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Craps is a dice-based game that has multiple variants that has found a fanbase in Michigan casinos. Alongside the regular craps setup, you will now find crapless craps and the electronic bubble craps consoles.
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With online casinos soon available in Michigan, you will be able to roll the virtual dice too. This gives you a chance to get to know the game — such as the two distinct betting rounds and the many possible bets — before you head to a brick-and-mortar casino.
We have this handy guide that is designed with both experienced craps players and beginners in mind.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need about where to play craps in the Great Lakes State, what games are available and how to get the best from the online casino sites.
Is craps legal in Michigan?
Michigan legalized live casinos following a 1996 referendum and licenses were issued under the Michigan Gaming Control Actthe following year.
Opening the big Detroit casinos helped stop gamblers from crossing into Canada to play at the Windsor casino and kept that money in-state. Tribal casinos quickly expanded into Class III gaming. Their bingo and Class II slots were swapped for table games (including craps, roulette, blackjack games and casino poker variants) and Class III slots.
It would take longer before craps became legal online. In 2019 House Bill 4311was signed into law, alongside separate bills covering Daily Fantasy Sports and sportsbooks.
Online casinos were regulated under this bill. Licenses are available only to brick-and-mortar establishments, including tribal casinos.
Online casino brands then partnered with the live venues and the first online casinos are expected to go live in late 2020 or 2021.
Craps can be enjoyed at the new legal online casinos in software-based form. While other games work with live-dealer casino rooms, the casinos have not yet found a way to automate the dice rolls in that format.
Types of craps game you will find in Michigan
At the larger casinos you will find the main craps game. This uses a big table, features a team of dealers and will often be the liveliest game on the casino floor.
There are two variants of the game which are common in Michigan including new crapless craps, which changes the format by not having a “don’t pass” bet, and an electronic game, featuring a glass dome with huge dice bouncing around known as bubble craps.
Here is an overview of each:
- Craps: The sheer number of bets available gives you the opportunity to try out different strategies with the original craps game. There are two betting rounds (the come-out roll and the points round), side bets and novelty bets. Look out for games which offer higher multiples for the points rounds – five times or more here will help lower the house edge.
- Crapless Craps: This newer version has no “don’t pass.” This means everyone at the table will be betting on the same “side.” The rules are different with two, three and 12 becoming points and seven winning the come-out bet. The best bets in this game are to place the six or eight. The lower house edge on these numbers somewhat balances the otherwise high house edge on the pass-line bet.
- Bubble Craps: If you have ever walked past a glass dome containing dice on the slot floor of a casino, you might have heard “push the button” in a female voice. This is a bubble craps game. It is an electronic console that lets players bet via touch screens. If you are learning craps, and find the full table intimidating, these machines are a great place to learn.
How to play craps
This game has two distinct betting rounds:
- The come-out round
- The points round
There are also side/novelty bets, which are covered separately below.
Come-Out Round
The idea of the come-out round is to set a point. You have a choice here of betting on the pass line, or don’t pass. Most people in live casino craps games bet on the pass line. This has a slightly worse house edge than the don’t pass. The reason to bet it is you will be with the table when you win, making the game more entertaining. If you bet the don’t pass, you will win when the rest of the table loses.
For the come out bet you will lose when a two, three or 12 is rolled. You will win outright when a seven or an 11 is rolled. For the other numbers — four, five, six, eight, nine and 10 — a point will be established. You now move onto the next round. If the point is rolled again before a seven, then you win the come-out wager.
Point Round
Rolls can go on for a long time during the point round. This gives you multiple opportunities to bet on numbers and combinations like “hard ways” and “tall and small.” The house edge is effectively gone for the main bets during the point round. Each time the point established in the come-out round is hit, you can expect a cheer from the table.
This round continues until a seven is rolled. The marker for the point is removed and the game now reverts to the come-out roll.
Types of bets in craps
This list covers all the bets you can make at craps tables in Michigan, along with the house edge.
- Pass line: This is the main bet during the come out roll, you win outright if seven or 11 is rolled and lose with two, three or 12. Any other number sets a point, which you need to then hit before rolling a seven to win. This bet has a low house edge of just 1.14%.
- Don’t pass: This is the opposite bet to the pass line bet above. You win with two or three and win with seven or 11. If you hit 12 then your bet is returned. The house edge is slightly lower than the pass line at 1.35%.
- Come/don’t come: This bet is like making a pass or don’t pass bet after the point has been set. It allows you to make this bet at any time.
- Odds bets: After the point has been set, you can make bets with zero house edge. This is known as “laying the odds,” you bet on any of the possible point combinations (four, five, six, eight, nine or 10). Each casino will have a limit on what multiple of your pass line bet you can wager on odds. Two times through 10 times is the range.
- Place bets: You do not need to wait for a point to be set before betting on specific numbers. You can bet that any number will be rolled before a seven. The odds depend on which number you bet. For six and eight this is a low 0.46%, for five and nine it is 1.11% and for four and 10 the house edge is 1.67%.
- Place to lose: This is the opposite of the bets above. You win with a seven and lose when the number you chose comes in. The house edge for these bets is between 0.56% and 0.76%.
- Buy bets: Here you choose any of the point numbers. Some casinos charge commission based on the bet, others only when you win. This means that the house edge varies between less than 1% and almost 5%. You can bet the opposite; this is called a lay bet.
- Big six/big eight: These bets pay even money. This is known as a sucker bet in craps, as the exact same bet can be made via “place bets” with a lower house edge. You pay 2.78% for this wager
- Hard ways bets: Getting an even number with the same score on each of the dice is “hard.” These bets do give you a shot at winning big money. Six and eight have 9-to-1 odds, with four and 10 paying 7-to-1. House edge for this bet is a higher 2.78%.
- Put bets: If you skip the come-out roll and go straight for the points, you will pay more to the house than if you had gone via the normal route. The odds depend on the number(s) you choose, with odds between 1.52% and 4.76%.
Prop bets in craps
The betting gets even more complex when you add in the many proposition bets. These wagers can be made at any time.
Note that the house edge is huge for these bets.
- Any seven: Pays 4-to-1, house edge is 16.67%
- Any craps: Hit two, three or 12, pays 7-to-1, house edge = 11.11%
- Two/12 and “hard” hop bets: Pays 33-to-1, house edge 5.56%
- Three/11 and “easy” hop bets: Pays 16-to-1, house edge = 5.56%
- Field bets: Roll two, three, four, nine, 10, 11, 12, Pays 1-to-1 with 3-to-1 for two/12, house edge = 2.78%
Some casinos also offer a “fire bet.” This side bet pays when the shooter rolls at least four different points before seven-out. Odds and options for this wager will vary from casino to casino.
Best craps strategy
Playing with the lowest possible house edge in craps can be tricky in live casinos. The don’t pass combined with odds bets is the best way to play. This has a house edge for the main bet of just 1.36% and effective zero house edge for in the points round.
The problem with this is that almost everyone bets on the pass-line. This means they’ll be cheering wins when you lose, and you will be cheering when they lose. Not everyone minds this, though it will certainly not make you any friends at the table. Betting the don’t pass is known as “wrong betting” in the live casino environment.
Assuming the small house edge difference is not a problem for you, then the key to the best return is to look for a high multiple for the points round. You will see this advertised at the tables. This is the multiple of your pass line bet you can bet on each number. Some casinos only allow two, but for the best returns look for five times or more.
The final strategy tip is to avoid those expensive proposition bets. While they can add some entertainment to your craps session, the price you pay for these is extremely high compared to just about any other bet you can make in the casino.
Playing online craps in Michigan
With online casinos soon to be available in Michigan, you can fine-tune your strategy (or just learn the game) from the comfort of your home. Many casinos in the state have the NetEnt craps game as part of their table games listing.
This game shows the betting surface of a casino craps table and lets you click on chips to place any combination of bets you wish. You can try it out in demo mode at many online casinos, switching to real money once you understand the many different bets.
You will have control of the pace of this game, with the dice rolled when you click. The outcome is fair, with the results set via an audited random number generator.
One advantage to playing craps online is you can play the don’t pass to get the best odds with no risk of annoying other players.
Craps has not yet made it to live dealer casinos, though if the operators can find a way of automating the dice rolls, it would quickly become a popular choice.
Craps and online casino bonuses
If you are taking advantage of the many no-depositbonuses and matched welcome bonuses at online casinos in Michigan, craps is not the best game. These bonuses require play-though, which means you need to wager the bonus a set number of times before it turns into cash.
The problem with craps is the low house edge. Casinos take games with good odds for the player and apply weightings to them for bonus clearance. This means you would need to bet your bonus up to 10 times more on craps than you would on slots.
Those bonuses are certainly worth taking. A good strategy is to clear them using slots, then take your boosted bankroll to the craps table and enjoy the low house edge.
Craps at live casinos in Michigan
There are plenty of choices for craps games at casinos around the state. Not all of the tribal casinos have tables but those that do will often have generous odds up to 10 times. T
The following list covers all the Michigan live casinos with craps games.
MGM Grand
With 150 table games and a huge list of 3,500 electronic games, MGM is Michigan’s largest casino. You will often find multiple craps games underway. On weekends you will find a lively Party Pit and Axis Pit while you roll. Many popular card-based table games at MGM in Detroit feature the Super 4 progressive side bet.
- Address: 1777 Third Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
- Phone Number: 877-888-2121
Greektown Casino
There are both regularcraps tables and craplesscraps at Greektown Casino in Detroit. These are part of a lineup of 85 table games and almost 3,000 electronic games. Both craps tables have fire bet options in addition to the regular bets and props. You can bet either $1 or $25, with 1,000-to-1 odds if six different points are rolled before the seven.
- Address: 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit, MI 48226
- Phone Number: 313-223-2999
MotorCity Casino Detroit
This casino offers odds of up to five times your pass/don’t pass for the points round at their craps tables. The fire bet, based on the number of points hit on a points round, is also available at MotorCity. There are many casino table games with progressive jackpot side bets, and single zero roulette available here. In total MotorCity features 59 table games and more than 2,700 electronic games.
- Address: 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
- Phone Number: 866-782-9622
FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Craps can be found in this large casino in Battle Creek. If you would like lessons, then the dealers at FireKeepers offer them four times a week on Monday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET. No buy-in is needed to join these classes. There are 2,900 slots and electronic games at this casino. There are multiple bars and restaurants, and a 243-room hotel complex.
- Address: 11177 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014
- Phone Number: 877-352-8777
Four Winds Casino
You will find both regular and crapless craps at the largest of the Four Winds casinos in Michigan. The crapless game is called No Way Craps here. Extra bets are available with a Bonus Craps layout table. You will also find a custom electronic craps table, which is part of the list of 3,000 electronic games (mostly slots). There are 60 table games in total covering roulette, blackjack, and casino poker variations.
- Address: 11111 Wilson Rd., New Buffalo, MI 49117
- Phone Number: 866-494-6371
Kewadin Casino
Craps can be found in two of the five Kewadin Casinos, which are all located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You will need to head to either the Sault Ste. Marie or St. Ignace location to roll the dice. These games offer 10 times odds on the points betting round, making them player friendly compared to the Detroit casinos.
- Address: 2168 Shunk Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
- Phone Number: 800-539-2346
Island Resort and Casino
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While craps is available at the IslandCasino, the games only run at specific times in line with player demand. One table runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 7 a.m. at weekends. The other from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. weekdays, and 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. weekends. Betting limits are between $2 and $300, with three times odds for the points round. There are 1,200 slots and 26 table games at this casino.
- Address: W. 399 US-2, Harris, MI 49845
- Phone Number: 800-682-6040
Gun Lake Casino
This venue is currently being expanded. They offer 47 table games, which includes a craps table. There are also 2,000 electronic gaming machines at this casino, which is located in Wayland.
- Address: 1123 129th Ave., Wayland, MI 49348
- Phone Number: 269-792-7777
Leelanau Sands Casino
Craps at this Traverse City-area casino operate during peak hours only. Like most table games at Leelanau Sands, they do not operate at all Monday through Wednesday. You will find action from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The game comes with 10 times odds and free buy on the four and 10.
- Address: 2521 N. West Bay Shore Dr., Peshawbestown, MI 49682
- Phone Number: 231-534-8100
Little River Casino
There is a single craps table at the Little River Casino in Manistee. They provide a list of the most common bets. Other table games include blackjack, Let it Ride and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
- Address: Government Center Dr., Manistee, MI 49660
- Phone Number: 888-568-2244
Northern Waters Casino
There is a single craps table at this western Upper Peninsula casino. Like many smaller tribal casinos, table games run for limited hours. They run from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily. Craps bets are $2 through to $200. The other table games on offer are blackjack (shoe and pitch) and three-card poker.
- Address: N5384 US-45, Watersmeet, MI 49969
- Phone Number: 906-358-4226
Odawa Casino
Craps is part of a lineup of 36 table games at this northern Michigan casino. There are also 1,200 electronic games to enjoy. This casino has 100 high-definition TVs in the casino, showing sports and promotions. There is also a hotel, dining options and an entertainment center.
- Address: 1760 Lears Rd., Petoskey, MI 49770
- Phone Number: 877-442-6464
Ojibwa Casino
There are Ojibwa casinos in Marquette and Baraga, though only the newly-renovated and larger Marquette venue has craps. This has low $3 bet minimums. You can get five times odds on your point bets. Other table games include blackjack, roulette and Let it Ride.
- Address: 105 Acre Trail, Marquette, MI 49855
- Phone Number: 906-249-4200
Turtle Creek Casino
This Williamsburg-based casino has 1,200 slots, a soon-to-be-opened sportsbook and a wide selection of casino table games. Their craps table has betting limits from $5 to $500, with generous 10 times odds. The players club rewards system at Turtle Creek is shared with Leelanau Sands Casino.
- Address: 7741 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690
- Phone Number: 231-534-8870
Wrapping up: Live and online craps in Michigan
Whether you enjoy the excitement of a live craps game or want to try out strategies from home your options for craps in Michigan have never been better.
The big Detroit casinos have games running around the clock. You can enjoy small stakes craps or bet big. Party Pit tables at weekends create a lively atmosphere.
Outside of Detroit, many of the tribal casinos also offer live craps games. Some have limited hours depending on demand. A big advantage of the smaller casinos is the better odds. You will find some offering 10 times on point bets.
Soon-to-be-available online casino craps means you can win real money from your smartphone or desktop. These games give you a chance to learn the bets, rounds and fine-tune your strategy before you head to a live casino.
Online Casino Craps For Money
Michigan online casinos offer bonuses, promotions and loyaltyrewards. Make sure you do not roll the virtual dice without taking advantage!