Craps – short history about the casino game

Craps is a dynamic and exhilarating dice game that has captivated players in casinos worldwide for centuries. At its core, the game involves players betting on the outcome of a roll, or series of rolls, of two dice. While its modern form is a staple in both land-based and online casinos across Canada and beyond, the journey of craps from its ancient roots to its current status is a fascinating tale of evolution and adaptation.

From casual street games to the sophisticated tables found in top gaming establishments, craps has seen various iterations. Street craps offers a more informal setting, allowing players to enjoy the game almost anywhere. Casino craps provides the classic, high-energy experience, while online craps combines elements of both, often with simplified interfaces and features designed for digital play, making it more accessible to a broader audience, including Canadian enthusiasts.

The Ancient Roots of Craps: From Hazard to Crabs

The lineage of craps can be traced back to an ancient English game known as Hazard. Legend suggests that Sir William of Tyre, an English nobleman, introduced this game during the Crusades in the 12th century, where knights played it to pass the time. Historical accounts also point to a similar dice game played by Roman Legions, who reportedly carved dice from animal bones, giving rise to the enduring phrase “throwing the bones.”

Hazard's popularity flourished throughout the Middle Ages in England, even earning a mention in Geoffrey Chaucer's renowned “Canterbury Tales.” By the late 17th century, the game had found its way into the burgeoning luxury gambling houses of England. It eventually crossed the English Channel, capturing the attention of the French, who adapted the game and, through a linguistic twist, renamed it “Crabs” – a term believed to be a precursor to “Craps.”

Craps Crosses the Atlantic: A New World, A New Game

The exact path of craps to North America remains a subject of historical debate. One prominent theory suggests that French colonists, particularly those who had lost their Acadian territories (now part of Canada's Maritime provinces like Nova Scotia), brought the game south to Louisiana. Another less substantiated rumour even posits its arrival on the Mayflower. Regardless of its precise entry point, craps firmly established itself in the American landscape.

The 19th century marked a significant period of evolution for the game. In New Orleans, a young gambler from a prominent family, Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville, played a pivotal role in simplifying Hazard. In the original Hazard, players could choose a main number between five and nine. De Marigny streamlined this, making the target number consistently seven, which significantly altered the game's dynamics and appeal.

The Birth of Modern Craps: John H. Winn's Legacy

The most transformative changes to craps came in 1907, thanks to John H. Winn. Recognizing the prevalence of unfair dice used by unscrupulous casinos, Winn introduced a revolutionary layout that included the “Don't Pass” line. This innovation allowed players to bet either with the shooter (Pass Line) or against the shooter (Don't Pass Line), effectively neutralizing the advantage of loaded dice and ensuring a fairer game for all participants. Winn's contributions were so profound that he is widely recognized as the “Father of Modern-Day Craps.”

The 1930s saw an explosion in America's gaming industry with the legalization of gambling in Nevada. Craps, with its inherent excitement and the communal thrill of players taking turns to roll the dice, quickly became one of the most popular casino games, drawing crowds and generating an electric atmosphere at the tables.

Craps in the 21st Century: The Digital Frontier

As we move into 2025, craps continues its journey of adaptation. While the live casino experience remains unparalleled for its social energy, the advent of online casinos has brought craps to a global audience, including a growing number of players in Canada. Digital platforms offer convenient access to the game, often providing resources for new players to learn the complex betting rules, strategies, and odds at their own pace. While the virtual environment may lack the boisterous cheers of a crowded casino floor, it has democratized access to this historic game, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.