It seems it had a ceremonial and religious sense that still now is not very clear: the time cycle of the Aztecs is based upon 52 years, the same amount of squares found in the game.
The Magliabecci codex says: Patolli's god was Macuilxochitl, deity of music, dance, gambling and games, called God of the Five Flowers.
Before starting the game, the players invoked him and they offered incense and food. They bet blankets, maguey plants, precious stones and gold adornments The Spaniards forbade the game during the conquest because it was considered pagan and idolater
Related board games are: Parques, Ludo, Pachisi