Craps is a dice game played against other players or a bank. Craps developed from a simplification of the Old English game hazard. Its origins are complex and may date to the Crusades, later being influenced by French gamblers. What was to become the modern American version of the game was brought to New Orleans by Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville, scion of wealthy Louisiana landowners and a gambler and politician.
The game, first known as crapaud (a French word meaning “toad”) reportedly owes its modern popularity from its being spread through the African-American community. In craps, players may wager money against each other (street craps) or the bank (bank craps) on the outcome of one roll, or of a series of rolls of two dice. Because it requires very little equipment, craps can easily be played in less formal settings, and is said to be popular among soldiers. In such situations side bets are more frequent, with one or several participants covering or “fading” bets against the dice.

Craps in America
It is believed that it was in the United States that the game was shaped into the modern game of Craps that people know and love today. Many consider Craps to be the most exciting out of all the casino games. Some believe that Craps is a difficult game to comprehend, however once one understands how to bet and play, it is quite simple to follow. When playing the game of Craps in a casino, one is obligated to roll or throw the dice in a manner that they bounce against a backboard before coming to a standstill. This is in order to prevent the player from cheating.
Craps and “Lucky Dice”
Many people believe that those who play Craps are the most superstitious out of all the casino gamblers. Particular superstitions should perhaps be kept in mind when approaching the Craps table. Female first-time Craps players are considered to be lucky, while male first timers are believed to be unlucky. If the dice happen to roll off the Craps table, many believe that the next turn will be unlucky. The number seven should never be mentioned, as it is considered to be unlucky. It is not recommended to be the sole player or the first player at a Craps table. It is considered to be bad luck if the dice should come into contact with anyone’s hand as it is thrown onto the table. These and other superstitions are not rules for playing the game, but many players consider it wise, nonetheless, to take them into consideration. Source : wikipedia.org