By: Valerie Chesnik
Like many Native reservations, the Oneida Nation has a popular casino that provides jobs and economic prosperity to the nation. But gaming means much more than just a fast way to get money for many Native people. Gambling is a rich part of Oneida history that is a large part of their lifestyle today. The traditional Peach Stone Game is considered the most popular.
What you need: 101 dried white beans, 2 white handkerchiefs, 6 peach stones (peach pits) with one side painted black, 1 person in middle as referee, 1 bowl.
Teams: Turtle & Bear clans vs. Wolf clan.
Rules: Everyone must place something in the pot to gamble with; must be something of value, not something you want to throw away. It also can’t be red or shiny.
When to play: Harvest, mid-winter and strawberry fests.
How to Play:
1. Place Peach Stones inside the bowl.
2. Each side takes turns shaking the bowl, similar to shaking a pair of dice to land a certain way. The goal is to get all six stones one color. This will knock out your opponent. Each turn costs an individual one bean.
3. Each individual has six beans, or six chances, to knock the other out.
4. When knocked out, beans go to the side underneath handkerchief of opponent
5. Goal is to get all the beans in one team’s handkerchief; first team to do so wins
Ready for more advanced games? Visit Oneida Casino in Green Bay to try your hand for some larger prizes and more competition. Check out oneidabingoandcasino.net for more information.
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