| Updated: For decades, craps has been one of the most exciting games played on casino floors. However, online casinos now offer players around the world a wide range of virtual craps games for both free and real-money play. Depending on the developer, these versions of the classic game can vary significantly. Therefore, players should be aware of the different software providers in the online casino industry.
Over the years, many software development companies that supply gaming content to online casino operators have created their own versions of craps. The games follow the basic rules of craps but differ in their betting limits, payouts, and RTP percentages, as well as in their graphics and overall design. Players should also pay particular attention to the differences between online craps and the original game played in land-based casinos.
The social aspect of craps cannot be replicated online, and this is what makes the game unique. Unlike the vast majority of casino games, in which each person plays individually, craps players often bet, win, and lose together. Much of the game’s excitement comes from having many people play at the same time. This particular atmosphere cannot be recreated in a virtual RNG game, where casino patrons play alone against computer software.
This is why the variety of online craps games cannot compare to the wide range of blackjack, roulette, or poker games. Furthermore, some of the leading gaming studios do not have a single craps title in their portfolios of virtual or live-dealer games. Those that have created online versions of the game typically offer only one or two variations at most.
How to Compare Craps Software Providers
When evaluating craps software and gaming studios, several factors should be taken into account. In terms of visuals and design, the majority of online craps games look largely the same. The primary difference lies in the graphic quality between older titles and newer releases. Craps versions developed in recent years, for instance, feature sharper, clearer, and more realistic graphics.
Another key consideration when comparing craps software providers is rule variation. Interestingly, most studios adhere to classic casino rules, with the only changes typically relating to the payouts of certain bets. The table layouts and overall gameplay are also very similar, so, in general, most casino players should find online craps easy and straightforward. Beginners can practice without wagering real money, as every version of craps is also available in free mode.
Variety of Games
One of the clearest indicators of craps software quality is the variety of games offered by the gaming studio. Software providers with hundreds of titles in their portfolios are usually well-established, highly experienced companies that understand what works best in online gambling.
Small and independent studios with only a few dozen games can also provide fair, high-quality craps software, but larger companies with longer track records are generally more likely to deliver it. Moreover, once players create an account at a casino, they typically look for more than just craps; the broader the game selection, the better.
Payouts and Table Limits
Players should also consider the minimum and maximum betting limits at craps tables, even when the tables are virtual. Most software providers have set their limits to accommodate both inexperienced recreational players and those who prefer wagering larger amounts each round.
Every variation of craps also has a different paytable that should be considered. The payout for each of the 30 or more bets available in craps affects the game’s expected return. In addition, some games charge a 5% commission on the amount wagered, whereas in other variations, the commission applies only to the payout from a winning bet. Certain software providers also offer flexible paytables, allowing each casino to adjust its payout rates.
Expected Return
When craps players decide to play for real money, one of the first aspects they should examine is the game’s expected return. This figure represents the theoretical return on the total amount wagered over an extended period and is usually displayed as Return to Player (RTP), expressed as a percentage. Unlike games with a fixed RTP, the expected return in craps varies significantly by bet.
It depends on several key factors, most notably the true odds of the bet and the payout offered by the casino. While the odds are fixed, any change in the paytable directly affects the overall return, or RTP. Players should be aware that all craps wagers, except Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come Odds bets, have a negative expectation. Although fortunate players may profit in the short term, they are expected to lose over time.
Overall Reputation
The overall reputation of a software provider should also be considered. Reputable gaming studios are accredited and properly licensed by recognized regulatory bodies and are expected to ensure that their games are fair. Licenses may be issued by local or internationally recognized gambling regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gambling Commission in the UK, or various state regulatory boards and commissions in the US.
The safety and reliability of craps software are also important. Players should look not only for visually appealing games with suitable table limits but also for solid, stable software that performs reliably on both desktop and mobile devices.
Top Software Providers of Online Craps
Microgaming Craps Playtech Craps RealTime Gaming Craps Betsoft Craps Rival Craps WorldMatch CrapsMicrogaming Craps
This comparison of craps software begins with Microgaming, which is one of the largest developers of gaming content and comprehensive software solutions for the online gambling industry. The Isle of Man-based company was established in 1994 and has since released more than 600 casino games, including classic and video slots, scratch cards, progressive jackpot games, and video poker variations. Its catalog also includes a wide range of blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and craps games.
Running on the Microgaming Quickfire platform, the studio’s sole craps game is simply called Craps. It features a classic look and a straightforward, convenient layout, while the rules and payouts are standard. The responsive interface highlights betting fields when the cursor hovers over them.
Players can bet from €1 to €100 per round and choose from 33 individual bets or various combinations. The maximum payout is 30:1 for bets on 2 or 12, while Odds bets can be placed next to Pass Line and Come bets or, alternatively, next to Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets. All payouts can be checked in the Help section, which opens in a separate window and lists the game’s RTP as 98.64%. This figure corresponds to the 1.36% house edge on Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets.
Playtech Craps
Playtech is another major provider of online casino games. Like Microgaming, the company was founded in the 1990s and now has its headquarters on the Isle of Man, although it was originally established in Estonia. Today, Playtech supplies software solutions and gaming content to hundreds of online casinos, sportsbooks, bingo sites, and national lotteries. Employing more than 5,000 people worldwide, Playtech offers hundreds of slot games, online poker, progressive jackpots, and live-dealer games.
Its table game portfolio includes a fun, fast-paced variation of craps designed to resemble a physical craps table. The game is responsive and easy to play, with all active bets displayed in the top left corner of the screen. It begins with an introductory video and features a wide range of in-game settings and customization options, such as Fast Play, warning messages, game sounds, and background audio. Players can change the ambient music, adjust the volume, or toggle the dealer’s voice. They can also track their progress through the History section, which is available in real-money mode.
Bets from $1 to $300 can be placed per round, and chips come in denominations ranging from $0.01 to $25. Playtech’s Craps follows standard rules and allows all traditional craps bets, including Odds on Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come bets. The maximum Odds bet is three times the original stake (x3). In addition to regular Place bets to win, the game offers Place-to-Lose bets, which have a slightly lower house edge.
RealTime Gaming Craps
RealTime Gaming is one of the earliest creators of online casino software, having been founded in 1998. Originally based in Georgia, US, the company later moved to Costa Rica and is now one of the largest providers and one of the few found at US-friendly casinos. RealTime Gaming, or simply RTG, has around 200 titles in its collection. Although most are online slots, it also offers a solid selection of card and table games.
One of these is a variation of craps that can be played in both practice and real-money modes. Although the graphics are somewhat basic and dated, the layout and gameplay reflect professional design. Players can bet from $1 to $100 and choose from chip denominations of $1, $5, $25, and $100. The payouts appear standard, but winnings are rounded down to the nearest quarter, so players should be careful when making certain bets, particularly when taking Odds.
A notable feature of RTG software is its configurable rules and paytables for table games. Depending on the casino, its craps game may allow Odds bets of up to x2 or x3. Payouts for most bets also vary between casinos, while the standard 5% commission on Buy and Lay bets is reduced to 4%.
Betsoft Craps
Betsoft is known in the online gambling industry for its unique games, cinematic slots, and impressive 3D visuals. Since its launch in 2006, the company has evolved into a leading provider of high-quality iGaming products, including slots, video poker, scratch cards, and table games. Betsoft’s software is technologically advanced, has fully transitioned to HTML5, and is optimized for mobile devices.
The studio’s table game collection includes just over 20 titles, one of which is Craps. The game offers high-quality graphics and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to play even for beginners. The table is designed in detail, with classic green felt, clearly defined lines on the betting layout, and rubber pyramids covering the inside walls. Whenever players hover the cursor over a betting area, the bet type and its payout are displayed in the bottom left corner of the screen.
A useful Help button in the same corner opens three sections: Game Rules, Payouts, and Tips and Controls. The bottom right corner shows the available chips in denominations from $1 to $500. The minimum bet is $1, while the maximum is $100 per round. The payouts and rules are standard. Players can take Odds on Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come bets of up to three times the original wager. Chips for Pass Line Odds are placed outside the Pass Line, below the original bet.
Rival Craps
Compared with industry giants such as Microgaming and Playtech, Rival is a smaller developer of software products for online casino operators, but it remains competitive due to its distinctive game selection. Established in 2006, the company now has a diverse collection of more than 260 casino games, including its i-Slots, video slots, table games, scratch cards, video poker, and specialty games.
Rival’s craps software is available on all devices, and the game can be launched through both web-based and downloadable casino platforms. The graphics are decent, although not particularly impressive. The game’s layout and design are traditional, making it convenient and easy to use. It also offers customizable settings, such as background sounds and Game Speed.
Overall, Rival’s Craps follows the standard rules of the game. Players can make more than 30 different bets, including Odds on Pass Line and Come bets or their “wrong” counterparts. Rival uses the 3-4-5 Odds structure, meaning that the maximum amount that can be wagered on an Odds bet varies depending on the point number. If the point is 4 or 10, the Odds bet can be up to three times the original wager. If the point is 5 or 9, players can place an Odds bet of up to x4, while with a point of 6 or 8, the maximum Odds bet is x5.
WorldMatch Craps
Another software provider is the Italian studio WorldMatch, which offers several variations of online craps. Founded in 2000, the company is now one of the leading development studios supplying casino games and specialized software to licensed operators in Italy and Spain. In 2016, it completed the migration of its games from Flash to HTML5, allowing them to run on all platforms without requiring downloads.
WorldMatch’s portfolio includes more than 200 titles, including 160 slots and over 30 table games. The studio offers a wide range of features and settings that operators can configure, so players may encounter differences in game volatility, paytables, and RTP percentages. Its three craps versions are the standard game, simply called Craps, as well as Craps Pro and Craps Privee. All feature HD graphics, social-network integration, and fast performance, with differences in felt color and table limits.
The standard game has a classic green layout and low betting limits from €0.10 to €10 per round. Those who choose the blue-felt Craps Pro can bet from €1 to €100, while Craps Privee features a red table and caters to high rollers with limits ranging from €10 to €1,000 per round. The rules and payouts are identical across all three games.
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