In this section, you will discover the fascinating history of craps, from its origins as ‘Hazard’ played by European aristocrats in the 1700s to today’s high-tech online casino games.
Legend has it that during the Third Crusade in the 12th century, English Noble Sir William of Tyre learned a craps-like game called Hazard from the Romans. Hazard is an Arabic word that means ‘dice,’ suggesting it may have been adapted from the Greeks, who may have adapted it from the Eastern Orient. Hazard flourished throughout Europe, eventually finding its way into the houses of royalty and noblemen and even being mentioned in popular literature such as Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.”
French colonists brought the game to Acadia, a French colony in Canada, in the 1700s, but after being forced out of the colony, they anchored in Louisiana and introduced what they called “Crebs.” American English eventually led to the name “craps” overtaking “Crebs,” but the basic rules remained the same.
Throughout the 19th century, craps spread rapidly throughout the US, with various variations appearing. By this time, craps had become a favorite pastime for gamblers and had embedded itself into American culture.
In 1907, John H. Winn, also known as the “Father of Modern Day craps,” revolutionized the game by introducing changes to the table layout, including the Don’t Pass bets area and the capability for players to bet right or wrong. These changes are still used today and make up modern-day craps. Now, the game can be found in every major land-based and online casino, and it continues to draw gamblers of all ages and from all locations.
