Craps is a dice game with a rich history, dating back to the Crusades in the 12th century. The game is believed to have originated from an old English game known as Hazard, which was popular among soldiers during the Crusades. This game of chance was brought back to Europe from the Middle East and it evolved over time.
The French, who were known for their love of games of chance, adopted this game and renamed it “Craps”, a term supposedly derived from the word “crapaud,” which is French for “toad” – a nod to how players would squat to play dice on the streets.
In the early 19th century, the game was brought to America by French colonists, where it quickly gained popularity, particularly in New Orleans. It was here that the game was further simplified and the rules we now associate with modern craps were established.
In the 20th century, with the rise of Las Vegas as a casino hotspot, craps became one of the most popular casino games in the United States. The advent of online gambling in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has further popularized the game, making it accessible to players around the world.
Modern craps is played in virtually every casino across the globe and continues to be a favorite among gamblers due to its fast-paced nature and simple rules.