Crapless Craps

Introduction

Crapless Craps is a unique variation of the traditional game that considers the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12 as point numbers just like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. This variation might have originated at the Stratosphere or perhaps even at its earlier version, Vegas World, many years ago. It stands out as one of the earliest innovative games that gained significant popularity. Nowadays, it is quite beloved in Detroit's casinos, but you can still find it at the Stratosphere.

Rules

The gameplay of Crapless Craps follows the same principles as conventional craps which I expect the reader to know, with the exception that every total other than seven establishes a point. This means that during the initial roll, a player either secures a win with a seven or sets a point. There's no chance of crapping out.

If you're not well-acquainted with craps rules, here are the basics for the Pass bet, which is the core wager in both craps and Crapless Craps.

1. The very first roll is referred to as the \"come out roll.\"
2. If a seven is rolled during the come out, Pass bets are victorious.
3. If any other total is rolled, that number becomes the designated \"point.\"
4. The dice are rolled again.
5. When the roll results in the previously established point from Rule 4, Pass bets win and are paid at even money.
6. Conversely, if a seven is rolled after establishing the point, Pass bets lose.
7. For any other outcome, the game returns to Rule 4, with no further consequences.

To a player familiar with craps, this may appear to be a favorable option since there's no risk of losing on the come out roll. However, the player sacrifices:

• The opportunity to win with a total of 11 during the come out.
• When 2, 3, 11, or 12 are rolled as the come out, Pass bets are likely to lose since these totals are less probable than rolling a seven.

On average, the house advantage for the Pass bet in Crapless Craps stands at 373/6930, which is approximately 5.382%. In contrast, standard craps offer a significantly lower edge at 1.414%.

Odds Bet

Crapless Craps does provide free odds of 6-to-1 for the numbers 2 and 12, and 3-to-1 for the numbers 3 and 11. The following table illustrates the combined house edge calculated from the pass line and the odds:

Place Bets

You may also place bets on the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12. The payout for 2 and 12 is 11-2, resulting in a house edge of 7.143%. For 3 and 11, the payout is 11-4, with a house edge of 6.250%. Notably, there is no don’t pass bet option in this version.

Additionally, you can place buy bets. The odds for points 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 mirror those of regular craps . One reader mentioned that in Mississippi, the commission is only taken from winning bets, but I'll present both scenarios.

Lay Bets

I have received an unverified report indicating that at least one casino allows lay bets in craps. Like traditional craps, a 5% commission is applied to the winning amount rather than the total bet. It is implied that the commission is only paid after a win, but I have evaluated it from both perspectives.

The following table presents my assessment of lay bets when the commission is charged on wins only. Pay attention to the minimal house edge on the numbers 2 and 12.

This table illustrates my analysis of lay bets when the upfront commission is required.

Mugsy's Corner

Mugsy’s Corner is an additional side bet available in both craps and Crapless Craps that wins if the shooter rolls a 7 within the first two rolls. For comprehensive details, kindly refer to my page on Mugsy's Corner .

Written by: Michael Shackleford