Legendary Craps Players and the Stories Behind Their Wins

Author: Matthew Haynes

Craps is a game that, over the decades, has built a reputation for being one of the most exciting and fast-paced casino pursuits, especially offering a unique blend of luck, skill, strategy, and probability.

There have been a number of players who have enjoyed an elevation to legendary status because of their remarkable streaks, frequent wins, and, more iconically, substantial payouts, becoming significant figures in the world of craps.

Of course, craps, compared to other games such as poker, roulette or blackjack, often slips under the radar when people think about the gambling industry, and it can be rare to find a craps table – especially in most European casinos, with this being a game that is mainly enjoyed in the US.

There are also a considerable number of movies that have glamorised the game of craps, even helping with its increase in popularity, though it still falls some way behind others in terms of participation rates.

Nonetheless, there have been many notable players who have enjoyed substantial winning streaks at the craps table, a handful of whom have become recognisable names within the wider gambling industry.

Iconic Craps Players and Historic Streaks

It’s important to remember that the stories below aren’t blueprints for success, but extraordinary outliers. Each reflects a moment where chance, confidence and timing briefly aligned, helping explain why these names still echo through craps lore decades later.

Archie Karas

Known by many in gambling circles and a source of inspiration for countless players, Archie Karas is a man who has become an essentially mythical figure. Despite being known for his success in poker, he also spent significant time at the craps table. As such, in the early 1990s, Karas enjoyed what is now known by many as "The Run" – essentially a gambling spree that saw him turn $50 into over $40 million. The majority of his incredible success was in Las Vegas, and craps was a game that made a welcome break from his exploits at the poker table.

Karas was known for his aggressive betting style, particularly in craps, where he would place high-stakes bets that often paid off significantly. The Horseshoe Casino was one of the venues where he made his mark, with onlookers regularly astonished by his substantial wins. His ability to repeatedly beat the odds and rack up millions made him one of the luckiest gamblers in history.

However, Karas’ luck eventually ran out. As is often the case in the world of high-stakes gambling, his fortunes reversed, and he lost everything. Nonetheless, his significant wins and reputation as one of the luckiest craps players have ensured his place in gambling lore.

William Lee Bergstrom

Known as 'The Suitcase Man', William Lee Bergstrom made gambling history in 1980 with what is still considered one of the most famous single craps wins of all time. Bergstrom walked into Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas with two suitcases: one filled with $777,000 in cash and the other empty, a bold move that would ultimately pay off. His single bet on the 'Don't Pass' line was a calculated risk that paid off, inspiring players with the potential for substantial payouts in craps and reinforcing the idea that luck can be a decisive factor in the game.

Bergstrom’s gamble was part of a daring and calculated strategy that played off the high odds of winning on the 'Don't Pass' line. His monumental win is still discussed today in gambling circles, as it not only demonstrated the potential for substantial payouts in craps but also reinforced the idea that luck can be a decisive factor in the game. His win was so significant that it marked one of the biggest single-roll wins in craps history.

In addition, Bergstrom's success cemented Binion's Horseshoe Casino as a venue where dreams could come true, even for those willing to risk everything on a single roll of the dice.

Patricia DeMauro

Arguably, one of the most astonishing achievements in the history of the game of craps came from what many would consider to be an unlikely source, in Patricia Demauro, a grandmother from New Jersey. As such, in May 2009, DeMauro visited the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City and made gambling history when she rolled the dice an incredible 154 consecutive times without hitting a seven. Her streak lasted over four hours, and though the exact amount of her winnings has never been disclosed, it's estimated to be substantial.

The feat was later recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest craps roll without a seven, formally cementing DeMauro’s place in casino history.

Essentially, her lucky streak was a statistical anomaly. The odds of rolling the dice 154 times without hitting a seven are said to be around 1 in 1.56 trillion, and, as a result, this makes her accomplishment one of the most extraordinary events in the history of craps.

Because of this single event, DeMauro has been immortalised as one of the luckiest craps players ever, her streak serving as proof of how significantly chance can favour a player on any given day.

In addition, her feat caught the attention of the gambling community and the media, turning her into an instant celebrity in the gaming world. DeMauro’s win is a perfect example of how substantially luck can influence the outcome of a craps game, particularly when the odds seem almost impossible.

The Venues that Made History

The land-based casinos where these historic craps wins took place are as famous as the players themselves, and their reputations have been built on these monumental wins. Las Vegas has always been the epicentre of gambling, with iconic venues like the Horseshoe Casino becoming synonymous with high-stakes action and legendary moments. However, other locations have also played a significant role in the world of craps.

Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino has earned a place in gambling history thanks to DeMauro’s streak. This venue has gained recognition as a place where anything can happen, and even the most unlikely winning streak can occur. In addition, the casino’s reputation has been significantly bolstered by DeMauro’s historic win, drawing in players who hope to replicate her success.

Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas is another venue that has hosted some of the biggest craps wins. Its willingness to accept high-stakes bets and its long-standing association with legendary gamblers like Karas and Bergstrom have made it a destination for those seeking to make gambling history. As such, these casinos, with their rich history and legendary moments, have played a substantial role in shaping the world of craps and gambling as a whole, earning our respect and appreciation.

The Psychological Traits of Successful Craps Players

While there is no doubt that luck definitely plays a crucial role in craps, many of the most successful players share certain psychological traits that contribute to their wins. Easily one of the most significant characteristics is the ability to remain calm under pressure because craps can be a fast-paced and intense game, with substantial sums of money often at stake. Because of this, invariably, players who maintain their composure, even when the odds seem stacked against them, can make rational decisions that increase their chances of success.

In addition to this, it appears that successful craps players are typically highly disciplined. As such, they understand how important it is to manage their bankroll and are often willing to walk away when they’re ahead, avoiding the temptation to chase losses. As shown in some of the examples above, this level of discipline can significantly impact a player’s long-term success, while it also ensures that they do not make impulsive decisions based on emotion.

Finally, craps players who have experienced frequent wins tend to be highly analytical. They understand the game’s odds and focus on managing risk rather than trying to beat the mathematics of the table. Some players have long debated the idea of controlling dice outcomes, though the practicality and consistency of such approaches remain contested within the gambling community. This analytical mindset, combined with a significant dose of luck, has featured in some of the biggest wins in craps history.

The Future of Craps

What is likely is that, as casinos continue to evolve, craps may become even more popular, especially as more publicity is given to success stories, which should then continue to attract players with its unique blend of strategy, chance, and excitement.

Undoubtedly, the stories of players like Karas, Bergstrom, and DeMauro demonstrate that craps has produced a handful of genuinely life-changing wins over the years. Still, though, these are often the result of a combination of skill and extraordinary luck.

In addition, technological advancements in the gambling industry, such as online craps and mobile gaming platforms, have made the game more accessible than ever before. As such, it likely means that we can expect to see new players rise to fame, and perhaps even replicate some of the aforementioned examples.

Ultimately, the history of craps is filled with stories of extraordinary wins, remarkable players, and legendary casinos. The game’s unique blend of skill and chance has ensured its place as one of the most exciting and unpredictable games in the casino world. While luck may be a substantial factor in determining the outcome, the psychological traits of the best players – from discipline to analytical thinking – also play a significant role in their success. As a result, craps could well continue to attract players around the world, particularly as new markets are regulated.