Classic Casino Alternatives to Craps

Classic Casino Alternatives to Craps

Craps is a brilliant game - I’m guessing you probably wouldn’t be here if you didn’t think so! However, there are so many other exciting casino games to explore. If you already know that you love craps, but you’re looking for something just a little bit different to add to your repertoire... well, you’re in the right place.

How have we collected them? Well, all of these games have something in common with craps: it could be dice rolling, luck-based gameplay, or a myriad of betting options. But, importantly, they all also have something fresh to bring to the table.

Slots

Slots are - by far and away - the most popular casino game available in the modern day. Perhaps you’re looking for online slots title with all the “bells and whistles” (think: 3D graphics, animations, wilds, scatters, bonus rounds, etc.), or maybe something more classic suits you better, like a one-armed bandit in your local casino.

The big draw with slots is that there’s pretty much endless choice. This is the part that differs the most from craps. With that said, it’s largely chance-based gameplay, with simple-to-understand rules. So, it will certainly appeal to craps players. Depending on the slot you choose, there’s also the potential for large payouts! If this interests you then look for highly volatile slots, or those that feature a progressive jackpot. Remember - you’ll need a generous bankroll when shooting for the bigger wins.

Roulette

Roulette is a brilliant alternative to craps for those who love the social element of this game. When playing in an actual casino, many players around the table end up cheering for the same outcomes as one another, leading to a convivial atmosphere.

As well as this, the betting in both roulette and craps has plenty of options. There is a huge variety of bets to choose from. This also depends on the version that you’re playing; French roulette has some fascinating options for “extra” bets. Plus, craps fans will like that both games require a similar level of strategic thinking. Oh, and learning the correct etiquette if you’re going to play roulette in a casino is important too! Always wait for the dealer’s signal before removing your bets and be careful not to disturb other player’s bets when placing your own chips.

Baccarat

Baccarat is a cracking choice for players who want to move from dice to cards. To be successful at baccarat, you need to bet on the hand closest to the value of a nine. However, if the total of a hand exceeds nine (for example a hand with an eight and a four) then only the last digit of the hand is counted (in this instance that would be a two, because eight plus four equals twelve).

Remember, tens and face cards aren’t worth anything in this game! And if you’re not keen on your own chances, you can bet on the banker, or a tie - if you are feeling confident, though, you can bet on yourself. If you correctly bet on the right hand, you get paid out your stake again (even money) and if you bet on a tie, you’ll get 8 or 9/1, depending on the rules at the casino you’re playing at. Overall, it’s a game that’s luck based, with a simple concept - a perfect alternative to craps.

Sic Bo

This game isn’t as commonly available as some of the others on this list, but it does share the all-important dice-rolling element with craps. This game originated in Asia, where dice-rolling games are generally very popular. In Sic Bo, you can bet on all kinds of dice combinations, giving that same rollercoaster of unpredictability as craps.

There are a bunch of betting options in Sic Bo, but some of the most common are big or small bets and totals. Small/big bets are when you bet on the total of the three dice that are rolled being between 4 and 10 - that’s a small bet, or 11 and 17 - that’s a big one. Harder to win, but with a larger payout are totals bets: these are where you bet on the exact number that the dealer will throw. There are even more bets still, but we’ll leave it to you to find out all about these by trying out this ancient (but brilliant) dice-rolling game.

Blackjack

For craps players who want to really flex their strategic muscles, blackjack is a great alternative. This game involves a bit more mental arithmetic than craps and has some pretty detailed strategy to get stuck into. If you’re looking for a game that’s all about luck in the same way that craps is - blackjack might disappoint. However, if you’re up for a logic challenge, press on!

The aim of the game is to get a hand that is higher than the dealer’s, without exceeding 21 in total. There are various options for splitting hands, doubling down, and more, but to begin with, just focus on the basics. There’s a blackjack “cheat sheet” for those who want to learn the most effective strategy, but generally speaking, standing on 17 or higher will see you make decent returns on your bets.

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