Unlocking Crypto Craps: 7 Game-Changing Strategies to Dominate the Digital Dice Table

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Introduction to Crypto Craps

Craps, a venerable and dynamic dice game, has seamlessly transitioned into the digital realm, finding a new home within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Crypto craps retains the exhilarating core mechanics of its traditional counterpart while introducing unique advantages and considerations inherent to digital currencies. Understanding these foundational elements is crucial for any player looking to engage with this evolving form of online gambling.

At its heart, traditional craps revolves around a player, known as the “shooter,” who rolls a pair of dice. All wagers must be placed before the dice are thrown. The initial roll, or “come-out roll,” determines the immediate outcome or establishes a “point.” A roll of 7 or 11 on the come-out is a “natural” and an immediate win for certain bets, while a 2, 3, or 12 is “craps” and an immediate loss. If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, it becomes the “point,” and the shooter must roll that number again before a 7 appears to win.

The primary distinction in crypto craps lies in the medium of exchange. Instead of traditional fiat currency or casino chips, players wager with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin. The physical dice roll is replaced by a Random Number Generator (RNG), a digital mechanism that ensures unpredictable outcomes. Crucially, many crypto craps platforms employ “provably fair” algorithms. This cryptographic technology allows players to independently verify the fairness and integrity of each dice roll, ensuring that no third-party interference or manipulation has occurred. This transparency builds a significant layer of trust between the player and the online casino, as the game’s outcome is backed by verifiable cryptographic evidence rather than solely relying on the operator’s word.

The adoption of cryptocurrency in craps offers several compelling benefits. Transactions are often anonymous, providing players with enhanced privacy as personal information is not typically required for Bitcoin transactions. Furthermore, crypto transactions generally incur lower fees compared to traditional banking methods, as they bypass intermediaries like banks. This also contributes to global accessibility, allowing individuals from various regions to participate in online craps without geographical restrictions.

However, engaging with crypto craps also introduces specific risks. The inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies means that the value of a player’s winnings can fluctuate significantly even after a game concludes, potentially depreciating before withdrawal. This market instability can transform a winning session into a less profitable one if not managed carefully. Additionally, while crypto transactions are generally secure, the security of e-wallets and exchanges remains a critical concern, as they can be targets for cybercriminals. Players must ensure they use reputable platforms and maintain strong security practices to protect their digital assets. The anonymity that crypto offers, while beneficial for privacy, can also make it easier for players to lose track of their spending, underscoring the importance of responsible gambling practices.

Understanding Craps Bets and House Edge

A comprehensive understanding of craps bets and their associated house edges is fundamental to developing effective strategies. The house edge represents the casino’s mathematical advantage over the player, expressed as a percentage of the wager. Minimizing exposure to high house edge bets is a cornerstone of prudent craps play.

Core Bets (Lowest House Edge)

The most advantageous bets in craps are those with the lowest house edge, offering the best theoretical return to the player over time. These are often recommended for beginners due to their simplicity and favorable odds.

Pass Line Bet: This is a foundational wager made before the come-out roll. A player wins if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the bet loses. If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the “point.” To win, the shooter must roll the point again before a 7 appears. This bet pays even money (1:1) and carries a house edge of 1.41%.
Don’t Pass Line Bet: This bet is the inverse of the Pass Line. On the come-out roll, a player wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled, and a 12 results in a push (tie). A 7 or 11 on the come-out roll results in a loss. If a point is established, the player wins if a 7 is rolled before the point, and loses if the point is rolled first. This bet also pays even money (1:1) and has a slightly lower house edge of 1.36%. While mathematically superior, this bet often means winning when the majority of the table (who typically bet on the Pass Line) loses, which can create a unique social dynamic.
Come Bet: Placed any time after a point has been established, the Come bet functions similarly to the Pass Line bet. The next roll of the dice acts as the “come-out roll” for this specific bet. A 7 or 11 on this roll wins, while a 2, 3, or 12 loses. Any other number becomes a “come point,” and that number must be rolled again before a 7 for the Come bet to win. This bet also pays 1:1 and has a house edge of 1.41%.
Don’t Come Bet: This is the opposite of the Come bet, made after a point has been established. If the next roll is a 2 or 3, the bet wins; a 12 is a tie. A 7 or 11 results in a loss. If any other number is rolled, it becomes a “come point,” and the player wins if a 7 is rolled before that come point. The Don’t Come bet pays 1:1 and has a house edge of 1.36%.
Free Odds Bet: This is arguably the most advantageous bet in craps because it carries a 0% house edge, meaning the casino has no mathematical advantage on this portion of the wager. However, Free Odds bets cannot be made in isolation; they must be “piggybacked” onto a Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bet. The payout for Odds bets reflects the true mathematical odds of the point being rolled before a 7:
- 2 to 1 on points of 4 and 10
- 3 to 2 on points of 5 and 9
- 6 to 5 on points of 6 and 8 By taking the maximum allowed odds, a player can significantly reduce the overall house edge on their total wager, making these combined bets the most favorable in the casino. This is because the 0% house edge on the odds portion dilutes the house edge of the initial line bet across a larger total amount wagered.

Higher House Edge Bets

While tempting due to potentially larger payouts, certain bets carry a significantly higher house edge, making them less favorable for players focused on long-term strategy.

Place Bets: Once a point is established, players can place bets on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. A Place bet wins if the chosen number is rolled before a 7. The payouts vary: 9 to 5 on 4 and 10, 7 to 5 on 5 and 9, and 7 to 6 on 6 and 8. The house edge for Place bets ranges from 1.52% to 6.67%, depending on the number, making them less efficient than Pass/Don’t Pass bets with odds.
Proposition Bets (Prop Bets): These are one-roll bets found in the center of the craps table, wagering on specific dice combinations. Examples include “Any Craps” (betting on 2, 3, or 12), “Aces” (betting on 2), “Seven” (betting on 7), or “Eleven” (betting on 11). While they offer high payouts (e.g., 8 for 1 on Any Craps, 31 for 1 on Aces or Twelve), they also come with the highest house edges in the casino, often exceeding 10% (e.g., Any Craps at 11.11%, Any 7 at 16.67%). These bets are considered “sucker bets” for strategic players due to their unfavorable odds.

To illustrate the varying house advantages, the following table provides a comparison of key craps bets:

Bet Type	Payout	House Edge	Notes
Pass Line / Come	1:1	1.41%	Even money, multi-roll bet
Don’t Pass / Don’t Come	1:1	1.36%	Even money, multi-roll bet, slightly better odds
Free Odds	Varies (e.g., 2:1 on 4/10)	0.00%	True odds, must be combined with a line bet
Place Bet (6 or 8)	7:6	1.52%	Most frequent Place numbers after 7
Place Bet (5 or 9)	7:5	4.00%
Place Bet (4 or 10)	9:5	6.67%
Field Bet	1:1 (2, 12 often 2:1 or 3:1)	2.78% or 5.56%	One-roll bet, house edge varies by casino payout on 2/12
Any Craps (2, 3, or 12)	7:1	11.11%	One-roll proposition bet
Any 7	4:1	16.67%	One-roll proposition bet

7 Game-Changing Strategies for Crypto Craps

While craps remains a game of chance, employing strategic betting systems can optimize a player’s approach, potentially extending playtime and improving the theoretical return. These strategies often focus on minimizing the house edge, managing bankroll, and adapting to the flow of the game.

Strategy 1: The “Pass Line + Max Odds” Power Play

This strategy is widely considered the most fundamental and mathematically sound approach for craps players. It involves placing a wager on the Pass Line before the come-out roll. If a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is established, the player then backs their Pass Line bet with the maximum allowed Free Odds wager.

The rationale behind this power play is rooted in optimizing the house edge. The Pass Line bet itself has a relatively low house edge of 1.41%. By adding the Free Odds bet, which carries a 0% house edge, the overall house advantage on the combined wager is significantly reduced. This effectively dilutes the casino’s advantage across a larger portion of the player’s total bet, making it the most favorable betting combination available. For example, a $10 Pass Line bet with $100 in odds (if allowed) would have a much lower overall house edge than just the $10 Pass Line bet, even though the expected monetary loss remains tied to the initial Pass Line wager. While this strategy offers the lowest theoretical loss over time, it does require a larger bankroll to take full advantage of the maximum odds, and it can lead to higher variance in short-term outcomes.

Strategy 2: The “Don’t Pass + Max Odds” Counter-Attack

This strategy mirrors the “Pass Line + Max Odds” approach but involves betting against the shooter. A player places a wager on the Don’t Pass Line before the come-out roll. If a point is established, the player then “lays the odds” against that point, placing a Free Odds bet that the 7 will be rolled before the point.

The primary advantage of the Don’t Pass Line bet is its marginally lower house edge of 1.36% compared to the Pass Line. By laying maximum odds, the player further reduces the overall house advantage on their total wager, similar to the Pass Line strategy. The payouts for laying odds are the inverse of taking odds (e.g., 1 to 2 against 4 or 10, 2 to 3 against 5 or 9, 5 to 6 against 6 or 8). This strategy is mathematically sound, but it often means winning when other players betting the Pass Line lose, which can create a dynamic of “going against the table” that some players may find less socially appealing.

Strategy 3: The “Three Point Molly” System

The Three Point Molly strategy aims to spread a player’s risk across multiple numbers, thereby increasing the frequency of wins and potentially extending playtime. It begins with a Pass Line bet. Once a point is established, the player then makes two additional Come bets. Each of these three “points” (the original Pass Line point and the two Come points) is then backed with maximum Free Odds.

The rationale is that by having three numbers working for the player (the original point and two come points), the player increases their chances of hitting a number on any given roll, leading to more frequent payouts. This approach can lower the session-to-session variance compared to simply betting a Pass Line with high odds, as it diversifies the potential winning outcomes. However, it also means a higher total amount of money is “in action” on the table at any given time, which can lead to a higher overall theoretical house edge exposure compared to a single bet with maximum odds, as each initial Pass/Come bet carries its own house edge. This strategy is often preferred by players who prioritize a steadier flow of smaller wins and a reduced risk of rapid bankroll depletion, even if the long-term theoretical return is slightly less optimized than pure odds betting.

Strategy 4: The “Iron Cross” (Field + Place Bets)

The Iron Cross strategy seeks to cover almost all possible dice outcomes on a single roll, aiming for frequent wins. This system involves placing bets on the 5, 6, and 8 (as Place bets) and simultaneously placing a wager on the Field bet. The Field bet covers numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12, paying even money on most, with higher payouts on 2 and 12.

The appeal of the Iron Cross is its high frequency of payouts. With this combination, a player wins if almost any number is rolled, except for a 7. This creates a sensation of consistently winning, which can be enjoyable. However, the Field bet, despite covering many numbers, typically has a higher house edge (2.78% or 5.56% depending on casino rules) compared to the core Pass/Don’t Pass bets. While the Place bets on 5, 6, and 8 have relatively lower house edges, the inclusion of the Field bet increases the overall house advantage of this strategy, making it less optimal for long-term profit despite its frequent winning nature. It is a strategy more suited for entertainment and short-term engagement rather than maximizing theoretical returns.

Strategy 5: The “6/8 Place Bet Press”

This strategy capitalizes on the statistical frequency of the numbers 6 and 8. After 7, the 6 and 8 are the most frequently rolled numbers on a pair of dice. The strategy begins by placing bets on the 6 and 8. When one of these numbers hits, the player “presses” their bet, meaning they use a portion or all of their winnings to increase the size of their original Place bet on that number, or potentially both 6 and 8.

The rationale is to leverage a “hot roll” or a streak of 6s and 8s to compound winnings rapidly. By pressing bets, a player can quickly increase their potential payout on subsequent rolls without dipping further into their initial bankroll. For instance, if a player places $12 on the 6 and it hits, they win $14. They might then use this to press the 6 to $30 or spread the winnings to other numbers. The risk lies in the inherent unpredictability of dice rolls; a 7 can appear at any time, wiping out the pressed bets. Therefore, disciplined bankroll management and knowing when to “collect” winnings instead of continuously pressing are crucial for this strategy. It is a strategy that offers high reward potential on hot streaks but also carries a significant risk of loss if the shooter “seven-outs.”

Strategy 6: The “Dark Side Hedge” (Don’t Pass + Lay Odds + Small Hedges)

This strategy is designed for “choppy” or “cold” tables, where the shooter frequently “seven-outs” (rolls a 7 before hitting a point) or points are not consistently made. It starts with a Don’t Pass bet and laying maximum odds against the point. To hedge against immediate losses on the come-out roll (e.g., a natural 7 or 11 for the Pass Line), players might also place small, one-roll proposition bets like the “Yo Eleven” (betting on 11) or “Boxcars” (betting on 12).

The core idea is to profit from the frequent appearance of a 7. The Don’t Pass bet wins on a 7 after a point is established, and the lay odds maximize this payout. The small prop bets act as insurance, providing a small win if a number like 11 or 12 is rolled on the come-out, which would otherwise cause the Don’t Pass bet to lose or push. This strategy involves a higher initial outlay due to the combined bets and is heavily biased towards a 7-out scenario. It carries a significant risk if a shooter gets on a “hot roll” and consistently hits their points, as the player would be betting against them. This approach requires a keen observation of table dynamics and a willingness to bet against the prevailing sentiment of many craps players.

Strategy 7: The “Dallas Drawdown” (Aggressive Regression)

The Dallas Drawdown is an aggressive strategy designed for quick, substantial profits, aiming to secure winnings and then play with “house money.” It involves a very high initial outlay by placing large bets across all place numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). For example, a player might bet 4 times the table minimum on each place number.

The central mechanism is rapid regression. On the first hit of any covered number, the player immediately reduces all their place bets by half. On the second hit, they regress again, often down to the table minimum on all place numbers. The rationale is to quickly recoup a significant portion of the initial investment and then continue playing with the profits generated from the initial hits. This strategy attempts to capitalize on a shooter’s early success, securing a profit margin before a potential 7-out. The risk is substantial due to the high initial investment, making it vulnerable to an immediate 7-out before any numbers hit. However, if successful in the initial few rolls, it allows the player to continue playing with greatly reduced personal capital at risk, transitioning to playing with the casino’s money. This strategy is for players with a large bankroll and a high tolerance for risk, seeking to make a significant profit quickly.

Responsible Gambling in the Crypto Era

While the allure of crypto craps and its potential for significant wins is undeniable, responsible gambling practices are paramount to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable experience. The unique characteristics of cryptocurrency gambling necessitate specific considerations for player safety and financial well-being.

Setting Boundaries

Effective responsible gambling begins with establishing clear personal boundaries.

Budgeting: Players must decide on a specific amount of cryptocurrency they are comfortable risking before they begin playing. This “gambling bankroll” should consist only of disposable income, meaning money whose loss would not impact essential finances or mental health. This disciplined approach prevents financial strain.
Time Limits: It is crucial to set time limits for gambling sessions to prevent the activity from consuming excessive free time. Players should adhere strictly to these limits, stopping as soon as they are reached, to ensure other critical aspects of life, such as social interactions or work, are not neglected.
Loss Limits: Accepting that losses are an inherent part of gambling is vital. Players should set a maximum loss limit and walk away once it is reached, rather than attempting to “chase losses” by increasing stakes in a bid to win back lost funds. Chasing losses is a rapid path to financial difficulties. Many reputable crypto casinos offer tools to help players set and enforce these deposit and wager limits.

Understanding Crypto-Specific Risks

The nature of cryptocurrency introduces additional layers of risk that players must acknowledge and manage.

Volatility: The value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably. This means that even if a player wins a significant amount of crypto, its fiat value could decrease before they withdraw it. Savvy players might consider hedging strategies, diversifying their gambling assets with stablecoins, or cashing out winnings immediately to mitigate this risk.
Transaction Fees: While many crypto casinos advertise “fee-free” transactions for deposits and withdrawals, players should be aware that their personal cryptocurrency wallet or exchange provider might impose their own transaction fees for processing funds. Verifying these potential external fees before transactions is advisable.
Security: Although blockchain transactions are inherently secure, the security of a player’s e-wallet and the chosen crypto exchange or casino platform is paramount. Cybercriminals can target these points. Players should always use strong, unique passwords and choose licensed, reputable casinos that employ robust encryption and reliable transaction systems.
Anonymity: The privacy offered by crypto payments is a benefit, but it can also make it easier for players to lose track of their spending. Responsible use of anonymous wallets includes diligently tracking transactions and utilizing available responsible gambling tools to monitor spending habits effectively.

Leveraging “Provably Fair” Systems

A significant advantage of modern crypto casinos is the implementation of “Provably Fair” (PF) systems. This technology is a cornerstone of trust and transparency in online crypto gambling.

Mechanism: PF systems utilize cryptographic algorithms, most commonly SHA-256 (the same algorithm underpinning Bitcoin), to ensure that game outcomes are genuinely random and cannot be manipulated by the casino or any third party.
Components: The system relies on three key variables:
- Server Seed: A unique, random number generated by the gaming platform. Before a bet, the player receives a hashed (encrypted) version of this seed, which acts as a secret key to verify the outcome later.
- Client/Player Seed: A random number generated by the player’s browser, which the player can often choose or modify. This seed contributes to the game’s outcome generation.
- Nonce: A number that increments with each bet, ensuring that every game round is unique and cryptographically distinct.
Verification: After each game round, the original Server Seed is revealed. Players can then combine the Server Seed, Client Seed, and Nonce, re-hash them, and compare the result to the initial hashed Server Seed they received. If they match, it cryptographically confirms that the game’s outcome was not altered after the bet was placed, guaranteeing fairness.
Importance: The ability to independently verify game outcomes fosters immense trust and confidence in online crypto casinos. It shifts the paradigm from relying on a casino’s word to verifiable mathematical proof, enhancing player loyalty and the overall integrity of the gaming experience.

Seeking Help

For individuals who find themselves struggling to maintain control over their gambling habits, seeking help is a critical step. Reputable online casinos often provide responsible gambling tools such as self-exclusion options, which allow players to restrict access to their accounts for a specified period. Additionally, resources like gambling support groups and helplines are available to provide assistance and guidance. It is important to remember that gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a source of financial distress.

Crypto Craps: Taxation and Withdrawals

Navigating the financial aspects of crypto craps extends beyond gameplay to include understanding withdrawal processes and tax obligations. Given the nature of cryptocurrency, these areas have specific nuances that players should be aware of.

Taxation of Winnings

In many jurisdictions, including the United States, all gambling winnings are considered taxable income and must be reported on a player’s tax return. This applies to both cash and non-cash prizes, and importantly, includes winnings derived from cryptocurrency gambling.

Reporting Requirements: While casinos or gambling establishments may issue a Form W-2G for winnings exceeding specific thresholds (e.g., $600 for most games, $1,200 for slots/bingo, $5,000 for poker tournaments), players are legally required to report all winnings, regardless of whether they receive this form. This means maintaining personal records is crucial.
Deducting Losses: Players who itemize their deductions on their tax return may deduct gambling losses, but only up to the amount of their reported gambling income. For instance, if a player wins $6,000 but loses $8,000, they can only deduct $6,000 in losses, offsetting their winnings to zero. The remaining $2,000 loss cannot be used to reduce other taxable income. If a player takes the standard deduction, they cannot deduct gambling losses, but are still required to report all winnings.
Record Keeping: To accurately report winnings and deduct losses, players should maintain meticulous records. This includes a detailed journal noting each gambling session, the date, time, location (or platform), amounts bet, and amounts won or lost. Supporting documentation such as receipts, payout slips, wagering tickets, bank withdrawal records, and statements of actual winnings are also essential. For professional gamblers, the tax landscape changes, allowing for business deductions but also requiring self-employment tax on net income.

Withdrawal Process

Withdrawing winnings from a crypto craps casino generally follows a straightforward process, akin to withdrawing fiat currency from traditional online casinos.

Procedure: Players typically navigate to the withdrawal section of the casino’s website and provide their crypto wallet address. Once the transaction is confirmed, the cryptocurrency winnings are transferred to the player’s wallet.
Speed: One of the significant advantages of crypto withdrawals is their speed. Transactions are often processed near-instantly, sometimes within minutes, allowing players quick access to their funds. However, the exact time can vary depending on network congestion and the casino’s internal processing times.
Fees: While many crypto casinos do not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals, it is important to verify this with the specific platform. Additionally, the player’s chosen cryptocurrency wallet or exchange provider may impose their own transaction fees for processing the transfer of funds. Understanding these potential external costs ensures transparency in managing winnings.

Final Thoughts

Crypto craps offers an exhilarating and potentially rewarding gaming experience, combining the classic thrill of the dice table with the innovative advantages of blockchain technology. By understanding the game’s core mechanics, the nuances of various bets and their associated house edges, and by employing strategic approaches, players can significantly enhance their engagement and theoretical returns.

The analysis highlights that strategies focusing on low house edge bets, particularly the Pass/Don’t Pass Line with maximum Free Odds, offer the most mathematically favorable outcomes. Advanced systems like the Three Point Molly, while increasing in-play capital, can help manage variance, while aggressive pressing strategies aim for rapid compounding of wins on hot rolls. Conversely, “dark side” strategies are designed for choppy tables, capitalizing on frequent 7-outs.

Crucially, the integration of “provably fair” algorithms in crypto craps platforms represents a significant leap forward in fostering trust and transparency, allowing players to independently verify game integrity. This technological advancement empowers players with a level of assurance rarely seen in traditional online gambling.

However, the unique characteristics of cryptocurrency, such as its inherent volatility and the pseudo-anonymity of transactions, underscore the paramount importance of responsible gambling. Setting strict budgets, time limits, and loss limits, and adhering to them rigorously, is essential. Players must also be vigilant about the security of their digital assets and understand their tax obligations for crypto winnings.

Ultimately, success and enjoyment in crypto craps are not solely about employing the “best” strategy, but rather about a balanced approach that combines informed betting decisions with disciplined bankroll management and a steadfast commitment to responsible gambling practices. Embracing these principles allows players to navigate the digital dice table with confidence, maximizing both their potential for wins and the overall enjoyment of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main difference between traditional craps and crypto craps?

A1: The fundamental rules of the game are the same. The main difference is that in crypto craps, players wager using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum instead of fiat money or chips. Additionally, crypto craps platforms often use Random Number Generators (RNGs) and “provably fair” algorithms to ensure the fairness and transparency of dice rolls, which players can independently verify.

Q2: What does “provably fair” mean in crypto craps?

A2: “Provably fair” is a cryptographic system that allows players to verify that each game outcome is truly random and has not been manipulated. It uses a combination of a server seed (from the casino), a client seed (from the player), and a nonce (a unique number for each round) to generate the result. After the game, players can use these seeds to re-calculate the outcome and confirm its fairness.

Q3: What are the best bets for beginners in crypto craps?

A3: For beginners, the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, along with their corresponding Free Odds bets, are highly recommended. These bets have the lowest house edge in craps (1.41% and 1.36% respectively for the line bets, and 0% for the Free Odds), offering the best mathematical advantage over the casino.

Q4: Can cryptocurrency volatility affect my craps winnings?

A4: Yes, cryptocurrency volatility can significantly impact your winnings. The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate rapidly. This means that the fiat value of your crypto winnings could increase or decrease between the time you win and the time you withdraw, introducing an additional layer of financial risk.

Q5: Are my crypto craps winnings taxable?

A5: In many jurisdictions, including the U.S., all gambling winnings, including those from crypto craps, are considered taxable income and must be reported. While casinos may issue tax forms (like W-2G) for certain thresholds, players are responsible for reporting all winnings regardless. You can typically deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings if you itemize deductions.

Q6: What are some key responsible gambling tips for crypto craps?

A6: Essential responsible gambling practices include setting a strict budget using only disposable income, establishing time limits for play, and adhering to loss limits without chasing losses. It’s also crucial to be aware of crypto-specific risks like volatility and wallet security. Many platforms offer tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion options.

5M ago•

Wallet Investor

bullish:

bearish: