Monday, September 22, 2008

The Hard Rock Invades Kansas City

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the NASCAR are teaming up in Kansas City to build the largest casino in the area.

In 2011, the new facility will open up with over 3,000 slots and 140 table games. It will also boast a 300 luxury room hotel.

As a result of the groups winning the bid to build the hotel and casino, the owners of the Speedway will be looking to get 2 Sprint Cup events at the speedway each year as well as other major events.

Right now, the major players in the casino business in the area are riverboats, which took in $720 million in revenue last year.

If you would like to read the stories click on the links below:

Kansas City Star

Baltimore Business Journal

Friday, July 11, 2008

My Craps Game - For Windows and Mac OS

Sometimes, I get in these moods. I don't want to go out. I don't want to play online. I want to do something that allows for total concentration. No outside disturbances or distractions. When I get in these moods, I turn off the TV, the phone, turn off the lights and I get on the computer and play some of my games. One of my favorite is My Craps Game.

My Craps Game is a realistic video game that allows player to enjoy a "real casino" feel while still enjoying the privacy of your own home. To me, I feel its a great way to practice. There is no online registration for accounts. No pop up ad asking me if I want to play for real money. Just me and the game.

This allows me to work on my strategy. Now, most craps players will argue that craps only has one strategy: luck. And, they can think that. My strategy is more of a money budgeting strategy and watching what is rolled. My Craps Game lets me focus on that.

Another thing I like about the game is the support. Alan Gruskoff, the game designer, has set up a forum on his website for questions and explanations of the game. As with any game, you may know the general rules, but navigating through it and some nuances may need explanation.

The game is available for both Windows and Mac OS X and can be downloaded directly from the site for $19US. If you want a CD sent to you, the cost is $29US and it contains both Windows and Mac versions.

Visit My Craps Game Official Site

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Craps Table For Your Home

So, are you looking to get a craps table for your game room at home? Excellent! But first, there are several things to consider before making then plunge.

First, do you have the room? A casino craps table is 12 feet long and 5 feet wide. So, you'll need space for that, plus extra room to move around, so double the dimensions to allow for the fit.

Next, a consideration should be given to how often you are going to use it. If it is going to be for the semi annual family/friends reunion, maybe a portable fold up table is called for. If it is for a weekly or more frequent game, you would want to consider something closer to what you see in a casino.

The next consideration and probably the most important to most is the budget. Decide how much you have to spend before you buy. A quick look on Google shows that craps tables can vary in price from $100 for a portable fold up to almost $5,000 for a regulation casino quality table.

Other options for getting your own table would be to search online. EBay has deals on everything, craps tables pop up from time to time, and of course at a great value. Another option is classified ads, newspapers have all sorts of odd stuff for sale all the time. Craps tables do make their way there, especially in gambling cities like Las Vegas or Atlantic City. And speaking of classifieds, I should mention the largest online classified ad page, Craigslist. It is arranged by city, so if you aren't in a casino area, you can search in those areas, but be ready to travel. On final pace to look, and definitely the cheapest is Freecycle.org. It's a group of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Their goal is to encourage reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. So if someone is cleaning out the garage or the local church decides that casino night isn't a good anymore, they may list a craps table on Freecycle.

But higher costs doesn't have to be the buzz kill for you if you really want to get that playing at Caesar's feeling at home. The site Online Craps Daddy gives you an alternative. Building your own. The article asserts that for under $500 in supplies, some woodworking know-how and, of course the tools, that you can make a quality table that rivals those in the casinos.

So there are a lot of options, consider them carefully and plan. This could be a major purchase and it is definitely a space taker, but the enjoyment the avid craps player will get is immeasurable.

Check out some of these links:

How to build your own craps table
Craigslist
Freecycle Network
Google Product Search: Craps Table
Craps Table search on Ebay

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

McCain Loves Craps

Before we start, let me just say that this is not in any way an endorsement for John McCain nor is it a disparagement of his opponents.

Recently, in an article in the British newspaper The Telegraph, it was revealed that John McCain is an avid craps player. and being a military man, this would seem to fit.

Craps became a favorite of the American service man during World War 2. They would play what is essentially street craps. The fact that a lot of US soldiers had no expenses such as room and board made turned these games into high stakes games very easily. Craps made for an easy "pick up" game for GI's as the games could be started easily, and ended just as quickly, especially if there was a strict commanding officer who look to enforce the no gambling on base rules. Sitcoms from the 50's and 60's such as McHale's Navy and The Phil Silvers Show would demonstrate the love service men have for these games.

As we all know, Senator McCain was a naval aviator and was shot down over Vietnam in 1967, he would remain a prisoner of war until 1973. But his military career started in 1954 when he entered Annapolis. This is more than likely where his affinity for the game began.

McCain's gambling on Craps is worrisome for his campaign advisors, so much so that when he went to Las Vegas for a campaign swing, they had to prevent him from gambling.

McCain is not a hobbyist either, he is known to play marathon sessions and gamble thousands of dollars per session.

Much like any veteran, McCain enjoys the fellowship he had in the military and finds a different but similar one in playing craps. People surrounding the table, betting on you to either win or lose. The thrill pulls him to the game.

Sounds kind of like politics. Will his political roll of the dice pay off? We'll see in November.

If you would like to read the article from The Telegraph, click here.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

How to Become A Craps Dealer

Casinos are popping up everywhere and with them, the need for casino talent is increasing. Have you ever thought of being a stickman, or a boxman, or a base dealer? Maybe you want to be a pit boss? Where do you go to learn and get these jobs?

The answer, college. One of the more famous programs for learning the inner workings of a casino is a community college system in Arizona. Mojave Community College offers certificates in both Casino Pit Games Dealing and Casino Pit Games Management.

As the schools brochure says: "The Casino Pit Games Dealer Certificate offers training in specialized areas to prepare a student for an audition for entry-level employment in the casino industry."

Certificate Requirements:
CGM 121 Casino Dealer - Poker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 credit hours
CGM 122 Casino Dealer-Blackjack . . . . . . . . . . . .3 credit hours
CGM 123 Casino Dealer-Dice (CRAPS) . . . . . . . . . .4 credit hours
CGM 124 Casino Dealer-Roulette . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 credit hours
BUS 105 Business English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 credit hours
Total minimum credit hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 credit hours

The class on craps is described as:

"Techniques of Casino Games CRAPS (Dice)
Fundamentals of dealing craps with an emphasis on accurate and quick mental multiplication, chip handling, knowledge of odds on a variety of bets, procedures and game speed. Special attention is given to the management aspects of craps"

"The Casino Pit Games Management Certificate provides additional management training to prepare a student for advancement in the casino industry."

Certificate Requirements:
Casino Pit Games Dealing Certificate . . . . . . . . . .17
CGM 125 Casino Management: Floor person . . . . . .3
Electives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Choose any two from the following:
BUS 125 Introduction to Accounting . . . . . . . . . .3
BUS 142 Supervisory Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
BUS 144 Principles of Management . . . . . . . . . . .3
Total minimum credit hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

As you can see, it is comprehensive and can take between 2 and 3 semesters to achieve. This can cost about $3,000 to complete if you are a resident of Arizona, $7,000 if you are out of state

Another institution that offers a Casino Management Certification is the University of Massachusetts. It is offered through an online program and is part of the Hospitality Management department. It is not as comprehensive as Mojave, because the focus is less on how to play the games and more on how to run the floor. There are only 5 classes need to complete this program. This certification runs about $6,000 when it's all said and done.

Three Rivers Community College in Norwich Connecticut offers an Associates of Art degree in Casino Management, but it really focuses on hospitality courses and finance classes. There are no specific classes for casinos in the program.

By far the least expensive option is that of West Virginia State Community and Technical College. They are partnering with the local race tracks to train several hundred people to work in their newly opening casino sections in late '08/early '09. The cost is $490, and the employer will refund it after 90 days.

It is a good investment. A table worker can expect to make $30-$45,000/yr + tips depending on the area and management can make considerably more.

For more information you can visit the following:

Mojave Community College
University of Massachusetts
Three Rivers Community College
Charleston Gazette Article

Monday, July 7, 2008

Craps Glossary - Terms, sayings and definitions

When you go to a casino, there are a lot of strange terms thrown around. Especially in table games like craps. To help demystify this strange language and to give you the knowledge that you need to develop a winning strategy, I have made a list of some terms. Some of these very depending on the region you are gambling in and some may only be used in a certain region. But understanding these terms are going to be a big step in setting yourself up for success. I hope that you find these valuable.

2X/5X/10X odds - The multiple of your original pass line bet. You make this bet behind your pass line bet and get paid at true odds.

3-Way Craps - A bet made in units of 3 with one unit on 2, one unit on 3, and one unit on 12. This is a horn bet without the bet on 11.

Acey-Deucy - A roll of the dice that results in a 1 and a 2.

Advantage: The edge a casino has over a player on a particular bet.

Any Craps A bet that the next roll will be 2, 3, or 12. This bet pays 7:1.

Any Seven A bet that the next roll will be 7. This bet pays 4:1.

Back Line - Another term for Don’t Pass Line.

Ballerina Dice (aka Hardway) - A roll of the dice that yields a pair deuces.

Bar the 12 - Shown on the craps layout in the Don't Pass Line and Don't Come Box areas. A 12 is a standoff in these areas to ensure the casino has an advantage over the wrong bettors.

Behind the Line - A bet on the free-odds after a point has been established on the come out roll.

Betting Right - Betting that the dice will win on Pass Line and Come bets.

Betting Wrong - Betting that the dice will not win, or pass, by betting Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets.

Big 6 & Big 8 - A bet that pays even money that a six or an eight will be rolled before a seven.

Big Red - A one roll bet that the next number thrown will be a seven.

Box Numbers - The box areas around the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, which is used to mark the point, and to put place, come and buy bets.

Boxcars - A slang term for the roll of the 12.

Boxman - The casino executive who is in charge of the craps table. The Boxman sits between the two dealers and remains seated behind all the casino chips during the play.

Bring Out - A term used by dealers and players when betting on the hardway of a point, to "bring out" the point.

Buy Bet (Buy the 4 and 10) - Giving the house a 5% commission in order to be paid correct odds for a place bet. The buy bets on 4 and 10 allow the player to reduce the house edge on these bets. Some casinos collect the commission only on winning bets, while others collect it at the time the bet is made.

C & E - A one roll bet on the 2, 3, 11.

Cafeteria dice - aka hardway six (a pair of treys).

Center Bets (Proposition Bets) - The bets located in the center of the layout.

Change Color - Changing casino chips into smaller or larger denomination.

Chips (Checks) - The common term for tokens, issued by a casino in place of money, and having the equivalent of cash.

Cold Dice - Dice which consistently don't pass.

Color Change - The changing of chips to a higher or lower denomination.

Come Bet - A a bet made after the come out roll but in other respects exactly like a pass line bet.

Come Box - The area on the craps layout where Come bets are placed

Come Out Roll - The first roll of the dice in a betting round is called the "come out" roll. Pass bets win when the come out roll is 7 or 11, while pass bets lose when the come out roll is 2, 3, or 12. Don't bets lose when the come out roll is 7 or 11, and don't bets win when the come out roll is 2 or 3. Don't bets tie when the come out roll is 12 (2 in some casinos; the "bar" roll on the layout indicates which roll is treated as a tie).

Coming Out - A term to designate that a new come out roll is about to happen.

Correct Odds - The mathematical likelihood, or probability, that a bet will be made a winner (usually the odds a point will be made prior to a 7 rolled).

Crap Out - Rolling a 2, 3 or 12 on the come-out roll, an automatic loser for Pass Line bettors.

Craps - The term for a roll of a 2, 3 or 12. Also the name of the game.

Crew - Four casino employees that staff a craps table, includes a boxman, a stickman, and two dealers.

Dealer - A casino employee who works directly with the player and handles the monetary transactions, bets and payoffs.

Dice - The cubes, which are marked from 1 to 6, whose combinations when, thrown, determine the wins and losses at a craps table

Dice Pass - The dice are said to "pass" when the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. The dice "don't pass" when the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out. If the come-out roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this roll sets the "point", and the shooter continues to roll until the point is rolled again or a 7 is rolled (see "seven out"). If the shooter rolls the point before rolling a seven, the dice pass. If the shooter sevens out, the dice do not pass and the shooter loses control of the dice.

“Die in the wood, roll no good” - One of the dice landed in the players chip rack.

Disk (Puck) - A round object white on one side and black on the other. When on the white side and in a place number box signifies that a come-out roll has occurred and that a point has been established.

Don't Come Bet - A bet made after the come out roll but in other respects exactly like a don't pass bet.

Don't Come Box - The area on the layout where a Don't Come bet is made.

Don't Pass Bet - A bet that the dice will not pass. This bet can be placed only immediately before a "come out" roll. One result (either the 2 or the 12, depending on the casino) will result in a push. A don't pass bet can be taken down, but not increased, after the come-out roll.

Don't Pass Line - The area on the layout where Don’t Pass bets are placed

Don't Pass - A bet made on the come-out roll that the dice will not pass.

Double Odds - A free odds bet made at double the original Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come or

Don’t Come Bet/Wager. Some casinos offer higher odds, such as 5X or even 10X odds.

E.T.: A bet on the eleven and twelve.

Easy Way - The roll of a 4, 6, 8 or 10 where the dice are not matched as a pair (i.e. the hardway), such as 5-5, but other combinations.

Evealine - Eleven, after the point is made.

Even-Money - A payoff of 1:1.

Eyes of Texas Shine Upon Us - Hard Ten

Hardways Bet - the next roll will be a double: 4-4, 6-6, 8-8, or 10-10 before a 4, 6, 8, 10 or 7 appears in any roll.

Field Bet - A bet that the next roll will be 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. This bet pays even money for 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11, and usually pays 2:1 for 2 or 12. Some casinos pay 3:1 for either the 2 or 12 (but not both), and some casinos may make the 5 instead of the 9 a field roll.

Floorman - A casino employee who stands behind the craps table, checking on the players and authorizing credit for players.

Free-Odds Bet - Another term for any odds bet where the house has no advantage. Either taken (or laid) on a Pass, Don't Pass, Come or Don't Come bet after the point is established.

Front Line - A casino term for Pass Line.

Hard Ten - two fives.

Hard Way - A bet on 4, 6, 8, or 10 that wins only if the dice show the same face.

Hi/Lo: A bet on the twelve and two.

High Roller - A player (bettor) who wages large sums of money at a craps table.

Hop Bet - A bet that the next roll will result in one particular combination of the dice, such as 2-2 (called a "hopping hardway") or 3-5. 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, and 5-5 are paid the same as a one-roll 2; other hop bets are paid the same as a one-roll 11.

Hop - A one roll wager that a particular number will come up on the next throw of the dice.

Horn Bet - A one-roll wager that combines the 2, 3, 11 and 12.

Horn High Bet - A bet made in multiples of 5 with one unit on 3 of the horn numbers, and two units on the "high" number; e.g.,

Hot Roll - Dice that are continually passing, and that are held by a shooter for a long time before a seven-out.

House Edge (Edge) -The advantage a casino has over a player on a particular bet.

“I can't read 'er, she's in the cedar” - One or both of the dice landed in the players chip rack.

“In the plank, not worth a wank” - One or both of the die landed in the rail.

Inside Bet - A place bet on the number 5, 6, 8, or 9

Inside Numbers - The numbers 5, 6, 8 and 9.

Jesse James - A nine. (Jesse James was shot by a forty-five).

Jimmie Hick - A six.

Lay Bet - A bet that a particular number (4,5,6,8,9, or 10) will NOT be rolled before a 7 comes up. The casino takes 5% of the winnings on these bets. The 5% commission is usually taken up front, but some casinos take the commission after the bet wins.

Lay Odds - After a point has been established, the don't pass bettor can place an additional odds bet that will win if the original don't pass bet wins. The odds bet is paid at the correct odds for the point, and is a fair bet with no house edge. This also applies to a don't come bet. Making this bets is referred to "laying the odds" for your don't bet.

Lay Wager - Betting against a point number that has been thrown by paying a 5 percent commission

Layout - The imprinted surface of a craps table, which shows all the areas where bets can be placed

Line Bet - A bet on the "pass line" or the "don't pass line" is called a "line" bet. These bets are placed at the beginning of the game, before the "come out" roll. The shooter is required to make a line bet in order to shoot the dice.

Loaded Dice - Dice that have been weighted to tamper with their roll.

Long and Strong - When the stickman asks you to throw hard enough to hit the backboard.

Marker Buck (Puck) - Plastic round disk used to mark either the point or to indicate that no point is yet established; "OFF" on one side, "ON" on the other side.

Midnight –The roll of a 12

Natural - Another term for a 7 or 11 rolled on the come out roll.

Nickels - A term used by experienced players meaning chips with a five dollar denomination

Odds Off - Odds bets that are "not working". Odds bets can be called "off" by the player at any time, but are left on the felt until the bet is resolved. Also, come odds bets are usually "off" during the come out roll, unless the bettor asks to have the odds bets "working". Come odd bets that are "off" will be returned to the player if the line bet loses on the come out roll. Don't come odds generally work on the come-out roll.

Off : A term meaning that certain bets will not be at risk on the next roll of the dice.

On Base - The term for the dealers other than the stickman

On the Stick - The term to signify that a dealers is now working the stick, and is the stickman for a designated time.

One For The Boys - A bet for the dealers. Used as a gratuity. It is proper casino etiquette to ask the dealer(s) if they would like you to bet for them.

One-Roll Bets - Wagers whose outcome is determined by the very next roll of the dice.

Outside Numbers - The numbers 4, 5, 9 and 10. Usually designated as outside numbers when making a place bet on these numbers.

Ozzie and Harriet - A square pair. (Hard eight.)

Pair of aces in the wrong places - Two

Parlay (Press) - To increase a bet, usually by double.

Pass - A winning situation for the right bettors

Pass Bet - A bet that the dice will pass, also known as a "pass line" bet. This bet is generally placed immediately before a "come out" roll, although you can make or increase this bet at any time.

Pass line bet - Betting that the point number will be thrown before a seven.

Pass line - The area on the layout where a pass line bet is made.

Pass - A winning decision for the dice.

Payoff - The paying out of a winning bet to a player

Pit Boss - A casino employee who is in charge of all the tables in a particular area

Place Bet (To Lose) - A bet that a 7 will be rolled before the number you are placing (4,5,6,8,9, or 10) comes up.

Place Bet (To Win) A bet that a particular number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7 comes up.

Point - When a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled on the come out roll, then this number becomes the "point". The shooter must roll the point again, before rolling a seven, in order for the dice to "pass". A "come point" is just the number that is serving as a point for a come bet.

Proposition Bet - Bets that are made in the center of the layout

Put Bet - A bet made on the pass line after the come out roller a bet made directly onto a come point number.

Quarters - A term used by experienced players meaning chips with a twenty-five dollar denomination

Rails - The grooved area of the craps table where players keep their chips that are not in play

Right Bettor: A player betting that the dice will pass, or win.

Roll - A single throw of the dice. Also, a complete series of throws until the shooter sevens-out.

Rolling The Bones - Throwing the dice. Playing Craps.

Sequence Bet - A bet whose outcome is not necessarily determined on the following roll but may take a succession of rolls to be determined.

Seven Out - When the shooter rolls seven after a point has been established. Control of the dice is transferred to the next shooter.

Shooter - The player who is rolling the dice. The shooter must place a "line" bet ("pass" or "don't pass") in order to be eligible to roll the dice.

Slow bleed – Losing a bankroll in a slow and consistent manner.

Snake Eyes - A slang term for the number 2.

Square pair - Hard eight.

Standoff - A situation where no decision results from a throw of the dice on certain bets.

Stickman - A casino employee who calls the game and handles the stick at a craps table.

Studio 54 - Nine

Take Odds - After a point has been established, the pass/come bettor can place an additional odds bet that will win if the original pass/come bet wins. The odds bet is paid at the correct odds for the point, and is a fair bet with no house edge.

Ten the hard way - two fives

Tip (Toke) - A gratuity given to a dealer by a player

True Odds - The odds a particular number will be rolled on any single roll of the dice.

“Two rolls and no coffee” - Sevened out after two rolls.

Two Ways - A phrase appended to a hardway or proposition bet to indicate that the player is betting one chip for the dealers along with his own bet.

Vig or Vigorish - A gambler's term for the house edge.

Whirl bet - A one roll bet on the 2, 3, 7, 11 and 12.

Working - Bets that are "live" are said to be working. Generally, place bets, buy/lay bets, and come odds bets do not work on the come-out unless you tell the dealers to "make them work." All other bets work unless you call them "off".

World Bet - A bet that the next roll will be 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12, made in multiples of 5.

Wrong Bettor - A player who bets against the dice.

Yo (Yo-leven) - A slang term for the 11.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

The First World Craps Championships

One of my favorite sites on craps is Craps Hero. Every time I go there, I find a wealth of information. I surfed on over the other day when I found I had some time on my hands, and I was not disappointed.

This time, I came across an article about Frank Scoblete's 2006 World Craps Championships. For those of you who do not know who Frank Scoblete is, he is an author, gambler and and authority on dice control. His goal was to have a tournament to determine who the best of the best was in the game of craps.

The tournament was a non-casino sponsored event that expected to have just over 30 players pay the $365 entry fee to vie for titles in 9 different areas, as well as overall. However, 167 contenders actually showed up for the June 22-23 competition at Atrium Suites Hotel in Las Vegas to try and claim the title "World Craps Champion".

In addition to the individual titles there were also team championships as well. Teams from Florida to Hawaii competed to see who had the most skillful members. Each member of a team had an individual score that was averaged with the other members of the team to determine the team score and the winners. In addition a "best man" and "best woman" were also awarded. These were the individuals who beat the most people in the first nine tournaments. A special set of awards called "The Goldies" were also awarded to participants. These were essentially "good humor" type awards that were given to promote camaraderie.

But the weekend was not just for tournaments. It was about the science and techniques behind craps. Several seminars, most notably in dice control (one of Scoblete's claims to fame) and several special challenge matches were held. It was a chance for craps players from all over to get together, share knowledge, have fun, compete and, yes, play some craps.

The results:


Special Awards "The Goldies"

The Family that Plays Together Goldie - The Chabots
The Fabulous Hawaiians Goldie – Renfred Frias, Roland Shar, Art Yamamoto, and Regan Onikuma
The Above the Crowd Goldie – Dave "Da Porker"
The Generous Spirit Goldie – John "Skinny" Therkelsen
The Silk Purse Goldie – Charlie "Sandtrap" Romano
The Above and Beyond Goldie – "Travelin" Marilyn Taylor
The Golden Shovel Award - Missouri Rick

THE COME OUT CHAMPION
Jim Buckley

THE IN THE FIELD CHAMPION
Dennis "Nitro" Dion

THE MAKE YOUR POINT CHAMPION
Nancy Visco

THE ON THE HOP CHAMPION
Louis "Lou-cifer" Van Dyke

THE 4 AND 10 CHAMPION
Don Garcia

THE 6 AND 8 CHAMPION
Pat Higgins

THE CRAPSHOOTER CHAMPION
John Chabot

THE HARDWAY CHAMPION
Tim Barnes

THE NO SEVENS CHAMPION
Phil Corder

THE TEAM CHAMPIONS
The Cleveland Crew

THE BEST MAN (Three way tie)
Charlie "Sandtrap" Romano
Louis "Lou-cifer" Van Dyke
Jim Buckley

THE BEST WOMAN
Kathleen Bush

THE WORLD CRAPS CHAMPION
Linda "Lowroller" Mabry

So far there has not been a follow up to this tournament, but with it's initial popularity, common sense would dictate that it would be repeated eventually.

This was a landmark in craps. The game crowned a champion.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Rincon Craps

California is known for a lot of things, Hollywood, earthquakes, individuality, and lately some controversial marital options. To gamblers though, it is known as a card only state. What that means is that the state of California requires that cards be used to determine the outcome of the game.

Rincon's has been making attempts to introduce variations on games such as craps and roulette. Unfortunately, these games in their standard forms are not sanctioned under California's Indian gaming compacts.

The compacts allow reservation casinos to have slot machines, card games and lottery-style games. Under creative interpretations of those constraints, many casinos such as Rincon have put in craps tables with computerized images, cards or bingo-style balls as substitutes for dice.

Harrah's Rincon turned to innovation. They created a variation they call Rincon Craps. Rincon craps adds the excitement of the dice back in the game. In Rincon's new version, players roll dice to determine which of 12 cards are flipped over to decide wins and losses. Other than that, the play and betting at "Rincon Craps" are the same as at any craps table in Las Vegas. What makes it legal under California law is that the dice are used to determine which cards are picked, but the outcome of the game is devoid of the dice, it is the cards that determine the outcome, perfectly legal under the law.

And since it was introduced 5 years ago, it has become the most popular game at Harrah's Rincon. The casino has been flirting with the idea of licensing the game, so you may see it soon in a casino near you. To learn a bit more about the game, you can click here.

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Craps Casino Review -- Casino Royale

I like to favor different casinos for different reasons. One casino may have a better atmosphere, one may have friendlier customer service and some make me feel lucky. Now I want to talk about "feeling lucky" for a moment. There is no rhyme or reason why one "feels lucky". I think it's about being relaxed and confident that I can win, but that is not always true. Sometimes, that confiedence comes after winning a few. And when I go to Las Vegas, there is a casino that makes me feel that way about craps. It is called the Casino Royale and Hotel.
Located on the strip, the Casino Royale is not the brand name of a Caesar's or Harrah's, but it offers a nice atmosphere and is one of the best casinos on the strip for low wager, high payoff bets. The casino itself offered over 400 slots and several table games, including craps.
Some of the great features of the 2 full table craps games at the Casino Royale is the low wager minimum, most casinos will allow a wager as low as $5, but Casino Royale sets their minimum at $3. They also set the maximum at $500 for flat bets and a $2,500 limit on free odds.
But beyond all that is the odds. Casino Royale offers the best odds in Vegas with up to 100x the bet. Even the big boys in town won't touch that.
Remember, these numbers are only for the full tables and not the sit down, those odds are different.
The Casino Royale and Hotel is located 3411 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Reservations and other questions about the hotel can be reached at (800) 854-7666 or visit their website by clicking here.

Monday, June 30, 2008

A Brief History Lesson

Craps can trace it's origins as far back as 600 BC in ancient Egypt. Famous Roman emperors Augustus, Caligula, and Nero were known dice aficionados. Traces of dice usage were found in various parts of the world, in the Americas where American Indians used knucklebones to create dice. Even in the Arab world, the Arab term for dice and knucklebones were the same.

The earliest users of the dice were fortunetellers and shamans. They used the dice, then sacred devices like sticks, stones and bones, to predict the future. Of course, the features of the dice changed and evolved through the years.

Though the history of dice dates thousands of years ago, the game of craps is only a few hundred years old. The craps game is said to have come from and a direct descendant of the English game Hazard. Hazard was played during the Third Crusades when leaders such as Richard the Lion-hearted, Frederick Barbossa, and Philip Augustus of France led legions of armies to reclaim the Holy Land. It is said that soldiers at camp would play the game with dice and their shields as tables.

The French took elements of Hazard and formed the game crapaud (a French word meaning "toad"), when it came to the US in the 1800's it was eventually shortened it to craps.

Craps as a game changed and evolved since then. The casino craps table layout has developed through the years. It took sometime before the game of craps was revolutionized by John H. Winn. He enabled craps players to bet right or wrong. He also improved the craps table layout by placing a space for Don't Pass bets. In 1931, the game of craps and other gambling games were legalized in Nevada. Since then craps flourished to different parts of the world making craps, Las Vegas style, a casino favorite in all parts of the globe.

Variations of the game have been developed, the most popular being street craps, and other dice games such as Cee-lo can find origins in the craps game.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this brief history. Thanks for stopping by.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Movie Time!!!

Well, as you read in my last blog, craps has a few rules and can get confusing, especially if you don't know how the game works. I came across this video a while back that is a pretty good start for teaching people about craps. Definitely pay attention to what he says NOT to do. This is aimed at beginners, so if if you are starting out, he dropping some pearls here ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Three Dice Craps????

So I went to a friends party the other day and he (knowing I was a gambler) wanted to show me his new craps table that he had just bought for his game room. So we went there (with other a few other guests) and he asked if we wanted to break it in. Well, always up for a game among friends, I agreed as did most of the others and we were about to start. He handed me 3 dice and said I was the banker...which puzzled me. I asked why I got the 3rd die and he said he always played 3 dice craps. I asked him to explain the rules, just to see what he was talking about and after a few minutes, I realized he was describing Cee-lo.

So, I explained a bit about Cee-lo and the differences between that and actual craps. Essentially in Cee-lo a player is established as the Banker, he puts up an initial stake known as the "Bank," or "Center Bet." Once he has placed his stake, and announced the amount, the other players have a chance to cover or "fade" his bet. Starting with the player to the Banker's left, and proceeding clockwise around the circle, each player in turn can fade a portion of the bank, as much as he likes, until the entire bank is covered or every player has had a chance to make a bet.


After all the bets are settled according to the roll of the dice, if the same player maintains control of the bank, he may add as much money as he wishes to his stake, or let the bank stand at whatever amount remains after all the bets are settled. A new round begins, the players fade again just as above, and so the game continues.

Control of the bank can change under certain circumstances. If all the players beat the Banker in one round, they break the bank, and control of the bank then passes to the next player to the Banker's left, who establishes his own initial stake as above. Otherwise, the first player to beat the banker by rolling 4-5-6 or triples will become the new Banker (after the existing Banker settles the remaining bets and pockets whatever remains of his bank).

When all the bets have been established, the Banker then rolls the dice. If he rolls 4-5-6, or "triples" (all three dice show the same number), then he instantly wins all bets. If he rolls 1-2-3 he instantly loses all bets and breaks the bank. If he rolls a pair and a singleton, then the singleton becomes his "point." E.g. a roll of 2-2-4 gives the dealer a point of "4." A point of "6" instantly wins all bets. This is called a "Two Alike Six High." In a game of multiple players, If dealer rolls a pair and an ace, dealer continues to roll until other point is reached. Some variants also allow the dealer to "push" on triple aces. Any other point stands and then players roll to try to beat the Banker's point. In a two player game, the dealer or player who rolls a "1" on the odd die is considered to have been "aced out", losing automatically. If the odd die is a "6," or "head crack", the player wins automatically. If the dice don't show any of the above combinations, then the Banker rolls again and keeps rolling until he gets an instant win, instant loss, or makes a point.

Now there are some situations when the player rolls. In the case of the Banker rolled a point of 2, 3, 4, or 5, each player then rolls the dice to settle his individual bet against the Banker. He wins with a 4-5-6, triple, or any point higher than the Banker's. He loses with a 1-2-3, or any point lower than the Banker's. If he ties the Banker's point, then it's a "push," no winner or loser, and the player pockets his stake. If he doesn't roll a meaningful combination, then he continues to roll the dice until he wins, loses, or pushes. Also, that the first player to win with a 4-5-6 or triple gets the privilege of being the next banker after all the bets of this round are settled.

Well, we all had fun that night and I won about $300. Now theres another game my friends won't play with me again.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Welcome

Hi, my name is Tony "Dub" Stevens and I'm a gambler. I play all types of casino games and been to major casinos in the US and abroad. I will be using this as a forum to discuss the game of craps. I encourage you to read, comment and especially enjoy this new venture I am undertaking.

Today, I will be reviewing and article from the SouthtownStar.com by John G. Brokopp, Gaming columnist for the newspaper, asserts first, that craps can be learned in one article, and second that it is a losing venture.

I take great umbrage with these assertions. First and foremost, any game has rules, tricks, nuances, and requires skill, at least in a casino. It takes a long time to develop these skills and to know when and how to bet. By studying websites, books, and writings from high profile players, some of this can be learned in time. Practice is the other key to this equation. The easiest and most convenient way to practice nowadays is the internet. There are hundreds of reputable online casinos that accept US customers, as well as from around the world. To trivialize learning the game is a will cost any player in the long run.

And as far as craps being a losing venture for players, I must disagree. It is a game of skill, and the casinos are in the business of making money, but if it were not a way to win big, then it would not be as popular as it is. I mean, heck, how many people get into street games all the time? A lot.

His article does give some interesting basics and statistics and I encourage you to read that, but it you want to learn the game, study it. I have placed some useful links on this blog to check out and will add more as time goes on.

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for stopping by!