The battle for superiority between blackjack and craps has been going on for many years, and it doesn't seem to end any soon. These two games are among the most played variants in online casinos in the US and globally. The ongoing debate is which is a better game - blackjack or craps?
Thanks to their low house edge and immersive gameplay, blackjack and Craps have been popular games in land-based and online casinos. Their similarities have significantly contributed to the dilemma of which is the best to choose. The origins of blackjack and craps are lost in the midst of time; nevertheless, the latter seems to be older than blackjack. Even back in the United States, the history of craps is estimated to be about twice as old as that of blackjack games. What's impressive is that the popularity of these games has not faded over the years. Many people of different caliber and experiences still love and enjoy playing these games. We've tried to clear the air by highlighting the key differences between these games and where each one beats the other.
How to Determine A Better Casino Game
Many factors are considered when defining a 'better' casino game. The reason is that games have varying rules, features, and payouts. Below are the key aspects we focus on when deciding which game is better than the other:
Gameplay
Every player wants a casino game that is entertaining and easy to play. However, some casino games excel more than others in terms of gameplay. Some are designed to retain players more than others, despite not winning.
Strategy
Does the game allow players to apply strategies? Of course, many players want a game with control over the outcome. Nevertheless, we have players who want to relax and let lady luck perform her miracles. They like playing luck-based games that don't require a strategy. Depending on the player, a strategy can be added advantage or not.
House Edge
Almost every casino game has a house edge to deal with. Experienced players understand that the best games are those with low house edges. A low edge increases the chances of winning compared to a game with a high house edge. Popular games like blackjack and craps have lower advantages than other casino games.
Understanding A Blackjack Game
There is no doubt that blackjack is the most popular casino game out there. Whether you visit a brick-and-mortar casino or your favorite online casino, you will come across this card game. You will come across casinos offering single-deck blackjack while others have multi-deck blackjack variants. Today, many players are attracted to multi-deck games composed of six to eight decks. Regardless, the choice depends on various factors like your gaming experience, strategy, and budget. Let's find out some of the best qualities of blackjack games.
Low House Edge
While blackjack house advantage is not consistent as with craps, you can lower the edge by choosing the suitable table game. The difference in playing rules of blackjack variations affects the house edge. It is highly recommended to look for games that offer a payout of 3:2 on natural blackjacks and other player-friendly rules. As long as you apply a good strategy and pick a fair game, you can reduce the house edge to as low as 1%. In fact, some blackjack casino games have a house advantage of 0.3% or even lower.
Engaging Gameplay
Blackjack games deliver a thrilling gaming experience in land-based and online casinos. All players gather on a table, and the dealer gives out cards according to the rules in use. The atmosphere is friendly, and players can choose games based on their experience. Even more appealing is that modern live table games have features that allow players to chat with dealers and other players.
Great Strategic Game
It is not mandatory to learn a blackjack strategy, but you surely need it to improve your chances of beating your opponents. Depending on your system and variant, a standard blackjack game has about 5% or higher house edge. A good player using the ultimate approach can enjoy a low edge of up to 1% or less. If you are a beginner, make a blackjack strategy chart as your best friend. It shows the optimal decision you should make in any situation.
Blackjack Volatility
During the gameplay, the variance in blackjack can fluctuate between low and high, and it can be in favor of the player or casino. For instance, when a player has a double down, splits, and doubles after splits, they can get massive wins to boost their payouts. However, the consequences are unfriendly to players who lose.
Understanding Crap Games
Craps is considered one of the most popular social games in the gambling market. Many people who play craps always feel they can control the outcome in their favor despite it being a purely random game. Professional players know pretty well that the illusion of altering the outcome is impossible. Many craps games share many similarities; what differentiates them is the number of odds one can take on the pass line bet, come bets, don't pass bets, and don't come bets. Playing this game at a reputable online casino offers an incredible experience. The fun part of the game is that almost all players bet in the same way, meaning everyone will be cheering for the same numbers to show up. So, let's find out some unique features of this dice game.
Exclusive 'Odds' Bets
The good thing about playing real money craps games is that they come with unique 'odds bets.' As the name suggests, these odds offer payouts at your exact odds of winning. As such, odds bets don't have a house edge. Furthermore, many online casinos allow players to bet multiple of the original bet on odds. Though it may require you to risk more money, you lower your house edge in your favor.
Wager House Edges
The various bets in craps come with relatively lower house edges. Here are the popular craps wagers and the house edge they offer on wins:
- Don’t pass line – 1.36%
- Don’t come – 1.36%
- Pass line – 1.41%
- Come – 1.41%
- Place 6 – 1.52%
- Place 8 – 1.52%
The secret to boosting your chances of winning is by putting 'odds' behind the pass line and don't pass line wagers. Remember, in craps, the house edge decreases as you increase your stake.
Social And Friendly Environment
No casino game compares to craps when it comes to thrilling gameplay. Craps are usually the noisiest games in any land-based casino. Many punters prefer placing pass line and come bets because you bet on the winning shooter and not the casino. This way, it creates a friendly team with one objective of landing the outcome. Applaud, and cheers erupt from tables whenever a shooter goes on a hot streak while many players are winning.
Similarities And Differences Of Blackjack and Craps
To many people, the most significant difference between these two games is that blackjack is a skill-based game while craps is a pure game of chance. However, this is not absolutely true! Like blackjack, craps does require some skill to get started. It is not all about throwing dice and waiting for the outcome. Without using a proper betting strategy in both games, you could lose terribly if your choices are wrong. While in craps, players bet on the outcome of rolled dice, players make decisions based on the acquired information. You can benefit more from playing these games or lose all your stake. That's why we highly recommend you take the time to learn how the game operates.
Which Game Is Better - Blackjack Or Craps?
Blackjack and craps are two different games but with some close similarities. Every player has their preferences when it comes to game selection. Some may be attracted to simple rules, others on the strategy or house advantage. If you are a person who is inclined to luck-based games, then you should go for craps, but if you enjoy putting your skills to the test, then blackjack is the best option for you. The good thing is that you can play both, though not simultaneously. You can set time to enjoy each game and expand your gaming experience. Make sure you play at a safe, secure, and licensed online casino.
