How to Play Craps

If you’re curious about learning how to play craps at an online casino, this is exactly the right place to be. Although the table may seem complex at first glance, it's very easy to pick up and learn the basics of it, and you’ll quickly find it to be one of the most exciting and fast-paced options you’ll find both in person and online.

In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the rules of online craps, will explain the most common types of bets, how an online round works, and a few other details that are worth knowing for any craps aficionado.

Basic Craps Rules

The game of craps uses two six sided dice. Each round begins with the first throw, which is called the 'come-out roll'. The player rolling is the shooter, and based on the first roll, he will either win, lose, or set a point that could result in further rolls.

This is the way the come-out roll works:

• Roll a 7 or 11: You win right away if you have placed a Pass Line bet (its referred to as a natural).

• Roll a 2, 3, or 12: That’s “craps,” and you lose immediately (again, on a Pass Line bet).

• Roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: That number becomes the point, and now the need is to roll that same number once more before rolling a 7.

The round ends when the shooter rolls a 7 (you lose) or hits the point again (you win).

Unlike at traditional venues, you don’t have to be the shooter to play in online casinos. All you have to do is place your bets how you please. The casino does all the hard work of rolling the dice based on the bets placed.

Types of Craps Bets

Craps is a simple game that offers seven different types of bets, with some different game variants introducing additional ones. Of those seven, some are easy to understand and beginner-friendly, while others are for the more advanced thinker. 

1. Pass Line Bet 

A Pass Line wager is a bet that pays out on a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll and loses on 2, 3, or 12. Any other number that is rolled is the point in this situation, and the bet will pay out if the shooter rolls the point again before a 7 is rolled. The Pass Line is considered one of the best bets to make in the casino, as it has a low house edge of 1.41%.  

2. Don't Pass Bet  

The Don't Pass bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Wins are 2 or 3, and it becomes a push with a 12 while losing with 7 or 11. If there is a point, the wager will win if a 7 is rolled before the point. The house advantage is slightly more favorable than Pass Line bets, coming in at approximately 1.36%.

3. Come Bets

This can be made anytime after the first roll, as long as the shooter has a point they can roll for. Winning bets require 7 or 11 being rolled, while losing bets are 2, 3, or 12. All the remaining numbers become “come points,” which you must roll again to win before landing a 7. 

4. Don't Come Bets

Making this bet relies on the outcome of the first roll and happens after a shooter hits a point to make. It’s the opposite of a Come Bet. Winning criteria include rolling 2 or 3, and you lose stone cold when you roll 7 or 11. Any number other than these becomes your “come point,” and if that number repeats, you lose. Rolling a 7 enables you to win.

5. Place Bets

Such types of bets give you the option to choose a select group of numbers that you are confident will appear before a 7 is rolled. The selected numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Their associated payouts differ as follows:

• 4 and 10 pay 9:5 (house edge 6.67%)

• 5 and 9 pay 7:5 (house edge 4%)

• 6 and 8 pay 7:6 (house edge 1.52%)

6. Field Bet

These bets can be rolled once and win if you get 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, or 12. Usually 2 and 12 pay double or triple, but all others pay even. The house edge ranges from 2.78% to 5.56%, depending on the specific payouts.

7. Proposition Bets  

These bet types offer lucrative payouts but have a high house edge of over 10%. Examples include:  

• Any Craps: Wins if 2, 3, or 12 is rolled (pays 7:1)

• Any Seven: Wins if 7 is rolled (pays 4:1)

• Hardways: Betting that a number will be rolled as a pair (e.g., 4 as 2-2) before either a 7 or that number is rolled any other way

• Yo: Wins if 11 is rolled

How to Play Craps Online

Playing craps online is similar to playing in person. Best part? Casino mobile apps make playing way simpler and faster. Here's a step-by-step guide for playing craps at online casinos in the US:

• Choose an online casino: You can find craps games in most US online casinos and start playing them with a click of a button, and if you're lucky, the casino will also provide a live dealer version.

• Place your bets: As with every round, you can start experimenting by wagering on the Pass Line bet. You place your chips on the Pass Line before the come-out roll.

• Roll the dice: The game will automatically roll for you. Let’s say you roll a 9. That becomes the point.

• Next rolls: You now need to roll a nine again before you roll a seven. If you roll a 9, good win to you. If it’s a 7, you lose.

• New round starts: After the outcome is decided, the next come-out roll begins, and you can bet again.

It’s really that simple. Many online games include pop-up explanations or highlight table sections for beginners.

Tips for Playing Craps

As you can see, craps is a very simple game. Still, there are a few craps tips and tricks you can use while playing to increase your odds.

• Stick to the best bets: The lowest house edge of around 1.4% can be found in Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come bets. These are the wagers that are most likely to win regularly.   

• Always take the odds bet: You can take an Odds bet after a point is established by placing more chips on top of your original bet. In this case, the payout is set at true odds (e.g., 2:1, 3:2) and has no house edge. This is one of the best moves you can make in any casino game.  

• Avoid proposition bets: While proposition bets are attention grabbers because of their enormous payout potential, they're mathematically one of the worst things to bet on. Bets like the “any seven” or “snake eyes” wager have a high house edge, which means the odds are against you. If you're looking to be smart in your decision-making, focus on the reliable options and avoid these side bets.  

• Set a bankroll limit: Things can move quickly while playing craps, especially online. It is best to set a pre-game max loss cap and stick with that. This will maintain the activity's fun factor, while not making it too stressful.

• Use small, consistent bets: There is no need to make a hefty wager if you want to enjoy the game. Placing small bets in the proper areas will go a long way toward stretching your gaming budget while allowing you to stay in the game longer.

• Practice with free games first: We recommend you start with free games to get the hang of how everything works. You use this option to learn the layout and craps rules without pressure or risking your cash. Once you feel confident, you can now play for real money. 

Different Craps Variants at Online Casinos

While the basic rules remain the same, there are a few different craps versions you’ll find at U.S. online casinos. Each adds its own twist to the game. Here are the most popular craps variants you can find at top online casinos: 

Craps The Matrix

This version adds a futuristic, neon look and extra camera angles to make the game feel more exciting. It’s still classic craps at its core but with a high-energy vibe.

First Person Craps

A single-player version of craps with smooth 3D graphics and a clean layout. You control the pace, and there’s a “Go Live” button if you want to switch to a real dealer anytime.

Andrew Dice Clay Craps

A themed craps game featuring the comedian Andrew Dice Clay. It mixes classic gameplay with his voiceovers and style for a more humorous and bold experience.

Live Dealer Craps 

In this variation, you can enjoy a real dealer via a video stream, which provides a genuine casino experience directly from your mobile device or computer. The betting can still be done electronically, however, rolling of the die takes place in real time. This is an excellent option for players who prefer realism or social gameplay while online.

Common Craps Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few mistakes players often make when playing craps. It's best to recognize and avoid them if you want to go far. We've listed them below:

• Betting on multiple games simultaneously: This can drain your bankroll fast.

• Not placing odds bets: You're simply losing money.

• Making proposition bets: Without understanding the high risk.

• Not memorizing the table: Without this knowledge, you’ll be too slow and also work way below your potential.

• Trying to recoup losses: This is a surefire, easy way to lose more funds.

• The belief in “hot” or “cold” dice: Every roll is completely random. Streaks do not change this fact.

Responsible Gambling

Just like all casino games, craps is entertaining but requires moderation. Always set limits for yourself, and don't gamble beyond your financial capacity. When playing for extended periods or when experiencing strong emotional reactions to winning or losing, take breaks as necessary.

How to Maintain Control  

We've provided some expert tips that can help you to stay in control when playing craps. Check them out below:

• Manage your bankroll: If you want to play for longer periods and possibly win, then managing your bankroll properly is a must. This is achievable through proper bankroll management. To start, split your total bankroll into different sessions. Also, only place bets with cash that you know you can afford to lose.   

• Use gambling responsibly tools: As a player, stay in control by using the set of responsible tools provided by most online casino sites. These websites allow you to set deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion. Use these features to make sure you're managing your habits.

• Take breaks: Know when to call it a day and take breaks. It doesn't matter if you're on a winning streak or experiencing a loss, a break once in a while will do you a world of good.

Resources for Help

If your gambling habit starts to get out of hand, then it may be time to seek professional help. Thankfully, many support groups and bodies are available to provide help. Some of them include: 

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): They offer help, resources, and a 24-hour helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

• GamTalk: This online support platform provides a community for people with gambling-related issues.

Visit our responsible gambling center to learn to recognize early signs and how to stay in control of your gambling.