History of Craps

There is what might be called a relic of very ancient forms of gambling that still survives and is employed with many popular casino games. These are known as dice and their use began in prehistoric times. At that time they were fashioned out of stones, or bones, carvings or teeth, and were used as a means for predicting the future and the fortunes of others. As man advanced, the manufacture of dice began to include the use of semi precious metals as well as wood. Archeological surveys of early Roman and Greek civilizations indicate that dice made from ivory and gemstones existed in these cultures.

Various games have been created over time that involve the use of dice, which have been popular throughout the world since prehistoric times. Since ancient times, in the Arab world dice games have been played, and dice have formed an integral part of their culture. American Indian tribes commonly used knucklebones, and in India and Korea dice were used for recreational purposes as well. Such recognized historical figures as the Roman emperors Caligula, Nero and Augustus were known to have popularized dice games in their own times.

There have been varieties of dice games made popular in age and civilization but the one that has come down to the present day is the basic game of craps. The game called craps is believed to have originated in England during the 12th century out of the game of Hazard. It is said to have been played during the Crusades by English soldiers and that eventually it made its way to the United States with the early English settlers that came over on the Mayflower.

It is better known by its French name of craps as opposed to its English name of Hazard. As craps it gained popularity in the 19th century in New Orleans. The rules were changed when it reached New Orleans. At that time casino tables and their layouts were introduced and modified continuously and variations and spin-offs of the original Hazard were introduced. Because of the fast and furious pace that it introduced, Table Off, one variation, became especially popular.

Everyone’s favorite version of craps however, is the one created by John H. Winn, which was introduced in Nevada when gambling was legalized in 1931. Once craps had been introduced into the casinos this was matched by the desire on the part of gamblers to beat the odds regardless the cost.