Casino Selection for Craps

by Larry Edell, published on Wednesday, October 3 2001

If you play craps for profit, you need to carefully choose a resort that will maximize your comps while offering favorable playing conditions. For example, some casinos offer 100X odds while others offer only 2X odds. And, some casinos offer comp credit for your spread rather than for individual bets. Of course these are terrific advantages for the craps player. However, after you are finished playing for the required amount of time and get your "free" meal or show, you might find that this is not exactly what you wanted. For example, say you visit a particular casino that offers 100X odds but they have standard rooms, and a lounge act (no major show). In addition, there is only one mediocre restaurant. Even though this casino offered superior playing conditions, you're bound to get tired of going there several times a year. Another casino offers only 2X odds, however, they offer a superior show, five different restaurants, and a Jacuzzi suite. Although this casino's craps policies are less favorable than the first one, you might end up getting more value for your money in the long run. Before you gamble, you should call a casino on their 800 number and ask to speak to a casino host. Tell him (or her) that you would like to try their casino out. Ask about the different restaurants, shows, and rooms they offer. Ask if they base comps on individual bet or spread. Ask about the minimum bets and time required to get a free room. Write down the answers and call the other casinos you're interested in, so you can make an accurate comparison. The "ideal" casino is different for every crapshooter. A friend of mine smokes cigars and chooses his casino by the brands of cigars that are offered as comps. Someone else might only want to stay in a hotel that offers a Jacuzzi, or a suite (two rooms). Perhaps you might like a casino that has several different room floor plans, or one that has two different shows (afternoon and evening), or a free airport shuttle. One resort might have a terrific Chinese restaurant, while another might have a good Italian one. Remember that in some casinos the high odds being offered do not compensate for the inferior quality of their comps. Quite often, a casino offering 2X odds might be a better deal than one offering 100X odds. But either way, comps are extremely important to any crapshooter, so choose your casino wisely! And, as always, good luck at the tables!