Casinos are a popular destination for entertainment, gambling, and socializing. While there are countless casino games to choose from, roulette and craps are two of the most well-known and beloved options. Both games have their own unique rules and strategies, making them exciting and challenging for players. In this article, we will dive into the world of roulette and craps, discussing their history, rules, and gameplay. So let’s roll the dice and spin the wheel as we compare and contrast these two popular casino games.
History of Roulette
Roulette has a long and interesting history, dating back to 17th century France. The word “roulette” itself means “little wheel” in French, which is fitting considering that it is a game played on a spinning wheel. The first modern roulette wheel was created by French inventor Blaise Pascal in the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the late 18th century that the game gained popularity in casinos. Since then, roulette has become a staple in casinos all over the world, with different variations and adaptations being created along the way.
Roulette also has a strong connection to superstition and mystique. Some believe that the game originated from ancient China, where monks used a similar game involving numbered animals on a square grid in order to predict the future. Others believe that the game was brought over to Europe by Dominican monks who were trading with the Chinese. Regardless of its origins, roulette has become an iconic and timeless casino game that continues to attract players of all ages and backgrounds.
Rules and Gameplay of Roulette
Roulette is a simple yet thrilling game that requires players to place bets on where they think a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. The roulette wheel is divided into numbered slots, ranging from 0 to 36, with half of the numbers being red and the other half black. In American roulette, there is an additional green slot marked with a “00” while European and French roulette only have a single green slot marked with a “0”.
To start the game, players place their bets on the roulette table, which has a layout that corresponds to the numbered slots on the wheel. They can bet on a specific number, a group of numbers, or a combination of numbers and colors. Once all bets have been placed, the croupier (or dealer) spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The winning number is determined by the slot where the ball lands after the wheel has stopped spinning.
Depending on the type of bet placed, players can win different payouts. Betting on a single number, also known as a “straight” bet, has the highest payout of 35 to 1. Other types of bets include betting on a group of numbers (such as odd or even, red or black, etc.), which have lower payouts but higher odds of winning. Players can continue to place bets and spin the wheel until the croupier announces “no more bets”, signaling the end of the round.
Types of Roulette Bets
In order to fully understand the rules and gameplay of roulette, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of bets that can be made. These bets are divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets refer to bets placed on specific numbers or groups of numbers within the numbered grid on the roulette table. As previously mentioned, these bets have higher payouts but lower odds of winning. Some examples of inside bets include:
- Straight: Betting on a single number
- Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers
- Street: Betting on three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line
- Corner: Betting on four numbers that form a square on the table
- Six Line: Betting on two adjacent streets, forming a 6-number bet
Outside Bets
Outside bets refer to bets placed on larger groups of numbers, such as colors, odd or even, or high or low numbers. These bets have lower payouts but higher odds of winning. Some examples of outside bets include:
- Red/Black: Betting on all red or all black numbers
- Odd/Even: Betting on all odd or all even numbers
- Dozen: Betting on a group of 12 consecutive numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36)
- Column: Betting on a column of 12 numbers in a vertical line
- Snake Bet: A unique bet that covers a specific series of numbers on the roulette table in a zigzag pattern
History of Craps
Craps has its origins in an ancient Roman game called “hazard”. The word “craps” itself is believed to have originated from the French word “crapaud”, meaning “toad”, as players would crouch or squat like a toad while playing the game. The modern version of craps was popularized in New Orleans in the early 19th century and has since evolved into the fast-paced and exciting game we see in casinos today.
While craps may seem intimidating to new players with its complex betting options, it has a rich history and culture that continues to attract seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Rules and Gameplay of Craps
Craps is a dice game where players place bets on the outcome of a roll or multiple rolls of two dice. The game is played on a table with a layout that displays different betting options, similar to roulette. One player, known as the “shooter”, rolls the dice while other players can bet on the outcome of the roll. Players take turns being the shooter, and a round ends when the shooter rolls a 7 or the point number (more on that later).
The game starts with the “come-out roll”, where the shooter aims to roll either a 7 or an 11. If they roll any other number (2,3, or 12), it’s called “craps” and the round ends. If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the “point” and the game continues. The shooter then continues to roll the dice until either the point number or a 7 is rolled.
Types of Craps Bets
Similar to roulette, craps has a variety of different bets that players can make. These bets can be divided into two categories: pass line bets and don’t pass line bets.
Pass Line Bets
Pass line bets are the most basic type of bet in craps and are placed before the come-out roll. They have a low house edge and are considered the best bet for beginners. Players win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, and lose if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point and the player wins if the shooter rolls the point number again before rolling a 7.
Don’t Pass Line Bets
Don’t pass line bets are essentially the opposite of pass line bets. Players win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll and lose if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. If the shooter rolls a 12, it’s considered a push and the player neither wins nor loses. If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point and the player wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point number again.
Other Types of Bets
Apart from pass line and don’t pass line bets, there are several other types of bets in craps, each with their own payout odds and house edge. These include:
- Come/Don’t Come: Similar to pass/don’t pass line bets but can be placed during a round instead of before the come-out roll.
- Place Win/Place Lose: Betting on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7.
- Field: Betting on certain numbers (usually 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12) being rolled on the next roll.
- Hardways: Betting on a specific pair of numbers (such as two 4s or two 6s) being rolled before a 7.
- Any Seven: Betting on a 7 being rolled on the next roll.
- Big 6/Big 8: Betting on a 6 or 8 being rolled before a 7.
- Craps Six/Eight: Betting on a 6 or 8 being rolled in a certain way (either as a 1 and 5 or a 2 and 4).
Roulette vs Craps: Similarities and Differences
Now that we have discussed the history, rules, and gameplay of roulette and craps, it’s time to compare and contrast these two popular casino games. While both games involve betting and rely on luck, there are key differences between them that attract different types of players.
Similarities between Roulette and Craps
- Both games have long histories and cultural significance.
- They are both based on chance and require no special skills or strategies.
- Players can make multiple types of bets with varying odds and payouts.
- They both have a social element, with players cheering on the shooter or the ball as they await the outcome.
Differences between Roulette and Craps
- The main difference between roulette and craps is that roulette is played on a spinning wheel while craps is played with two dice.
- In roulette, players place bets on where they think a small ball will land, while in craps, players bet on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls of two dice.
- Roulette has various versions with different rules and odds, while craps has a standard set of rules with different types of bets.
- In craps, players take turns being the shooter, while in roulette, one croupier handles the wheel for all players.
- The gameplay of craps is generally faster paced than roulette, with rounds ending quickly depending on the shooter’s luck.
Which Game Should You Choose?
Now that you have a better understanding of the rules and gameplay of roulette and craps, you may be wondering which game is right for you. The answer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style. If you prefer a slower-paced game with a wider variety of betting options, roulette may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a fast-paced game with more opportunities for interaction with other players, then craps may be the way to go.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the house edge and odds of each game. In roulette, the house edge is fixed depending on the type of roulette being played, while in craps, certain bets have lower house edges than others. It’s always a good idea to research the odds and payouts of each game before placing bets to increase your chances of winning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, roulette and craps are two timeless casino games that continue to be popular among players of all ages. Both games have their own unique histories, rules, and gameplay, making them exciting and challenging options for those looking to try their luck at the casino. While they may seem similar on the surface, roulette and craps have distinct differences that attract different types of players. So whether you prefer spinning the wheel or rolling the dice, these two games are sure to provide endless entertainment and opportunity for winning.
