Are casino machines rigged

The game of craps, with its flurry of bets and shouts across the casino table, has long been enshrouded in mystery and countless craps myths.

These fallacies often cloud the game’s real nature and sway the tactics of both novice and seasoned players. In this article, we debunk some of the most pervasive myths surrounding this exciting dice game.

The Most Common Craps Myths You Will Hear

1. The Game Is Rigged – Craps, like any casino game, operates with a house edge, ensuring profitability for the casino over time without the need for rigging. Understanding odds and probabilities clarifies that outcomes are due to chance, not manipulation.
2. Dice Control Guarantees Wins – Despite theories on dice setting, the randomness of dice rolls in craps means consistent control over outcomes is highly unlikely. Skills in handling dice might offer slight advantages, but they don’t ensure winning.
3. Number 7 is Unlucky – In craps, the number 7 actually plays a dual role; it’s as much a potential winner on the come-out roll as it is a loser in other phases. This myth underscores the misunderstanding of the game’s rules rather than an inherent truth about the number.
4. Past Rolls Influence Future Outcomes – Each roll in craps is an independent event. Believing in patterns or “due” outcomes is known as the gambler’s fallacy, which ignores the basic principles of probability.
5. A Bad Shooter Brings Bad Luck – The outcome of dice rolls is random, making it illogical to attribute a series of unfavorable results to the shooter’s luck or skill. Craps relies on chance, with each player having equal odds of rolling any number.
6. Betting Systems Guarantee Wins – No betting system can overcome the house edge in craps over the long term. While systems might structure gameplay, they don’t assure profits against the mathematics of the game.
7. Proposition Bets Are For Experts – Prop bets are indeed enticing due to their higher payouts, but they come with steep house edges, making them risky for players of all levels. Knowledge of the game, not expertise, dictates the strategic avoidance of these bets.
8. Online Craps Games Are Manipulated – Legitimate online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and unpredictable outcomes in craps games, mirroring the randomness of live dice rolls.
9. Craps is a Complicated Game – While craps tables may appear intimidating, the game’s basic principles are straightforward. Learning simple bets can serve as a foundation for understanding more complex betting options.
10. All Craps Bets Have the Same House Edge – The house edge varies significantly across different craps bets. Educated players recognize the importance of selecting bets with lower house advantages to enhance their chances of winning.

Myth 1: The Game Is Rigged

This belief often stems from the intimidating array of bets available in craps and the seemingly random outcomes. The reality is that casinos have no need to rig games like craps; the house already has a built-in edge.

Each bet comes with a certain mathematical probability and a corresponding house advantage.

The randomness of the dice rolls is what makes the game exciting and unpredictable, but it’s also what ensures the casino’s profit over the long run.

Myth 2: Dice Control is a Surefire Winning Strategy

Dice control or dice setting is a controversial technique where players attempt to throw the dice in a way to influence the outcome.

While it’s true that practice can improve your handling and rolling of the dice, it’s improbable to control the outcome consistently.

The dice have six faces and are designed to bounce and roll randomly. Betting your money based solely on the assumption of controlled dice roll might lead to disappointment.

Myth 3: Number 7 is Unlucky

The belief that 7 is unlucky is actually the reverse in craps.

The number seven is the most likely number to be rolled, with six different dice combinations yielding this result. If you’re on the come-out roll, a 7 means an instant win. Only during the point phase does rolling a 7 mean a loss.

Therefore, it is just one of many craps superstitions. Rather than being an unlucky number, 7 carries both potential for fortune and misfortune, depending on the phase of the game.

Myth 4: Past Rolls Influence Future Outcomes

Each roll in craps is an independent event, not influenced by previous results.

This concept, known as ‘gambler’s fallacy,’ presumes that if a certain outcome hasn’t appeared for a while, it’s due to happen soon.

The dice have no memory, and each roll has the same fixed probabilities. Predicting future outcomes based on past results can lead to misguided betting strategies.

Myth 5: Bad Shooter Brings Bad Luck

Another common myth is blaming a ‘cold’ or ‘unlucky’ shooter for the game’s unfavorable outcome. In reality, everyone has the same chance of rolling any given number.

The outcome of the roll has nothing to do with the skill or luck of the person throwing the dice. Believing that changing shooters will change the game’s outcome is a misunderstanding of how chance works.

Myth 6: Betting Systems Guarantee Wins

Some players believe that following specific betting systems can help them beat the house.

Systems such as the Martingale, where you double your bet after each loss, might seem effective initially. However, no betting system can overcome the house edge in the long run.

While betting systems can add fun and structure to your gameplay, they should not be considered as a reliable strategy for consistent winning.

Myth 7: Proposition Bets Are For Experts

Proposition bets, or “prop” bets, involve a single roll of the dice, and they are often viewed as sophisticated wagers for seasoned players.

In reality, they carry a high house edge and are considered poor bets for any player. It’s crucial to understand the odds before engaging in such wagers.

Myth 8: Online Craps Games Are Manipulated

Online craps games use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure that every roll of the dice is entirely random.

Provided you play at a licensed and regulated online casino, the game’s integrity is as reliable as in a physical casino.

Any perception of pattern or rigging is a manifestation of the gambler’s fallacy.

Myth 9: Craps is a Complicated Game

While the layout of a craps table might seem overwhelming at first, the game’s basics are quite straightforward. The complexity comes from the variety of bets you can place.

But by starting with simple bets like Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line, new players can gradually understand the game’s intricacies.

Myth All Craps Bets Have the Same House Edge

Different bets in craps have varying house edges. For example, the house edge on the Pass Line bet is %, while the Any Seven bet carries a house edge of %.

Knowing the house edge associated with different bets is key to managing your money effectively and increasing your staying power at the table.

Wrapping Up

By debunking these craps myths, players can approach the table with a clear understanding of the game.

Remember, craps, like all casino games, should be played for entertainment. While winning is part of the fun, the thrill of the game and the camaraderie at the table are what truly make craps a unique and enjoyable experience.