How to Play Craps: Learn the Rules of Craps & Betting Options
Craps is one of the most fast-paced and exciting casino games, things change fast with a simple roll of the dice. At first glance, the game might seem complex, but once you understand the basic rules, it’s surprisingly easy to play craps.
We are walking you through the essentials of craps, from understanding the table layout and key bets to learning craps strategies that can improve your play. Whether you’re playing online craps or at a live dealer table, you’ll have the knowledge to place your bets with confidence.
What is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls. It’s played on a specially designed table with multiple betting options and two dice. The goal is to predict whether the shooter (the player rolling the dice) will land certain numbers before rolling a 7.
Many people avoid craps because they assume it's complex, but once you understand the basics, it’s an exciting game with great betting opportunities.
The Craps Table Layout
The craps table may look overwhelming at first, but once you understand its layout, it becomes much simpler. The table is divided into different sections where players place their bets, and while it may seem crowded, each area serves a specific purpose.
- Shooting Area – Where the shooter rolls the dice. This is usually at either end of the table.
- Betting Areas – The table is covered with designated spaces for different bets. Some areas are for single-roll bets, while others apply to multiple rolls.
- Dealer Positions – In a live casino, there are typically two dealers managing bets and payouts, along with a stickman who controls the dice.
The table’s layout is mirrored on both sides so multiple players can place the same bets easily. While it may seem complex, focusing on the most common bets will help simplify your experience.
Craps Rules: How the Game Works
Craps betting rounds begin with a come-out roll. This is the first roll of a new round. The player rolling the dice is called the shooter.
The shooter then takes two dice and "throws" them on the craps table - or press the 'roll' button in online craps.
The goal is to either land a winning number immediately or establish a point to aim for in subsequent rolls.
Possible Outcomes of the Come-Out Roll:
- Natural: Rolling a 7 or 11 means an automatic win, and you roll again.
- Craps (Crapping Out): Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 means an automatic loss, but you roll again.
- Point: Rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 establishes a point. The shooter must continue rolling until they roll this number again before rolling a 7 to win.
How to Play Craps Step-by-Step:
Craps revolves around a series of dice rolls, but most bets become available only at specific points in the game. Here’s how a typical round unfolds:
- Place your bet on the Pass Line (betting the shooter will win) or Don’t Pass Line (betting against the shooter).
- The shooter rolls the dice:
- A 7 or 11 wins immediately.
- A 2, 3, or 12 loses immediately.
- Any other number becomes the point.
- If a point is established, the shooter continues rolling. At this stage, additional bets like Odds Bets, Place Bets, and Come/Don’t Come Bets become available. The round continues until either:
- They roll the point number again (win).
- A 7 appears first (lose- this is called "sevening out").
- If the shooter wins by rolling the point, a new round starts with the same shooter. If they lose, the dice pass to the next player.
Types of Bets in Craps
Craps offers a variety of betting options, each with different risks and rewards. To simplify, we've grouped them into three categories: core bets (best for beginners), intermediate bets (strategic choices), and high-risk bets (big payouts but worst odds).
Craps offers a variety of betting options, each with different risks and rewards. To simplify, we've grouped them into three categories: core bets (best for beginners), intermediate bets (strategic choices), and high-risk bets (big payouts but worst odds).
Bets You Can Make Before the Come-Out Roll (Beginner-Friendly)
These are the first bets placed in a round, setting the foundation for the game:
- Pass Line Bet – Wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. If a point is set, wins if the shooter rolls the point before a 7.
- Don’t Pass Bet – A bet against the shooter. Wins if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3 (pushes on 12). If a point is set, this bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number appears again.
Bets You Can Make After a Point is Established (Moderate Strategy)
These bets come into play after the come-out roll if a point is set:
- Odds Bets – An additional bet that can be placed behind Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come bets. It has no house edge and pays true odds.
- Come Bet – Works like the Pass Line bet but placed after the come-out roll.
- Don’t Come Bet – Works like the Don’t Pass bet but placed after the come-out roll.
- Place Bets – Betting that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will roll before a 7.
Bets You Can Make at Any Time (High-Risk, High-Payout)
These bets are available throughout the game and are often single-roll bets:
- Field Bet – A single-roll wager that wins if the dice land on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Some casinos offer higher payouts for rolling a 2 or 12.
- Hardways – Betting that a 4, 6, 8, or 10 will be rolled as a pair (e.g., 3+3 for 6) before a 7 or an easier combination.
- Proposition Bets – These are one-roll bets found in the centre of the table with high payouts but long odds, including:
| Bet | Wins if... | Payout (for $1 bet) |
|---|---|---|
| Any Seven | Shooter rolls a 7 | $4-5 |
| Any Craps | Shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 | $7-8 |
| Ace Deuce | Shooter rolls a 3 | $15-16 |
| Aces (Snake Eyes) | Shooter rolls a 2 | $30-31 |
| Boxcars (12) | Shooter rolls a 12 | $30-31 |
| Horn Bet | Shooter rolls 2, 3, 11, or 12 | Varies |
House Edge, Odds, and Payouts
Different bets in craps have varying odds, payouts, and house edges. Below is a breakdown of the most common wagers:
| Bet Type | Payout | True Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line Bet | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass Bet | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% |
| Come Bet | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come Bet | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% |
| Odds Bet (4/10) | 2:1 | 2:1 | 0% |
| Odds Bet (5/9) | 3:2 | 3:2 | 0% |
| Odds Bet (6/8) | 6:5 | 6:5 | 0% |
| Place Bet on 6/8 | 7:6 | 6:5 | 1.52% |
| Place Bet on 5/9 | 7:5 | 3:2 | 4.00% |
| Place Bet on 4/10 | 9:5 | 2:1 | 6.67% |
| Field Bet | 1:1 (3,4,9,10,11) / 2:1 (2,12) | Varies | 5.56% (on 5x payouts) |
| Any Seven | 4:1 | 5:1 | 16.67% |
| Any Craps | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% |
| Hard 6/8 | 9:1 | 10:1 | 9.09% |
| Hard 4/10 | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% |
Auscasino Betting Experts Say:
For the best value, stick to Pass Line Bets with Odds, as odds bets have no house edge, making them the best bet in craps.
For the best value, stick to Pass Line Bets with Odds, as odds bets have no house edge.
- Best bets: Pass Line with Odds, Don’t Pass, and Place 6/8.
- Worst bets: Any Seven, Big 6/8, and most Proposition Bets due to high house edge.
- For more action: Try Come & Don’t Come bets or mix in Place Bets.
Real Example of Craps in Action
We put $10 on the Pass Line, and here's what happened:
- Shooter rolls a come-out roll of 8 – this becomes the point.
- You place a $20 Odds Bet (no house edge).
- The shooter rolls: 5, 9, 6, 4, then an 8 – You win!
- Your payout: Pass Line ($10 → $10) + Odds Bet ($20 → $24 at 3:2 odds). Total: $44.
Popular Craps Variants
These variations tweak traditional craps rules, altering house edges and strategies!
- High Point Craps – Instead of losing on a 2, 3, or 12, these rolls are ignored. A new point must be 9 or higher to win.
- Crapless Craps – The Pass Line never loses on a 2, 3, or 12. However, the house edge is higher since 11 isn’t an automatic winner.
- New York Craps – Eliminates Come and Don’t Come bets, focusing on place bets for 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. Played mostly in the eastern U.S.
- Simplified Craps – A beginner-friendly version where a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12 wins instantly, while other numbers lose. No point phase.
- Die Rich Craps – Uses a single die instead of two. Players need to roll a 6 to win; other numbers become the point.
- Street Craps – A casual, non-casino version played informally on streets or backrooms with fewer structured rules and often involving side bets.
Basic Craps Strategies to Get You Started
1. The Pass Line & Odds Bet (Best for Beginners)
- Place a Pass Line Bet, and if a point is established, add an Odds Bet.
- This has one of the lowest house edges (~1.41% on Pass Line, 0% on Odds Bet).
2. The 3-Point Molly System (For More Action)
- Start with a Pass Line Bet.
- Add two Come Bets, each followed by an Odds Bet.
- Covers multiple numbers, increasing winning chances.
3. The Iron Cross (Frequent Wins, Small Payouts)
- Place bets on 5, 6, and 8, plus a Field Bet.
- Wins occur on almost every roll except for a 7.
- However, hitting a 7 results in a full loss.
Online vs. Live Craps
| Feature | Online Craps | Live Craps |
| Game Speed | Fast-paced, instant rolls | Slower, social experience |
| Interaction | Solo play | Engaging with dealer & players |
| Minimum Bets | Low | Higher |
| Variations | Multiple versions | Standard gameplay |
How to Play Craps - Expert Tips
- Stick to Pass Line Bets with Odds – The Pass Line Bet has a low 1.41% house edge, and adding an Odds Bet reduces it even further. This is one of the smartest ways to play.
- Avoid Proposition Bets – Bets like Any Seven or Boxcars have house edges above 11%, making them some of the worst wagers in the game. Stick to bets with better returns.
- Manage Your Bankroll – Craps is a fast-paced game, and bets can stack up quickly. Set a budget per session and use a betting strategy that aligns with your bankroll.
- Use the 3-Point Molly Strategy – This system combines Pass Line, Come Bets, and Odds Bets to cover multiple numbers while keeping the house edge low. It’s great for longer playing sessions.
- Watch for Table Minimums in Live Dealer Craps – Unlike online RNG craps, live dealer tables often have higher minimum bets. Choose tables that fit your budget.
- Take Advantage of Free Play Modes – Many online casinos offer free craps games. Practicing risk-free helps you get comfortable with the betting process before wagering real money.
Conclusion
Craps is a thrilling game once you understand the rules and betting options. By starting with simple bets like the Pass Line and adding Odds Bets, you can improve your odds and make the game more enjoyable. Whether you’re playing online or at a live dealer casino, remember to gamble responsibly and have fun!
Looking for the best online casinos? Check out our recommended sites for Aussie players and start rolling the dice today!
How to Play Craps FAQ
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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