Craps
Craps traces its roots back to a simplified version of the English game Hazard, which dates to the Crusades. When French settlers brought the game to New Orleans in the early 1800s, it evolved into the fast-paced dice game we know today. The name "craps" likely derives from "crabs," a losing throw in Hazard.
Today, craps tables are centerpieces in casinos across America, drawing crowds with their electric atmosphere and communal gameplay. Unlike many casino games, craps creates a unique social experience where players often celebrate wins together, making it a staple in US gambling culture.
What makes craps particularly appealing is its balance of luck and strategy. While dice rolls are purely chance, understanding the betting system allows players to make mathematically advantageous decisions.
How Craps Works: The Fundamentals
Craps revolves around players betting on the outcome of dice rolls. The game begins with the "come-out roll" where the shooter (the player rolling the dice) establishes what's called the "point."
If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, Pass Line bettors win immediately. Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 (called "craps") results in a loss for Pass Line bettors. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the "point," and the shooter continues rolling until they either roll that point number again (Pass Line bets win) or roll a 7 (Pass Line bets lose).
The craps table may look intimidating at first glance, with its complex layout of betting areas. The table accommodates multiple players standing around its perimeter. The main sections include the Pass Line, Don't Pass Bar, Come, Don't Come, Field, and various proposition bet areas. Each section corresponds to different betting options with varying odds.
Understanding Craps Bets and Their Payouts
Pass Line Bet
This fundamental bet wins if the come-out roll is 7 or 11 and loses if it's 2, 3, or 12. If any other number becomes the point, the bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7. Pass Line bets pay even money (1:1) and have a house edge of just 1.41%, making them one of the best bets in the casino.
Don't Pass Bet
Essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet, this wager wins if the come-out roll is 2 or 3, pushes on 12, and loses on 7 or 11. If a point is established, the bet wins if a 7 comes before the point number. Don't Pass bets also pay even money with a slightly better house edge of 1.36%.
Come Bet
Similar to the Pass Line bet but placed after the point is established. The next roll becomes a "come-out roll" for this bet specifically. Come bets pay even money and share the same 1.41% house edge as Pass Line bets.
Don't Come Bet
The counterpart to the Come bet, following the same rules as Don't Pass but placed after the point is established. Like Don't Pass bets, the house edge is 1.36%.
Odds Bet
This supplementary bet can be placed after a point is established on Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come bets. Odds bets pay true odds with no house edge, making them extremely valuable. The payout depends on the point number: 2:1 for points of 4 or 10, 3:2 for 5 or 9, and 6:5 for 6 or 8.
Place Bets
These bets wager that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. Payouts vary: 9:5 for 4 or 10, 7:5 for 5 or 9, and 7:6 for 6 or 8. House edges range from 1.52% to 6.67%.
Field Bets
A single-roll bet that wins if 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled next. Numbers 2 and 12 typically pay 2:1, while other winning numbers pay even money. The house edge is approximately 5.56%.
Craps Odds and Making Smart Bets
Understanding the house edge for different craps bets is crucial for strategic play. The best bets in craps are the Pass Line and Don't Pass bets, especially when backed with Odds bets, which have no house edge.
The house edge for various bets ranges dramatically:
- Pass Line/Come: 1.41%
- Don't Pass/Don't Come: 1.36%
- Place 6 or 8: 1.52%
- Place 5 or 9: 4%
- Place 4 or 10: 6.67%
- Hard ways: 9.09% to 11.11%
- Proposition bets: Can exceed 16%
For the best mathematical advantage, focus on Pass Line or Don't Pass bets with maximum Odds. Place bets on 6 and 8 also offer reasonable odds. Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table, which typically have much higher house edges.
Winning Strategies for Craps Players
While no strategy can overcome the house edge in the long run, several approaches can maximize your chances of walking away a winner:
The "3-Point Molly" involves a Pass Line bet with odds and two Come bets with odds. This strategy gives you action on multiple numbers simultaneously while maintaining relatively low house edges.
Conservative players might prefer the "Iron Cross," which combines Field bets with Place bets on 5, 6, and 8, covering many possible outcomes on each roll.
The "Don't" strategy involves betting against the shooter with Don't Pass and Don't Come bets. While mathematically advantageous, this approach means you'll be winning when others at the table are losing, which some players find socially awkward.
Regardless of your chosen strategy, proper bankroll management is essential. Set win goals and loss limits before playing, and stick to them rigorously. Remember that even the best craps strategy can't guarantee wins—the house always maintains an edge.
Online Craps vs. Casino Craps: What's Different?
Online craps offers several advantages over traditional casino play. You can play at your own pace without pressure from other players or dealers. Online platforms also typically offer lower minimum bets than physical casinos, making the game more accessible to casual players.
Digital versions use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fair outcomes, though some players miss the tactile experience of throwing physical dice. Many online casinos now offer live dealer craps, which streams real dealers and physical dice throws, combining the convenience of online play with the authenticity of a casino environment.
Online craps also eliminates the sometimes intimidating social dynamics of the craps table. New players can take their time learning the game without feeling rushed or judged by more experienced players.
Maximizing Bonuses When Playing Craps Online
Online casinos offer various bonuses that can enhance your craps experience. However, it's important to understand how these promotions apply specifically to craps play:
Many welcome bonuses and deposit matches can be used for craps, but check the contribution percentage. Due to its low house edge, craps often contributes less toward wagering requirements than slots or other games—typically 10-20% of each bet.
Look for craps-specific promotions like odds boosts or loss rebates. Some online casinos offer special tournaments or leaderboards for table games, providing additional ways to win.
Before claiming any bonus, carefully review the terms and conditions, paying special attention to:
- Wagering requirements
- Game contribution percentages
- Maximum bet limits while using bonus funds
- Time restrictions for completing requirements
Legal Craps in the United States
The legality of online craps varies by state. Currently, legal online casino gambling, including craps, is available in:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- West Virginia
- Connecticut
- Delaware
Each state maintains its own regulatory framework, ensuring games are fair and players are protected. Always verify that an online casino is licensed by your state's gaming authority before playing.
Responsible gambling should be a priority for all players. Set deposit limits, take regular breaks, and never chase losses. Most regulated platforms offer self-exclusion options and resources for problem gambling support.
Craps FAQs: What You Need to Know
What's the best bet in craps? The Pass Line bet with maximum Odds offers one of the lowest house edges in any casino game, making it mathematically optimal.
How much should I budget for a craps session? For a typical two-hour session, bring at least 10 times the table minimum to withstand normal fluctuations. For example, at a $10 minimum table, a $100-$200 bankroll is reasonable.
Is online craps rigged? Regulated online casinos use certified random number generators that ensure fair outcomes. Always play at licensed, regulated casinos to ensure game integrity.
What does "shooting dice" mean? "Shooting dice" is slang for being the shooter, or the player rolling the dice in a craps game.
Can I practice craps for free? Many online casinos offer free-play versions of craps where you can practice without risking real money.
What's a "hot" or "cold" table? A "hot" table is experiencing many winning rolls, while a "cold" table is seeing frequent seven-outs. These terms describe short-term variance, not predictive patterns.
Ready to Roll the Dice?
Craps combines mathematical strategy with the raw excitement of dice play, creating an experience unlike any other casino game. The camaraderie around a craps table during a hot streak creates unforgettable moments that keep players coming back.
Whether you're drawn to the strategic depth of multiple betting options or simply enjoy the rush of watching those dice tumble, craps offers something for every type of player. With its relatively low house edge on certain bets, it also provides some of the best odds you'll find on a casino floor.
Take what you've learned here, practice with free online games, and when you're ready, place your chips on the Pass Line and call for the dice. The unique blend of skill, chance, and social energy makes craps a quintessential American casino experience that continues to captivate players more than two centuries after it first appeared in New Orleans.
Join a legal online casino today and try your hand at craps with a welcome bonus that gives you extra chips to play with. Remember to stick with the best odds bets, manage your bankroll wisely, and most importantly—have fun with one of the most exciting games the casino has to offer!