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Mastering Crapless Craps: Strategies for a Unique Casino Experience

Crapless Craps

Crapless Craps is a unique variation of traditional craps, offering players a different dynamic by eliminating the chance of "crapping out" on the come-out roll with a 2, 3, or 12, which would normally result in an automatic loss.

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Instead, in Crapless Craps, any number other than 7 can become a point, significantly shifting the game’s strategy. While this increases the chances to establish points, it also comes with a higher house edge compared to standard craps.

Origins and History of Crapless Craps

Crapless Craps was introduced in the 1990s by entrepreneur Bob Stupak at Vegas World, a Las Vegas casino that later became The Strat. This variation attracted players due to its novel rules, offering a different experience from traditional craps.

Over the years, Crapless Craps gained popularity, particularly in casinos across the U.S., with its stronghold in Las Vegas and Detroit, where players enjoyed the game's unique dynamics and challenges.

How Crapless Craps Differs from Traditional Craps

Crapless Craps stands apart from traditional craps mainly due to the treatment of the come-out roll. In standard craps, rolling a 2, 3, or 12 results in an immediate loss for pass line bets, while a 7 or 11 leads to a win. In Crapless Craps, players avoid this risk, as any number besides 7 becomes a point.

This change also reduces the chances for instant wins, as rolling an 11 no longer automatically results in victory. Additionally, the payouts for point numbers like 2, 3, 11, and 12 are adjusted, with 2 and 12 paying +600 and 3 and 11 paying +300.

Popularity and Growth of Crapless Craps in Casinos

Crapless Craps has seen steady growth in popularity since its introduction. Initially created as a novelty version of traditional craps, the game attracted players looking for a different experience. Its popularity surged again in the 2020s as more Las Vegas casinos began offering the game. Today, Crapless Craps can be found in multiple casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and in several off-strip locations.

Understanding the Basics of Crapless Craps

If you're unfamiliar with Crapless Craps, this section will break down the key aspects of the game, covering the table layout, the role of the shooter, and important terms you'll need to know as you play.

The Crapless Craps Table Layout

The layout of a Crapless Craps table is similar to traditional craps but with extra sections to accommodate the additional point numbers. The table features areas for the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12, which are treated as point numbers in this game version. These sections are clearly marked, allowing players to place bets on them. Other familiar sections like the pass line, come area and place betting sections are still present, along with the centre section dedicated to proposition bets, which the dealer manages.

Dice and Their Importance in Crapless Craps

In Crapless Craps, the dice are at the heart of the game, as each roll drives the action. Every throw of the two six-sided dice determines whether points are made, bets are won or lost, and if the shooter continues. Unlike other casino games dominated by cards or wheels, craps relies entirely on the physics of the dice. The outcome of the roll not only affects the shooter but also shapes the fortunes of all players at the table.

The Role of the Shooter in Crapless Craps

In Crapless Craps, the shooter is the player responsible for rolling the dice, which starts and directs the course of the round. Their role is essential as they are responsible for establishing the point and continuing to roll until the round concludes. The shooter rotates among players, and each shooter continues to roll until certain conditions end their turn, passing the dice to the next in line.

Key Terminology in Crapless Craps

Here are some common terms you might come across when familiarising yourself with Crapless Craps:

  • Shooter: The player responsible for rolling the dice during the game. The shooter rolls the dice to establish a point and continues rolling until either they hit the point or roll a 7, which ends the round
  • Point: Any number other than 7 that is rolled on the come-out roll
  • Hardways: A term for rolling a pair of the same numbers, such as two 4s to make 8, in contrast to rolling the same total through different combinations
  • Stickman: The casino staff member tasked with managing the dice, calling out the outcomes of rolls, and facilitating bets at the craps table
  • Seven-Out: Refers to when a 7 is rolled after a point has been established, ending the round and causing all pass line and come bets to lose

Crapless Craps Rules and Gameplay

This section walks you through the essential rules and gameplay of Crapless Craps, explaining the key mechanics that drive the game:

The Opening Roll: Understanding the Come-Out Roll

The come-out roll in Crapless Craps is the first roll of a new round that sets the course for the game. Based on that initial result, it determines whether a point will be established or if the round moves forward. This roll is crucial because it sets the tone for how the rest of the round will play out, as subsequent rolls depend on the outcome of the come-out roll. The shooter starts the round with this roll, and the game continues from there.

Point Numbers in Crapless Craps

In Crapless Craps, all numbers except for 7 can become a point, which includes 2, 3, 11, and 12, numbers that traditionally cause players to "crap out" in standard craps. Once a point is established, the shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7 to win. The game continues until the point is hit or a 7 is rolled, which ends the round.

Winning and Losing Conditions

In Crapless Craps, players win on the come-out roll if a 7 is rolled. Once a point (any number other than 7) is established, the player wins if the point is hit again before a 7 is rolled. The player loses if a 7 is rolled before the point is repeated. The absence of an automatic loss on the come-out roll with 2, 3, or 12 extends the gameplay and introduces additional point numbers, though it comes at the cost of a higher house edge on pass-line bets.

Payouts and Odds in Crapless Craps

The payouts in Crapless Craps differ slightly from traditional craps, particularly for numbers like 2, 3, 11, and 12, which now serve as point numbers. The payouts for these numbers are typically 6:1 for the 2 and 12 and 3:1 for the 3 and 11, which shows the increased difficulty in rolling these numbers. Standard bets, such as those on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, follow the same odds as regular craps​.

Betting in Crapless Craps

Crapless Craps offers several betting options, some similar to traditional craps but with added variations due to the differing rules of the game. Here are some of these options:

Pass Line Bet: How It Works in Crapless Craps

The pass line bet in Crapless Craps works much like in traditional craps, with a few differences. Players place the bet on the come-out roll, and if a 7 is rolled, the bet wins instantly. If any other number (including 2, 3, 11, or 12) is rolled, that number becomes the point. To win, the shooter must roll the point again before a 7 appears. If a 7 is rolled before the point is hit, the bet loses, ending the round. Since this is a "contract wager," once a point is set, the bet cannot be lowered or withdrawn.

Don't Pass Bet: A Strategic Option?

In traditional craps, the Don’t Pass bet allows players to bet against the shooter by wagering that the point will not be hit before a 7. However, in Crapless Craps, the Don’t Pass bet is not available, removing a key strategic option for players who prefer betting on the "dark side" of the game.

Come and Don't Come Bets Explained

A come bet in Crapless Craps works similarly to a pass line bet, but it is placed after the point has been established. Once you place a come bet, the next roll acts like a come-out roll specifically for that bet. If a 7 is rolled on that roll, you win the come bet immediately. If any other number is rolled (including 2, 3, 11, and 12), that number becomes the come point. To win, the shooter must roll that come point again before rolling a 7. If a 7 is rolled before the come point, the come bet loses.

The house edge for come bets in Crapless Craps is higher than in traditional craps, at around 5.38% compared to 1.41% in regular craps, due to the addition of more point numbers.

Don’t Come bets, which are the opposite of come bets, are usually not available in Crapless Craps because the game eliminates automatic losses on numbers like 2, 3, and 12 on the come-out roll.

Odds Bets: Maximising Your Payout Potential

Odds bets are one of the best ways to reduce the house edge in Crapless Craps. These bets can be placed behind the pass line and come bets after a point is established. The odds pay true odds, meaning they have no house edge.

Proposition Bets in Crapless Craps: High Risk, High Reward

Proposition bets in Crapless Craps are high-risk, high-reward wagers that are placed in the centre of the table and must be placed by the dealer upon the player’s request. These are one-roll bets, meaning the outcome is determined by the next roll of the dice. Proposition bets can be placed at any point during the game, and if a player wins, the bet stays active unless they choose to remove it.

Popular proposition bets include wagers on specific numbers, like betting that a particular number, such as 2, 11, or 12, will appear on the next roll. While these bets offer significant payouts, they also come with a high house edge, making them riskier options for players​.

Multi-Roll Bets: Place, Buy, and Lay Bets

In Crapless Craps, players can also place multi-roll bets, such as place, buy, and lay bets. Place bets let players wager on specific numbers, aiming for those numbers to appear before a 7 is rolled. Buy bets involve paying a small commission (or “vig”) to receive better odds on numbers like 2 or 12, which pay 6:1. On the other hand, lay bets allow players to bet that a 7 will be rolled before a particular number, essentially the opposite of place or buy bets.

Crapless Craps FAQs

Following are some common questions players have regarding Crapless Craps:

Is Crapless Craps better than craps?

Whether Crapless Craps is "better" depends on your risk tolerance and gameplay style. Some players enjoy the extended gameplay, while others prefer the better odds of traditional craps.

How do you play Crapless Craps?

Crapless Craps is played similarly to traditional craps, with the main difference being that numbers like 2, 3, 11, and 12 are not losing rolls on the come-out. Instead, any of these numbers can become a point, and the goal remains to roll the point number again before a 7 to win.

What is Crapless Craps in Las Vegas?

Crapless Craps in Las Vegas has recently seen a resurgence and is now offered at several casinos along the Strip, including The Strat, Aria, and MGM Grand. This version of craps allows players to avoid losing on numbers like 2, 3, 11, and 12 during the come-out roll, though the house edge is higher compared to traditional craps.

How much does a 12 pay in Crapless Craps?

In Crapless Craps, hitting a 12 pays out 6:1, which means for every $1 bet, you would win $6.

Which casino has Crapless Craps?

Several casinos in Las Vegas offer Crapless Craps, including The Strat, MGM Grand, Silverton Casino, and Excalibur.