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Old Egyptian gambling game, it's said (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pharaoh

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'old egyptian' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'gambling game it's said' is the wordplay.
'gambling game' becomes 'faro' (I've seen this in another clue).
'it's said' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'faro' sounds like 'PHARAOH'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pharaoh that I've seen before include "Old Egyptian king" , "Now mummy" , "Ancient Egyptian ruler" , "Egyptian leader" , "Ancient king of Egypt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Guardian.
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