The History of the Game Craps | Craps History

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The History of the Game Craps | Craps History by NoLuckNeeded member Holly

Both exciting and intimidating - CRAPS - is perhaps the most misunderstood of all casino games.

Lets face it, horn bets, hot bets, the field, don’t come, hardways, wow, its all just to much for the average gambler. It also offers some of the best odds for the player in casino gambling.

The games history (or variations of) date back to the 1700's. By all accounts Craps evolved from a simplification of the game “Hazard”. Its also been told that Roman soldiers used pig’s knuckles as dice and then rolled them onto their shields. Though the origins of the game are quite complex, later on the game was influenced by the French and brought to the United States by a man named Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny, a decedent of wealthy Louisiana landowners who were both gamblers, and funny enough, politicians.

Because the game requires very little equipment, the game can be played almost anywhere, hence, street craps. The game is played against each player - or - against the bank. Players bet on the outcome of one roll or a series of rolls. There are side bets and fade bets that, perhaps, gained popularity in the informal setting of the street game versions.

From Louisiana, Craps quickly spread throughout the United States, thanks to the casino river boats that went up and down the Mississippi. Although the game spread throughout the U.S., and began to evolve, there seemed to be one single event which turned the old Craps game into the version that we know today. A dice maker named John Winn added the rule to the Craps game that one can either bet with, or against, the dealer. This abruptly and most effectively ended the problem of dealers using crooked dice.

Craps became a popular favorite with all levels of gamblers. The game was even played by soldiers during the WW11 to stave off boredom! Craps was continuously popular until the 1970's and 80's when games such as slot machines began to gain in popularity. At this point the popularity of Craps began to fade. Over the following two decades, Craps did not receive the status that it deserved as a veteran game.

With its long history Craps is starting to regain its rightful place as one of the most excited games of all time. And with the introduction of internet gambling, players can learn the game and hone their skills before laying their first bet. Now you, too, can be a part of the wonderfully thrilling and historic game of Craps.

Enjoy! Holly (rae)