The earliest known use of the word "gamer" was in the code of laws governing Walsall, England, dated ~1450. The document bans games including cards and backgammon, threatening prison for anyone housin

The earliest known use of the word
"gamer" was in the code of laws
governing Walsall, England, dated
~1450. The document bans games
including cards and backgammon,
threatening prison for anyone
housing a "gamer" on their property.
Proof we have been persecuted
since day one
1X.—Aleo it is ordeyned, that who soevyr suffer eny
tenys player, or other unliefull gamer, to use anlifall games in their house,
to lese for ету suche defaute vis. viiid. accordyng to the Statute of this lande.