California is a titan in the casino gaming industry. Boasting 76 tribal casinos, it rakes in an impressive $9 billion annually from gaming revenue.
This figure is on par with its neighboring state, Nevada, which is globally renowned for its gambling hubs, Las Vegas and Reno.
Despite its vast gaming offerings, from slots to card games, California misses one of America’s favorite casino games, which makes you wonder – Why is Craps illegal in California?
In this article, we’ll dive into the legal part, and present the most interesting twist in the tale – The state does have its own unique version of craps.
Key Takeaways on California Craps:
- Historical Roots of Craps in California: The game of craps, deeply entwined with California’s Gold Rush era, faces legal restrictions due to Proposition 1A, which bans dice-based outcomes in casino games.
- Innovative Adaptation with “California Craps”: To circumvent legal restrictions, California casinos introduced a unique version of craps using cards instead of dice to determine game outcomes, blending traditional craps rules with innovative mechanics.
- Mechanics of California Craps: The game utilizes two sets of six cards, each representing dice numbers, shuffled and drawn to simulate a dice roll, allowing it to operate within the state’s legal framework.
- Distinctive Bets and House Edges: California Craps features unique side bets specific to various casinos, such as Pala Casino’s “Super Field” bet and Pauma Casino’s joker-based wager, each with its house advantage.
- Comparison with Traditional Craps: While maintaining the core excitement of craps, the California version introduces notable differences, including the use of cards, automatic shufflers for randomness, and casino-specific side bets, offering a fresh twist on the classic game.
- Online Craps as an Alternative: For those seeking the traditional dice-based experience, online craps presents an accessible option, with numerous platforms welcoming California players, despite the lack of state licensing.
The Historical Backdrop: California’s Approach with Gambling
The mid-1800s saw the Gold Rush sweep California, leading to the emergence of numerous gambling houses. Given this rich history, it’s no surprise that California was among the first states to embrace casino gaming.
In 2000, Californians voted in favor of a bill allowing casino gaming on tribal reservations.
But this approval came with a catch.
Proposition 1A, the bill in question, had some peculiar stipulations. The most notable of these was the prohibition of any casino game determined by a wheel, like roulette, or dice, like craps.
This essentially meant that traditional craps, where outcomes are decided by dice rolls, was off the table in California.
The Ingenious Solution: California Craps
While dice-based craps was a no-go, California’s tribal casinos weren’t ready to give up. They came up with “California Craps” in 2004, a legal alternative that replaced dice with cards.
Here’s how it works:
- Instead of dice, two sets of six cards (ace through six) are used.
- These card sets are placed in two separate automatic shufflers.
- The shufflers deal a card from each set, simulating a dice roll. For instance, if a 2 from one set and a 3 from another are dealt, it’s equivalent to a dice roll of 5.
Apart from this card-based mechanism, the game largely mirrors traditional craps, complete with familiar bets like pass line, don’t pass line, and more.
Unique Bets in California Craps
Different casinos in California have introduced their own unique side bets for this game. For instance:
- Pala Casino: They offer a “Super Field” bet, which pays a whopping 500-to-1 if both cards show either 1-1 or 6-6. However, the odds are steep, with a house edge of 22.7%.
- Pauma Casino: Their version uses a 73-card deck, including a joker. A side bet here allows players to wager that the first card drawn will be a joker, paying out 60:1. This bet comes with a house advantage of 16.67%.
Why the Card-Based Version?
The primary reason behind the invention of California Craps was the state’s prohibition on dice-based games. Proposition 1A was a compromise, allowing casino gaming but with specific restrictions.
By using cards instead of dice, tribal casinos found a clever way to stay within the legal framework while offering a variant of a beloved game.
Key Differences Between Traditional and California Craps
While the essence of the game remains the same, there are some stark differences:
- Use of Cards: The most obvious difference is the use of cards in California Craps as opposed to dice in the traditional version.
- Automatic Shufflers: These devices ensure randomness in each “roll,” simulating the unpredictability of dice rolls.
- Unique Side Bets: Depending on the casino, players might encounter side bets not found in traditional craps.
Online Craps in California
For those not keen on the card-based version, online craps offers a viable alternative.
Numerous online casinos cater to Californians, allowing them to enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes. While these online platforms aren’t licensed by California, there’s no record of anyone being arrested for online gambling in the state.
Final Thoughts
While traditional craps remains elusive in California, the card-based version offers an intriguing alternative. Whether you’re rolling dice or drawing cards, the thrill of craps is undeniable.
And for those who prefer the digital realm, online craps awaits with open arms.
