If Dreidel Were A Casino Game

What betting structure and pays would be necessary to make the traditional Jewish game of Dreidel a casino game with an 85% RTP to make the game legal in Nevada?

Dreidel is played with a four sided top. The side that finishes on top wins for the player.

In the traditional game:

Side 1 player wins the pot
Side 2 player wins half of the pot
Side 3 player loses his bet which is added to the pot
Side 4 no action, Dreidel passes to next player

In a casino game I envision one shooter for a table of players. Each player takes a turn as the spinner.

What bets and pays would make this work as a casino game?

Off the cuff, I think each player and the spinner would need to bet 1 unit on each spin. There would not be an accumulating pot. Each spin is an independent game.

The house would bank the game.

Side 1 each player is paid 90% of their bet
Side 2 each player is paid 25% of their bet
Side 3 each player loses their bet
Side 4 no action

That's my "stab" at the problem.

If this works how about the betting action for finding the Afikomen?

If there is no pot, I think the variance is way too low to attract players to a 15% house edge.

I think the game naturally lends itself to a raked pot. More like a poker room, less like Caribbean Stud.


I'm thinking more about the game protection measures for a dreidel; if a round base or point is more appropriate, how does one test the balance on a micrometer, etc.

Quote: Dieter

I'm thinking more about the game protection measures for a dreidel; if a round base or point is more appropriate, how does one test the balance on a micrometer, etc.
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When I asked my tailor if my new suit would fit, he said "trust me."

Quote: Dieter

If there is no pot, I think the variance is way too low to attract players to a 15% house edge.

I think the game naturally lends itself to a raked pot. More like a poker room, less like Caribbean Stud.


I'm thinking more about the game protection measures for a dreidel; if a round base or point is more appropriate, how does one test the balance on a micrometer, etc.
link to original post

You know I’m a DI, right. I can influence a dreidel like no one else….

My recollection from childhood was the ‘money’ in the pot were those gold coin looking chocolates. I ate my profits….

Quote: SOOPOO

Quote: Dieter

If there is no pot, I think the variance is way too low to attract players to a 15% house edge.

I think the game naturally lends itself to a raked pot. More like a poker room, less like Caribbean Stud.


I'm thinking more about the game protection measures for a dreidel; if a round base or point is more appropriate, how does one test the balance on a micrometer, etc.
link to original post

You know I’m a DI, right. I can influence a dreidel like no one else….

My recollection from childhood was the ‘money’ in the pot were those gold coin looking chocolates. I ate my profits….
link to original post

As I understand, the game can be played for basically any stakes. Matchsticks, peanuts, chocolate gelt, ribeyes, or maybe even three nines five platinum bullion coins (if you're feeling flush).


I'm still contemplating rake structure.

There used to be a guy who showed up to the Global Gaming Expo for years with his dreidel-based game Spin-n-Win, if I remember the name correctly. He must have dumped at least $50,000 into the game. As far as I know, the game never saw the light of day in a casino.

One of my Tens Commandments for New Game Inventors is to not use unfamiliar equipment. It is largely because of the Spin-n-Win guy that I say that.

Quote: Wizard

There used to be a guy who showed up to the Global Gaming Expo for years with his dreidel-based game Spin-n-Win, if I remember the name correctly. He must have dumped at least $50,000 into the game. As far as I know, the game never saw the light of day in a casino.

One of my Tens Commandments for New Game Inventors is to not use unfamiliar equipment. It is largely because of the Spin-n-Win guy that I say that.
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Gosh Wizard i was hoping you would figure the gelt requirements on this game.

Quote: AlanMendelson

Gosh Wizard i was hoping you would figure the gelt requirements on this game.
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The only thing I know about gelt is to give it to kids to celebrate Purim.

Quote: Wizard

Quote: AlanMendelson

Gosh Wizard i was hoping you would figure the gelt requirements on this game.
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The only thing I know about gelt is to give it to kids to celebrate Purim.
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Oy vay. I'm giving you hamentashen for Yom Kipppur lunch.

Quote: AlanMendelson

Oy vay. I'm giving you hamentashen for Yom Kipppur lunch.
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Booo! I have to say that when someone mentions Hamen. I also only eat that for Purim.