Bank Craps
Sometimes referred to as Las Vegas Craps, Bank Craps is the standard version of craps played in most casinos across the United States. It is a formalized, organized version of the game where the casino acts as the 'bank' and manages all betting and payouts.
What is Bank Craps?
Bank Craps is the traditional casino version of craps, which contrasts with more informal, street versions such as Private Craps or Street Craps. The game is conducted on a specially designed table and layout, with clearly marked betting areas, and a designated house or bank (the casino) to control the game and handle the chips. In Bank Craps, players wager against the house rather than against each other, which sets it apart from some informal variants where players compete directly against one another.
The key feature of Bank Craps is the structured way the game is played. The casino provides the equipment, such as dice, chips, and the table, and manages all aspects of the game. Players can place a wide variety of bets, each with different odds, payouts, and strategies.
Rules of Bank Craps
The basic rules of Bank Craps align closely with the general rules of craps:
The Layout
The Bank Craps table has distinct areas for different types of bets, including the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come, and various proposition bets. Players must place their bets in these designated areas before the dice are rolled.
The Dice
Craps uses two six-sided dice, and the outcome of each roll is determined by the combined result of both dice. Players take turns rolling the dice, and the player rolling the dice is known as the shooter.
Come Out Roll
The game begins with the Come Out Roll, which is the first roll of a new round. The outcome of this roll determines the immediate resolution of some bets (such as the Pass Line bet) or sets the Point, which dictates the course of subsequent rolls.
The Point
If the Come Out Roll results in a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the Point. The shooter then continues to roll the dice, attempting to roll the point number again before rolling a 7 (which would end the round).
House Edge
As with most casino games, Bank Craps is structured in a way that gives the house a slight advantage. This is particularly evident in the odds and payouts for certain bets. The most favorable bets, like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line, have a low house edge (around 1.41% and 1.36%, respectively), while proposition bets have much higher house edges.
Popular Bets in Bank Craps
There are a multitude of bets available in Bank Craps, and understanding the odds and payouts for each is crucial to mastering the game. Here are some of the most common bets:
Pass Line Bet
This is one of the simplest and most popular bets in Bank Craps. It is a bet that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the Come Out Roll, or by rolling the point number before rolling a 7.
Don’t Pass Line Bet
The opposite of the Pass Line bet, this is a wager that the shooter will lose by rolling a 2 or 3 on the Come Out Roll, or by rolling a 7 before making the point.
Come Bet
Similar to the Pass Line bet, but placed after the point has been established. The player is betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the next roll.
Don’t Come Bet
Similar to the Don’t Pass Line bet, but placed after the point has been established. This bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, or if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the Come Bet point.
Proposition Bets
These are one-roll bets that cover specific outcomes of the dice, such as Any Craps (2, 3, or 12) or Any Seven. These bets typically have much higher house edges but offer larger payouts.
Why Bank Craps is Popular
Bank Craps is one of the most exciting casino games because of its fast pace and wide variety of betting options. The game’s reliance on dice introduces an element of chance that keeps players on the edge of their seats, while the strategic choices involved in bet selection add depth for seasoned players.
The social atmosphere at a Bank Craps table is another reason for its enduring popularity. Players often gather around the table, cheering on the shooter and sharing in the excitement of a winning roll. The communal aspect of the game can be especially appealing, as players bond over shared wins or console each other after a loss.
House Advantage in Bank Craps
Like all casino games, Bank Craps is designed to give the house a statistical advantage. The house edge varies depending on the type of bet, with more straightforward bets like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line offering the lowest edge. More complex bets, especially proposition bets, carry a significantly higher house edge, which can be as high as 16.67% for some bets like Any 7.
Understanding the house edge is essential for players looking to minimize their losses and maximize their enjoyment. While Bank Craps can be a game of luck, smart betting can help players manage their bankroll and extend their time at the table.
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Bank Craps FAQs
How does Bank Craps differ from Street Craps?
Bank Craps is the formal version played in casinos with a structured layout, house management, and strict rules. Street Craps is a more informal version typically played without a table, where players wager against each other instead of the house.
Can I play Bank Craps online?
Yes, many online casinos offer Bank Craps with the same rules and betting options as the physical casino version. Players can enjoy craps from the comfort of their home, often with additional features like live dealers.
What is the minimum bet in Bank Craps?
The minimum bet varies by casino and table. Some low-stakes tables may have minimums as low as $5, while high-stakes tables can have minimums starting at $25 or more.
Is there any strategy involved in Bank Craps, or is it purely luck?
While the outcome of the dice is based on luck, there is a strategic element to Bank Craps in terms of bet selection. Understanding the odds and choosing bets with a lower house edge can improve your chances of winning in the long run.
What is the best bet in Bank Craps?
The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets are generally considered the best bets due to their low house edge (around 1.41% and 1.36%, respectively). These bets give players the best chance of winning over time.
