The increase of people is a great cause of thefts and entries, and the laws therefore made under restraint of unlawful gaming had been found of no avail to prevent the mischief which might happen therefrom. Provision was taken upon for licensing certain houses of public entertainment in England, and certain public tables, boards, or instruments, there to be used in certain games.
And whereas the said arrangements have been by experience found to have greatly facilitated the detection, examination, and punishment of the Keepers.