While it isn’t the most common online casino game, craps is a fan-favourite in the land-based betting scene. It’s still perfectly possible to find avenues to play the game, and while it is intimidating at first, playing craps online is surprisingly easier than it seems. What you need is a how-to-play craps guide that walks you through the basics of trying your hand at this high-octane dice game. As always, Go Spin is here to help as we simplify craps for beginners.
A Tour Around the Craps Table
At first glance, the craps table might seem overwhelming, with multiple betting areas and fast-paced action. However, once you understand its layout, playing online craps games casino or live craps becomes much easier. The table is divided into sections, each representing different types of bets. The larger section covers fundamental bets like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line. The smaller section features proposition bets, which offer higher payouts but come with greater risk. We’ll walk you through those in a second. Much like any table game, you’ll lay bets down directly on the relevant sections of this betting board.
How to win Craps: What Do You Need to Know?
When you first learn how to play craps, you need to know that you won’t always be the shooter (the person who rolls the dice). This is true of live dealer and land-based games. When playing RNG craps titles, you will likely roll the dice. It isn’t necessary to roll the dice to bet.
Let’s start our beginner’s guide to craps rules by exploring the basic features of gameplay:
- The Come Out Roll: The first roll is known as the Come Out Roll. If a 7 or 11 appears, the shooter wins. If the dice total 2, 3 or 12, the shooter loses.
- Establishing Point Numbers: If any other number lands, a point number is established. The shooter must then roll this number before a seven.
- Winning and Losing in Craps: Once the point number appears, a win occurs if the point number is hit before a seven, while the shooter loses if a seven appears before the point number.
How to Play Craps: Craps Betting Strategy Explained
As mentioned, you can bet without being the shooter. You just need to learn how to play craps, or more specifically, how to place bets. There are a few to get through, like so:
- Pass Line Bet: This is a bet that the shooter will win outright by rolling a 7 or 11. It pays 1:1. You’ll place this bet before the Come Out Roll.
- Don’t Pass Bet: Here, you’re betting that the shooter will lose (on a 2, 3, or 12). It has a lower house edge. You’ll only use this bet before the Come Out Roll, and it also pays 1:1.
- Come/Don’t Come Bets: You can place Come and Don’t Come Bets after the Come Out Roll once the point number is in play. They follow the same rules as Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets and pay 1:1. In short, you’re wagering on whether the shooter rolls the point before a seven (Come) or not (Don’t Come).
- Odds Bets: These bets see you wager on the shooter landing the point number before a seven. You’ll receive 2:1 on point numbers of 4 or 10, 3:2 on 5s and 9s, and 6:5 on 6s and 8s.
- Prop Bets: In craps, proposition bets only apply to a single roll. An Any Craps (2, 3 or 12) bet means you’re wagering that either of those three numbers will appear on the next roll. Other options include Snake Eyes (a pair of 1s), Any Seven, and others, right down to the specific number that will crop up on the next roll. They typically pay very good odds, but the probability of success is low. Some craps tables feature different proposition bets than others.
5 Tips: Go Spin Advice for playing Online Craps Games
The best way to learn is to start playing craps online for free. However, no matter how you play, following a solid craps game strategy is essential. As always, Go Spin’s experts have advice to offer fledgling casino players to improve their gameplay and decision-making.
#1 Stick to Pass Line Bets
They don’t pay much, but sticking to Pass Line bets is the best way for beginners to feel more comfortable when learning how to play craps. Pass Line bets are basic and a good way to ease yourself in.
#2 Study Prop Bets
Prop bets offer great prizes but have poor probability. As they can differ from game to game, we strongly encourage you to check out all the available options and learn how they work. However, that leads us to point three below.
#3 Avoid Props
While it’s definitely ideal to learn how proposition bets work, we also strongly encourage you to avoid placing props. From a probability perspective, they just aren’t likely to come good. Stick to Pass/Don’t Pass, Come/Don’t Come, and odds bets instead.
#4 Manage Your Craps Bankroll
Betting on craps sees your balance easily run away from you if you aren’t careful. Manage your bankroll effectively by sticking to simple stakes. Partition your budget over several bets, and don’t chase losses.
#5 Watch and Learn
If you’re nervous, we recommend watching craps for free on YouTube. You can also find many craps table games (RNG versions, not live casino games) that you can play for free at casino sites. These allow you to practice and familiarise yourself with craps without risking your budget.
Common Craps Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid
Just as Go Spin has tips for you to take to heart, we also have a few things you’ll want to avoid when playing online craps:
- Avoid betting too much on props. A one-off bet is fine, but don’t think you’ll land big wins regularly by opting for them.
- Not taking advantage of odds bets is a mistake. Well-timed odds bets can reduce the house edge, and the probability attached to them isn’t bad, either.
- Don’t become emotional when losing. This leads to chasing losses. Stay strong and disciplined.
- Ignore strategy guides that claim they can help guarantee wins. Craps is largely a game of chance, so guides can’t ensure wins.
- Feel free to explore variants (for free). If you fancy playing live craps (Evolution is one provider with a version you can try), consider playing RNG craps first, as there are no time constraints on betting, and you’re guaranteed to shoot the dice.
FAQ
What are the basic rules of craps for beginners?
Craps begins with the Come Out Roll—if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, they win; if they roll 2, 3, or 12, they lose. Any other number sets a point, and the shooter must roll it again before a 7 to win.
What are odds bets, and how do they work in craps?
Odds bets are wagers on specific numbers appearing before the point number. They can lower the house edge, don’t have horrible probability and yield decent wins when they come good.
Can craps tables be hot or cold?
There’s no such thing. Hot and cold tables (or games, in general) are a myth. Never believe that a game will or won’t pay soon, especially when those games involve dice.
Is craps a game of skill or a game of luck?
Hand on our heart, while you can use strategy to bet smartly, the outcome of the rolls is random. What crops up on the dice is entirely down to chance and Lady Luck.
What is the 3 4 5 rule in craps?
The 3-4-5 rule in craps is a guideline for Odds Bets behind the Pass Line. It allows players to bet 3x the Pass Line bet on 4 and 10, 4x on 5 and 9, and 5x on 6 and 8, creating balanced odds and consistent payouts.
