Ninepin bowling was eventually outlawed in some states due to its association with gambling and rowdy behavior. According to one account, nine-pin bowling became popular in New York City during the early 1700s. The game was mostly played by young men, who sometimes bet on the outcome of the match. In 1745, New York City passed a law banning nine-pin bowling due to the "excessive drinking, gambling, and lewdness" that took place at bowling alleys.