Craps is no different from other popular gambling games like blackjack and roulette in that its history is somewhat muddled and obscure. There are several versions of how the game originated, and no one version is known to be completely true. Just as the other popular table games’ origins are shrouded in mystery, the exact origin of craps is unclear.

The Theories

There are a few different theories on how the game of craps originated. One popular theory is that the game evolved from an ancient practice of rolling bones. The bones were rolled to divine –or interpret—the will of the gods. Dice games would be derived from these origins. The dice would now represent what the bones once did, and of course today players do not generally play craps or gamble to divine the will of the gods.

Another interesting theory is that the game of craps evolved from an early Arabian game. This game would have been passed through England and France and finally to North America as it evolved. The one place in the history of craps that game historians do seem to agree upon is the date the game was brought to North America. Most people estimate the game was brought over to the United States from Europe around the 1700s. Interestingly, this is also about the same time roulette and some other table games made their way over to the United States.

At first the game was played on riverboats in the United States and on the Eastern coast. As colonization moved westward with the expansion of the American population, craps moved westward as well. From here the two types of craps developed and evolved. There is the less formal “street” craps. Street craps are played outside of a casino and involve a simple bet that must be covered. “Bank” craps are the formal version of the game that is played in casinos. In this type of craps, the house covers the bets and the rules are more complex. In bank craps, you are playing against the house.

No matter which type of the game you choose to play, craps can offer an exciting chance to participate in one of the most popular gambling games.