Adam BauerUpdated 8/31/2019
Craps is a game I hope everyone plays at least once in their Vegas adventures. While it is seemingly very intimidating, the basic, smart bets are actually quite simple to understand. To me, what makes craps so great is that, for the most part, everyone is winning together. That’s why it’s typically the loudest, most exciting table in the casino. Not all tables are created equal though. Sometimes we find an atmosphere that is to our liking or dealers we have fun with. So, if you’re a novice looking to cut your teeth, or a pro looking to change it up, here are a few of the best places to roll the bones:
This list has been curated based on my opinions, those of people I like, and general consensus from other Vegas and gambling obsessives. So, all that being said, if you’re a novice looking to cut your teeth, here are a some of the best inexpensive places to roll the bones:
TFB Top 3
Golden Gate (Downtown)
My old man sensibilities indicate I should ignore GG-the ceilings are low, the music is loud, the place is packed. But with friendly dealers, low limits, and 10 X odds, this downtown property a must visit. You can still find $5 minimums on weekend nights.
Cromwell (Stip)
Easily the best place to play on the Strip for my money. Their 100x odds offering is novelty, but you’ll be center Strip in a beautiful casino. The casino has a small footprint, which means drink service is quicker. 100 IQ plays here.
Main Street Station (Downtown)
MSS is a great example of a casino doing all the right things for gamblers. Their craps table features 20X odds, which is one of best offerings in the city. Couple that with good video poker and plenty of inexpensive and quick dining options, and you get a property that really knows how to cater to gamblers.
The Best of the Rest
Downtown
Golden Gate’s sister property is another great choice. 10 x odds just like GG and a raucous, party atmosphere. You can find $5 tables most days and into the early evenings. Tables usually jump to $10 on weekend nights.
DTG is rarely busy, so it’s a great place for beginners. It’s my go to when I can’t find anywhere downtown with enough elbow room. There are $5 tables perpetually, it’s not as smokey as other casinos, and I’ve found the drink service to be quick.
El Cortez
One of my favorite casinos to recommend for novices and low rollers. It’s dated. It’s very smokey. It’s home base for downtown octogenarians. But you’ll always find a $5 table and friendly dealers.
The Strip
The Linq
The Linq is working hard to be relevant to a younger Vegas crowd. Their casino floor is a tad airport chic, a tad video game-centric. Either way, it’s an inexpensive option in a great location.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is an underappreciated island of solid low-roller gambling on the Strip. Their food and beverage options are big pile of “meh” for me, but their table game offerings are some of the best on LV BLVD.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous resort and open, comfortable casino. Surprisingly, despite it being upscale, you can occasionally find $10 tables staffed by competent, friendly dealers.
Casino Royale
While it’s not a place I frequent, I’d be remiss to not include it knowing how many of my low rolling brethren are fond of it. Great location, low minimums, and an everlasting smell of Subway sandwiches.
Off Strip
Ellis Island
This slightly off Strip casino is a low roller mecca. Their staff is friendly and leadership is receptive. Heck, they even gave TFB readers free drinks at one point. Go for the $5 tables, stay for the great beer.
Silverton
Take a straight shot south on LV BLVD from Mandalay Bay and you’ll hit Silverton. The Bass Pro Shop having casino has $5 craps tables all the time and is a favorite among TFB readers.
Joker’s Wild
A 25 minute drive southeast of the Strip will land you at a this low-roller hot spot. Its not the nicest place, but it may be the cheapest. The casino only has one craps table, but it can be a great place to learn the game. This is because it has the lowest minimum of any casino I’ve surveyed, $1. A cab ride would be quite pricey, so I’d only visit if you or your group has access to a rental car.
Honorable Mentions
The Cal (Downtown)
It’s not my favorite since it only offers 2x odds, but feedback was so strong from readers that I’m compelled to include it. I’ll play craps anywhere there are friendly dealers and patrons, so I can’t debate it.
GVR/Red Rock (Off Strip)
Both beautiful properties with upscale amenities. Table game minimums are reasonable. You may go for the craps, but stay for everything else. Make it a point to visit either of these Station resorts during a future visit.
Cosmo (Strip)
It’s not low roller friendly, but it’s a damn sexy casino and the place to be in Vegas. If the craps tables are crowded or expensive, sit for some VP at Chandelier or make a bet in their beautiful sportsbook.
What the influencers have to say:
Just rename the post to ‘Best Places After Golden Gate to Play Craps in Vegas”
— Todd Gades (@YoEleven_) August 30, 2019
At the risk of being a borderline shill… #Linq is great… $5/10 mins almost all the time, and the best drink service I’ve ever had on the strip.
— Curt Youngquist (@Ten8cious_C) August 31, 2019
Golden Gate… Great dealers. Old school vibe. Plenty of excitement in the casino. Quick drink service. Affordable tables.
— Joe Q (@JoeQ_sd) August 30, 2019
@jayholton26 and I love @thecalcasino Poor odds but always FUN. great crew, terrific atmosphere #ninthisland
— david hemry (@davidhemry) August 30, 2019
The Strip: Aria, they often have $10 tables and the casino is my favorite, and Cromwell for the 100x odds. Downtown: D& Golden Gate for the atmosphere.
— Two Way Hard Eight (@TwoWayHardEight) August 30, 2019
Golden Gate – the dealers are great, the casino has energy, and I love the small casino charm. Drink service is fantastic too.
— Ryan Hess (@TheRyanHess) August 30, 2019
Used to be @GoldenGateVegas but I find myself more and more liking @mstreetcasino. On the strip, probably @CromwellVegas.
— Trevor Roe (@trevorroe) August 30, 2019
Share your favorites in the comments below. Happy rolling!
