What a crash game is, in one minute
Crash is a multiplayer casino game where a round’s multiplier rises from 1.00× until it “crashes.” You bet before lift-off and must cash out before the crash; wait too long and the payout becomes zero for that round. Leading versions like Bustabit and Aviator describe this format explicitly and publish fairness information.
RTP, house edge, and why EV stays negative
Crash variants publish a return-to-player percentage. For example, Stake’s Crash lists a 99% RTP (1% house edge), meaning the long-run expected multiplier of any fixed cash-out is 0.99 of stake regardless of target; other implementations typically fall in the 96–99% RTP band.
Here’s the important bit of math used by Bustabit’s creator: with a 1% house edge, the probability that a round reaches at least a target multiplier m is approximately 0.99/m. That implies the expected payout at any fixed cash-out m equals m × (0.99/m) = 0.99, i.e., a −1% EV per bet in the long run, independent of where you cash out. Strategy affects variance, not the house edge.
Provably fair basics and “insta-crash” events
Modern crash games use a provably fair scheme: server and client seeds and a nonce feed a cryptographic function that produces the crash point; players can verify results after the round. Bustabit documents a 1% house edge, while several explainers walk through seed, hash, and verification steps. Some implementations include instant crashes near 1.00×—a feature that effectively encodes the house edge.
Converting a target multiplier into reach probability
To plan a cash-out, translate the target multiplier into a reach probability using the Bustabit formula as a useful reference point for 99% RTP:
m = 1.50× → reach probability ≈ 0.99/1.50 = 66%
m = 2.00× → ≈ 0.99/2.00 = 49.5%
m = 3.00× → ≈ 0.99/3.00 = 33%
m = 10.00× → ≈ 0.99/10.00 = 9.9%
These figures explain why most rounds don’t get to high multipliers, even when the game is fair and transparent.
When to hold and when to fold: practical rules
If you care most about “win rate,” fold early
Cashing out low boosts your per-round chance to book a win, but the EV remains the same over time. This is useful for smoothing volatility or meeting personal risk limits, not for beating the house edge.
If you chase big multipliers, hold longer with eyes open
Targeting 5–10× means accepting sub-20% reach probabilities on 99% RTP math; even long green streaks are variance. Expect long losing stretches between hits.
Use auto cash-out to remove hesitation, not to create edge
Auto cash-out at a fixed m enforces discipline and can reduce misclicks under time pressure. Stake’s guide highlights built-in auto cash-out and similar controls, but these features don’t change underlying odds.
Bankroll sizing: if EV ≤ 0, Kelly says “bet less”
In negative-edge games, the Kelly criterion gives a negative optimal fraction—interpretation: do not scale up on the same bet. If you choose to play for entertainment, keep stakes small and session-bounded.
Variants, RTPs, and what “better odds” means here
Different providers set different RTPs. Stake’s Crash advertises 99% RTP; third-party primers note many crash titles sit between 96% and 99%. A higher RTP means a smaller long-run loss rate, not a player advantage. Always check the game’s help page for its specific RTP and fairness link.
Quick decision framework you can actually use
Decide your target multiplier before the round starts. Convert it to a reach probability via 0.99/m (or RTP/m for your game). If the probability is acceptable for your goals, set auto cash-out there; otherwise lower m. Log outcomes over sessions to understand how variance feels at your chosen point—expect about half the rounds to reach ~2× on a 99% game and only one in ten to reach ~10×.
What “provably fair” does and does not do
Provably fair lets you verify that outcomes weren’t altered post-bet by checking seeds and hashes; it doesn’t remove the house edge or guarantee high multipliers. Official and vendor explainers describe the seed-hash-nonce process in plain language.
Safety, legality, and support
If you gamble online, use licensed operators and read the rules. In Great Britain, the Gambling Commission requires identity verification before you can gamble and sets rules around withdrawals. In the United States, the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER offers 24/7 confidential support by call, text, or chat.
FAQs
Are crash games rigged?
Reputable crash titles publish a provably fair page where you can verify each round’s result from seeds and hashes. That proves integrity of outcomes, not player advantage.
Why do rounds sometimes crash instantly?
Many implementations encode house edge via an “insta-crash” probability near 1.00×, which keeps long-run EV below 1.0× even if some rounds soar.
Is there a best cash-out multiplier?
No single “best.” On 99% RTP math, the chance to reach m is roughly 0.99/m. Choose m to balance volatility versus thrill, knowing the long-run expectation is still negative.
Does auto cash-out help?
It enforces your plan and reduces execution mistakes under time pressure. It doesn’t change RTP or beat the house edge.
Sources and further reading
• Bustabit help: house edge 1%; probability to reach m ≈ 0.99/m.
• Stake Crash guide: 99% RTP, provably fair, auto cash-out.
• Provably fair explainers and verification steps.
• Crash overview and mechanics (Aviator, general primers).
• Kelly criterion and negative-edge implication.
• Safer-gambling rules and helplines.
