Because bowling was a popular sport in many European countries beginning in the 1100s, it was only natural that colonists brought this game with them to the New World.
The English brought 9-pin bowling here; the Germans brought their version called Kegles; and the Dutch brought their Skittles.
As bowling increased in popularity in the 1800s, people gambled at this sport. Since some gamblers were dishonest, the Connecticut Legislature passed a law banning the popular 9-pin game.
But enthusiastic bowlers avoided this law by adding a pin to make it a 10-pin game, the same 10-pin game we play today.
