Wes Anderson’s visual fetishes are carefully curated and pristinely displayed in every perfectly composed frame of The Phoenician Scheme. The catalog of beautiful goods for viewers to covet is inexhaustible. There are telephones on private airplanes with enormous black plugs, mid-century department store apparel boxes repurposed to stow away paperwork, a crossbow, watches, eyeglasses, record players, hardcover books, hats, bow ties and ashtrays. Watching the film is like visiting a museum exhibit in which a lost world is preserved behind walls of glass.
The exquisite set designs are transportive. They conjure an “it was better before” world in which technology was solely inspired by Rube Goldberg machines. This retrofuturism is fun to look at, but the people posed inside these dioramas are as lifeless as dolls. Anderson places them inside of a weightless plot whose elements have been pilfered from early 20th-century young-adult adventure novels. Even an actor as shrewd as Benicio del Toro looks stranded inside of his middle-aged suits.
Del Toro plays Zsa-Zsa Korda, a wealthy con man who’s mastered the art of the deal. After he survives a plane crash with a vestigial organ in hand, he recalls a vision of God—a heavily bearded Bill Murray—with a host of Heavenly angels. Forced to confront his own mortality, he draws up a will. Korda passes over his 11 sons’ inheritance in favor of daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton)—although the question of his filial paternity is brought up intermittently throughout the narrative and ultimately left in doubt.
Covered by a white novitiate’s habit, the principled Liesl arrives at Korda’s palazzo armed with a strict sense of faith and propriety. She and Korda, her father/not-father, both agree to a trial period to determine if, as companions and cohorts, they’re a match. As they embark upon a road trip to sell potential investors on Korda’s Phoenician Scheme—the details of which become irrelevant as soon as they’re explained—their respective traits slowly bleed into each other’s way of being.
Liesl insistently insinuates her conscience into Korda’s amoral sphere of business dealings. Whereas Korda’s loucher life materializes, bit by bit, onto Liesl’s person in the form of cricket-green leggings, a jewel-encrusted string of rosary beads, eye shadow, lipstick and her first pint of beer. Makeup is all that Anderson adds to the 24-year-old Threapleton’s appearance to sexualize her. The relationship between her and del Toro, 34 years her senior, remains platonic but the film essentially documents their connection, a de facto love story. Michael Cera’s presence as Bjorn, a Nordic entomologist, adds comic relief to the trio’s travels but he isn’t plausible as a potential partner for Liesl, emotionally, spiritually or otherwise.
Threapleton is Kate Winslet’s daughter. When she delivers her lines archly, dryly and sullenly, she sounds like her mother’s double. Del Toro, too, seems to channel the cadences and timbre of Willem Dafoe’s voice—Dafoe appears in one of several scenes set in Bill Murray’s Heaven. This aural landscape is disorienting because it gives the impression that the movie has been dubbed into English, compounding the artifice of Anderson’s universe.
While Threapleton grounds Liesl and the film with a stolid backbone, her presence suggests the possibility of a more robust and relatable Phoenician Scheme. One in which Winslet stars as del Toro’s equal. But Anderson portrays adults interacting with adults through a detached adolescent’s lens. Human sexuality remains PG-rated, Spielbergian, yet to be realized. Men yell at and over each other to accomplish their nefarious negotiations, but the menace is either comical or undercooked. Nothing is at stake for viewers when the characters don’t suffer from any actual consequences. In this screenplay, women—and not talented ingenues—are absent players, reduced down to off-screen anecdotes.
The Phoenician Scheme’s charm relies on an expensive array of lacquered surfaces. For a couple of hours, the audience can step inside Anderson’s alternate, slowly fading, sweet-natured reality. But it’s a playground so far removed from ordinary life that only movie stars and their satellites have access to it. The director has created an enviable world onscreen, but it’s also an alienating one. I walked out of the theater feeling the way Mia Farrow’s character did at the end of The Purple Rose of Cairo—cast out of a shimmering mirage of paradise.
Several years ago an editor asked me to come up with an article about a current dining trend. As a food writer I eat out a lot, but my mind went blank. I waited a couple of days before responding with a “not in my wheelhouse” reply. I never heard from them again. To declare that something is trendy is a reliable clickbait strategy—it’s FOMO time!—but otherwise complete bullshit.
If a couple of cafes are suddenly making ube lattes, that doesn’t mean it’s a trend. It means that a couple of cafes are now making ube lattes. And the reporter, with all their subjectivity on display, enjoys drinking them. Et voila, a trend is born because someone has randomly declared it as such. The circle of interest is generated by a dog chasing its own tail.
With that preface in mind, I’m not going to say The Royale is embodying a trend. However, the Pleasant Hill restaurant is definitely part of an ongoing expansion of Asian influences in the greater Bay Area’s breakfast and brunch ecosystem. In two recent interviews—one with a chef, another with a baker—both interviewees bristled at the use of the word “fusion” to categorize their approach to cooking. So let’s stick with “influences” to gather together this burgeoning segment of our mighty culinary scene.
If I were playing the part of a pastry detective, which I often get to do, the first baked goods with Asian influences that really caught my attention were the croissants and milk buns at Bake Sum, back when it was still a pop-up. The pandemic was a particularly fertile time for home bakers, or unemployed restaurant employees, to stake out a place in the industry while featuring their own individual points of view, family backgrounds and recipes. I’m not discounting or ignoring the fact that Asian bakeries pre-date the arrival of these newcomers by decades, but they weren’t necessarily vying for the same customers who were buying croissants and desserts at traditional French bakeries and patisseries.
While I will probably never get tired of pains au chocolat, they do seem staid when compared with East Bay Bakery’s banh mi Danish; Croissante’s matcha chocolate croissant; the array of Elaine Lau’s creations at the now-closed Sunday Bakeshop, some of which are now being served at Sirene; or Milk Belly Bakery’s loaves of Japanese milk bread and kinako sesame sourdough.
Opening parallel to these bakeries are a number of restaurants that not only reimagine what an American brunch plate can look like but also, in The Royale’s case—it serves dinner, too, Thursday through Saturday—make room for Korean fried chicken, tom yum paella and kare raisu, a Japanese-style curry. Tanzie’s in Berkeley has created a buzz with its lava egg plates. Oakland’s The Peach is making a series of inventive dishes like ricotta pancakes and chicken deep-fried with rice flour, mushrooms and congee, and char siu toast.
In the Courtyard Shopping Center, The Royale stands out on its corner mainly because the exterior is crisp and white. Perhaps its fresh coat of paint will start a trend away from bland beige walls at strip malls everywhere. The Royale’s kitchen believes in excess the way that Taste and Glory in San Mateo does—try its croffles and buttermilk crispy chicken with a glass of strawberry pink milk.
A stack of buttermilk pancakes ($24) doesn’t come with just pats of butter and maple syrup. Two topping options are available to choose from: an ube sauce with mixed berries or a strawberry matcha sauce made with strawberry compote, adzuki beans, mascarpone and a matcha cream sauce—plus pecan candies and a sweet crumble. To trouble one’s blood sugar even further, The Royale makes ube, thai tea, and lavender and matcha lattes ($6).
An avocado toast ($20) also isn’t a meager offering. Two poached eggs covered in a small mountain of parmesan cheese are accompanied by pickled onions, mustard seed and garlic confit. There are sides of smashed crispy purple potatoes and arugula leaves dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. Only the actual sourdough toast itself tasted store-bought rather than freshly baked. And, unconventionally, the green goddess omelette ($20) was served more like a scramble with the sauteed vegetables placed on top.
The Royale, 2190 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Open Mon-Fri, 8am to 2pm; Sat-Sun, 8am to 2:30pm; and Thu-Sat, 5:30-9pm. 925.483.2219. theroyaleeatery.com
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your definition of home is due for revamping, deepening and expansion. Your sense of where you truly belong is ripe to be adjusted and perhaps even revolutionized. A half-conscious desire you have not previously been ready to fully acknowledge is ready for you to explore. Can you handle these subtly shocking opportunities? Do you have any glimmerings about how to open yourself to the revelations that life would love to offer you about your roots, your foundations and your prime resources? Here are your words of power: source and soul.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Do you have any frustrations about how you express yourself or create close connections? Are there problems in your ability to be heard and appreciated? Do you wish you could be more persuasive and influential? If so, your luck is changing. In the coming months, you will have extraordinary powers to innovate, expand and deepen the ways you communicate. Even if you are already fairly pleased with the flow of information and energy between you and those you care for, surprising upgrades could be in the works. To launch this new phase of fostering links, affinities and collaborations, devise fun experiments that encourage you to reach out and be reached.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I’ve always had the impression that honeybees are restless wanderers, randomly hopping from flower to flower as they gradually accumulate nectar. But I recently discovered that they only meander until they find a single good fount of nourishment, whereupon they sup deeply and make a beeline back to the hive. I am advocating their approach to you in the coming weeks. Engage in exploratory missions, but don’t dawdle and don’t sip small amounts from many different sites. Instead, be intent on finding a single source that provides the quality and quantity you want, then fulfill your quest and head back to your sanctuary.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Let’s talk about innovation. I suspect it will be your specialty in the coming weeks and months. One form that innovation takes is the generation of a new idea, approach or product. Another kind of innovation comes through updating something that already exists. A third may emerge from finding new relationships between two or more older ways of doing things—creative recombinations that redefine the nature of the blended elements. All these styles of innovation are now ripe for you to employ.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo psychotherapist Carl Jung was halfway through his life of 85 years when he experienced the ultimate midlife crisis. Besieged by feelings of failure and psychological disarray, he began to see visions and hear voices in his head. Determined to capitalize on the chaotic but fertile opportunity, he undertook an intense period of self-examination and self-healing. He wrote in journals that were eventually published as The Red Book: Liber Novus. He emerged healthy and whole from this trying time, far wiser about his nature and his mission in life. I invite you to initiate your own period of renewal in the coming months, Leo. Consider writing your personal Red Book: Liber Novus.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the coming weeks, you will have chances to glide deeper than you have previously dared to go into experiences, relationships and opportunities that are meaningful to you. How much bold curiosity will you summon as you penetrate further than ever before into the heart of the gorgeous mysteries? How wild and unpredictable will you be as you explore territory that has been off-limits? Your words of power: probe, dive down, decipher.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When traditional Japanese swordsmiths crafted a blade, they wrapped hard outer layers around a softer inner core. This strategy gave their handiwork a sharp cutting edge while also imbuing it with flexibility and a resistance to breakage. I recommend a similar approach for you, Libra. Create balance, yes, but do so through integration rather than compromise. Like the artisans of old, don’t choose between hardness and flexibility, but find ways to incorporate both. Call on your natural sense of harmony to blend opposites that complement each other.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio journalist Martha Gelhorn (1908–1998) was an excellent war correspondent. During her six decades on the job, she reported on many of the world’s major conflicts. But she initially had a problem when trying to get into France to report on D-Day, June 6, 1945. Her application for press credentials was denied, along with all those of other women journalists. Surprise! Through subterfuge and daring, Gelhorn stowed away on a hospital ship and reached France in time to report on the climactic events. I counsel you to also use extraordinary measures to achieve your goals, Scorpio. Innovative circumspection and ethical trickery are allowed. Breaking the rules may be necessary and warranted.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): My spirit guides enjoy reminding me that breakthrough insights and innovations may initially emerge not as complete solutions, but as partial answers to questions that need further exploration. I don’t always like it, but I listen anyway, when they tell me that progress typically comes through incremental steps. The Sagittarian part of my nature wants total victory and comprehensive results NOW. It would rather not wait for the slow, gradual approach to unfold its gifts. So I empathize if you are a bit frustrated by the piecemeal process you are nursing. But I’m here to say that your patience will be well rewarded.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Sometimes I’ve got to pause and relax my focused striving, because that’s the only way my unconscious mind can work its magic.” My Capricorn friend Alicia says that about her creative process as a novelist. The solution to a knotty challenge may not come from redoubling her efforts but instead from making a strategic retreat into silence and emptiness. I invite you to consider a similar approach, Capricorn. Experiment with the hypothesis that significant breakthroughs will arrive when you aren’t actively seeking them. Trust in the fertile void of not-knowing. Allow life’s meandering serendipity to reveal unexpected benefits.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Are you interested in graduating to the next level of love and intimacy? If so, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to intensify your efforts. Life will be on your side if you dare to get smarter about how to make your relationships work better than they ever have. To inspire your imagination and incite you to venture into the frontiers of togetherness, I offer you a vivacious quote from author Anais Nin. Say it to your favorite soul friend or simply use it as a motivational prayer. Nin wrote, “You are the fever in my blood, the tide that carries me to undiscovered shores. You are my alchemist, transmuting my fears into wild, gold-spun passion. With you, my body is a poem. You are the labyrinth where I lose and find myself, the unwritten book of ecstasies that only you can read.”
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What deep longing of yours is both fascinating and frustrating? To describe it further: It keeps pushing you to new frontiers yet always eludes complete satisfaction. It teaches you valuable life lessons but sometimes spoofs you and confuses you. Here’s the good news about this deep longing, Pisces: You now have the power to tap into its nourishing fuel in unprecedented ways. It is ready to give you riches it has never before provided. Here’s the “bad” news: You will have to raise your levels of self-knowledge to claim all of its blessings. (And of course, that’s not really bad!)
Homework: What mediocre satisfaction could you give up to make room for a more robust satisfaction? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
It’s nice to have options. Whether we’re in the mood for a bar crawl, need to appease various members of our friend-group or feel like Goldilocks-ing our way to just the right spot, Oakland’s Northgate-Waverly District offers a wide range of possibilities all within a few short blocks. Mainly bordered by Telegraph Avenue and Webster Street, and sandwiched between 26th Avenue and W. Grand Avenue with the New Parkway Theater at its center, Northgate has in recent years become a hotbed of nightly entertainment.
In this year’s Bars & Clubs issue, we highlight more than a dozen establishments in this emerging and lively neighborhood of victuals.
For drinking amidst the trees
The Double Standard
2424 Telegraph Ave.
Although the Double Standard features a large inside bar with all the usuals, its most notable feature is out back. The bar boasts an expansive patio surrounded by massive redwood trees, with plenty of seating and games like cornhole, Connect 4 and Jenga. The establishment is basically like a giant adult clubhouse—especially festive during the holidays. Dogs welcome.
For romancing ourselves and/or others
friends and family
468 25th St.
With its warm, intimate ambience and lowkey chic vibes, Friends and Family is the ultimate first-date spot, a cute place to meet up with friends or the right spot for a deservedly indulgent solo outing. It’s also proudly queer-inclusive, occasionally hosting queer speed dating, queer comedy and other events on the romantically lit, mural-backed patio. The bar offers craft cocktails and mocktails, with an inventive menu of elegant dishes from chef Gaby Maeda, a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist.
Cocktails served with love at Friends and Family bar. (Photo by Cayce Clifford)
For forever-summertime vibes
Sandbar
2418 Broadway
Surf’s up at the Sandbar, which is more tropical beach oasis than tiki kitsch. With actual sand on the floor and reggae jamming from the speakers, visitors will feel like they’re taking a seaside vacation without the resort fees. No aloha shirts necessary. Nonalcoholic beers and refreshing mocktails are also on offer.
For seeing a punk show and not feeling too old or uncool to do so
Thee Stork Club
2330 Telegraph Ave.
It’s a dive bar with all the best retro features: a wall of blacklight velvet paintings, shag carpet ceilings, red lights and friendly bartenders. As a bonus, Thee Stork Club has a separate room with a small stage for eclectic punk, rock and comedy shows, with the coolest encased dollhouse display ever. There’s also an outdoor patio area, and a back room with a pool table and old-school vinyl booths. Something about this place makes folks want to flirt in the universal bathroom line and we’re OK with that.
For when we’re hungry for more than just ‘bar food’
Parche
2295 Broadway
Chef-owner Paul Iglesias’ contemporary Colombian restaurant is as dynamic and bright as Iglesias himself. With a robust happy hour, vibrant decor and upbeat tunes, Parche has become a regular post-work stop for locals and an overall fun place to bring adventurous friends of varying hunger levels.
Jaji
422 24th St.
A recent addition to the Northgate hub, Jaji is a vast, sunset-hued, fabric-bedecked, light-filled restaurant serving modern Afghan cuisine from Sophia Akbar and her husband Paul Iglesias of Parche. A handful of selections from their cocktail menu denote nonalcoholic adaptations, along with a few organic options from the Art of Tea.
Low Bar
2300 Webster St.
The contemporary Mexican menu at Low Bar is at least as impressive as its creatively crafted cocktails—perhaps even more so, given how unpretentious this place is. Noted for its regular and late-night happy hours and weekend brunch, Low Bar features a menu of Mexican- and Filipino-inspired fare with the occasional oyster popup, collab with vegan fave Lion Dance Cafe or gourmet ode to Taco Bell.
Mua
2442a Webster St.
Quintessentially Oakland, Mua has a vibe that’s artful and edgy, music-forward and chill. Located on the outskirts of Northgate in a renovated industrial warehouse by a row of auto dealerships, Mua offers eclectic small plates with a lean towards comfort food, craft cocktails and frequent DJ appearances.
alaMar Dominican Kitchen
100 Grand Ave.
Chef-owner Nelson German serves contemporary Dominican cuisine at alaMar—flavorful, soulful, hearty fare in an upbeat and bright dining room—perfect for soaking up a guava margarita, Frio Frio slushie, Mamajuana or two. Open for lunch and dinner.
For entertaining the possibility of breaking out into song
The Legionnaire Saloon
2272 Telegraph Ave.
The Legionnaire is a neighborhood bar with a little something extra. They have pinball machines and host nightly karaoke, as well as other events like live comedy, “Puppy Happy Hour” to support Oakland Animal Services, and more. Regulars—and whiskey—rule here.
For rolling with a crew on a sunny day
Drake’s Dealership
2325 Broadway
For the past decade, Drake’s has served its fresh brews and wood-fired pizzas in a grand, open-air beer garden with fire pits and Adirondack seating. With 32 beers on tap and a full menu of American classics, the classic brick building on Oakland’s historic Broadway Auto Row houses an indoor restaurant, too, but it’s really all about that patio. Good for groups and dogs.
Burgers + brews = a winning combo
Two Pitchers Brewing Company
2344 Webster St.
Two Pitchers’ charming brewery taproom, noteworthy for its ultra-cool “cold beer” sign out front, revamps a historic auto repair shop with its relaxed indoor-outdoor beer garden, offering delish burgers from Lovely’s in a large, semi-industrial open-air setting that’s dog- and kid-friendly.
Beeryland
2318 Telegraph Ave.
This casual spot has everything one needs for a quick, friendly afternoon/evening refresher: heated indoor seating with projected movies, semi-heated outdoor seating with an impressive mural, tasty burgers, and of course, a great selection of beer and cider—also, slushies!
Because: beer
The Good Hop Bar & Bottle Shop
2421 Telegraph Ave.
On the corner of Telegraph Avenue and 24th Street, The Good Hop features 16 California craft beers on tap and stocks more than 400 bottles and cans from independent breweries. It’s a dog-friendly neighborhood bar with indoor seating and regular trivia nights.
For seducing lovers and impressing frenemies
Viridian
2216 Broadway
It might take a minute to catch one’s bearings after entering the uber-stylish, hypermodern yet playful enclave of Viridian, which resembles a love letter to Asian-American culture, craft cocktails and cuisine. Neon sculptures complement a high ceiling exploding with multicolored lanterns in a scene seemingly set in ’90s Hong Kong—but, you know, prettier. Accolades for the food and beverage program are endless. Sometimes the line to get in is as well.
High 5ive Rooftop Bar
437 25th St.
The High 5ive Rooftop Bar at the Kissel Hotel offers a spacious open-air lounge and cushy outdoor seating with firepits and ambience galore, along with fancy cocktails and a menu of small plates with late-night bites. But why miss the sunset vibes? Only open Friday and Saturday nights.
Because sometimes our crew needs a VIP table
Zanzi Oakland
19 Grand Ave.
Housed in the former Era Art Bar space, Zanzi fulfills this list’s “nightclub” category with style. Check Instagram for all the latest theme nights and performances. Expect the hottest Afro, Latin and house flavors, with guest DJs and dance-floor divas dressed to impress.
The Port of Oakland stirs before dawn. Cranes rise like steel giants against a fog-stained sky, the air thick with diesel and salt. A container ship groans into a berth, water churning beneath it. Forklifts beep, chains clatter and gulls screech above rumbling trucks whose headlights pierce through the haze. This isn’t just commerce—it’s the steady, unrelenting pulse of global trade.
In The Pacific Circuit: A Globalized Account of the Battle for the Soul of an American City, author and journalist Alexis Madrigal positions the Port of Oakland as a heart of globalization—a key node in the vast network that links Asian manufacturing to American consumption. While the port fuels economic growth, Madrigal shows, it also reveals the human and environmental costs of global capitalism, including displaced dockworkers and fractured working-class communities like West Oakland. Today, residents continue to bear the burden of diesel pollution, truck traffic and related health disparities.
Madrigal presents the port as more than a hub of commerce: It’s a collision point where economic ambition, labor history and environmental injustice converge. These overlapping pressures, he argues, have shaped Oakland’s identity and mirror the broader forces reshaping urban life across the United States.
Born in Mexico City and raised in Washington and California, Madrigal knew early on that he wanted to write. He initially pursued fiction in college, but his enduring interest in the sociopolitical systems that govern people’s lives led him to journalism. He began as a staff writer at Wired and later took on reporting roles at several major outlets before joining KQED, where he now co-hosts Forum, a two-hour, live call-in radio program.
“I wanted to tell real stories about the world,” said Madrigal, who’s lived in Oakland for 14 years and speaks of the city with deep personal reverence. “It’s the only place that’s ever felt like home to me.”
That connection, along with his concern for the inequalities he saw in West Oakland, inspired him to begin writing The Pacific Circuit in 2016. The book explores how international trade and technological change impact labor, housing and health in communities often left out of economic success stories. One of the book’s central figures is Margaret Gordon, an environmental justice activist and founder of the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project. Her decades-long fight to protect her neighborhood from pollution serves as a powerful throughline in Madrigal’s account, grounding the book’s sweeping analysis in lived experience.
In narrative-rich prose, The Pacific Circuit examines not just policy and economics, but also the everyday realities of families navigating gentrification, displacement and environmental risk. Madrigal’s journalistic rigor is evident, but so is his personal stake in the story. The result is a book that reads as both investigation and deeply informed reflection: A call to reimagine cities that are equitable, sustainable and accountable to the people who live in them.
In 2025, as the Bay Area faces mounting housing pressure, climate threats and the destabilizing effects of automation, Madrigal’s work feels especially urgent. According to the California Housing Partnership, housing costs remain among the highest in the nation, with displacement disproportionately affecting low-income and minority residents. At the same time, labor market analyses from the Brookings Institution and the California Employment Development Department show how automation and tech industry shifts are reshaping job security across the region.
The Pacific Circuit speaks directly to this moment—and to a national reckoning with inequality and urban change. Drawing comparisons to Mike Davis’ City of Quartz and Jane Jacobs’ The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Madrigal’s book sits firmly in the tradition of urban writing that foregrounds structural critique and local resistance. Like Davis, Madrigal dissects the systems that fuel exploitation; like Jacobs, he elevates the stories of grassroots organizers who fight back.
By placing Oakland at the crossroads of global trade and local struggle, The Pacific Circuit doesn’t just chronicle a city in flux, it offers a framework for understanding what equitable urban transformation might look like.
“We don’t really have a good way of analyzing urban change and ensuring outcomes for people who live in our city,” Madrigal said.
Through his book, Madrigal invites readers to consider how progress is defined, who benefits and at what cost.
Published in cooperation between impulsQ and the East Bay Express
Video games seem to be the main choice of entertainment for young men and women in the 21st century. What is more, the popularity of gaming has grown among older generations as well. In the United States and Europe, for example, the number of men and women over the age of 50 who enjoy video games in their downtime is increasing.
That may have something to do with the evolution of online entertainment, as well as multiplayer gaming. It is also important to note that technological developments have a lot to do with growing success of the video game industry. This article explores the evolution of internet-based entertainment, particularly as it relates to gaming.
A Rise in iGaming
One of the most prominent genres in online entertainment right now is iGaming. For those who don’t know, iGaming refers to any form of online gambling. Gambling online in California is illegal. Know the rules in your area. With new casino games being released on the internet every day, more and more people are finding joy in playing the classics online. But, the question is, what are the hottest trends in online gambling right now?
One of the really big ones is live dealer casinos. Often called simply “live gambling,” live dealer casinos involve using streaming services in order to create a more immersive gambling experience. A human dealer broadcasts themselves in real time, engaging the customers in some of the most popular games. Blackjack, roulette, craps and more are all available at live casinos.
The secret behind the success of live casinos has a lot to do with immersion. Many people feel like live dealers are a step closer to classic gambling halls. However, they still provide the convenience of playing online. In other words, they are the best of both worlds. Sure, they may have some downsides as well, but for the most part, they are a huge hit, and one of the main reasons behind iGaming’s success.
Streaming Services
Streaming is a key part of digital entertainment. We already talked about how it is used in gambling online; however, that is not where it originated from. As many of you know, streaming is intricately tied to film and television. Netflix, the first of the streaming services, allowed fans to choose from an ever-changing and expanding library of shows and movies, and watch them at any point during the day.
Though some people have expressed issues with Netflix and similar services, the company remains one of the most successful streaming platforms around. And, it seems, that pretty soon it is going to be expanding into the realm of gaming. Netflix has already announced its plans to launch an interactive, game-style experience on its platform.
For those who don’t know, an interactive show/film is a movie or series in which the watcher chooses what is going to happen next. The viewer is given an option between multiple choices that a character can make and then sees what happens once they’ve made his or her choice. Of course, the fan’s choice heavily influences the course of the story.
To call these shows video games would not exactly be accurate. But there is also no denying that gaming has not influenced the concept here. Perhaps we could chalk this up to another example of gamificationthat is taking over modern media and pop culture. We can see the effects of gamification in novels, online gambling and even in film.
Online Gaming
According to peer-research polls, there are currently over 4.5 billion internet users all over the world. The users engage with songs, films, online video content and of course, with video games. Knowing this, it shouldn’t come as a shock that online gaming has become such a huge hit. Around 2023, it was still accurate to say that video games were a young man’s game. However, a lot has changed in the past two years.
According to the latest statistics, the amount of people who use the internet more than a couple of hours a day has significantly increased, especially among older generations. It is also accurate to say that the number of people who are over 40 that game has also increased. Older players are specifically looking for cooperative, calming games that allow them to socialize, build a sense of community and relax after a long day of work.
On the other hand, the competitive scene is also growing in popularity. League of Legends is a prime example of this. The success of the television show Arcane has attracted a lot of new players to League of Legends. The game’s popularity has skyrocketed, and its professional scene is thriving. In fact, eSports in general has drastically grown in popularity and is now a huge hit among fans and gamers.
Mobile Gaming
In 2025, most of us don’t have the time to sit down at the computer and play a game. We are constantly on the go, commuting to work, taking walks or even hanging out with friends. However, the good news is that we don’t need to sit down at a PC, because we all have a miniature computer in our back pockets. Of course, we are talking about smartphones.
Smartphones nowadays have the capacity to run some of the best games in the world. No longer are mobile games limited to simple affairs like Tetris, Pac-Manor Snake. Instead, there are complex strategy games, multiplayer role-playing games and hardcore, lore-filled fantasy adventure games. A particularly successful genre is the gacha game, of which the most well-known title is Genshin Impact.
The best part about most mobile games is that they are free to play. Fans can download these games from their preferred app, whether that be the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Then, it is a simple matter of creating an account and booting up the game. Though it may not seem like it, fans nowadays sink hours into improving their score in mobile gaming, which is why the hobby is such a hit.
Those who love animals and a nice, locally brewed IPA are in for an annual treat as Berkeley Humane (BH) throws its “Pints for Paws” (PFP) fundraiser for the 11th year.
Vickie Eiges, BH’s director of development and communications, described PFP’s inception: “Eleven years ago a group of our leadership volunteers came together to create a fundraising event for the dog-loving, beer-loving Berkeley community to support the wellbeing and adoption of animals,” she said. “From year one, it was a love fest!”
This year’s event takes place June 7, from 2 to 5pm, with VIP ticket access at 1pm.
People-loving pooches are welcome to wag and snuffle at the event while their humans quaff local craft beers, ciders, artisan wines, handcrafted vodka and other beverages. There is always live music, and this year will also feature a DJ and games, Eiges said. Food is available for additional purchase, and attendees receive a commemorative glass to enjoy unlimited tastings.
There are several reasons the event has proved so popular. “Of course, it lets people support the cause,” she said. “They can come out for a casual, interactive afternoon with people from all walks of life.”
With an average ticket price of $95 (plus fees), PFP is quite a bit less expensive than the average “gala,” she pointed out, adding, “And you don’t have to get dressed up!”
This year, PFP’s date coincides with California Adopt-A-Pet Day, so BH will have adoptable animals in an area next to the Ninth Street site starting at 11am, and this will be family friendly, in contrast to the 21-and-up PFP. All fees will be waived for dogs and cats of all ages, including puppies and kittens. Every pet is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and made ready to go home the same day. The adoption package includes free vet care, 30 days of pet insurance and discounts on training.
All funds raised by PFP go towards supporting the many services the more-than-90-year-old BH provides. Many East Bay residents may not be aware that the animals in BH’s shelter “are transfers from our local municipal animal shelter partners in an effort to open up space for their incoming animals and reduce euthanasia,” according to BH materials.
Before going to foster homes, which are provided with the tools to care for the animals, all cats and dogs are “provided with the medical care they need to be adopted. They stay in our care until they are adopted,” Eiges said.
Post-pandemic, many people returned adopted animals to shelters, and many people and families are now struggling financially in the current uncertain economic environment, making keeping their pets difficult.
“The shelters are all full,” Eiges said. “Our services are in even more demand.” BH operates a pet-food pantry, “with no questions asked,” she said, where those in need of food to keep their beloved pets can find a way to feed them, instead of surrendering them.
Last November, BH announced a significant milestone as it submitted new building plans to the City of Berkeley for its proposed new animal shelter and hospital, the Bay Area Animal Resource Center (BAARC). The goal is to begin construction by the end of this year.
At the time of the announcement, BH Board of Directors President Dan Lang stated: “[BAARC] includes a veterinary medical hospital and adoption center. The new vision for the organization will include more services for people with pets who might be in need of a little extra support.”
Although Pints For Paws sells out every year, Eiges predicts there will still be tickets available by the time East Bay Express readers view this article.
Pints For Paws, A Community Celebration to Save Animals takes place on June 7 from 2-5pm (VIP entrance, 1pm) at 2700 Ninth St., Berkeley. Tickets: berkeleyhumane.org/events/pints-for-paws.
Published in cooperation between Thrill Hive and the East Bay Express
There’s nothing like the sound of dice hitting the table—and with the best online craps sites, you don’t need to be in a casino to feel that rush.
We spent weeks testing craps casinos for gameplay, payouts, bonuses and table variety. Our goal? To find online craps sites that are legit, easy to use and fun, whether you’re betting the pass line or taking a shot at the field.
Our No. 1 pick is Ignition, an online casino known for its smooth interface, $3,000 welcome bonus and some of the best real money craps tables we’ve seen.
Ready to roll? Let’s check out the best online craps sites.
Important: The sites listed in this guide are targeting English speakers around the world. Please remember to check your local laws to ensure online gambling is legal where you live. Also Adblock might get confused so please disable it if you have any issues with our links.
Now that you’ve got a sneak peek, let’s break down what makes each of these online craps casinos worth checking out. In the next section, we’ll cover everything from game variety to payout speed, so you can find the right place to roll.
If you’re into craps and want a site that checks all the right boxes, Ignition should be at the top of your list. Its craps game is smooth, quick and easy to learn—perfect for both casual players and strategic bettors.
Game Library: 4.9/5
Craps is just the start. Ignition has a well-rounded game library with hundreds of real money casino games. You’ll find RNG craps in the table games section, along with blackjack, roulette and baccarat.
While live craps isn’t available, Ignition’s live dealer section is one of the best for blackjack and roulette fans, with progressive jackpots—which is pretty rare.
Slots players won’t feel left out either. There are 400-plus slot titles, including seven-digit jackpots and exclusive games you won’t find at other casinos, which helps it stand out.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.9/5
Ignition has one of the best welcome bonuses for real money players, especially if you’re using crypto. New crypto users can claim up to $3,000 in bonuses split between the casino and poker sections. Fiat users can get up to $2,000, which is still competitive.
Ongoing promotions include weekly poker freerolls, crypto reloads and a loyalty program that lets you earn points with every bet.
Regular players also get daily scratch and win cards with the opportunity to win $1 million daily.
Payment Options: 4.9/5
You can deposit and withdraw using Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and a few others. All transactions are fast and always free for crypto. You can expect instant deposits and payouts to usually land within 24 hours.
If you want to use fiat, you can deposit using Visa and Mastercard, but withdrawals take longer and may include processing fees.
Another thing that sets Ignition apart is the voucher system, allowing you to get money instantly by sending or receiving vouchers with other players.
User Experience: 5/5
Ignition has a clean layout, it’s mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Whether you’re betting on craps or firing up a poker tournament, everything loads fast and lag-free. This makes it perfect for anyone wanting to play on the go.
If you ever face an issue, customer support is just a click away, available 24/7.
2. Super Slots—Best Craps Online Casino for Mobile
Pros:
Smooth mobile gaming experience
Wide range of table games, including craps
$2,000 in weekly leaderboards
Over 70 live games
Free rolls and cash tournaments
15-plus cryptocurrencies
Cons:
Demo mode available after signup
Annoying “I’m a human” popup
Super Slots is one of the best gambling sites to join if you’re all about rolling the dice while on the go.
Game Library: 4.9/5
You’ll find craps in their table games section—it runs smooth on both desktop and mobile. The interface is easy to use, with clear bets and quick dice rolls, making it a great option for newer players and high rollers alike.
Despite its name, there’s more to Super Slots than just slots. The site features over 1,200 games, including classic table games, craps and a full live dealer section. Whether you’re into playing blackjack, roulette or baccarat, you’ll have plenty of options.
And with well-known providers like Betsoft and Pragmatic Play, the games are crisp, varied and loaded with bonus features.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.9/5
New players at Super Slots can get 300 bonus spins when they sign up. That’s 30 spins daily for 10 days straight.
Weekly free rolls, cash tournaments and more bonus spins are also in the mix, so there’s always something to look forward to.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
Super Slots has a wide range of payment options. You’ve got credit cards, bank transfers and over 15 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.
Crypto is the best bet here, as it’s fast, free and hits your wallet within 24 hours. Plus, the deposit limits are super flexible. For example, you can deposit $10-$1,000,000 using Bitcoin, which suits most players. Withdrawals start at $20.
User Experience: 4.85/5
Everything loads fast and looks great on mobile. The layout is clean, and the menus are easy to navigate. Even without an app, the mobile browser version holds up well. And if you need help, support is available around the clock.
3. Lucky Red—Top Real Money Craps Casino for Low Stakes Games
Pros:
400 percent match up to $4,000
$75 free chip when using crypto
Low table minimums
Jackpots worth over $1 million
Drops new deals every day
Instant play and download option
Cons:
Dated website design
Limited live dealer options
For those who want to play craps games online without going overboard on bets, Lucky Red hits the sweet spot. The low table minimums and steady performance make it a relaxed and reliable place to get your craps fixed.
Game Library: 4.7/5
Craps fans will love how simple everything is. The RNG craps game runs well and loads quickly, with easy-to-read chips and fast dice animations. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to play casually or practice different strategies without high table limits.
As soon as you log in, you can choose whether to play for real or for fun (i.e., demo mode).
Outside of craps, you’ll find a tight collection of classic table games like blackjack, poker and roulette, plus a variety of slots from industry giants like RealTime Gaming. It’s not the biggest selection, but it’s more than enough to keep you entertained.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5
New players can unlock a 400 percent deposit bonus up to $4,000 using the code LUCKYRED400. It’s a really competitive offer, especially if you compare it to most other casinos, which usually match 100 percent of your deposit.
Like Ignition and Super Slots, Lucky Red also rewards crypto users with extra perks, including a $75 free chip at signup, a 5 percent boost on every offer and unlimited deposit bonuses.
Regulars here enjoy no deposit bonuses, seasonal deals and reload offers every day.
Payment Options: 4.7/5
Lucky Red keeps things simple but effective. Bitcoin is the fastest way to deposit and cash out, usually within 24 hours. You can also use Interac, credit cards, checks and bank transfers, but these take a bit longer to process.
Minimum deposits start at $35, and you can cash out as little as $50 with most methods.
User Experience: 4.8/5
The site design is a little old-school, but it gets the job done. Everything works great with no lag, and players can choose from a mobile casino, instant play, or download option.
Support is available 24/7 via live chat or email, and they even have a toll-free phone number, which is a real standout.
4. BetOnline—Fastest Payouts of All Real Money Online Craps Sites
Pros:
100 welcome free spins
Most payouts take a few minutes
Highest credit card acceptance
$15,000 in daily cash races
Over 1,300 games
20-plussecure banking options
Cons:
No deposit bonus for new players
Could use better game filters
If you want to cash out your bet wins fast without the usual holdups, BetOnline is one of the best options out there. Known for lightning-fast payouts (often just minutes) and generous VIP perks,
this casino site makes every session worth your time.
Game Library: 4.8/5
Craps players will find a well-made RNG version in the table games section. It’s simple, snappy and doesn’t overload you with too many extras, making it perfect for players who just want to roll and go.
Apart from craps, BetOnline offers a rich selection of games from world-class developers. You’ve got blackjack, roulette, poker and over 1,200 slots, plus a sports betting section with great extras.
For live dealer entertainment, BetOnline covers roulette, blackjack and lottery, among others.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.65/5
As a new player, you can grab up to $250 in free bets plus 100 free spins on your first deposit using the code FREE250. To qualify, you need to make a minimum deposit of $50.
If you feel that’s too much or don’t like sports, you can simply claim 100 free spins—no minimum deposit required, no strings attached.
The welcome offer isn’t as large as some competitors, but BetOnline makes up for it with ongoing promotions, including $15,000 daily cash races where every craps bet helps you climb to the top every 24 hours, cash tournaments and loyalty benefits.
VIPs here get monthly and weekly cash boosts, priority withdrawals and other perks.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
Over 20 payment methods are available, including popular cryptocurrencies like Tether, Bitcoin and Ripple, along with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Person2Person, money orders and bank wires.
Crypto is clearly the fastest withdrawal option. The minimum deposit for crypto is just $20, and payouts can go up to $100,000 depending on the coin.
User Experience: 4.7/5
BetOnline’s layout is clean and works great on both desktop and mobile. Everything loads quickly, and you can switch between casino, horse race betting and poker with one click.
Support is available 24/7, and the site has been around for over two decades, so you know you’re playing somewhere that takes care of its players.
5. Bovada—Best Online Craps Site for Crypto Players
Pros:
$3,750 in crypto welcome bonuses
Crypto payouts within the hour
Fast-loading RNG craps
Poker room and sportsbook included
Long-running reputation
Tiered loyalty program
Cons:
Needs more fiat withdrawals
Lower bonuses for non-crypto users
Crypto users will love this setup. Bovada is one of the most trusted names in online gaming and has been crypto-friendly longer than most. Yes, you can also use fiat here, but the promos are lower, and the options are pretty limited.
Game Library: 4.7/5
If you came here looking for craps, you’ll find it in the table games section. It plays fast, cleanand without any lag. There are two different options, and both are great for players who want to get straight to the action. Plus, the bet limits are flexible enough for both low-stakes users and higher rollers.
Even when you get bored with the dice roll, there’s enough variety to keep you here.
Bovada covers all the bases—hundreds of slots, plenty of table game variants, specialty games like keno and bingo, live dealers and even a sportsbook and poker room for those seeking variety.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.6/5
Crypto players get a huge edge here. The Bovada crypto welcome bonus goes up to $3,750 across your first three deposits. You’ll need to use the code BTCCWB1250 on your first deposit and BTC2NDCWB on your next two. Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum or Tether all qualify.
The codes for those using fiat are CAWELCOME100 and BV2NDCWB, respectively, but in this case, the max bonus is $3,000.
Bovada also rewards regular play with casino credits and weekly perks, including reload bonuses and poker benefits.
Payment Options: 4.65/5
You can deposit with crypto or fiat, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and more. Visa and Mastercard are accepted too, but only for deposits.
Withdrawals are crypto-only, which is a downside for fiat users. But for crypto fans, payouts are usually processed within an hour, which is tough to beat.
User Experience: 4.6/5
Bovada has been on the market for over 20 years, building a reputation for security, exciting gameplay and player trust.
Its design is modern, responsive and super user-friendly. You’ll easily find everything you need and switch between craps, poker and slots, even if it’s your first time being here.
A few key factors go into making an online casino the best for craps. Here’s what we looked at when ranking the top online craps casinos:
Online Craps Games
We looked at both quality and variety and gave top scores to sites that offer RNG and live dealer craps with smooth gameplay, sharp graphics and flexible betting limits. The more
versions available, like low-stakes or crypto-friendly tables, the better.
They get extra points if they have other online casino games like blackjack, roulette or video poker.
Player-Friendly Bonuses
Top online craps casinos offer generous welcome bonuses, cashback deals and ongoing rewards that actually benefit craps players. We also checked the fine print to make sure the terms are fair and the wagering requirement isn’t sky-high.
Fast and Secure Payouts
Any good craps casino pays out fast. We looked at deposit and withdrawal limits, payout speeds and supported payment methods. The highest-ranked sites offer low minimums, instant deposits and same-day withdrawals with options like Interac, crypto and e-wallets.
Mobile Performance
Craps should be just as fun on your phone as on a desktop. We only included sites that are fully optimized for mobile, and a few even offer dedicated iOS and Android apps that make gameplay smoother on smaller screens.
Overall User Experience
How easy it is to sign up, claim your bonus or get support matter more than most people think. We also looked at VIP perks, loyalty rewards and whether customer support is actually helpful—24/7 live chat is a big plus.
Why is Ignition the Best Online Craps Casino?
While all other sites on our list excel in specific areas, Ignition offers a complete and well-balanced package for real money craps players.
Here’s why it stands out from the competition:
Fast & Smooth Craps Games: The craps table is simple, intuitive and runs clean with no lag. The bets are easy to follow, and the animations are smooth even on older devices, making it perfect for beginners and players who just want to roll through sessions quickly.
Daily Jackpots and Table Variety: Even if craps is your main game, Ignition gives you plenty to explore, including blackjack, baccarat and roulette tables. Its Hot Drop Jackpots hit hourly and daily, which isn’t something you’ll find at every other casino.
Generous $3,000 Crypto Bonus: Ignition doesn’t just support crypto—it rewards it. All transactions are fast and free. Instant payouts, zero fees and extra bonuses give Bitcoin and Ethereum players more value than most other sites.
Great for Mobile Play: Ignition’s mobile interface is sharp, fast and easy to navigate. Unlike some other sites that feel cluttered on smaller screens, Ignition keeps things light—perfect for quick craps sessions on the go.
Positive Player Feedback: While other sites have strong reputations, Ignition has been around since 2016 and consistently ranks among the most trusted names on player forums. That’s longer than most online casinos, including Super Slots and Lucky Red.
Why Play Craps Online?
Craps is one of the fastest, most popular dice games you’ll find, and playing online only makes it better. Here’s why online craps is better than playing at land-based casinos:
It’s Much More Flexible
Online craps can move much faster than in a brick-and-mortar casino. You don’t have to wait around for other players to place their bets or roll the dice. If you’re playing RNG craps, it’s just you vs. the game, so you can set your own pace—faster or slower, however you prefer it.
The House Edge Is Incredibly Low
If you stick to simple bets like Pass, Don’t Pass or Come, you’ll get some of the best odds in the entire casino. The most popular bet in craps, the Pass Line, has a low house edge of just 1.41 percent. That means your chances of winning are actually better here than in most other casino games.
You Can Play for $1 or Less
In brick-and-mortar casinos, craps tables usually require $10-$25 minimums. Meanwhile, most online craps games let you bet as little as $1 or sometimes even less.
This makes online craps great for casual players, complete beginners or those wanting to test different strategies without overspending. Responsible gambling tools also come in handy in these situations, helping you stick to your budget.
It’s Easier to Learn Online
If you’re new to craps, playing online is a lot less intimidating than standing at the floor of a crowded land-based casino. When you play online craps, you can learn the game rules at your own pace, test out different craps bets and take as much time as you need without anyone rushing you.
Just keep in mind, live dealer craps follow real-time rules, so you’ll have a timer once the round starts.
You Can Practice Before Betting Real Money
Real money bets can be much more exciting and get your adrenaline pumping. However, most online craps sites let you try the game for free, which is a great perk. This way, you can get comfortable with how it all works, see if you like it or not and even test out different strategies before playing online craps for real money.
Best Online Craps Sites—FAQs
Can I win real money playing online craps?
Yes, you can win real money playing online craps as long as you’re using a legit site with fair games, secure payments and random number generators that keep things competitive.
What is the smartest way to bet on craps?
The smartest way to bet craps is to stick with low house edge bets like Pass Line, Don’t Pass and Odds Bets. They offer the best long-term odds for players.
What number hits the most in craps?
The number 7 hits the most in craps since it has the most dice combinations (six total). That’s why many craps strategies are built around avoiding or chasing it.
Which is the best craps casino online?
Ignition is the best craps casino online thanks to its smooth gameplay, fast payouts and crypto-friendly perks. New players get a welcome bonus up to $3,000 to start with.
Comparing the Top 5 Online Craps Sites for Real Money
Here’s a recap of our top 5 online craps sites and what makes each one worth checking out:
Ignition: Overall best casino for online craps and table game variety. With a $3,000 crypto welcome bonus and smooth gameplay across devices, this casino is great for players who value fast payouts and a clean, simple layout.
Super Slots: New players can unlock up to 300 bonus spins, followed by ongoing promotions and tournaments. This is your best bet for playing online craps on the go.
Lucky Red: Best for casual craps players and low rollers with a simple yet effective setup. This site offers a bonus up to $4,000, plus a $75 crypto chip and low minimums to get started.
BetOnline: Known for the fastest craps payouts, often processed in just a few minutes, especially with crypto. As a new player, you can get 100 free spins instantly.
Bovada: Top pick for crypto players looking for variety, allowing you to switch between craps, poker and sports betting. The crypto bonus goes up to $3,750 across your first three deposits.
How to Sign Up at a Craps Online Casino Site
If you’ve never played online craps before, signing up can seem complex. But it’s actually super simple. Here’s how to get started at Ignition—our No. 1 craps casino:
Step 1: Visit the Casino Site
Click the orange button ‘Join’ in the top right.
Fill out the registration form.
Accept the T&Cs and click ‘Register.’
Step 2: Check Your Email
Check your inbox for a verification email.
Click ‘Get Started’ to activate your account.
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
Once verified, log in to your new account.
Go to the Deposit section and choose a method.
Select crypto if you want the full $3,000 bonus.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
That’s it—you’re ready to play craps online for real money.
Helpful Online Craps Winning Strategies
If you’re looking for ways to boost your odds when you roll the dice, these beginner-friendly craps tips will help you play smarter:
Stick to Low House Edge Bets
The safest way to play online craps is to focus on the bets with the lowest house edge. These basic bets give you the best long-term odds:
Pass Line Bet: You’re betting with the shooter.
If the first roll (called the “come-out roll”) is a 7 or 11, you win.
If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose—that’s called “craps.”
Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point.
If the shooter rolls that point again before a 7, you win. If a 7 comes first, you lose.
Don’t Pass Bet: The opposite of the Pass Line bet—you’re betting against the shooter.
You win if the come-out roll is 2, 3, or 12.
You lose if it’s 7 or 11.
If a point is set and a 7 comes before the point, you win.
Come Bet: Works just like the Pass Line, only you place it after the come-out roll. Once you place a Come Bet, the next number rolled becomes your new “point.” From there, you’ll win if that number is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Come Bet: Like the Don’t Pass, but you place it after a point has already been established. You’re hoping the shooter hits a 7 before he rolls your Don’t Come point again.
Each of these bets carries a house edge between 1.36 percent and 1.41 percent, which is among the best in any casino game. Plus, they’re super simple to understand, even for first-time players.
Take the Odds Bet Whenever You Can
Most online casinos let you place an Odds Bet after you make a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet, and a point is set. This is one of the only bets in any casino with zero house edge. You’re simply backing your original bet with extra money, and the payout is always fair.
The more odds you’re allowed to take, the better your potential return. So if it fits your budget, always take the Odds Bet—it’s easily one of the smartest moves in craps.
Avoid the “Sucker” Bets
Field bets, Hardways or single-roll proposition bets such as Snake Eyes, Yo (11) or Any 7—all of these craps bets look fun and promising, but they’ll eat your bankroll fast. They usually come with a house edge between 5 percent and 16 percent, which is way higher than the main bets on the table.
For example, Hardway bets pay big only if a number lands as a perfect pair, and the chances of this happening are pretty low. Likewise, Field bets give you a single roll to hit. They’re fast-paced and tempting, but in the long run, they’re not worth it.
Learn How Craps Bets Pay Out
You’ve learned which craps bets play in your favor and which don’t. But let’s see the math behind it.
Some bets like the Pass Line or Come pay out 1:1—simple. You won’t get rich quickly, but they give you better odds over time. That’s why most consistent craps players stick to them.
Others, like propositions or Hardway bets, promote payout ratios like 7:1, 9:1 and even 30:1. While that sounds exciting, there’s a catch. The house edge on these bets can be brutal, often between 10 percent and 16 percent. So while the win looks amazing, your actual odds of hitting it are pretty slim.
Before placing a bet, always check the payout and ask yourself: “Is this worth the risk?” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Are You Ready to Play Online Craps Games?
Whether you’re rolling for fun or trying to win real money, the best online craps sites make the game easy and exciting. Plus, the best craps bonuses make it even more fun.
Our top pick, Ignition, stands out for its smooth gameplay, fast crypto payouts, and generous $3,000 bonus for new players. It’s the full package—especially if you’re playing on mobile.
Ready to test your strategy and luck? Pick a site, place your bet, and let the dice fly!
EastBayExpress may earn revenue from iGaming for audience referrals. The EastBayExpress newsroom and editorial staff maintains direction on this content, which is created by partner staff. Companies mentioned in the articles have no influence over our news coverage. See applicable operator site for its terms and conditions.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws to your use of the sites and their services.
Published in cooperation between Photwall.com and the East Bay Express
Bringing elements of art into your home is not only about beauty and decoration but also about establishing an area that is truly representative of yourself, stimulates creativity and has a narrative. From statement murals to sculptural pieces of furniture, each design makes every room in your home a work of art.
Statement Wall Murals
One of the most powerful methods of turning a room into something truly individual and expressive is with the use of wall murals. With anything from a small nook to an oblong room, murals can infuse your home with depth, character and texture. Murals are able to capture elements of nature, artwork or even nostalgia by creating custom designs. For those who desire to bring in both serenity and vibrancy, adding a green wall mural in a living or dining area is one way to infuse the room with fresh, natural beauty without dominating the space. Since murals can be customized to reflect your style, it’s one way to unleash your creativity. Most services even let you input your own artwork or photos, transforming personal experiences into bold, sweeping visual elements.
Wall murals are also versatile; you can use temporary peel-and-stick designs or invest in professionally painted works that will impose a more lasting look. Either way, when beautifully placed, a mural is sure to be a conversation piece and influence the rest of your decor.
Curating Your Personal Art Collection
Your living space can feel like your own gallery if you choose to curate your own collection of artwork. The idea is not necessarily to cover each and every wall with expensive artwork, but to choose works that reflect your own aesthetics, life and values. From up-and-coming talents to older treasures, so many styles, materials and cultural viewpoints are now available that there is something to match any personality and budget.
To begin, invest in some strong focal points that speak to you on an emotional level. These may be works of painting, photography, textile or mixed media. Combine bold focal points with some small supporting pieces to build layers on your walls. Gallery walls are also an ideal way to display several works at once as one statement piece, and changing your collection seasonally keeps your space from growing stale. Adding artwork that speaks to you brings your home to life and completes it. This is not about coordinating colors; this is about evoking emotion and intellect with each work.
Mixing Texture and Material
One of the distinguishing characteristics of a well-crafted room is the rich contrast of textures and materials. Instead of settling on plain surfaces or uniform finishes, try to combine opposites that contrast visually and texturally. Consider velvet cushions against leather furniture, reclaimed wood with metallic hardware or woven fabric draped across smooth surfaces. These pairings are dynamic and produce an environment that has been intentionally curated in contrast to mass-produced.
You can also bring in texture through wall panels, 3D art pieces or decorative objects like ceramic vases, stone sculptures or hammered metal trays. Rugs, curtains and throws all contribute to the overall tactile story of a room. The layering of materials and textures doesn’t just make your space look better; it enhances how it feels and functions on a sensory level.
Lighting, Lighting, Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in accentuating the artwork in your home. It is not merely lighting up the room, but also establishing mood and directing focus to the most important areas. Properly designed lighting brings artwork to life, creates drama with shadows or softens lines for the sake of warmth.
Begin with general lighting that establishes the mood and build up to task and accent lighting to create depth. Use spotlights and picture lights to draw focus to framed pieces, statues or murals. Dimmable lights are versatile. and with these, you can shift the mood of a room based on the day or the event.
Lighting fixtures can also be used as works of art. A sculptural chandelier, an industrial pendant or a contemporary LED display can all be used as design statements that express your style. Proper lighting not only enhances what is visible but also how one feels in and about the home.
Functional Art
One of the most intriguing trends in home decor is the blurring of lines between function and art. Modern furniture designers are pushing the envelope, inventing pieces that are beautiful to the eye and convenient to use. Whether it is a natural wooden bookshelf that is shaped like rolling waves or a coffee table cut from one piece of marble, functional artwork brings beauty to daily life.
Selecting pieces with artistic merit enables you to create strong statements without clutter. Look to things that have surprising silhouettes, untraditional materials or handmade elements. Custom pieces are also an option. When you commission work specifically tailored to your room and needs, it guarantees that your home is one of a kind.
Conclusion
Adding artistic touches to your home decor is not just about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling, self-expression and making your space one that provokes. By intentionally placing pieces and objects in your home with imagination and care, you are able to create a living gallery that continues to grow and change with you.
Wes Anderson’s visual fetishes are carefully curated and pristinely displayed in every perfectly composed frame of The Phoenician Scheme. The catalog of beautiful goods for viewers to covet is inexhaustible. There are telephones on private airplanes with enormous black plugs, mid-century department store apparel boxes repurposed to stow away paperwork, a crossbow, watches, eyeglasses, record players, hardcover books, hats,...
Several years ago an editor asked me to come up with an article about a current dining trend. As a food writer I eat out a lot, but my mind went blank. I waited a couple of days before responding with a “not in my wheelhouse” reply. I never heard from them again. To declare that something is trendy...
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your definition of home is due for revamping, deepening and expansion. Your sense of where you truly belong is ripe to be adjusted and perhaps even revolutionized. A half-conscious desire you have not previously been ready to fully acknowledge is ready for you to explore. Can you handle these subtly shocking opportunities? Do you have...
The San Francisco Giants lost 0-1 against the San Diego Padres at the bottom of the 10th on June 2, 2025, at Oracle Park.
Here are the highlights via the Giants YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/LCytYminsko?si=YVuXP0T9T3vzqvcv
All photos by Giovanni Castaneda
It’s nice to have options. Whether we’re in the mood for a bar crawl, need to appease various members of our friend-group or feel like Goldilocks-ing our way to just the right spot, Oakland’s Northgate-Waverly District offers a wide range of possibilities all within a few short blocks. Mainly bordered by Telegraph Avenue and Webster Street, and sandwiched between...
The Port of Oakland stirs before dawn. Cranes rise like steel giants against a fog-stained sky, the air thick with diesel and salt. A container ship groans into a berth, water churning beneath it. Forklifts beep, chains clatter and gulls screech above rumbling trucks whose headlights pierce through the haze. This isn’t just commerce—it’s the steady, unrelenting pulse of...
Published in cooperation between impulsQ and the East Bay Express
Video games seem to be the main choice of entertainment for young men and women in the 21st century. What is more, the popularity of gaming has grown among older generations as well. In the United States and Europe, for example, the number of men and women over the age...
Those who love animals and a nice, locally brewed IPA are in for an annual treat as Berkeley Humane (BH) throws its “Pints for Paws” (PFP) fundraiser for the 11th year.
Vickie Eiges, BH’s director of development and communications, described PFP’s inception: “Eleven years ago a group of our leadership volunteers came together to create a fundraising event for the dog-loving,...
Published in cooperation between Thrill Hive and the East Bay Express
There’s nothing like the sound of dice hitting the table—and with the best online craps sites, you don’t need to be in a casino to feel that rush.
We spent weeks testing craps casinos for gameplay, payouts, bonuses and table variety. Our goal? To find online craps sites that are...
Published in cooperation between Photwall.com and the East Bay Express
Bringing elements of art into your home is not only about beauty and decoration but also about establishing an area that is truly representative of yourself, stimulates creativity and has a narrative. From statement murals to sculptural pieces of furniture, each design makes every room in your home a work...
