The Game of Craps

Craps is well-known as the game of dice, chance, and excitement. Known for the crowds it will draw at any casino, craps has a history that dates back far before online casinos, flashy lights, or lucky dice. This simple game of counting and betting has been a sensation for centuries, both in the flesh and on a computer.

Where did Craps come from?

Craps has been derived from what most historians believe was from a game called Hazard which was played in England around 1125 AD and involved very similar concepts. Though similar dice games can be found dating back to the ancient Egyptians, craps is most mirrored to the game of Hazards and was brought to North America by English and French settlers. The layout for the modern day game of craps was modified by John H. Winn, who was trying to make the game simpler. Winn was the first to create bets such as Pass and Don't Pass, Big 8 and 8s, as well as being one of the first to completely eliminate the play of weighted or cheating dice.

The Rise of Modern Craps

Craps became a more popular game in North America in the past two centuries, particularly during World War II. During the war, soldiers were known to take up craps between fighting so that they could stay distracted from the fight at hand. As these soldiers moved from country to country, the game drew interest and eventually leaked back into Europe and the surrounding areas. By the time online craps became an option in the 1990s, craps was one of the most popular gambling games. Sadly, since slots have become such a quick and easy online choice, craps has had to take a back seat to its former fame.

There is still no other game that can call a crowd quite like craps. In casinos, dozens of people stand around waiting to see what the dice will bring. Though it sometimes takes a back seat to slots in online gaming, craps still has a venerable place in the lexicon of games for money.