In the sunny state of California, the traditional game of craps has undergone a unique transformation. Due to specific legal restrictions on dice games, casinos in California have innovated by introducing card-based variants of craps.
Let’s explore the various methods of playing Craps with cards.
Key Takeaways: Card-Based Craps
- Innovative Solutions: California’s legal restrictions on dice games have led to the creation of card-based variants of craps, blending traditional gameplay with innovative mechanics.
- Diverse Methods Across Casinos: Different casinos employ various methods to simulate craps using cards, each maintaining the essence and odds of the game while complying with state laws.
- Agua Caliente & Fantasy Springs Method: Utilize two separate decks of six cards (ace through six), with different colored backs to represent dice rolls.
- Barona, Pechanga, & Sycuan’s Approach: Six numbered cards are matched with positions on the table; dice determine which cards flip over, simulating the roll.
- Harrah’s Unique System: Two six-card decks (one red, one green) with cards A-6 are used alongside colored dice to select the cards that represent the dice roll.
- Normandie’s Mix: Employs a 48-card deck (four suits, ace to six), drawing two cards to represent the roll, with specific bets for same-suit outcomes.
- Pala’s Combination: A mix of unique dice and a 36-card deck replicates traditional craps outcomes, including a special “Super Field” bet.
- Pauma’s 73-Card Deck: Incorporates jokers in a large deck to determine rolls, with specific conditions for joker outcomes and additional side bets.
- San Manuel & Viejas’ Blackjack-Sized Table: Use a 264-card shoe to simulate dice rolls, slightly altering the odds from conventional craps due to non-replacement of cards.
- Engaging Experience for Players: Despite the adaptations, card-based craps in California offers a thrilling experience, maintaining the excitement and strategy of traditional craps.
The Need for Innovation
In California, dice alone cannot determine the outcome in craps. As a result, a combination of dice and playing cards, or solely cards, are used to dictate the game’s results. The methods vary across casinos, but the essence of the game remains intact.
Agua Caliente & Fantasy Springs
At Agua Caliente and Fantasy Springs, twelve cards are used, ranging from an ace through six from two separate decks, each with different colored back sides. The cards are shuffled and spread face down across the table. The first card of each color from one end represents the roll. The odds remain identical to traditional dice craps.
Barona & Pechanga & Sycuan
Barona, Pechanga (as of 7/26/16), and Sycuan employ a method involving six cards, numbered one to six. These cards are randomly placed in six table positions.
Two dice determine which card(s) are flipped over, representing the roll for betting purposes. With each new shooter, the cards are rearranged, maintaining the same odds as conventional craps.
Harrah’s
Harrah’s uses two separate six-card decks, one red and one green. Each deck consists of ranks A to 6. Aces count as one, while other ranks count according to their pip value.
Two dice, one red and one green, determine which cards are flipped over, representing the roll.
The odds are consistent with traditional craps.
Normandie
Normandie mixes two partial decks, each consisting of all four suits ranked ace to six, resulting in a total of 48 cards. Two cards are drawn without replacement.
If they share the same suit, there’s no action. Otherwise, the two cards represent the roll. This method is mathematically equivalent to using dice.
Additionally, there’s a “No Call” bet, paying 3 to 1 for two cards of the same suit, with a house edge of 6.38%. Players also incur about a 1% fee on all bets.
Pala
Pala uses a unique combination of dice and cards.
The equipment includes a red die with three 1’s and three 4’s, a blue die with three 2’s and three 3’s, and a 36-card deck featuring all possible two-dice permutations.
Two cards are drawn and placed face down over red and blue table regions. The dice are rolled, and depending on the outcome, either the red or blue card is used as the roll.
The odds are consistent with traditional craps. Additionally, the “Super Field” bet pays 500 to 1 if both cards are the 1-1 and 6-6, in either order.
Pauma
Pauma uses a 73-card deck, consisting of 12 cards each of ranks ace to six, and a joker. Two cards determine the roll. If the first card is a joker, there’s no action, and two new cards are drawn.
If the second card is a joker, it matches the first card. The odds remain the same as conventional craps.
There are also side bets, including the joker side bet and the four suit bets.
San Manuel & Viejas
San Manuel follows the same procedure as Viejas, but with a different name, simply “craps.”
Viejas uses a blackjack-sized table called “Card Craps” with a 264-card shoe, consisting of 44 cards each of ranks ace to six.
Two cards represent the roll, and due to non-replacement, the odds slightly differ from conventional craps.
Conclusion
California craps with cards showcases the state’s innovative spirit in the realm of casino gaming.
By blending the traditional with the novel, California casinos offer a unique and engaging experience for craps enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious visitor, the card-based variant of craps in the Golden State promises a thrilling gaming adventure.
