Craps and baccarat are two of the most popular casino table games, captivating players with compelling features that have delivered exciting gameplay for centuries. Both games possess elements of chance and strategy that make them highly appealing to casino enthusiasts, but they also differ significantly in terms of odds, atmosphere, and betting options. Additionally, both can be played online for real money at BetMGM Casino, as long as you’re playing in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia.
Before you decide which game to play, it’s best to form a clear understanding of the nuances of each game. Do you prefer fewer betting options or a wider range of wagers? Are you in the mood for the shifting odds of games like online poker? Does the atmosphere matter more than the gameplay experience? To find the game that suits your preferences the most, take a look at a comparison of craps and baccarat, beginning with short summaries covering the basics of both.
How To Play Craps
Craps is a dice game played with two dice, with the aim being to roll a specific number called the point. The player who rolls the dice is known as the shooter. If the shooter scores a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on the first roll (the come-out roll), that number becomes the point. The shooter must then try to roll that number again.
If the shooter rolls the same number on their second turn, they get to keep playing with another come-out roll. If the shooter is unfortunate enough to roll a seven, they lose control of the dice, and the next player takes their turn.
You can make a variety of bets at the craps table, but the two most common bets are the Pass Line bet and the Don’t Pass bet. Pass Line bets win if the total on the two dice is 7 or 11 on the first roll, but they lose if the total is 2, 3, or 12. For a Don’t Pass bet, you’re betting on 2 or 3 on the first roll to win, 12 leads to a push, and 7 or 11 results in a loss.
This covers the basics of strategy for new craps players, but it’s important to remember that there are dozens of betting options with different odds. As you become more familiar with the game and its intricacies, exploring these betting options will add more depth and strategy to the experience.
How To Play Baccarat
Baccarat is a card game with straightforward gameplay, where players must compare two hands and bet on the outcome. One hand is the player’s hand, and the other is the banker’s hand. The goal is to bet on the hand with a total score closest to nine.
There are only three outcomes to consider: player win, banker win, and tie. Whether you play baccarat online or at a real table, the complexity comes from the rules dictating how the banker’s hand can be played. Both hands can draw up to three cards, but a key aspect of optimal baccarat strategy is to know that the banker can only draw their third card if certain conditions are met.
For example, if the player stands with two cards, the banker can only draw if they have a total of 0–5. Similarly, if the player’s third card is 4 or 5, the banker only draws with 0–5 in their hand. If you want to become a better baccarat player, you must learn the various rules limiting the banker’s choices.
Craps vs. Baccarat
The main reason why craps is so popular is the atmosphere at the table. Every player eventually gets their turn in the spotlight. It’s an exciting and interactive social game with wagers that suit all types of bettors. Unlike baccarat, craps encourages active participation from everyone around the table, drawing from the energy of the crowd and the sense of community fostered among players.
The rules of craps are simple enough once you get to grips with the unique terminology of the game. It’s a highly absorbing and fast-paced experience when you know how to play, but it’s not the type of game you would go for if you want a laid-back gambling session.
Baccarat is less chaotic than craps, with simpler gameplay and fewer decisions to make when it comes to wagers. All you need to do is understand card values, bet on the three options available, and wait for the outcome. The game has a slower pace than craps, allowing you more time to develop your strategy.
Craps and baccarat have similar house edges. Craps has a house edge of 1.36% to 1.41%, while baccarat sits at 1.06% for the banker, 1.24% for the player, and 14.36% for the tie. Both games have relatively low edges compared to games like roulette, where the American version has a house edge of 5.26%.
Choose Your Game With BetMGM
When it comes to online casino games, the choice of what to play comes down to personal preference. Craps and baccarat excel at different things, and both can be tons of fun, leaving it up to you to decide what type of experience you want from your gambling entertainment.
Whether social games or solitary pursuits interest you, register with BetMGM Casino for a diverse selection of the world’s favorite casino games. From craps and baccarat to blackjack, slots, and roulette, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect game to suit your style.
