Craps is a classic dice game that can be traced back to a simplified version of an ancient English game. It’s become widely popular and has evolved into an intricate and energetic casino staple, even taking hold as a standard street dice game.
At the turn of the century and following the advent of the Internet, an online version solidified its place in modern casino gaming. Further evolution has also spawned an interesting crapless version that’s taken the gambling world by storm. This guide takes a look at what’s behind both these games, helping you understand what they have to offer.
Traditional Casino Craps
At its core, craps sees players betting on the result of a dice roll. This can be either a single roll or a series of rolls, depending on the bet.
There’s also a communal aspect that’s made the game even more popular. Players are allowed to bet together against the house in order to lower the house edge, which produces a delightful sense of camaraderie among them.
The game is fast and is known for creating a lively atmosphere around the table despite its surprisingly intricate betting system.
A Crapless Twist on Classic Craps
Crapless craps popped up in the mid-90s at Bob Stupak’s Vegas World, now known as The Strat. You won’t find this version of the game in many casinos — it’s now mostly played in off-strip casinos in Vegas.
The key difference in this casino game is the lack of craps. That’s right, no craps. There are no losing numbers on the come-out roll. Numbers 2, 3, and 12, along with the winning 11 from traditional craps, become point numbers. With no loss on a pass line bet on the come-out roll, this version seems more forgiving and attracts players who would rather avoid immediate losses.
Craps Betting Options
Pass line bets are generally the main bet in both games. In traditional craps, players can win by rolling a 7 or 11, while a 2, 3, or 12 would be a loss. Traditional craps has a counter bet for this in the don’t pass bet, where 2 or 3 wins, 7 or 11 loses, and 12 gets you a tie.
While come bets follow the same rules as pass line bets, they’re only made after the come-out roll when the point is set. Similarly, don’t come bets follow the same rules as don’t pass bets and are also made after the point.
For a more targeted betting approach, a place bet is allowed on specific point numbers. This bet is won if the selected point is rolled before the 7. Field bets allow one-roll bets on point numbers, including craps from the pass line, and are won on the point and without needing the next roll.
Key Betting Differences
The most noticeable difference in crapless is the absence of don’t pass and don’t come bets. These bets are not available because their inclusion would return over 100%. In traditional craps, a pass line bet can lose on the come-out roll, but in crapless, it can’t. The pass line bet wins on a 7 during the come-out roll. All other numbers become the point.
Come bets are similar to traditional craps, where anything other than a 7 becomes the point and must be rolled again before a 7 for the come bet to win. The big difference here is that the win is only on a 7. Crapless also allows Place bets and Buy bets on numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12, which aren’t available in traditional craps.
Difference in House Edge
Traditional craps offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino, usually around 1.41% on the pass line bet. The house edge is significantly higher in the crapless game, with the pass line bet hovering around 5.38%. The house edge for standard 3–4–5 times crapless is around 1–1.5% when full odds are taken, compared to about one-third of that for a standard craps table with identical odds.
This increased edge reflects the reduced risk of losing on the come-out roll and the additional point numbers. While the gameplay of crapless craps might at first glance appear more player friendly, the higher house edge means that over time and compared to traditional craps, players are less likely to come out ahead.
Strategy in Crapless Craps vs. Craps
The emphasis on the pass line and come bets are key in craps. Renowned for their low house edge, these bets are often considered the safest options on the table, making them a solid choice for players seeking steady play. In the crapless version, the pass line bet is even more favorable because it can’t lose on the come-out roll, making it a particularly attractive option for many players.
Avoid proposition bets like the plague. While these single-roll prediction bets can seem tempting due to their high payout potential, they also carry a much higher house edge. Instead, savvy craps players should consider odds bets which have the advantage of carrying no house edge.
Given the higher house edge in crapless craps, it can be beneficial to be more selective in your betting choices. Carefully selecting where and how much to bet can help mitigate the higher risk.
Choosing Between Craps and Crapless Craps Online
Both games offer their own unique thrills, but the crapless variation presents some dynamics that might make it more appealing for beginners. No losses on the come-out roll can seem like a huge advantage, but the much higher house edge means there could be more losses in the long run.
When playing casino games online, the choice ultimately boils down to player preference. Various factors could influence the decision. Risk seeking, familiarity, or a need for something different all come into play. Whether you choose traditional craps or its crapless variant, it’s important to understand the nuances of each game so that you can enjoy your session and make informed betting decisions.
Roll Your Dice With Borgata Online
Online casinos provide an excellent platform to explore both games, catering to different player preferences and styles. Whether you’re a seasoned craps player or new to dice-rolling excitement, both the offline and online casino game versions offer unique challenges and thrills. Register with Borgata Online to try both and discover which style resonates with you. Roll the dice, place your bets, and embrace the dynamic world of craps betting.