Roulette vs. Craps: Which is Better?

When it comes to casino games, Roulette and Craps are two of the most popular gambling games played around the world. Both games are known for their anxiety and excitement-building thrill, offering players the chance to win big. But which game is better? 

Here, we will compare Roulette vs. Craps and help you decide which one is right for you.

What is Roulette?

Roulette is a classic casino game of chance played for centuries. The game consists of a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a ball dropped onto the wheel. 

The wheel spins, and players put their bets where they assume the white ball will land. The odds of winning vary depending on where they bet, with the highest payout being for a straight-up bet (betting on a single number) and the type of wheel: European, French, or American.

What is Craps?

Craps is a popular gambling game that is played with two dice. The game is played on a large table, completely different from a Roulette table, with various betting options. 

Players place their bets on the outcome of the roll of the dice. The odds of winning vary depending on the bet, with the highest payout being for a “hard way” bet (betting on a specific combination of the dice).

Now that we know what Roulette and Craps are and how they are played, we must look at some pros and cons of the two games to understand which is better.

Roullete Vs. Craps: Pros and Cons

It is essential to learn about the pros and cons of both Roulette and Craps to find the winner between Roulette vs. Craps. Thus, the table below summarizes some reasons to and not to play Roulette and Craps.

Roulette
Pros	Cons
Simple and Easy to Play. Players do not need special skills or knowledge to play the game.	Slow Paced. may not be ideal for players who prefer faster-paced games.
Low House Edge. The odds of winning are higher than in other casino games.	Limited Interaction. May not appeal to those who enjoy socializing while playing.
Variety of Betting Options allows players to choose the bet that best suits their playing style and strategy	High Variance. Players may experience long losing streaks before a big win.
Craps
Pros	Cons
High in Excitement, with players cheering and shouting during the game.	Complex Rules can be intimidating for new players.
Social Interaction, with players often rooting for each other and offering advice on bets.	High Variance means that players may experience long losing streaks before hitting a big win.
Variety of Betting Options, allowing players to choose the bet that best suits their playing style and strategy.	High House Edge means the odds of winning are lower than in other casino games.

Roulette vs. Craps: Which is Better?

Now that we know both sides of the coin when it comes to Roulette and Craps, it’s time to decide which is the best choice for you. To do so, you must look at different aspects of Roulette and Craps to determine a final winner.

Beginner Friendliness

Roulette is often considered to be more beginner-friendly than craps. The game is simple to understand, and players can bet on the spin’s outcome. There are various betting options available, such as betting on one specific number, color, or group of numbers. The dealer will spin the roulette wheel, and the ball will land on one of the numbered slots.

Craps, on the other hand, has a more complicated gameplay that can be overwhelming for beginners. Different types of bets are available, and each bet has its own payout. Players also need to understand the different phases in the game, such as the come-out roll and the point phase.

Level of Strategy Needed

Both Roulette and Craps require a certain level of strategy to win. However, the level of strategy required for each game differs significantly.

Roulette is a game that depends primarily on lady luck, and there is no way to predict the spin’s outcome. However, players can increase their chances of winning by choosing the right betting strategy. For example, players can bet on a group of numbers instead of a specific number to increase their odds of winning, although the winnings might be lower.

Craps require a more complex strategy. Players must understand that different bets can have different results and that different game phases can determine the correct strategy. Craps players often use various betting systems, such as the Martingale system, to increase their chances of winning.

House Edge

The house edge is the mathematical advantage that the casino has over the players. In general, the house edge for Roulette is lower than that of Craps.

In Roulette, the house edge varies depending on the bet. The house edge for a straight-up bet (betting on a specific number) is 2.7%, while the house edge for an even-money bet (betting on red or black) is 1.35%.

In Craps, the house edge varies depending on the bet type and the game phase. The house edge for the pass line bet (betting on the shooter to win) is 1.41%, while the house edge for any craps bet (betting on a two, three, or 12) is 11.11%.

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning also vary between Roulette and Craps. Generally, the odds of winning are higher in Roulette than in Craps.

In Roulette, the odds of winning vary based on the bet you make. The odds of winning a straight-up bet are 35 to one, while the odds of winning an even-money bet are one to one.

In Craps, the odds of winning depend on the bet type and the game phase. The odds of winning a pass-line bet are 251 to 244, while the odds of winning any craps bet are seven to one.

Bottom Line

Both Roulette and Craps are fun and exciting casino games. However, Roulette is more beginner-friendly, has a lower house edge, and has greater odds than Craps. That said, the game that is better for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You might be a better Craps player than you are at Roulette.

Whichever game you choose, remember to gamble responsibly and set a budget for yourself. Once you are sure which game you want to play, take hold of lady luck and go for it!