Craps History – An Overview
The most popular theory is that craps games originated from the Crusades in 1125 CE with the invention of a game called Hazard. First played during the siege of Hazarth, hazard quickly became the favorite pastime of the Crusaders stationed there, fighting under Sir William of Tyre.
Others however say that craps originated from Al Zar, an Arabic dice game which may have migrated to Europe before the 12th century (when the Crusaders are said to have first started playing Hazard).
There is even some evidence to suggest that the ancient Egyptians, as far back as 2600 BCE may have invented a primitive version of the game, although much less evidence supports this theory. While it is known that the Egyptians did have dice games at this point, whether they were in any way similar to craps games is subject to debate.
Craps History in the 17th and 18th Century
In the 17th and 18th centuries craps games (a.k.a. hazard) became extremely popular amongst people of all backgrounds, particularly in the taverns of medieval England. In the late 18th century the game began to receive a bit of a bad reputation, as many rogues and vagabonds used loaded dice to con people out of their money.
In terms of spreading the game to new lands, the British and French settlers who immigrated to America in the 17th century were responsible for bringing craps to the new world.
The Craps Renaissance
Craps games received an overhaul in the 19th century when the betting opportunities were increased with the introduction of the pass and don’t pass bets (as opposed to betting against the shooter alone). These new types of bets, as well as the introduction of translucent dice, reduced the likelihood of using loaded dice which was essential for the continuation (and development) of the game.
Craps games, however, have continued to have a negative connotation amongst many in America mostly due to the predominance of street craps - an easy and mobile form of craps gambling played in areas where gambling is not permitted, without a real craps table or a banker.
Craps in Films
Many films over the last decade or so have featured the fun and excitement of playing craps, boosting the profile of this already exhilarating game. Who doesn’t remember Chris Tucker screaming “This one’s for Mandela” while rolling in Rush Hour 2? Craps gaming has also made an appearance in other blockbusters such as Iron Man and Ian Fleming’s James Bond flick Diamonds Are Forever. Beyond a presence in Hollywood, this classy game has been reinvented and re-popularized with the boom in online craps.