If you’ve walked through a casino, you’ve probably seen a big, round glass dome with giant dice bouncing around inside. That’s bubble craps—a fully legitimate way to play craps without playing at a traditional table. In this article, we’re going to learn how to play bubble craps.
Here’s the truth: bubble craps is real craps. The dice are physical, the odds are the same, and the game plays exactly like table craps. The only difference? Instead of dealers and a crew, you place bets on a touchscreen terminal and the dice are rolled inside the bubble.
In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about bubble craps, from understanding the game of craps itself to step-by-step instructions on how to play at a bubble craps machine. Stick with me—you’ll be playing with confidence in no time.
Bubble Craps Video On YouTube
👉 Want to see bubble craps in action? Watch my beginner video series and grab my free Disciplined Player System Guide to learn exactly how I play bubble craps and live craps side by side.
🎲 What Is Bubble Craps?
Bubble craps is an electronic version of the classic casino dice game. You’ll usually find it in the form of a large, round machine with a central bubble dome. Inside the bubble are two real dice. When betting closes by hitting the ROLL BUTTON, the machine “pops” the dice into motion, and wherever they land is the official roll.
Each player sits at their own touchscreen terminal. You place your bets electronically, but the gameplay follows the same rules as a live table:
- The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line still form the foundation of the game.
- You can place bets on numbers, buy bets on the 4 and 10, and even make prop bets in the middle 9 (but don’t).
- Wins and losses are calculated instantly and paid directly to your player credit balance to the penny.
🧩 Why Bubble Craps Is Legitimate
Some beginners wonder if bubble craps is “rigged” because it’s a machine. Let’s clear this up:
- The dice are real. They are physically tossed inside the bubble dome.
- The odds are the same as table craps because the dice rolls are random and live.
- Regulators test the machines. Casinos must follow gaming regulations, meaning the dice and mechanisms are audited for fairness.
In short: if you know how to play table craps, you know how to play bubble craps. If you don’t know how to play craps then Craps With Kevin is the place.
🏁 The Goal of Craps (Table or Bubble)
Craps is simpler than it looks. The entire game boils down to one cycle and two phases, the come-out roll and the point set phase:
- The Come-Out Roll Phase starts a new round when the puck is OFF.
- Roll a 7 or 11 → Pass Line wins
- Roll a 2, 3, or 12 → Pass Line loses
- Roll any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) → That number becomes the point and the point is now set.
- The Point Set Phase begins when a number is set and puck is ON.
- If the shooter rolls the point again before a 7 → Pass Line wins
- If a 7 rolls before the point → Pass Line loses
Every bet you’ll ever see in craps builds around this cycle.
📍 Step-by-Step: How to Play Bubble Craps
Step 1: Buy In at the Machine At Most Casinos
Insert cash or a casino TITO (ticket-in, ticket-out) slip into the bill acceptor. The machine converts it into credits. For example:
- $20 = 20 credits (if credits equal dollars)
Step 2: Select Your Bets
On your touchscreen, you’ll see the full craps layout. Tap your chip denomination to lock in the wager and then tap the area you want to bet on. Common beginner bets:
- Pass Line (Bubble Craps $1 to $3 minimum at most machines)
- After Point is Set – $6 Place Bets on the 6 and 8
- After Point is Set – $5 Buy Bets on the 4 and 10
Step 3: The Come-Out Roll
Once the player has made his initial bet on the pass line, he can hit the ROLL BUTTON, the machine activates the dice dome. The dice “pop” into the air and settle on the felt.
- If a 7 or 11 hits, Pass Line wins.
- If a 2, 3, or 12 hits, Pass Line loses.
- If a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) is rolled, the game continues into the point cycle.
Step 4: Adding Bets After the Point is Set
After a point is set, you can expand your action:
- Place the 6 and 8 to take advantage of their frequent rolls.
- Buy the 4 and 10 for bigger payouts.
- Add odds behind your Pass Line bet for no-house-edge leverage.
Step 5: Watch the Rolls and Collect Winnings
The machine will automatically pay your winning bets into your credit balance and remove losing bets. You don’t have to handle chips or rely on dealers—it’s all instant.
Step 6: Cash Out
When you’re done, press the Cash Out button. The machine prints a ticket that you can redeem at a cashier or another machine.
💡 Bubble Craps vs Live Table Craps
| Feature | Bubble Craps | Live Table Craps |
|---|---|---|
| Dice Roll | Automated bubble pop | Shooter throws dice |
| Betting | Touchscreen terminal | Chips handled by dealers |
| Minimum Bets | Often as low as $1–$5 | Typically $10–$25+ |
| Speed | Steady, consistent | Faster or slower depending on shooter |
| Atmosphere | Quieter, self-paced | Lively, social, dealer calls |
Key Takeaway: Bubble craps is a fantastic way for beginners to learn the game at lower stakes without feeling pressured by a crowded table.
🛠 Beginner Strategy for Bubble Craps
- Start with the Pass Line. It teaches you the core game cycle.
- Add Place Bets on 6 and 8. They roll more often and give steady payouts.
- Buy the 4 and 10. These can double your money when they hit.
- Press bets slowly with winnings. Let the casino’s money work for you.
- Avoid the center bets. Proposition bets have high house edges.
✅ Quick Tips for Success
- Keep sessions short—aim for small, steady wins.
- Use bubble craps to practice before trying a live table.
- Remember: the 7 shows up on average every 6 rolls—plan your bets accordingly.
- Cash out when you’re ahead; it’s easy to get caught in endless rolls.
📌 Final Thoughts
Bubble craps is not a gimmick—it’s a real, legitimate way to play one of the most exciting games in the casino. Whether you’re practicing strategy, playing on a budget, or just want to avoid the crowds of a live table, bubble craps gives you the same game with lower pressure.
Once you understand the table layout, the come-out roll, and the point cycle, you’re ready to play. Start simple with the Pass Line and Place Bets, add in odds when you’re comfortable, and build your game step by step.
Disclaimers
Gambling Advice Disclaimer: This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not financial or gambling advice. All opinions are my own, and I am not affiliated with any casino or gaming property. Gambling involves risk—only wager what you can afford to lose, and seek professional help if you believe you may have a gambling problem.
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