The game of craps involves rolling two dice and betting on the outcome on the table. The game itself is believed to have evolved from a much earlier game called hazard which appears to have its origins in England in the 12th century AD. Other historians however believe that the idea of a game involving dice and betting on the outcome comes from the ancient Near East due to evidence out of Egypt dating to around 2600BC of dice being used as a game.
No matter on the actual origins of dice as a game, the origins of the game now known as craps, again has two possible outcomes. One lies in France in the 17th century while another is in the United States in the 18th century.
The game of hazard was becoming extremely popular in England and the French adopted the game themselves however they did not wish to have it linked to the English game so they gave elected to change the name. The use of the term craps is a twist on the term crab which is a point in the game where the person loses by throwing a two. This twist in the name is same reason given for the origin of it in the United States.
However this early version of the game does differ from that which you see in casinos today. The layout and style of game you shall be familiar with originated in the 19th century and was developed by John H. Winn. Winn was responsible for regulating and simplifying the game along with a few changes to the rules which still exist to this day.
Thanks to some of his changes it greatly reduced corruption via loaded dice as it was Winn who decided the players could bet against the person throwing. He was also responsible for the don't pass and pass bets being created. Due to his changes the game increased in popularity.
In the world today it is now easier than ever to play craps due to the internet and online casinos. You can easily sit in your chair at home and play as long as you wish with this being the only real change as the game itself has now stayed true to the version created in the 19th century.