How to Play Craps: Rules, Bets and Table Layout
By John Isaac,Editor at online-gambling.com
John Isaac
Editor at online-gambling.com | Rules Difficulty | Medium |
|---|---|
| RTP | 98.00%–99.53% |
| Why Play Online | Top Advantages |
| How to Win | Best Tips |
Free Online Craps – Try Our Demo
Craps is a popular dice game that can be played both in the casinos of Las Vegas and in an online casino for real money. It offers fast-paced, exciting gameplay and a wide range of different bets.
We have created a complete guide on how to play online craps. Let’s start with a little taster of what the game has to offer, with this online free craps demo:
PlayHow to Play Craps – Beginner’s Guide
Craps is a table game that is played with two dice. The object is to bet on the outcome of the roll of the dice. There are two distinct phases to playing online craps games: the come-out phase and the point phase.
The game starts by placing a bet on either pass line or don’t pass. The player (referred to as the shooter) will then roll the dice, which is referred to as the come-out roll. The outcome will determine whether bets are paid, lost, or whether the game moves to the point phase.
If you are new to the game, you may find the table layout and betting options a little confusing. Yet fear not, as we will explain every detail you need to know.
We also encourage you to try out the free craps demo above before jumping into real money gameplay. Here you can see how the craps table looks:
The Craps Table Layout Explained
The layout looks busy because it is mirrored: both ends are identical, so a full table can serve two groups of players at once. Online you only ever see one half of it.
Everything a beginner needs sits along the outer edge. Here is what each area is for:
- Pass line – the long strip running around the outside. Your first bet goes here.
- Don’t pass bar – the narrow strip just inside the pass line, for the opposite bet.
- Come and don’t come – the large boxes in the middle of the layout, used once a point is set.
- Box numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) – the row along the top. The dealer marks the point here with a puck, and place bets sit below each number.
- Field – the wide band under the box numbers, a one-roll bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12.
- Center bets – the hardways and proposition bets in the middle, handled by the stickman at a live table. These carry the highest house edge on the layout.
Craps Rules – Learn How to Play
There are just a few basic rules you need to learn to start playing craps online. Before the shooter makes the come-out roll, you should place either a pass or don’t pass bet by placing your chips on the relevant space on the table.
By placing a pass line bet, you win if a 7 or 11 is rolled. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (known as craps), you lose the bet.
If any other number is rolled, this becomes the point and the game moves into its next stage. The shooter will continue to roll until either the point is rolled (you win) or a 7 is rolled (you lose). To recap, here are the basic rules for playing craps games in online casinos:
- Place your chips on the pass line to make a pass line bet
- The shooter rolls the dice
- If the result is 7 or 11, the bet is won and the round ends
- If the result is 2, 3, or 12, the bet is lost and the round ends
- If the result is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, this becomes the point number
- The shooter rolls the dice again until one of two things happens
- If the point number is hit, you win the bet and the game round ends
- If a 7 is hit before the point, you lose the bet and the round ends
You can alternatively place a don’t pass bet which is essentially the exact opposite. You win if the come-out roll results in a 2 or 3, and lose if the result is 7 or 11. A 12 is a push, so your stake comes back.
During the point phase, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point is achieved.
Aside from these two simple basic bets, there are many other types of bets available in craps. These are best to try out once you have mastered the basics and moved on to advanced craps table play.
Online Craps Bets – What You Should Know
As mentioned above, there are several types of bets that you can make when you play online craps games for real money. These make the game even more interesting. The easiest bets that beginners should place are pass line and don’t pass. Yet there are others which advanced players can incorporate and for your convenience, we have listed the various types of craps bets to play in an online casino below:
- Pass Line – You win this bet if the come-out roll results in a 7 or 11. You lose if the outcome is 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, this becomes the point number. You win the bet if this number is rolled again before a 7 is hit.
- Don’t Pass – You win this bet if the come-out roll outcome is a 2 or 3, and lose if a 7 or 11 is rolled. A 12 is a push. Any other number becomes the point number. You win the bet if a 7 is rolled before the point number is hit.
- Come – The come bet works in the exact same way as the pass line bet, but can also be placed on any other roll during the game round.
- Don’t Come – The don’t come bet is the same as the don’t pass bet. While the don’t pass bet is placed before the initial roll, the don’t come bet can be placed on any other roll in the game round. Don’t come is the opposite of the come bet.
- Odds Bets – A type of side bet that is made after the point is determined. It involves putting additional money on you winning the point phase. With taking the odds, you win the odds bet if the point is thrown before a 7. With laying the odds, you win the bet if a 7 is rolled before the point. The difference here from those mentioned above is that there is no house edge on odds bets.
- Place Win – Numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are known as the place numbers. You can place a bet on any of the numbers and you win if they are rolled before a 7. There are different payouts available for the different numbers.
- Place Lose – These are the opposite of place win bets. You win if a 7 is rolled and lose on the number you bet against. The different numbers have different payouts.
- Buy – This is similar to a place or odds bet, except you must pay a 5% commission on your wager. They pay true odds, minus the 5% commission.
- Lay – This is similar to laying the odds or place lose bets, but with different odds. These bets pay fair odds, yet you pay a 5% commission on the bet based on the win amount.
- Big 6 and Big 8 – These are similar to place win bets. You bet on either a 6 or 8 being rolled before a 7. Big 6 and Big 8 bets pay out even money, while place bets on 6 or 8 pay 7:6, making the place bets on these numbers more favorable.
- Hardways – This is a bet on the next roll resulting in a specific number, which must be made up of a pair. For example, a hard 8 is made up of a 4 and 4. Hardway bets can be placed on 4, 6, 8, and 10.
- Field – This is a bet that the next roll will result in a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Wins are paid 1:1, with a boosted payout for a 2 or 12. A 2 usually pays 2:1, with a 12 usually paying out 3:1.
- Proposition Bets – Proposition bets are made on the result of the next roll of the dice. There are various bets and they tend to have the highest house edge of all craps table bets. The horn bet is one such prop bet, which is equally split between 2, 3, 11, and 12. A horn high bet doubles the bet on one of those numbers.
Of all the available bets when playing craps games, there are some bets that are more popular than others. For instance, while the pass line and don’t pass bets offer the same odds, the don’t pass bet is essentially betting against the shooter, so it is less popular when played in land-based casinos compared to online casinos. When deciding which bets to place, it is important to consider the payouts. You can find more details about the odds and payouts of craps bets in the following section.
Odds and Payouts
The wide variety of craps bets comes with differing payouts. And it is essential that you understand what they are so that you can decide which bets to place in an online casino. To help you better understand the odds and payouts, we have collated them in the table below. You will notice that bets with higher odds offer lower payouts. Whatever bet you place, you should keep in mind that the house always has an advantage. Here are the payouts and odds for craps:
| Craps Bets | Payouts | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1:1 | 50.00% |
| Don’t Pass Line | 1:1 | 50.00% |
| Pass Line Odds | 2:1 (4 or 10); 3:2 (5 or 9); 6:5 (6 or 8) | 33.33%; 40.00%; 45.45% |
| Don’t Pass Line Odds | 1:2 (4 or 10); 2:3 (5 or 9); 5:6 (6 or 8) | 66.67%; 60.00%; 54.55% |
| Come | 1:1 | 50.00% |
| Don’t Come | 1:1 | 50.00% |
| Place Win | 9:5 (4 or 10); 7:5 (5 or 9); 7:6 (6 or 8) | 35.71%; 41.67%; 46.15% |
| Place Lose | 5:11 (4 or 10); 5:8 (5 or 9); 4:5 (6 or 8) | 68.75%; 61.54%; 55.56% |
| Buy | 2:1 (4 or 10); 3:2 (5 or 9); 6:5 (6 or 8) | 33.33%; 40.00%; 45.45% |
| Lay | 1:2 (4 or 10); 2:3 (5 or 9); 5:6 (6 or 8) | 66.67%; 60.00%; 54.55% |
| Big 6 and 8 | 1:1 | 50.00% |
| Field | 1:1; 2:1; 3:1 | 50.00%; 33.33%; 25.00% |
| Hardways | 9:1; 7:1 | 10.00%; 12.50% |
| Any 7 | 4:1 | 20.00% |
| Any Craps | 7:1 | 12.50% |
| Two Craps or Aces | 30:1 | 3.23% |
| Twelve Craps or Two Sixes | 30:1 | 3.23% |
| Three Craps or Ace Deuce | 15:1 | 6.25% |
| Eleven or Six Five | 15:1 | 6.25% |
| Horn Bet | 3.75:1; 7.5:1 | 21.05%; 11.76% |
You should be aware that while the bets with higher payouts are appealing, they are riskier bets that give you lower odds of winning. You should also consider that the house edge could further lower your odds. For example, the pass line and don’t pass bets have the same odds and payouts, however, the latter has a lower house edge making it a more favorable bet for players.
House Edge and RTP
Every casino game from online roulette to slots has a house edge built-in, and craps games are no exception. The house edge means that over the long run, the land-based casino or online casino is guaranteed to make a profit. The interesting thing about craps is that every bet has a different house edge. You should look out for the bets with the lowest house edge, because the lower the house edge, the higher the probability that you will win. You can choose the right bet for you by consulting the table below:
| Craps Bet | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass Line | 1.36% |
| Pass Odds | 0% |
| Don’t Pass Odds | 0% |
| Come | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come | 1.36% |
| Come Odds | 0% |
| Don’t Come Odds | 0% |
| Place Bets | 6.7%; 4%; 1.5% |
| Buy | 4.76% |
| Lay | 2.44%; 3.23%; 4% |
| Big 6 or 8 | 9.09% |
| Field | 5.56% |
| Hardways | 11.1%; 9.09% |
| Any 7 | 16.67% |
| Any Craps | 11.1% |
| Proposition 2 or 12 | 13.9% |
| Proposition 3 or 11 | 11.1% |
The Best Bets in Craps
The cheapest bets on the table are also the simplest ones. Pass line at 1.41% and don’t pass at 1.36% are the two lowest-edge main bets, and come and don’t come match them exactly.
Odds bets are where the real value sits. Once a point is set you can back your bet with odds, which pay true odds and carry no house edge at all. Taking the maximum odds your casino allows is the single most effective way to lower the cost of a session.
Among the place bets, only 6 and 8 are worth much at roughly 1.5%. At the other end, Any 7 at 16.67% and the proposition bets in the middle of the layout are the most expensive wagers on the table, so treat them as entertainment rather than value.
RTP
Another term you may hear which is closely related to the house edge is the RTP. This stands for return to player, and it expresses the theoretical percentage of all bets placed on a game which are paid back to players in winnings. It is essentially another way of expressing the house edge. The RTP for craps varies between 98% and 99.53%. Bear in mind that the return-to-player rate could vary according to the online craps game variation you choose to play.
Online Craps Games – Live and RNG Variations
When you play craps online for real money, there are several RNG and live dealer games that you can choose from. RNG craps variants have been developed by leading software providers such as Playtech and Games Global, which now distributes the former Microgaming catalog. Regardless of the version you choose, you will find the same rules, gameplay and payouts. The differences come from the graphics and table limits.
You can also play live craps with a real dealer online. Evolution’s Live Craps streams a physical table where an automated arm rolls real dice, so the experience is close to playing in a land-based casino. Whatever variant you opt for, these are the main advantages of playing online craps games:
- The convenience of playing from the comfort of home
- Games are available 24/7
- Bonus offers give you better value for your money
- You can play on your mobile phone or tablet
- Wide range of betting limits to suit low stakes players and high rollers
- Fair games tested by independent auditors such as eCOGRA
You can play craps tables at many online casinos, although not all operators offer the game.
When you’re ready to play craps for real money, availability depends on where you are. Start with our US online gambling guide to find licensed casinos in your state, or our Philippines casino guide if you play from there.
Our Top Tips – Learn How to Win
As with all casino games, there is no easy way to win online craps games. Yet there are ways that you can improve your odds to give yourself the best chance of success. We have put together a list of hints and tips that can help you to up your game.
Here are our top craps tips:
- Learn the rules – You have the best chance of winning when you understand how to play the game. Check our overview of the rules of craps before you start to play for real money.
- Improve your skills by playing free online craps – Play our free craps demo game to familiarize yourself with the gameplay and how to place bets. It is the best way to practice before playing with real money.
- Choose the right craps game for you – Consider what type of craps game you would prefer to play. Live dealer games replicate the feel of a real casino table, whereas RNG variants remove time pressure and allow you to play at your own pace.
- Choose your craps bets wisely – There are many different types of bets available in online craps. Make sure you understand the different options and what chances they give you to win.
- Consider the payouts and odds – The different bets in craps games come with different odds and payouts. Remember, the higher the odds, the more chance you have of winning, although the payouts will be lower.
- Plan your budget – When gambling with real money, you should set yourself a budget and stick to it. Decide what you can afford before you play and never chase losses.
- Know when to stop – Craps rounds come fast and the center bets are tempting. Set a time limit alongside your budget, and stop while the game is still fun.
Our top tips will help maximize your chances of success when playing craps online for real money. They are useful to know, and we recommend all beginners follow them. If you are a more advanced player, you may also want to consider playing with a strategy.
Best Craps Strategy – Would It Help You Win?
Given the variety of bets that you can place on a craps table, it comes as little surprise that there are a number of strategies that can be used to play the game in the best online casinos. You need to remember, however, that none of them can offer guaranteed results. Here is the best strategy according to our research:
- Bet on the don’t pass and/or don’t come
- Back it up laying the maximum odds
This is the best strategy for reducing the house edge to the absolute minimum. Yet, if you remember, we mentioned earlier that the don’t pass bet is not popular with players, as it is seen as playing against the shooter. You can apply this same strategy to pass line bets and come bets, taking full odds. The odds are almost as good for this more popular type of bet. Whatever strategy you decide on, you need to keep in mind that none can eliminate the house edge entirely.
Final Thoughts
Craps is not the simplest casino game, but the part that matters is small. Learn the pass line, add odds once a point is set, and you are playing one of the cheapest bets on the table at around 1.4% before odds.
The rest of the layout is optional. The center bets look exciting and cost the most, so keep them small if you play them at all.
Practice with the free demo until the sequence of a round feels obvious, check the house edge of any bet before you place it, and set a budget you are comfortable losing. No strategy removes the house edge.
If craps is not the right game for you, you could try baccarat. It features simple rules and appealing payouts, and the banker bet has an even lower house edge. Our baccarat guide explains the rules and includes a free demo. If you would rather stick with dice, our sic bo guide covers the other main casino dice game.
Popular Questions
We have collected the questions players ask most often about craps and answered them below.
1. How to play craps online?
The easiest way to play craps online is to place a pass line bet. You will win if you roll a 7 or 11. You can check our useful guide on how to play online craps for a full breakdown of the game rules.
2. Where to play free online craps?
You can play free online craps at many casino sites. Yet the quickest and easiest way to play online craps for free is to launch the free demo craps game at the top of this page.
3. How to win at craps?
To win at craps, you need to understand the rules of the game. You also need to understand the different types of bets along with their odds and payouts. You can also check our top tips for more advice on how to win.
4. How to bet in craps online?
To bet in craps online, you should first select the chip size you want to bet. You then click on the relevant section on the table layout to place your bet. You can check our overview of craps bets to find out what types of bets you can place.
5. How to cheat at craps?
When you play craps at reputable casino sites, the game results are determined by a random number generator. As such, all results are fair and random, meaning you cannot cheat at craps. If you want to know how to win at craps, you should check our craps tips.
6. How to win at craps every time?
There are various craps strategies that can help reduce the house edge to a minimum and give you the optimum chance of winning. However, you should note that no strategy can eliminate the house edge completely to guarantee that you will win every time.
7. What is the best craps casino?
The best craps casino sites are licensed and regulated by authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority or US state regulators. They provide independently tested fair games. Top sites also offer generous bonus offers and regular promotions. You can find licensed operators in our US gambling guide or our Philippines casino guide.
8. Can I play craps online with a bonus?
Yes, you can play craps online with a bonus. However, you should be aware that not all bonuses are suitable for the game. As such, you should check the terms and conditions to find out whether craps games are included and how much they contribute to wagering requirements.
9. What are the rules of craps?
The basic rules of craps involve 2 main phases. The first is the come-out phase, where the dice are rolled. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, pass line bets win. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, pass line bets lose. Any other number becomes the point. In the point phase, the dice continue to be rolled until the point number wins or a 7 is hit.
10. What are the odds in craps online?
The odds in craps vary depending on the type of bet you place. For instance, the pass line and don't pass bets pay 1:1, an implied probability of 50%. You can check our table to find the odds and payouts for all bets in craps.