Craps Variations: Exploring Different Types of Online Craps Games

Craps has been a favourite pastime for ages, and since its beginnings, it's evolved with various new versions. The thrill of playing online craps has skyrocketed, letting you enjoy the same heart-pounding action from the comfort of your own home in Ireland. We'll dive into the different online craps variations available, covering their rules, payout odds, and the house edge.

The Most Common Craps Variations for Irish Players

Bank Craps

Bank craps, often recognised as "Las Vegas craps," is the most familiar version of the casino craps game. Typically found in brick-and-mortar casinos, players here bet against the house. The 'shooter' rolls two dice, with other players placing bets on the dice outcome. The shooter aims to roll a specific point number before a 7 appears. You'll find this version readily available at many online casinos, powered by the best online casino software.

Street Craps

Street Craps offers a more casual take, often played informally. It's a stripped-down version compared to bank craps, not requiring a casino setup or a big crowd. In this variation, players wager against each other rather than the casino. While the precise rules can vary depending on where you're playing, the fundamental concept remains true to the spirit of casino craps.

Simplified Craps for Beginners

If you're new to the game, simplified craps is the perfect starting point. It's much easier to get the hang of, with fewer rules to worry about. Players focus on just a handful of outcomes: rolling a 2, 3, or 12 means a loss, while rolling a 7 or 11 leads to a win. This straightforward version is ideal for learning the ropes of craps without getting bogged down by the more complex betting options found in other variations.

High Point Craps

High Point craps offers an engaging twist. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on their initial roll, the dice are returned, and they get to roll again. Rolling an 11 or 12 on any roll guarantees an instant win. The main goal is to roll a number higher than your first roll, which then becomes the new target number (point). This variation is a hit with seasoned players looking for a fresh challenge.

New York Craps

The main difference between New York craps and other variations is the restricted betting options. Players can only place bets on box numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). For skilled players seeking a new challenge, this game creates a more challenging and thrilling experience.

How to Play Different Types of Craps Variations

Since the game's rules are consistent across all craps variants, learning how to play is a breeze. Players should be cautious that each variant may have its own guidelines and strategies.

Players can read about craps to learn the ins and outs of a given craps variant. How to play craps or guidelines might also be available at some reputable online casinos with the best casino games. Craps players can also play for fun without risking any money before placing real-money bets.

Gamers who want to play in the digital realm can choose between online and live craps versions, each with its own unique pros and cons. Online craps provides comfort and easy access, whereas live craps offers a more engaging and interactive gameplay experience.

The Variety of Payout Odds in Craps Variations

Different craps games offer varying payout odds. In craps, the odds of winning a given bet are calculated based on how likely the player will win. The payout odds on bets with low house edges are usually bigger than those on bets with huge house edges.

When playing bank craps, for instance, the Pass Line Bet has an approximate 49% chance of winning and gives even money. The odds of getting an Any 7 Bet are only about 17%, but the payout is 4:1. The odds of winning on each craps bet are calculated in this manner to reflect the relative risks involved.

No matter which version of craps a player chooses to play, they can always utilize craps betting strategies to increase their chances of winning.

The House Edge Changes in the Different Craps Variations

Craps variants can also differ in the house edge they offer, or the proportion of each bet the casino can anticipate retaining over time. Craps has a modest house edge (between 1% and 5%) compared to other online casino games.

However, the house edge in a game of craps can vary widely based on the regulations. Bank Craps' Pass Line Bet has a house edge of about 1.41%, while the Any 7 Bet has a much larger house edge of about 16.67%.

Similarly, the house edge for the Pass Line Bet in New York Craps is around 1.41%, but the house edge for the Hard 4 and Hard 10 Bets is significantly higher, at around 11.11%.

Craps players should familiarize themselves with the house edge for each version of the game they plan to play, as this can significantly affect their odds of winning. One way players can increase their long-term wins at a casino is to focus on bets with a smaller house edge.

The Craps Variations with Side Bets or Bonus Bets

Side bets and bonus bets do exist, increasing the odds of winning in some versions of craps. These bets are frequently offered as an additional choice and can be made alongside the standard bets.

Casinos may give a Fire Bet in Bank Craps, in which players bet on the shooter racking up numerous points. An extra payment is given if the shot scores at least four points.

A Repeater Bet is a bet placed in New York Craps where the bettor anticipates the shooter will throw the same number repeatedly. It's worth more money if the same number is rolled three times in succession.

Players should be conscious that the house edge on side bets and bonus bets is typically greater than on regular bets, despite their potential for increasing the thrill of the game. Before making such bets, players should think carefully about the odds and payouts.

Conclusion

Players can choose from several exciting craps variants. However, players should be careful that while the rules of the game is the same across all variants, there may be additional guidelines or strategies that are specific to their chosen variant.

Players can spice up their experience and possibly increase their odds of winning by trying out various craps variants. The long-term success of a craps player depends on many factors, one of which is knowledge of the payouts odds and house edge for various bets.