Craps is one of the most popular and most often played games in the casino. This fairly simple dice game has its origins as far back as the 1100s, though there is some debate on who and where it originated. Most historians believe that it is an offshoot of the game Hazard. Hazard was played by Sir William of Tyre, a crusade leader. In 1125, he and his man played the game quite regularly while in the process of seizing a castle named Hazarth or Asart (there is some dispute here).
Some people believe that Hazard was a form of the Arabic dice game, Al Zar and then moved to Europe via merchants prior to the 12th century. However, there is some evidence that games played with dice extend much further back than the 12th century. In fact, some believed that they were played in 2600 BC in Egypt.
In the 17th century, Hazard became extremely popular in the United Kingdom. It was played quite often in taverns, casinos and amongst nobility. France soon adopted the game but called it by a different name. It was called craps, the name used today, by Frenchmen. This name was believed to be a term given in honor of a scenario (negative) that occurs after a player has rolled a two. Like the origin of the game, there is some dispute surrounding this matter as well.
French or British settlers brought the game to America where it was mostly played in the southern part of the country, along America’s coastline. It became a popular way to pass the time. John H. Winn would help evolve the game into something that we recognize today.
Winn helped to simplify the game and came up with the modern layout. This layout has been referred to as the Philadelphia layout. Winn introduced Pass and Don’t Pass bets as well as the Big 8 and 6. He also introduced betting against the shooter.
During the 20th and 21st centuries, craps was played quite often by soldiers in World War 2. Wherever U.S. soldiers went the game was introduced into that particular country. In this way, the United States, particularly the U.S. military, was in part responsible for craps’ global growth. The internet has spurred further growth making it possible for anyone with a computer connection and legal access to an online casino to play. Craps has become one of the most played games at online casinos.
