CRAPS IN ACTION
Discover the Many Ways to Play Craps in Las Vegas – From Live Action to Hybrid Games
By Jeremy Olson
If you’re heading to Las Vegas and love playing craps, you’re in for a treat! The city offers a variety of ways to enjoy this exciting game.
Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a traditional live craps table, the convenience of video craps, or a mix of both with hybrid games, there’s something for everyone. Las Vegas casinos have it all, and no matter your style of play, you’ll find plenty of options to roll the dice.
LIVE CRAPS
Live craps is the most common way to play this dice game. A typical table has three dealers. There is a stickman and a dealer on either side of the table to pay players. A supervisor may sit at the bank and watch the action, especially when it is busy.
To start a game of live craps, the stickman passes five or six dice to the shooter, who chooses two. The shooter must have a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet. The shooter keeps the dice until they establish a point and seven out. Losing on the come-out roll does not end a turn. Las Vegas craps tables start at $5 and go up as high as $100 during the busiest hours.
LIVE CRAPLESS CRAPS
Crapless craps made a huge comeback in Las Vegas—it is dealt at more than two dozen casinos. This game is based on traditional craps with a few notable differences.
Crapless craps has a Pass Line and Come bet. However, the Don’t Pass and Don’t Come are not available. The only way to win the Pass Line on the first roll is on a 7. All other numbers become the point.
In addition to being possible points and Come numbers, the 2, 3, 11 and 12 may also be placed and bought. Some crapless craps tables don’t permit lay bets. Otherwise, the remaining bets are the same between this and the traditional game. The minimum bets usually range from $10 to $25.
SHOOT TO WIN
Shoot to Win is the oldest version of video craps on Las Vegas casino floors. It is often called “bubble craps.” This Aruze machine has up to six seats. Players make bets on a video screen. Two dice are enclosed in glass. The minimum bet runs from $1 to $5, depending on the casino.
Shoot to Win is a slow game. Players have 20 seconds between rolls to make bets and 10 more seconds to push the plunger that rolls the dice. Shoot to Win uses the same speed on any number of players. The maximum odds are usually double.
HEADS-UP CRAPS
Las Vegas has three types of heads-up craps machines. Two are similar. Interblock manufactures these games. The machines are much faster than Shoot to Win. Heads-up craps players control the speed of the game. The dice can be rolled at any time with the plunger. Players can also play as slowly as they wish.
Craps, crapless craps and easy craps are all available in this format. Easy craps is like crapless craps, except that it is missing the Come and buy bets. Numbers may be placed.
Most casinos with these machines have craps. Crapless craps and easy craps may also be available. Some casinos have all three. The minimum bets range from $1 to $5. Maximum odds are usually double. At the Plaza, it is 3-4-5 times.
ROLL TO WIN
Roll to Win is a hybrid craps game. It has one dealer and real dice. There are no chips. Bets are made on screens. Eight of these screens are available on the rail. However, due to past dice-sliding incidents, many casinos do not allow players to shoot from the two middle positions.
Cash or slot tickets are inserted for real-money action. The minimum bet is $5 downtown and in the locals market. Las Vegas Strip casinos require a $10 minimum bet. Maximum odds are typically double on the Strip, and five or 10 times downtown and in the locals market.
HYBRID STADIUM CRAPS
The newest form of Las Vegas craps is Interblock hybrid tables. A live dealer and dice are used. These games are usually part of a stadium setup. Players throughout the stadium may bet on this game like they would on a stadium. Bets are made on touchscreens. Deposits are made by inserting slot tickets or cash into the acceptor.
Most hybrid craps tables have about a dozen seats around the small tub. Shooters move clockwise, just like at a live game. When a player shoots, their monitor is taken out of order. A monitor near the craps tub becomes the place where their bets are made. The minimum bet is usually $5. The Field pays double on 12. The maximum odds are two times.
STADIUM CRAPS
Stadium craps plays like the hybrid game in the previous section—bets are made on touchscreens. However, there is no live dealer or dice. The dice are in a bubble. Players on the stadium have about 20 seconds to make bets between rolls. The minimum bet is usually $2, $3 or $5. The Field pays double on 12. Double odds are typical.
CRAPS CONTINUES TO EVOLVE
New types of craps games are certain to come to market in the coming years. A live craps game requires three dealers, a pit supervisor and a breaker. This makes it the most expensive table game for casinos to deal. That caused most of the $5 craps games to disappear.
Electronic table games provide players with an affordable alternative. While most players agree that nothing compares to a live craps game, the future for low limits is in hybrid and stadium versions.
Jeremy Olson has been writing about the gambling industry since 2004, specializing in casino games, poker and sports betting. He currently writes for OnlineUnited StatesCasinos.com and has worked for dozens of other gambling-related sites. To explore all the ways to play, including online versions, check out www.OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com for a complete guide.
