Craps and baccarat are easily two of the most popular casino table games. Each game has been around for centuries in some form or another. You can’t go wrong with playing either of these casino classics, but which is best for you individually?
We’ll explore the subject of craps vs. baccarat by looking at how each game works and its strengths and weaknesses. You can use these pros and cons to determine if you like baccarat or craps better.
What You Should Know About Craps
Real money craps feature a pair of dice and a long felted table with lots of tiny boxes. Each box represents a different bet, of which there are dozens in this game. Many players start with the pass line and don’t pass line wagers, which win and lose under the following circumstances.
Pass Line Bet
- Wins on the come out roll with 7 or 11.
- Loses on the come out roll with 2, 3, or 12.
- Establishes a “point” number with any other combination (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). The shooter must roll the point before 7 to ensure pass line bettors win.
- Has a 1.41% house edge.
Don’t Pass Line Bet
- Wins on the come out roll with 2 or 3.
- Loses on the come out roll with 7 or 11.
- Pushes with 12.
- Establishes a point number with any other result. The shooter must roll 7 before the point to ensure that don’t pass line gamblers win.
- Has a 1.36% house edge.
Do you want to learn more about craps wagers? Take a look at our Craps game guide to learn the ins and outs and start playing like a pro at online casinos!
Craps – Pros and Cons
Craps has stuck around casinos for decades due to a few good reasons. Before you grab the dice and start rolling, you’ll also want to know this game’s downsides. That said, here are the advantages and downsides to playing craps.
Pros
- You can roll the dice – Craps is an exception to other casino games because it lets you roll the dice and determine results.
- Low house edge – Pass line and don’t pass lines are worthwhile wagers with 1.41% and 1.36% house edges, respectively.
- Exciting gameplay – The craps table typically features the wildest bunch in the casino. Players like to bet on the house through pass line wagers.
Cons
- Sucker bets – Craps contains many sucker bets—wagers with high house edges. Any seven leads the way with its 16.67% house advantage, while ten other bets have 11.11% – 13.89% house edges.
- Etiquette and superstitions – The craps table is intimidating due to its unspoken etiquette and superstitions. For example, you’re not supposed to say seven because it could bring bad luck.
What You Should Know About Baccarat
Real money baccarat is a card game that pits the banker against the player. The winning baccarat hand gets closest to a score of nine. If a hand goes over nine, the first digit drops from the score (e.g., 18 becomes 8).
This game has a complicated drawing system determining when parties draw for a third card. But you don’t have to know this system; you can focus on making the following three wagers.
- Banker (1.06% house edge) – Bet on the banker having the better hand.
- Player (1.24% house edge) – Wager on the player having the superior hand.
- Tie (14.36% house advantage) – Both hands tie.
Do you want to know more about these wagers? Check out our Baccarat game guide to learn more about strategy and the best tips to increase your chances of winning.
Baccarat – Pros and Cons
Just like craps, baccarat has its highs and lows. You can check out where this game excels and falls short below.
Pros
- Simple betting structure – Even as a novice, you’ll pick up baccarat within minutes after learning the wagers.
- Low house edge – The banker and player wagers provide a chance to win with 1.06% and 1.24% house advantages, respectively.
- Easy strategy – Want to play optimal baccarat? Bet on the banker’s hand each time to enjoy a 1.06% house edge.
Cons
- Confusing drawing system – You don’t need to learn the drawing system to enjoy baccarat. But you’ll be confused watching the game unfold if you avoid learning this complicated system.
- Bad side bets – Most side wagers aren’t worth your time due to the high house advantages.
Craps vs. Baccarat – Which One Has Better Odds?
Baccarat offers a 1.06% and 1.24% house edge for the banker and player bets, respectively. Craps feature a 1.41% and 1.36% house advantage for pass line and don’t pass line wagers. It also includes “odds” bets, which go behind a pass line or don’t pass line bet after a point.
On the surface, baccarat’s banker bet has a slightly better house edge than the pass line or don’t pass line. However, odds give craps the advantage when they’re available.
Choose Your Favorite Game & Make Your Real Money Bets!
Baccarat and craps both have their strong points. Craps is intriguing due to its dice rolls and exciting atmosphere, while baccarat has simple gameplay and the banker wager. We can’t say that either game is definitively better than the other. Both excel at different things and are worth your gaming time. We encourage you to try craps and baccarat at our recommended online casinos!
