Although subject to some debate, the game of craps can be traced back to ancient game called Hazard. Some sources report that this game was first played by an English nobleman named Sir William Tyre and his knights during the crusades. The game Hazard was said to have been invented as a pastime for knights patiently laying siege upon a castle called Hazarth in 1125 AD. Other sources such as the Encyclopedia Britannica claim that the game has Arabic origins and comes from the Arabic word for dice.

Regardless of its origin, the popularity of Hazard soared in the 1700s when it was enjoyed by the European aristocracy in luxurious gambling houses. The Europeans eventually brought the game to America.

Although its popularity has risen and fallen over the years, today it is considered one of the biggest gambling games in the history of the world where amounts of money wagered are concerned. Its popularity has risen significantly since the beginning of the 21st century as online craps has made access easier and has exposed increasing numbers of gamblers to this game.

To a novice, craps can seem a bit intimidating. There are myriad betting options that can easily result in confusion, and the stereotypical craps tables are surrounded by boisterous types shouting foreign terms such as box cars, all across, or double odds. However, with just a little information and practice, the game of craps can be demystified and can be enjoyed as the exciting, profit-yielding game that it is. Here are five tips to get you started or improve your game:

1. If you are the shooter, give the dice a good toss across the table. Dont try to slide them across the layout in an attempt to manipulate the outcome.

2. Learn how to Place the 6 or 8 and how to make a Pass Line bet. These wagers have a house advantage of less than 1.5 percent, making them among the best bets one can make in the casino.

3. Avoid proposition bets in the center of the layout. The dealer who is howling their performance is merely inducing play on wagers that are all "house bets," carrying a casino advantage up to 16%.

4. If youre a Don't Pass bettor, don't proclaim things like, "Come on, seven!" Betting against the majority of players is pretty bad, but loudly rooting against them and gloating is poor form.

5. Keep your hands off the table and away from the dice being tossed. You dont want to disrupt the game by altering the toss with your hands.