Below is a comprehensive guide to playing Craps in land-based Canadian casinos. This guide will cover the basics of the game, Canadian-specific nuances, terminology, common bets, strategies, table etiquette, and more. By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to approach the Craps table with confidence on your next visit to any casino in Canada.
Introduction to Craps in Canada
Craps is a fast-paced dice game that has long been a staple of casinos worldwide. In Canada, you’ll find Craps tables in major casinos from coast to coast, including establishments in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta. While the core rules of Craps remain consistent, Canadian casinos often put a premium on customer service, hospitality, and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive gaming environment. Whether you’re at the Casino de Montréal, River Rock Casino Resort in Vancouver, or Caesars Windsor, you’ll discover a familiar yet friendly atmosphere that aims to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
Key Takeaway: Craps is the same game you’d find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, but the Canadian touch often comes through in dealer friendliness, table culture, and the overall ambiance.
Basic Rules of Craps
Craps revolves around the roll of two six-sided dice. The player who rolls the dice is known as the “shooter,” and the objective is to predict the outcome of the dice rolls by placing bets on specific results.
- Come-Out Roll:
- The game begins with a “come-out” roll. On this initial roll:
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win immediately.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose immediately.
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the “point.”
- The game begins with a “come-out” roll. On this initial roll:
- Point Phase:
- Once a point is established, the shooter keeps rolling the dice:
- If the point number is rolled again before a 7, Pass Line bets win.
- If a 7 is rolled before the point repeats, Pass Line bets lose.
- Once a point is established, the shooter keeps rolling the dice:
- Next Shooter:
- When a “decision” (win or lose) is reached, the dice move to the next shooter, usually the next player clockwise around the table.
Note: Canadian casinos follow the same basic framework. The differences are subtle (like table layouts, house rules on certain side bets, or dealer procedures), but the fundamental process is the same.
Table Layout and Personnel
A Craps table might seem intimidating at first glance. Understanding the various areas of the table and the roles of the casino staff will help you feel more at ease.
Key Personnel:
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Stickperson | Manages the dice, announces the results, and handles “center” bets |
| Boxperson | Oversees the game, manages the bankroll, and resolves disputes |
| Dealers | Handle player bets, payouts, and help explain bets to newcomers |
Table Sections:
- Pass Line and Don’t Pass: Located at the edge of the table; these are primary bets on the shooter’s success or failure.
- Come and Don’t Come: Similar to Pass and Don’t Pass, but initiated after the point is set.
- Place Bets Areas: Specific boxes marking numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 where players can wager that these numbers will roll before a 7.
- Center Table (Proposition Bets): High-risk, high-reward bets like Hardways, Horn bets, and other one-roll wagers.
Common Bets and Their Payouts
There are many ways to bet in Craps. Here are the most common wagers you’ll encounter, along with approximate payout odds and house edges. Keep in mind that Canadian casinos follow standard North American payouts for Craps.
Primary Bets:
| Bet Type | Description | Payout | House Edge (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | Win if 7 or 11 on come-out; lose if 2, 3, 12 | 1:1 | ~1.41% |
| Don’t Pass | Opposite of Pass Line | 1:1 | ~1.36% |
| Come | Similar to Pass, but after point is set | 1:1 | ~1.41% |
| Don’t Come | Similar to Don’t Pass, post point | 1:1 | ~1.36% |
Place Bets:
| Number | Payout for a Win | House Edge (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 9:5 | ~4.00% |
| 5 or 9 | 7:5 | ~4.00% |
| 6 or 8 | 7:6 | ~1.52% |
Odds Bets (On Pass/Come or Don’t Pass/Don’t Come):
- Pass/Come Odds: True odds, with no house edge:
- 4 or 10 pays 2:1
- 5 or 9 pays 3:2
- 6 or 8 pays 6:5
- Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Odds:
- 4 or 10 pays 1:2
- 5 or 9 pays 2:3
- 6 or 8 pays 5:6
Proposition Bets (High Risk):
| Bet | Description | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Any 7 | Wins if next roll is 7 | 4:1 |
| Any Craps (2,3,12) | Wins if next roll is 2,3, or 12 | 7:1 |
| Hard 4/10 | Wins if pair of 2’s or pair of 5’s | 7:1 or 8:1 |
| Hard 6/8 | Wins if pair of 3’s or pair of 4’s | 9:1 or 10:1 |
Check with your dealer or the table’s payout display, as different Canadian casinos may vary slightly in proposition bet payouts.
Playing Craps Step-by-Step
- Join the Table:
- Find a spot along the table’s rail. In Canada’s busy casinos (like Casino Niagara on a Saturday night), you might need to wait until a spot opens.
- Buy-In:
- Place your money on the table (dealers cannot accept money directly into their hands). The dealer will give you colored chips. The denominations are similar across Canada: often chips will have a $1, $5, $25, $100 standardization, matching the standard North American casino system.
- Place Your Initial Bet:
- Typically, start with a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet before the come-out roll. This is the most straightforward way to get into the game.
- Shooter Rolls the Dice:
- If it’s your turn to shoot, the dealer will present you with a selection of dice. Choose two, then aim for the far wall of the table.
- Outcome Determination:
- If you win, the dealer pushes your winnings to you.
- If you lose, the dealer collects your chips.
- Once a point is set, you can add Odds bets behind your Pass or Come bets.
- Continue Playing:
- After each decision, you can add, remove, or alter bets. There’s no requirement to bet on every roll.
Canadian Casino Etiquette and Culture
Craps is known for its lively atmosphere, cheering, and camaraderie. Canadian casinos, known for politeness and hospitality, tend to foster a welcoming and respectful environment.
Etiquette Tips:
- Do Not Hand Anything Directly to the Dealer: Place chips on the table; the dealer will pick them up.
- Keep Your Hands Off the Table During a Roll: Wait until the dice have landed and the outcome is known before reaching for chips.
- Respect Other Players: Craps often involves group energy. Cheering when someone wins is encouraged, but always remain respectful and calm.
- Ask Questions: Canadian dealers are generally happy to help newcomers understand the game. Don’t be shy—ask the dealer to clarify bets or payouts if you’re uncertain.
Strategies and Tips for Success
While Craps is ultimately a game of chance, certain strategies can improve your experience and potentially stretch your bankroll.
- Stick to Low-House-Edge Bets:
- Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come, and especially Odds bets have some of the lowest house edges in the entire casino.
- Manage Your Bankroll:
- Set a budget before you start playing, and don’t exceed it. Canadian casinos usually have various table limits, so choose one that fits your comfort level.
- Take Full Odds When You Can:
- If you’re playing at a table offering 3-4-5x odds (common in Canada), consider taking the maximum odds on your Pass/Don’t Pass bets for the best long-term returns.
- Avoid Proposition Bets:
- They look tempting with high payouts, but they carry a significant house edge. Use them sparingly—maybe for a bit of fun, but not as a main strategy.
- Practice Online First (If Possible):
- While the request is focused on land-based casinos, consider honing your skills online before visiting a Canadian casino. Many online platforms offer free Craps demos, helping you understand the game and test strategies without risking real money.
Exploring Canadian Casinos for Craps
Recommended Canadian Casinos for Craps:
- Casino de Montréal (Quebec):
A massive gaming floor, friendly dealers, and lively Craps tables. - Casino Niagara (Ontario):
Located near Niagara Falls, it offers a bustling, tourist-friendly environment. - River Rock Casino Resort (British Columbia):
Classy atmosphere and top-tier service, with Craps tables that cater to both novices and high rollers. - Caesars Windsor (Ontario):
A well-known international brand with a Canadian twist. The Craps tables here are often full of energy.
Before heading to the casino, it’s a good idea to check their website for the latest information on table limits, promotions, and special events related to Craps.
Glossary of Common Craps Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shooter | The player currently rolling the dice |
| Point | The target number established after the come-out roll |
| Seven Out | Rolling a 7 before hitting the point (Pass Line loses) |
| Stickman | The dealer who “sticks” the dice, announces rolls |
| Boxman | The seated supervisor in charge of the bankroll |
| Hardway | Rolling a number as a pair (e.g., 4 as 2+2) |
Below is a list of 10 well-known land-based Canadian casinos where you can typically find Craps tables. It’s always best to check the casino’s official website or call ahead to confirm the current availability and schedule of the game.
- Casino de Montréal, Quebec
The largest casino in Canada, renowned for its vast selection of table games, including Craps. - Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Located near the famous Niagara Falls, this resort offers a world-class atmosphere and a diverse range of gaming options. - Casino Niagara, Niagara Falls, Ontario
A popular gaming destination in Niagara Falls, consistently featuring Craps among its table offerings. - Caesars Windsor, Windsor, Ontario
An internationally recognized casino brand with a wide variety of table games, including Craps. - River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond, British Columbia
A prestigious establishment near Vancouver, often providing Craps tables for enthusiasts. - Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, Coquitlam, British Columbia
Known for its iconic Hard Rock brand and an extensive selection of table games, including Craps. - Casino Rama Resort, Rama, Ontario
A large gaming complex with a hotel and entertainment venue, offering a range of table games including Craps. - Casino du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, Quebec
Provides top-quality service and a premium gaming experience, frequently featuring Craps tables. - Parq Vancouver (formerly Edgewater Casino), Vancouver, British Columbia
A modern gaming and entertainment complex with a broad selection of table games, including Craps. - Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, Calgary, Alberta
A spacious casino resort offering a good variety of table games, including Craps.
Before visiting, confirm table hours, minimum/maximum bets, and game availability for the date of your intended visit.
Conclusion
Craps in Canadian land-based casinos offers a blend of classic gaming action and warm, hospitable service. The fundamentals of the game remain the same—roll the dice, place bets, chase that point—but the Canadian touch can make the experience even more enjoyable, whether through courteous dealers, diverse players from all over the world, or unique casino promotions.
As you take your place at the Craps table, remember:
- Start with simple bets like Pass Line or Don’t Pass.
- Gradually incorporate Odds bets for better returns.
- Embrace the table’s energy and enjoy the camaraderie.
- Don’t hesitate to ask dealers for guidance.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re well on your way to experiencing the excitement and fun of Craps in Canada’s top-notch casinos. Good luck—and may the dice roll in your favor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Playing Craps in Canadian Land-Based Casinos
- Q: Do Canadian casinos offer Craps tables similar to those in the US?
A: Yes. Most Canadian casinos follow the same rules and layout as their American counterparts, ensuring a familiar playing experience. - Q: What is the minimum bet for Craps in Canadian casinos?
A: Minimum bets vary depending on the casino and the table. You may find tables with minimums as low as CAD $5, while higher-end resorts may start at CAD $10 or more. - Q: Can I take Odds bets on my Pass/Don’t Pass wagers in Canada?
A: Yes. Canadian casinos generally allow Odds bets behind your Pass or Don’t Pass lines, often at standard multiples like 3x-4x-5x odds. - Q: Are the payouts and house edges the same in Canadian casinos as in the US?
A: In most cases, yes. The payouts, odds, and house edges closely resemble those in US casinos, though it’s always wise to double-check payoff charts at each casino. - Q: Do Canadian dealers and staff speak English?
A: Yes. English is widely spoken across Canada, and dealers are trained to communicate clearly with players. In Quebec, you may also encounter French-speaking dealers, but English is still commonly understood. - Q: Is it common to find Craps at smaller Canadian casinos?
A: Larger casinos in major destinations are more likely to offer Craps. Smaller, regional casinos may not always have Craps tables due to the required space and staffing. - Q: Can I practice Craps online before visiting a Canadian casino?
A: Yes. Many online platforms offer free Craps demos, allowing you to learn the game and practice betting strategies risk-free. - Q: How does tipping work at the Craps table in Canadian casinos?
A: Tipping the dealers for good service is appreciated and common. You can toss a chip onto the table and say “For the dealers” or place a small bet on their behalf. - Q: Are there special promotions or reward programs for Craps players in Canadian casinos?
A: Many Canadian casinos offer loyalty programs where you earn points for table play, including Craps. Promotions vary by casino, so check the rewards desk for details. - Q: Is there a dress code for playing Craps in Canadian casinos?
A: Most Canadian casinos have a relaxed dress code. Casual attire is generally acceptable, though some higher-end resorts may encourage smart-casual clothing. Check the casino’s website for any guidelines.
