How Game of Craps Evolved
Perhaps one of the most interesting and intriguing game history you'll find is that of the origin of the game of craps. The origin of craps (English Hazard) seems to be a matter of conjecture between historians, however, most will agree how the game of hazard evolved into the game of craps in the latter part of the 19th century and continued to develop into the game as we know it today. To find out more on the games origin, please read on.
Hazard is claimed to have been invented by the Englishman, Sir William of Tyre and his knights during the crusades around the year of 1125AD, some say the name derived from a castle named Hazarth in which Sir William of Tyre and his crusaders had laid seige, then there are other scholars that believe Hazard originated from an Arabic dice game "Al Zar" and had migrated to europe before the 12th century.
The game increased in popularity throughout the centuries and by the 17th century had been hugely embraced by the English, from taverns to luxurious gambling houses, games where staged and fortunes were won and lost by the higher classes and nobility.
The French adopted the game and called it Craps, a corruption of "Crabs" which was used to describe the losing throw of 2 in game of Hazard. It is not known as to whether the game of Hazard arrived in America by hand of the French or the English, but it's believed to have been the early British settlers.
In America, English Hazard (also known by some at the time as craps) became very popular around the early 1800's. The rules of the game changed numerous times and the name of game "Craps" was adopted, but the most significant changes came about by a dice maker called John H Winn who revolutionised the game further, added alternative bets and improved the layout.
Craps is now re-known throughout the world, players from all walks of life have embraced the game and still make and lose their fortunes on the game. Craps has stood the test of time and this fast-paced and exciting game has proven to be a winner in the hearts of all gamblers and will continue to do so far into the distance future.