An enlightening Question and Answer session with Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution about our brand-new online live Craps game. Evolution is the award-winning provider of all of BetVictor’s Live Casino games.
If you’re reading this blog, it’s likely you love our classic Live Casino games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and our numerous Poker variants. But if you’re not from the good old US of A, there’s a chance may have heard of Craps but know very little or nothing about the game.
This Q&A blog will put that right. It could also inspire you to try out our new live Craps game, the first online Craps ever! So, let’s get the dice rollin’…
Craps is unique in that most people in the UK would have seen it on TV and in the movies but won’t know how to play it. Why’s that?
Yes, Craps is a legendary game in the US and renowned for the boisterous excitement and atmosphere the game creates on the gaming floors of US casinos.
Perhaps the most famous example of Craps in the movies is the ‘Oldest Established Permanent Floating Craps Game in New York’, a song and plot line in the film and stage musical Guys and Dolls.
There are many more examples of Craps in the movies, including Diamonds are Forever (where 007 meets Bond girl Plenty O’Toole at the Craps table) and Indecent Proposal with Robert Redford, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson.
In the UK and Europe, the game of Craps has never had the same exposure – until now that is. There’s also this idea that the game is complex, but it’s not.
What steps have you taken in this new live game to educate new players and what advice would you give to someone playing for the first time?
There are plenty of one roll bets that take you straight into the action! These bets make for an easy introduction to the game and there are lots of chances to win, without you having to know much about the game itself!
For players who just want to start the action, we’ve got a My Numbers display that will guide them very clearly on which numbers will give them a win. Players who want to learn in a more relaxed version of the game can switch to ‘Easy Mode where only the most straightforward bets are available.
The game also comes with a built-in interactive tutorial where players can immerse themselves in the game and learn to play without any pressure.
We just love the table design. What was the inspiration behind it and how does this help create the atmosphere and player experience that you are looking to provide?
Thanks for the compliment! When we started our brainstorming about the game’s visual appearance, we understood that the story narrative should be driven close to the exciting times of the ‘Speakeasy’ era in the USA.
As we are in the ‘New Roaring 20s’ now, so we felt that it was fitting to bring back this iconic theme to our players.
But on top of that, the most important part has been to make the whole gameplay experience as immersive and involving as possible – to make sure that players will enjoy each and every game round!
This is the first time we have seen Craps in online Live Casino form. Is there an expectation that this will appeal not only to Craps enthusiasts but also to the new ‘digital generation’?
Yes, for sure. This is unique development in the world of gaming – the first time players anywhere can play authentic live Craps online on their phones, tablets, desktops or laptops.
Not only will this game appeal to Craps lovers, but we have made it easier than ever for new players, by introducing an easy-to-play user interface with helpful features.
As always, we look to attract and welcome in a new generation of players and I can tell you, hand on heart, new players are going to be knocked out by our online version of this legendary and much-loved casino favourite.
What challenges has this brought up and also have there been any elements you were able to bring in which you couldn’t do in a land-based casino?
There have been challenges, but that’s true of taking any real-world game into the online space. I can give you three examples.
Firstly players cannot throw the dice themselves in an online live version of game. Not just yet, anyway, but we’re working on that!
Secondly, how do you keep the spirit of Craps and all that fun and excitement where players are rooting for the same number?
Thirdly, how do you retain the fast-paced excitement but at the same time make it easier for players to learn how to play the game?
So in this new online live Craps, a dice launcher throws the dice, but it will be easier than ever to follow the game. The cameras will follow the dice close up, and as an online player you will be updated on how other players are betting by looking at dynamic statistic boards on the wall.
There is also a lot of extra help in the user interface – you will always know how much you potentially can win in the next roll.
We’ve also made it really easy to place bets. You can even place several bets in one click! In Live Casino you’re not bound by placing Craps bets in multiples either. It’s much easier to place a bet in live Craps and you always know how much you’re playing for.
I believe we have addressed all of the challenges brilliantly. Not only that, we really have been able to add a lot of extra elements by offering Craps online.
Finally, any tips for old or new Craps players?
I would say to all Craps enthusiasts and to new players too: come and play BetVictor’s live Craps for yourself. I think you’ll be blown away, not only by the authenticity of our live online version but by so much more.
Craps devotees will find a whole lot more to enjoy in our online Craps, which will add even more to their enjoyment of this unique game. New players, as I’ve explained, will be able to start at their own pace but learn real quick.
Just take a look. You’ll soon get why it is this game generates so much excitement amongst players.
