A Mathematical Analysis of a Game of Craps

Author Information

Yaqin Sun

Abstract/Description

The game of craps is an extremely popular game offered by casino operators. There are some 40 different types of bets that one can place each time the game is played. One of the best bets from a player’s point of view is the Pass Line bet. The probability of winning a Pass Line bet is almost the same as the probability of losing (²⁴⁴⁄₄₉₅ versus ²⁵¹⁄₄₉₅) as we will derive rigorously in this article. Since the “house” has such a small advantage over the players, many players possess the illusion that they have pretty good chance of making a profit or even making a living by playing this game. This article will show that this really is not the case. We will show that the probability of making a profit is almost zero if one plays the game regularly for a relatively long period of time.

Note on the Author

Yaqin Sun is a senior majoring in mathematics. Yaqin is from Nanchang, Jiangxi, a southern city in China. This is her third year in the U.S. This research began in the fall of 2013 as part of an honors contract in Probability Theory (MATH 403) directed by Dr. Hang-Ling Chang, Professor of Mathematics.

Recommended Citation

Sun, Yaqin (2014). A Mathematical Analysis of a Game of Craps. Undergraduate Review, 10, 149-154.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/undergrad_rev/vol10/iss1/29

Rights Statement

Articles published in The Undergraduate Review are the property of the individual contributors and may not be reprinted, reformatted, repurposed or duplicated, without the contributor’s consent.