Playing Dice

Dice players make an unexpected appearance in this calendar, for gambling is a rare theme for January. They are playing "raffle," a game won by rolling three matching numbers at once, similar to modern slot machines. There seems to be some debate over the winning throw of three 3s, for both players point at the dice, but the peddler's smile suggests he has the upper hand over his disgruntled wealthy opponent. Perhaps he is using weighted dice, a common trick still used today.