Editorial: GamblingPlanet.org guide to craps history

The history of craps goes back only about a century. The history of dice games, however, may predate civilization itself.

In fact, dice game history may go back further than agriculture, writing or government. Some dice game stories extend back to primitive tribes using rocks or bone shards to predict their futures.

Craps History: Antiquity

Centuries before modern craps rules were established, many ancient civilizations had a history of dice games. Ancient craps stories have been found on every continent, from Egyptian pharaohs and Roman emperors, to Korean peasants and Native American nomads. Records of epic Indian poems tell dice game stories about great warriors casting animal knucklebones and gambling on the outcomes.

Craps History: Medieval Times

The history of craps also can be seen on both sides of the conflict during the medieval Crusades. Ancient Arabs had developed their own set of craps rules and had been playing such games for many centuries. Other historical records tell of dice game stories involving King Richard the Lionhearted of England and his soldiers. The poorer soldiers would use animal bones, while the wealthy nobles used dice made of porcelain or ivory.

Craps History: Renaissance

Despite all the craps stories out there, the name of the game has nothing to do with bodily waste functions. A new development in dice game history came about during the Renaissance. In England, players developed a game called "Hazard", which quickly became one of the most popular pastimes in the history of dice games. The game made its way across the Channel to France, where it was called "Crabs", which later became "Craps".

Craps History: The New World

One of the biggest expansions in the history of craps came when European settlers brought their game of Hazard to their New World colonies. In New Orleans, a town known for its gambling halls, some of the early craps rules that players recognize today became established. Bernard de Mandeville, a gambler and casino owner in New Orleans, created what many observers of the history of craps consider the first modern set of craps rules.

Craps History: Wild West

As with most gambling games during those times, dice game history established its place in the saloons, gambling halls and cattle trails of the Old West. Craps stories about cowboys, railroad barons and gunslingers, all gathered around the long table, showed how they were all at the mercy of the odds on a single toss of the dice.

Craps History: Las Vegas

Another huge turn in the history of craps came in 1931, when the state of Nevada legalized casino gaming. In just a few short years, Las Vegas became a Mecca for craps players and the setting for many memorable craps stories. To this day, many gamblers on the Las Vegas Strip still swap dice game stories about long runs and unlucky streaks.

Craps History: 21st Century

The creation of the internet casino site established a new chapter in dice game history: the ability to play craps without actual, physical dice. Instead, a computer simulated the outcome of each roll. Players did not even need to go to their local casino to play; they could still make their normal craps bets and the computer would enforce all of the craps rules.

Craps History: Conclusion

The history of dice games such as craps has carried through from the Stone Age to the Information Age without any signs of slowing down. As long as people roll dice made of bones, ivory, plastic or pixels, they will continue to tell craps stories about their big wins and shocking losses.