Gambling Game or Parlor Game?

Recently I played Bunco as a substitute for a regular player. Some years ago I also played as a sub but it was so long ago I couldn’t actually remember much about the game. It involves dice, a small amount of money and continually changing partners and tables. Anyway, I enjoyed myself very much and hope I get invited to play again. The name, Bunco, has me wondering about its history. I imaged that it got its name from the dice and the gambling connection. I checked it out at Wikipedia.org where I learned that Bunco was originally called “8-Dice cloth” when it was played in England during the 18th century. In 1855 the game came to San Francisco as a gambling activity in what were called “Bunko parlors”. After the civil war it became a parlor game (which it is today). It became a gambling game during Prohibition in the 1920′s and was popular in speakeasy clubs. When police raided a speakeasy they were called “Bunco squads”. Bunco became the general name that refers to confidence games, swindles and scams.
Today Bunco is a delightful parlor game. It takes no skill at all. It all depends on the throw of three dice. Game consists of six rounds starting from one and ending at six. Each player rolls three dice hoping to get the target number for that round. One point is given for getting the target number. Getting the target number on all three dice is Bunco and the player is awarded 21 points. When the head table gets 21 points the round is over and all players change partners and tables. Winner of the game is the player with the most points. A prize may be given. Bunco is especially enjoyed by women who have Bunco clubs that meet once a month (or whenever) at a different home. The hostess provides refreshments and perhaps prizes. It makes for a delightful social evening.  I certainly enjoy it.