Craps Online - How to Play

Crap was originally called Hazard and first played in the United Kingdom in the 14th century. Later Hazard became popular in France and got the name Crapaud, which means Toad, rumor says it was because the craps players were sitting on the streets like Toads while playing craps.

Another country, this time the USA, started playing Crapaud but renamed it to Craps, which has been the name since 1830. The rules of Craps are slightly different from the original Hazard, with more wagering options.

To put it short, Craps is a popular casino game that involves players betting on the outcomes of rolls of a pair of dice. In this guide, we will help you understand and enjoy the game.

Craps is a lively casino dice game based on the roll of two dice. The game is played in rounds, with players betting on the outcomes of the rolls. The heart of the game lies in predicting the numbers that will appear on the dice.

Online Craps brings the thrilling experience of traditional casino Craps to your computer or mobile device. The rules and betting options mirror those of live Craps, but the game is operated by software that ensures a fair and random outcome.

The Basics of Craps

• Objective: The main objective of Craps is to predict the outcome of the roll of two dice.
• Players: Although any number of people can play, only one player – the "shooter" – rolls the dice at a time. The other players at the table place bets on the outcomes of the shooter's rolls.
• The Table: The Craps table is specially designed with areas for different types of bets. Players place their chips on the sections of the table corresponding to the bets they want to make.

Rules and Gameplay for Online Craps

1. The Come-Out Roll: The game starts with the come-out roll. In online Craps, you’re typically the shooter every round. Rolling a 7 or 11 wins on Pass Line bets, while 2, 3, or 12 loses. Any other number sets the point.
2. The Point Phase: If a point is established, you aim to roll that number again before a 7 to win. Rolling a 7 before the point number results in a loss for Pass Line bets.
3. Betting: Online Craps offers a variety of betting options. Apart from the primary Pass Line and Don't Pass bets, there are Come, Don’t Come, Place, Field, and various proposition bets. Each bet has different rules and payouts, accessible within the game for easy reference.

How to Play Online Craps

By understanding these basics, you can start enjoying Craps with confidence and gradually learn the more intricate aspects of the game as you play.

• Choose a reputable online casino that offers Craps. Our top-recommended online craps casinos are listed in this article.
• Learn the layout of the online Craps table; it mimics the traditional setup but includes user-friendly features like bet descriptions and odds.
• Place your bet by clicking on the chip value you wish to bet and then on the area of the table where you wish to place your bet.
• Roll the dice by clicking the relevant button. The outcome will appear instantly.
• The software will automatically determine wins and losses, and your balance will be updated accordingly.
• Use the game’s options to repeat your bet, clear the table, or place new bets.

Initial Tips for Playing Craps Online

✅ Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the basic and advanced bets in Craps.

✅ Practice with Free Games: Many online casinos offer free versions of Craps. Use these to practice and develop your strategy without risking real money.

✅ Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it to avoid unexpected losses.

✅ Learn the Odds: Knowing the odds of each bet can help you make informed decisions and stick to bets with the best chances of winning.

Keep reading as we delve deeper into all the facets of the game of Craps.

As mentioned, Craps is a table game played with two dice. When wagering on Craps you bet on different number combinations. The goal with craps is to establish points, one point is the sum of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 of the two dice. Players stand around a table, the craps table, and once all players have placed their bets the player on the left-hand side of the dealer chose two dice.

There should always be 5 dice to chose from. Only players betting on Pass Line or Don’t pass are allowed to throw the dice. The dice are thrown towards the opposite side of the craps table. If you win and how much you win is decided by the sum of the numbers shown on the dice.

The game always starts in OFF mode and the “puck” is showing OFF until the game goes into ON mode in which case the dealer turns the puck to show ON. Once all bets are in place the dealer hands the dice to the player who then throws the dice to start the game.

The craps table can at first look at bit complicated as just looking at the table is not self explanatory unless you know how the game is played and how the different wager types work. Compared to a Roulette table or a Blackjack table Craps is a more complex game but once you master Craps we can assure you will get hooked. 

The Craps Table Layout

The table layout is symmetrical, allowing players to place bets from either side. The middle of the table is where proposition bets are placed and are managed by the stickman. The sides are mirrored to accommodate players around the table and contain the main betting areas:

• Pass Line: This is the most common area for bets. Players place their chips here to bet on the shooter's (the person rolling the dice) come-out roll. Winning numbers on the come-out roll are 7 or 11, while 2, 3, or 12 will lose.
• Don't Pass Line: This area is directly opposite the Pass Line. Bets here win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 and lose if it's 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a "push," meaning the bet neither wins nor loses.
• Come and Don’t Come Bets: Similar to the Pass and Don’t Pass bets but placed after the point has been established. The Come area is designated for these bets.
• Field Bets: This area allows players to bet on one particular roll landing on one of the numbers in the field (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12).
• Place Bets: Players can bet on specific point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. These areas are usually in the upper section of the layout, above the Pass Line.

The Center Section:

This area is managed by the stickman and contains proposition bets, which are bets on specific dice combinations or totals. This includes hardways (rolling a double that makes up the point, like two 3s for a 6), any 7 (betting the next roll will be a 7), and craps numbers (betting the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12).

The payouts in Craps vary depending on the type of bet placed. Here are some of the common bets and their corresponding payouts:

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your gameplay, extend your playing time, and increase your chances of winning at online Craps.

✅ Stick to the Best Bets: 

The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets offer some of the lowest house edges in the game. Following these with Come and Don’t Come bets keeps the house advantage low. These bets are not only simple but also offer a good chance of winning, making them excellent choices for beginners and experienced players alike.

✅ Take or Lay Odds: 

Once a point is established, you can take odds if you placed a Pass Line or Come bet, or lay odds if you have a Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet. These odds bets pay at true odds, meaning there is no house edge. Adding odds to your initial bet reduces the overall house edge on your total wager.

✅ Avoid Proposition Bets: 

While proposition bets can be tempting due to their high payouts, they come with significantly higher house edges. Avoid these unless you’re playing purely for entertainment and can afford to lose the bet.

✅ Keep Emotions in Check:

Online gambling should be fun, not a source of stress. Don’t chase losses or bet more than you can afford. If you find yourself getting frustrated or angry, take a break and come back when you’re more level-headed.

✅ Understand the Game:

 Take time to learn the rules, betting options, and odds of online Craps. Knowledge is power, and understanding the game will help you make better betting decisions.