What casino games do you like playing? How is it possible that you know only poker? Are you ready for change with fun gameplay that involves rolling dice and little to no rules? Sounds enticing, right? Let’s introduce craps to you with the history of craps.
The journey through history has been truly exciting for this unconventional casino game, going from gameplay in war zones and steamboats to practicing it on the streets. Now, you can enjoy it physically with other players in any land-based gambling house or online on platforms like League of Slots casino. What’s really interesting is that this popular title is available not only in the table games section but in the category of live action as well, giving online players a chance for immersive gameplay. Let’s explore this fun dice game together!
The Origins of Craps
One story about the history of craps can be traced as far back as the Ancient Roman Empire, where a similar game was played by slaves, soldiers, and high-class members of society. Of course, the dice used in those times would not be as we know it today. These individuals would have used different media to craft their dice, such as nutshells and clay for slaves or porcelain and ivory for top citizens. Soldiers were recorded to have used pig knuckles tossed on upturned shields as makeshift tables, earning the lingo “rolling the bones,” which you’ll still hear being thrown around at modern casino tables.
Another story points to Arabs for the origin, stating that the game, originally called “Al Dar” or “Azzahr” (dice in Arabic), was introduced to Europe by traveling merchants in the 12th century. It was then converted to Hazarth during the Crusades around 1125, courtesy of Sir William of Tyre.
Again, in the 17th century, the record shows a game named “Hazard” popping up in French taverns resembling Sir William’s Hazarth. It has been several hundred years since this game came into existence, and its presence is still heavily felt in mainstream gambling. Its final name, “Craps,” is associated with the French as it relates to the French word “Carpaud,” meaning “toad,” which is how players looked hunched over, playing dice on the sidewalks in the streets.
Craps in America: The New World Influence
The 18th century saw this exciting game make its way to the new world, and the Americas embraced its gameplay. It came with the French again, by all accounts, but there is no certainty of who takes that honor exactly. One account relates it to the Cajuns or Acadians, descendants of French settlers who took over Acadia, present-day Nova Scotia, Canada. In 1775, about 50 years after the French lost control of Acadia, the Cajuns were forced to flee to Louisiana, speaking their dialect and playing a dice game, “Crebs,” inherited from their forefathers. The gameplay quickly spread to New Orleans.
Another account claims the honor lies with Bernard de Marigny, a French nobleman, who brought the modern gameplay to the port city of New Orleans upon his return from England.
From here, Craps traveled on steamboats, through the Mississippi and across the States. Irrespective of the account, the game became a huge hit, sparking controversy because of a lack of clear rules of engagement.
Some centuries later, in 1907, John H. Winn, a famous dice maker, implemented a set of rules still widely recognized as standard. He introduced a more simplified table layout and a Don’t Pass bet that allowed players to bet against the shooter. Its popularity skyrocketed following this, especially among US soldiers in World War II, where the term “Army-blanket roll” emerged.
The Casino Transformation
In the 1930s, enthusiastic players poured into casinos to play the fun craps game after the legalization of gambling in Las Vegas. The standard gameplay is now simple, with tables taking up to sixteen players at a go. The gameplay follows a basic set of rules:
- All players must place a “pass line” bet. This is either a bet on “pass the line” (to land on 7 or 11) or “don’t pass the line” (to land on 2, 3, or 12);
- The shooter rolls the dice onto the craps table (come out roll);
- Players will check if they win the first bets;
- Points (any other number other than (2, 3, 7, 11, and 12) are established;
- The shooter continues, and players can add to their bets;
- The gameplay continues until the point number or a 7 is rolled;
- If a 7 is rolled first, all “don’t pass bets” win, but if the point is rolled first, all “pass bets” win.
Craps Chronicles: From the Books to Tables
Craps offers exciting but simplistic gameplay with easy-to-follow rules. It is a game of chance, so you can play as a beginner without needing to master any skills or strategies. Partake in the wonder of this title online or at a land-based casino for a fun gambling time. Remember to bet responsibly!
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