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There is a line of archaeological and comparative evidence suggesting that knucklebone-type games (astragaloi) or proto-dice, existed prior to the metal ages
Using similar animal bones. Probably reaching back into the neolithic, and even upper paleolithic contexts.

“Knucklebones” astragaloi, is the small ankle bone from sheep, goats, deer, or cattle
Bones were used across the Mediterranean, Near East, and Central Asia,

They are known variously as: astragaloi, tali, kottabos, or “jacks” in later contexts

Because it’s naturally symmetrical and tetrahedral, it can land on several distinct sides
Making it ideal for: Games of chance (throwing or gambling), Divination or ritual, Counting or symbolic play.

Here are the facts: Site and Region; Date (approx.); Evidence Type; & Interpretation
Ain Mallaha (Natufian, Israel) 12,000–10,000 BCE Astragali of gazelle and goat, some bored, incised, or polished Possibly used as amulets or dice-like objects in ritual or play contexts;

Çatalhöyük (Central Anatolia, Turkey) 7400–6200 BCE Dozens of polished, painted, or perforated knucklebones found in houses and shrines Often interpreted as children’s toys, gaming pieces, or ritual counters;

Tell Halaf (N. Syria) 6000–5000 BCE Astragali recovered from domestic contexts; some worn smooth or drilled Suggests handling or stringing, possibly as amulets or gaming tokens;

Samarra Culture (N. Mesopotamia) 6000 BCE Decorated bones and tokens of similar size Early symbolic counters, potentially gaming or divination tools; and,

Shahr-i Sokhta (Iran) 2800 BCE Actual game board with astragalus-like pieces Definite Bronze Age board-and-piece game, but showing much older traditions.

Bibliography: FN David. Games, Gods and Gambling: A history of probability and statistical ideas. London: Charles Griffin & Co., 1962. rpt New York; Dover, 1998

“jackstones” (https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/jackstones). Vocabulary.com