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King Crab
Introduction
King Crab, referred to as Belangkai in Malay, is an engaging game that utilizes a four-sided spinner. Players simply place a wager on which symbol they believe will be displayed after the spinner comes to a stop.
Rules
- The game features a spinner with four distinct sides showcasing a King Crab, Prawn, Flower, and Fish. Players can choose which symbol they think will be on top once the spinner has stopped.
- The action starts when the player selects one of the available betting options listed below.
- The first betting option involves predicting which of the four symbols will appear as the winner. There are four possible bets, and successful wagers can payout either 2.85 or 2.9 to 1. The 2.85 payout might be referred to as 3 to 1, but keep in mind there is a 5% commission deducted from the winnings.
- The second betting option allows players to bet on two symbols at once. There are six combinations made by selecting two symbols from the total of four, and each of these six options is available for betting. Winning bets will pay at a rate of 0.95 to 1, which can also be shown as 1 to 1, with a 5% commission subtracted.
- The third betting type consists of selecting one winning symbol, one symbol that results in a push, and two symbols that result in a loss. There are 12 combinations of choosing a winning and a pushing symbol, all available for wagers. Wins here payout at a rate of 1.95 to 1, which might also be referred to as 2 to 1, minus a 5% commission.
It's important to be aware that many online casinos provide this game and generally express the odds on a 'for one' basis.
Below is an illustration of the betting layout for the game. It adheres to the generous odds associated with betting on a single symbol and presents all odds on a 'for one' basis.

When considering the various betting options and their respective ways to bet, the total number of available bets amounts to 22.
Analysis
One Winning Symbol -- Stingy Rules
In the table that follows, you can see the probabilities and how they contribute to returns for bets on one winning symbol under stricter conditions that pay out 2.85 to 1 for a win. The King Crab is used as an example for the winning symbol here. In the bottom right corner, you'll find a house edge of 3.75%.
One Symbol Wins -- Stingy Rules
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
King Crab | 2.85 | 1 | 0.25 | 0.7125 |
All other | -1 | 3 | 0.75 | -0.7500 |
Total | 4 | 1 | -0.0375 |
One Winning Symbol -- Liberal Rules
The next table displays the probabilities and return contributions for bets on one winning symbol under more favorable rules, paying 2.9 to 1 for a win. Again, the King Crab serves as the winning symbol example, with a house edge of 2.5% shown in the lower right corner.
One Symbol Wins -- Liberal Rules
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
King Crab | 2.9 | 1 | 0.25 | 0.725 |
All other | -1 | 3 | 0.75 | -0.750 |
Total | 4 | 1 | -0.025 |
Two Winning Symbols
The subsequent table illustrates the probabilities and return contributions for bets on two winning symbols, using the Flower and Fish as examples. The bottom right corner indicates a house edge of 2.5%.
Two Symbols Win
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
Flower or fish | 0.95 | 2 | 0.5 | 0.475 |
All other | -1 | 2 | 0.5 | -0.500 |
Total | 4 | 1 | -0.025 |
One Winning and One Pushing Symbol
Another table exhibits the probabilities and return contributions for bets involving one winning symbol and one push symbol. For this example, the Prawn is showcased as the winning symbol and the King Crab as the pushing one. The lower right cell again reveals a house edge of 2.5%.
One Symbol Wins and Another Pushes
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prawn | 1.9 | 1 | 0.25 | 0.475 |
King crab | 0 | 1 | 0.25 | 0.000 |
All other | -1 | 2 | 0.50 | -0.500 |
All other | 4 | 1 | -0.025 |
Strategy
If you're betting at a casino that adheres to the more favorable rule of 2.9 to 1 for a single symbol, the specific bet you choose won’t influence the outcome since all bets carry a house edge of 2.5%. In cases where the stricter rules apply, avoid placing bets on a single symbol that leads to losses with the remaining three, while all other bets will maintain the 2.5% house edge.
External Links
- Discussion about King Crab in my forum at Wizard of Vegas.