopkins film “Instinct”. Keno was used by the guards to determine which of the prisoners would go to work. The prisoners play it every week, distributing privileges for the winners. Yes, this is not a classic Keno, but there is no other way to play it in jail.
4. Pai Gow
The second name of this popular Chinese game is a domino. Marking is planned only by prisoners. Prisoners constantly arrange violent fights if they begin to suspect an opponent of fraud. This casino game is popular not only in jails but also in all casinos of the world. By the way, this game can be played on the Internet. To do this you only need to find and choose independent casino sites.
3. Poker
A poker game in prison is invariably accompanied by dramatic events. It is enough to recall the film “The Cold Hand of Luke” with Paul Newman in the title role. His character went against the prison system. Although poker is banned in all American prisons, prisoners continue to play it. This is simple entertainment because everyone knows the values of the cards.
2. Spades
This card game is considered the youngest because it was born in 1930 in the United States. Spades are another trick variety of card whist. The main difference between this card game and the others is that the trump card in it is always considered to be the peak suit. Otherwise, the game proceeds as usual. The highest value of the card wins the lowest.
1. Sports Betting
Sports betting is gradually seeping into prisons as well. Football switches were particularly popular in prisons in the UK. There is a lot of money in sports betting at the casino. This gambling entertainment, gradually, penetrated into US jails. The prisoners choose the organizer who accepts the bets. The final prize is distributed among the prisoners, based on the size of the winning coefficient. Despite the difficulties in transmitting information from the outside, sports betting thrives in prisons. All the necessary information is provided to the prisoners by informants. Sports betting on a match is one of the most dangerous forms of entertainment in prisons.
Conclusion
A prison sentence is not a reason to give up your favorite gambling games. That’s what most prisoners think. They come up with new ways to hide cards or dice from the guards. It is the prisoners in US prisons who create new variations of popular gambling games, using improvised materials for this.
Gambling cannot be eradicated even in places of deprivation of liberty, thanks to the ingenuity of their inhabitants. The most popular gambling games in prison are card games. Prisoners also like to play backgammon or dice. This way of entertainment is not encouraged by the guards, but this does not stop the inhabitants of prisons. They go to all sorts of tricks in order to secretly play a few games of their favorite gambling game. The possible punishment from the administration of the place of detention does not stop them either.
Why Gambling Is Banned in Prisons
Gambling is banned in prisons in the United States and in most other countries. Prison rules treat gambling as a disciplinary offence. A prisoner caught gambling can lose privileges. These include visits, phone calls, and commissary access. Repeated offences can lead to solitary confinement or a longer stay. Prisons ban gambling for good reasons. Gambling creates debts. Debts create tension and violence. A prisoner who cannot pay may be threatened or hurt. Gambling also distracts from rehabilitation. Prison programmes aim to help people change. Gambling can feed the same habits that led to crime. Some prisons run programmes to help prisoners with gambling problems. These programmes treat gambling as an addiction, not just a rule break.
How Prisoners Play Without Cards or Dice
Prisoners are creative. They make game pieces from what they have. Cards can be drawn on paper. Dice can be carved from soap or bread. Dominoes can be made from cardboard. Chips can be made from paper or plastic. Commissary items often act as money. Coffee, snacks, and stamps are common stakes. A game of poker might use instant coffee packets as chips. A game of spades might use snack cakes as the prize. These improvised games are still gambling. The stakes may look small. But the debts can grow fast. A small debt in prison can become a serious problem. The lack of real money does not make the game harmless.
The Risks of Prison Gambling
Prison gambling carries real risks. Debt is the biggest one. A prisoner who owes money may be pressured to pay with goods, favours, or violence. Debts can lead to fights. Fights can lead to injuries and more time in prison. Gambling can also lead to addiction. Problem gambling is a recognised addiction. It can make life harder after release. A person who leaves prison with gambling debts may return to crime to pay them. Some prisoners also face extortion. Stronger prisoners may force weaker ones to gamble and then collect the debt. Prison staff watch for these patterns. They can move prisoners to different units or take away privileges. The risks are much higher than the fun of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gambling allowed in prison?
No. Gambling is banned in prisons in the United States and in most other countries. A prisoner caught gambling can lose privileges and face disciplinary action.
What do prisoners use as money for gambling?
Commissary items such as coffee, snacks, and stamps often act as money. Prisoners also make game pieces from paper, soap, bread, and cardboard.
Why is prison gambling dangerous?
Debts can lead to threats, fights, and extortion. Gambling can also lead to addiction and to more time in prison through disciplinary offences.
What games do prisoners play most?
Card games such as poker, spades, blackjack, and bridge are the most common. Dice games such as craps and backgammon are also popular.
Can prisoners get help for gambling problems?
Yes. Some prisons run programmes to help prisoners with gambling problems. Outside prison, Gamblers Anonymous and national helplines offer free, confidential help.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. It does not encourage gambling in any form. Gambling carries a risk of addiction and financial harm. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, contact Gamblers Anonymous or call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) in the United States for free, confidential help.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026