HOW TO PLAY CRAPS FOR BEGINNERS

In a world packed with casino games lies thousands of brilliant tables ready to give you a gaming experience unlike any other. But how many times have you flipped a page and found yet another poker game? Or another blackjack table? You deserve a gaming experience that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, and luckily, we’ve got just the thing — craps! 

With your dice at the ready, roll into this comprehensive guide as we teach you all there is to know about play craps. We’ll pick apart all the nuts and bolts from the rules and game objective to the bets, equipment, and table personnel. We’ll even give you a small look into a few craps variants to give you an idea of what awaits.

Don’t worry if you’ve never played craps before; that’s what this guide is for! The days of sitting at a craps table trying to figure out what roll comes next are over. To top everything off, we’ll even give you a sneaky look into the HotSlots experience, where you’ll get to discover every theme, mechanic and feature imaginable! But we’ll save dessert for last; for now, let’s unpack this stunning game.

HISTORY OF CRAPS

Before we can get started, let’s take a look at where it all began. 

No set piece of history that details the origins of craps as there were in fact, records of different craps variations found in many different countries. That said, there is evidence to suggest that one of craps’ predecessors dates back to the Roman Empire when Roman soldiers would shave pig knuckles down to form a cube to act as dice. They would then engrave markings on each side and toss them into their inverted shields and bet on the outcomes of the throws — sound familiar?

The Arabs are also said to have had their own version of craps that was played during the Middle Ages. This game was called ‘Azzahr’ or ‘Hazard’ and referred to the lowest-value roll as a crabs roll. Many historians speculate this is where craps derived its name; however, others believe that the game received its name from the word ‘Crapeaud’, French for ‘toad’.

The name of the game aside, it is no secret that craps became one of the most top-played table games in the gambling sphere. By the time the 1900s hit, the game of craps had travelled from French colonies to England, America, and so on. It wasn’t long before craps tables were digitised and added to online casinos during the booming era of the internet. 

BASIC CRAPS RULES

Now time for the main course. Let’s dissect the basic rules to give you the full picture of how a craps game works — don’t worry; we’ll leave no stone unturned! We’ll start with the overall objective of a standard game of craps, then get into the craps table and finally dive into the bets.

GAME OBJECTIVE

Craps is pretty unique compared to many other casino games, especially when it comes to betting and playing options. It wouldn’t be the first time a craps fledgling felt a little intimidated by a craps table, but that newbie would be pleased to find out that craps is actually a lot simpler than it looks; once they get the rules down, of course. 

The objective of a standard game of craps is to predict the outcome of a dice roll. Every game round has two roll phases, referred to as the Come Out roll phase (the first roll phase) and the Point roll phase (the second roll phase). It is important that you recognise which roll phase the craps game is in, as both roll phases have different purposes. Craps bets are also affected by the roll phases.

The Come Out roll phase is where the point is established. The craps game can only move on to the next roll once the shooter rolls a four, five, six, eight, nine or 10. The Point roll phase is where all the action happens.

Players will be given the option to place several different types of bets during both phases of the game, and these can either be one-roll bets or multi-roll bets, which we’ll go through a little later. Online craps games fully break down the craps bets under the game rules, which can be accessed at any time, so players don’t need to worry about memorising their betting options — there are way too many to remember anyways!

How players place their craps bets depends on whether they’re playing craps online or at a land-based casino. When playing craps at a land-based casino, players will be required to place chips directly on the table. Online craps games require players to simply select one of the virtual betting chips found on the user interface.

GAME EQUIPMENT

There’s a lot more that goes into playing craps than simply understanding the rules. It is good practice to have a good understanding of what equipment is used, the craps table layout, as well as the role of every crewperson at the craps table. This way, you’d be able to pick up the general gameplay much quicker, so you won’t be stuck trying to figure out who’s doing what. 

• The Craps Table Layout: Beginner players may feel a little overwhelmed with their first glance at the craps table. All betting options will be displayed in front of them, separated by roll phases.
• The Dice: Players who have visited craps tables before would know that craps is a dice game. It features two dice, and players bet on the outcome of each roll. At online craps games, it is obviously the dealer that rolls the dice. However, at land-based craps tables, both the stickman and the shooter are permitted to touch the dice. 

• The Puck: The puck is a round disk used to signify which roll phase the craps game is in. The word ‘ON’ is written on one side of the puck, and the word ‘OFF’ is written on the other. Before the point is established on the first roll of the dice, the puck will display the ‘OFF’ sign. When the point is established, the puck will be turned over to display the ‘ON’ sign, signifying that the craps game is in the Point roll phase. 

• The Stick: A long, curved stick is used to collect the dice after each roll and hand them to the shooter. Only the stickman can wield the stick.

TABLE PERSONNEL 

The table personnel found at a craps game may vary depending on whether you’re playing craps online or at a land-based casino. Online casinos feature one live dealer that generally oversees the game. However, land-based craps games feature several crew members that help keep the game flowing:

• The Boxman: The boxman oversees the box — the area of the craps table where the centre bets are placed. 

• The Stickman: The stickman retrieves the dice after every roll using a curved stick. The stickman also calls out the outcomes of the rolls while passing the dice to the shooter to kick off the next round. 

• The Dealers: The dealers stand beside the boxman and are in charge of handling the money and the chips. They may also exchange cash for chips when playing craps at land-based casinos, help players place chips in hard-to-reach areas of the table, mark the point, pay out winning bets and clear the table of losing ones.

• The Shooter: The shooter rolls the dice for the entire table. Online craps games include a piece of equipment that shoots the dice for the table. However, when playing craps at land-based casinos, each player gets a turn at being appointed shooter as long as that player has an active Pass or Don’t Pass bet. The roll of the dice gets passed around the table clockwise.

A TYPICAL ROUND

So now that you have an idea of the rules of a standard game of craps, the equipment used and the job of each casino crewperson, let’s go through what a typical round would look like when playing craps at a Live Casino:

The first thing players do as they load up a craps game is take a virtual seat at the table. Live craps games are streamed 24/7, so players could enter the game at any point in the round. In the case that players have missed the betting timeframe, they can wait until the round ends, during which time they can interact with the live dealer as well as other players using the Live Chat feature. 

At the beginning of the round, players will be given a limited amount of time to place their bets. Here, they will find several different-coloured betting chips, each holding its own value. The round will kick off once the betting time has expired.

Like all craps games, a coloured puck will be used to indicate which roll phase is next. This will help players decide which type of bet to place. If the puck is black and says ‘OFF’, this indicates that the next roll is the Come Out phase. If the puck is white and says ‘ON’, this indicates that the next roll is the Point roll phase.

Players begin by placing their bets on the pass line on the first roll of the dice. During the Come Out roll phase, players must predict whether the dice will land on a seven or 11 (a Pass Line/ Pass bet) or two, three or 12 (a Don’t Pass bet). The round ends if the total dice roll is seven or 11 (also referred to as a ‘natural’), or two, three or 12 (also referred to as a ‘craps’ roll). 

If the total value rolled amounts to four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or 10, then that value becomes the ‘point’ and kicks off the next roll. The live dealer will place a puck on the point number and then roll the dice again to set off the next phase. 

After the previous betting round has ended, the Pass Line bet placed when the point was established will remain on the table until the point number is rolled again. If the shooter rolls a seven during this phase, this will be considered a losing roll.

An odds bet can be placed alongside the Pass Line bet, which offers a different payout depending on the point number. Bets are resolved when either the point number is rolled again, or a seven is rolled. Winning bets will be paid out if the point number is rolled. However, players will suffer a loss if the seven is rolled. Once this happens, the puck will switch to ‘OFF’, and the Come Out roll phase will begin again.

CRAPS BETS

The craps betting options are probably the most confusing thing about this casino game. Many of the wagers overlap and are sometimes affected by the roll phase the game is in, but don’t worry; we’re here to help! After all, this wouldn’t be a beginner’s guide to the game of craps without running through the bets.

Bear in mind that, aside from these wagers, you may encounter a few other online craps games that offer different betting options, including the option to place hop bets or horn bets. That said, they are not super common, but it’ll be good to have an idea of what these bets entail before you begin playing.

ONE-ROLL BETS

Also referred to as single-roll bets, one-roll wagers are stakes that get resolved after one dice roll, so they’re pretty basic bets. Some players even refer to these wagers as proposition bets and may share similarities with the bets offered in standard roulette games.

These types of bets are not dependent on the roll phase the game is in and, as such, can be placed during both roll phases. Take a look:

FIELD BET

A Field bet is a one-roll bet combination that covers all totals of two, three, four, nine, 10, 11 and 12. 

Field bets are self-service wagers, which implies that players betting at a land-based casino are allowed to move chips onto the game field as they see fit. Field bets can be made anytime during the game and will pay even money on numbers ranging between three and 11 (except seven) with a house edge of 2.78%, and 2:1 on two and 12 with a house edge of 5.56%.

SEVEN BET

This one-roll bet wins of the shooter rolls any combination of seven, including one and six, two and five, three and four, etc. This wager pays out 4:1 and has a house edge of 16.67%.

CRAPS BET

The craps bet, also known as any craps, is a one-roll bet that covers any craps roll. The bet wins if the shooter rolls totals of two, three or 12, and has a house edge of 11.11%. If any other combination rolls, the bet loses:

CRAP 2 BET

This bet pays out 30:1 if the shooter rolls a total of two.

CRAP 3 BET

This bet pays out 15:1 if the shooter rolls a total of three.

CRAP 12 BET

This bet pays out 30:1 if the shooter rolls a total of 12.

ELEVEN BET

Pays out 15:1 if the shooter rolls an 11 and has a house edge of 11.11%.

C-E BET

This bet covers the combination of any craps total, as well as a bet on 11. It pays out differently depending on the outcome of the roll. A rolled two, three and 12 pays out 3:1 with a house edge of 11.11%, while a rolled 11 pays out 7:1 with a house edge of 11.11% also.

MULTI-ROLL BETS

While single-roll bets get settled after the first roll of the dice, multi-roll wagers stay on the craps table until the shooter rolls the dice and lands a seven or the established point number. Like proposition bets, multi-roll wagers pay out in several different ways, depending on the roll phase the craps game is in.

PASS LINE/ PASS BET

The pass line bet is an even-money wager that pays out 1:1 and has a house edge of 1.41%. The pass line wins when the shooter rolls a seven or 11,  however, if the shooter rolls a two, three or 12, the pass  bet loses.

The pass line bet is available only during the Come Out roll phase, and the sequence starts with a “comeout roll” and a new shooter. During the Point roll phase, pass bettors win if the shooter rolls the point before landing a seven. 

DON’T PASS BET

Like pass line bets, don’t pass bets are even-money wagers that pay 1:1 with a house edge of 1.36%. However, unlike pass line bets, these wagers win if the shooter rolls a two or a three and lose if the shooter rolls a seven or 11. If the rolled sum amounts to 12, don’t pass bets will push, and all wagers will be returned to players. During the Point roll phase, don’t pass bets pay out if the shooter rolls a seven before the point number.

COME BET

The come bet is a wager that can be placed after the point number is established and pays 1:1 (even-money) for the original bet and true odds for the odds bet. This wager wins if the shooter rolls a seven or 11 but loses if the shooter rolls a two, three or 12. If any other total is rolled, that number will become the come bet point. In this case, the player’s bet will be placed on hold and will only win if the shooter rolls that number before a seven. The come bet has a house edge of 1.41% and is only available during the Point roll phase.

DON’T COME BET

If the come bet wins when the shooter rolls a seven or 11, the don’t come bet is the exact opposit. This wager pays out if the shooter rolls a two or a three, and loses if the shooter rolls a seven or 11. However, if a 12 is rolled, the don’t come bet is pushed and returned to the player. 

If any other number is rolled, all betting chips will be moved to the upper-left corner of the number’s position to mark the point. In this case, the don’t come bet will win if a seven is rolled before that point number is rolled again.

The don’t come bet is only available during the Point roll phase and has no limit to the number of times it can be placed. Like the don’t pass bet, the don’t come bet also pays 1:1 with a house edge of 1.36%.

TAKE ODDS BET

Take odds bets pay true odds of the established point number against a seven. This odds bet is only available for the pass bet and come bet that have an established point number and as such, will win together with a pass or come bet. The maximum Odds bet that can be placed is based on the multiplier specified in the bet limits.

Take odds bets have no house advantage because these wagers are considered completely fair.

LAY ODDS / FREE ODDS BET

Like take odds bets, lay bets pay true odds against the established point. The lay bet is only available for the don’t come and don’t pass bets and as such, will win together with a don’t come or don’t pass bet. Like take odds bets, lay odds bets have no house edge, though the house may still retain an advantage.

PLACE TO WIN BET / PLACE BET

The place to win bet is one of the two place bets you can place in a game of craps.

This Place bet involves betting on a total of four, five, six, eight, nine or 10 rolling before a seven. Place bets offer different payouts and house edges depending on the number that is rolled. So, a place to win bet pays 9:5 on four and 10 with a house edge of 6.67%, 7:5 on five and nine with a house edge of 4.00%, and 7:6 on six and eight with a house edge of 1.52%.

PLACE TO LOSE BET

The place to lose bet is the second place bet you can place in a craps game. It involves betting on a total of four, five, six, eight, nine or 10 rolling after a seven. In each case, this place bet on four or 10 pays 5:11 with a 6.67% house advantage, five or nine pays 5:8 with a house advantage of 4.00%, and six or eight pays 4:5 with an advantage of 1.52%.

HARDWAYS BET

The Hardways bet involves betting on any or all pairs of hardways, which include two and two, three and three, four and four, and five and five. The wager pays out if the exact pair is rolled, but will lose if any combination of seven is rolled or an easy combination of the total is rolled. 

For example, if you place a hardway bet on eight, you will earn a payout if a four and a four are rolled, but you will lose if a five and a one are rolled. Hardways wagers on a six or eight pay 9:1 and offer a house advantage of 9.09%. Similarly, hardways bets on a four or 10 pay 7:1 and offer a house advantage of 11.11%.

BUY BETS

The buy bet is not one that is so commonly offered at casino craps tables, but it is one you may find nonetheless. The buy bet pays true odds on winning bets, but you’ll have to pay a 5% commission for that deal. That said, the same bet may have a lower house edge on tables that charge commission only if you win. The house edge may also vary depending on the number you bet on.

CRAPS ETIQUETTE

Learning how to play craps is more than simply knowing what bets to place and how to place them. You are expected to uphold a certain level of etiquette, especially when playing at a busy craps table with many players pining for a seat. Here are a few tips on craps etiquette to keep in mind to help you blend in with the pro craps crowd:

• Follow instructions.

Figuring out how to play craps is a bit of a learning curve, especially when playing at a land-based craps table. Players get hyped as the tension and excitement builds, so newbies may get a little confused about when to take certain actions like placing bets or shooting the dice. 

Your best bet is to follow the instructions set by the dealer. Watch out for verbal or physical cues, or ask the dealer for some clarification if you’re unsure of what to do next. By simply following the instructions at the table, you’ll be in for a smooth round of craps.

• Join at the right time.

It is not good practice to join a craps table while a game is currently underway. The last thing you want to do is place your chips on the table when a player is about to roll the dice — if you don’t see dice on the table, don’t place your chips! 

It is recommended that you buy in once the dice are in the middle of the table. Have your money out in your hand and signal the dealer when it is time to join. Once the dealer has acknowledged your request, place your money directly on the table. 

The dealer is there to help with anything you may need, so if you’re ever unsure of what action to take, the dealer will point you in the right direction.

• Tip the dealers.

Tipping is pretty customary in a typical game of craps — some online tables might even let you do it too. Be prepared to leave a tip for the dealer, regardless of whether you won or not. How much you tip, however, is dependent on whether you won or not. Many players recommend tipping 5% of their winnings from a session or tipping €2-€5 for every hour spent at the table. 

One alternative to tipping is placing bets on the dealer’s behalf. Place your own bets, and then let the dealer know what you’re placing on their behalf. What’s great about this method of tipping is that your tip amount will grow substantially if the wager wins.

• Tip the servers.

This particular tip is not necessarily specific to craps. Take this as more of a casino-wide tip. Like the dealers, the servers are there to make sure you gaming experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so tipping them for their hard work could go a long way and is always a good idea.

• Shoot the dice quickly.

In any standard game of land-based craps, each player will get a turn at shooting the dice. When it’s your turn to shoot, make sure you roll quickly. Players and dealers don’t particularly enjoy it when someone takes too long to make that toss, so this is a tip you’d definitely want to keep in mind. 

You’ll find that some players may have different betting strategies or pre-shooting moves they like to do before actually give the dice a toss. But with that in mind, it is still recommended to go through your pre-shooting bit quickly. 

Don’t worry if you’re not sure how long to take, just observe how long every other player is taking when rolling the dice themselves, and follow suit.

• Bet on time.

In any game of craps, be it online or live, players will be given a specific time frame to place their bets. That said, while online games will completely prevent you from betting late by simply not giving you the option anymore, land-based games may be forced to wait for you to wager — and we’re sure we can all agree that players are not fans of waiting. We’re not saying to simply place the first bet that comes to mind, but avoid taking too long as you would be keeping the game from moving on. Think ahead of what you want to wager and how much you want to wager — having a betting strategy in place might come in handy here. 

By thinking ahead, you’ll always be prepared to place your bets the next time a round of betting comes along. 

• Be considerate of other players.

No matter what casino game you play, you must always be considerate of others and treat them with respect. Everyone is there to have a good time, so why ruin that experience for them? Give people space if the table is packed and be respectful if they’re new and not entirely sure what they’re doing yet — every player starts somewhere. Trust us when we say that you’ll be in for a much more enjoyable experience if you’re considerate of the other players around you.

• Make sure the table is clear.

Setting things on top of the table is definitely something you’d want to avoid. Anything besides your hands and arms may get in the way of the dealer or other tables and may hinder some players from shooting properly just to avoid touching your stuff. You might end up in a situation where something falls into the play area — the game would have to be halted until the table is cleared. Suffice to say; your fellow craps players won’t be happy campers.

• Keep your hands out of the playing area.

Following up on the previous tip, aside from clearing the craps table of your belongings, it is also best to make sure your hands and arms are out of the way as well, especially if you’re sitting at the opposite end of the table from the shooter. The way the dice will roll is completely unpredictable, so it won’t be the first time the dice took a crazy bounce and headed in all sorts of directions. You must make sure that you’re never in a position where the dice might hit you. While this may not entirely affect the general gameplay, it may cause some issues. Just keep track of your hands, and you’d be good.

• Avoid saying ‘seven’. 

This may come as a shock to some, but shouting ‘seven’ is actually looked down upon when playing craps. This is because the vast majority of craps players place a  pass line bet, which means that those pass line bets will lose if a seven is rolled. While it may sound a little superstitious, some players believe that saying the word ‘seven’ at a craps table is bad luck and should be avoided completely. Still avoid the dreaded ‘s’ word even if you’ve placed a don’t pass bet.

• Have a good bankroll management strategy.

If you had to memorise one tip out of all the rest, it would definitely be this one. Having a good bankroll management strategy goes for playing all casino games, not only craps. 

A bankroll management strategy will basically help you safeguard your funds by setting betting limits on your wagers and keeping your gambling habits in check. The gameplay of some casino games can be pretty hot, but it is super easy to get burned. A bankroll management strategy will help you realise when it may be time to slow down or pull out of the game entirely.

CRAPS STRATEGY TIPS

CRAPS VARIANTS

Because technology is so advanced nowadays, whether you play craps online or at a land-based casino, you’ll find several fascinating casino craps games to try out! The general craps rules and foundation of the game will remain the same, so you won’t have to worry about diving into a whole new reality. But, you may find additional rules, bets and bonuses that may tweak the gameplay a little — for the better, of course. Here are a few of our favourites:

CRAPLESS CRAPS

Also referred to as ‘Never Ever Craps’ or ‘Ruse Craps’, Crapless Craps was created with the idea to keep players from losing a Pass Line bet when rolling a two, three or 12 in the Come Out roll phase. 

Compared to other casino games, craps offers one of the lowest house edges you can get, but Crapless Craps offers even better odds than your average table. But, because players have such an advantage, it is not a game that is easy to come by.

Crapless Craps is majorly played in the state of Mississippi in the United States, but you never know which Live Casino it might pop up in, so keep your eyes peeled!

HIGH POINT CRAPS

If you don’t manage to spot Crapless Craps at your chosen casino, you might be able to check out High Point Craps. This table game totally ignores the craps numbers two and three when they appear during the Come Out roll phase to the great benefit of the player. 

If the rolled number is a two or a three, then the two dice are returned to the shooter and thrown again. A win is paid out if an 11 or 12 is rolled. Any other total will be used as the point; the player will be required to roll a total larger than the point established in order to win the game round. 

BANK CRAPS

Bank Craps is a game that is mostly played in Las Vegas, Nevada, and for this reason, is commonly referred to as Las Vegas craps. This version of craps offers its own unique craps table layout, and all bets are placed against the house. Bank Craps rules are a little different from your standard game of craps, so be sure to read through the rules before placing your bets.

ONLINE FIRST PERSON CRAPS 

First Person Craps is the perfect game to play if you can’t step foot into an actual casino. It is also the perfect online casino craps game for all the newbie craps players still learning how to play craps. 

Instead of rolling against a dealer, players will go up against a computer that does all the shooting for them. First Person Craps comes with many of the same rules as other craps tables, but the gameplay is a lot more straightforward, which is why so many new players tend to select this game to mark the beginning of their online craps journey.

To make things even better, First Person Craps is also available in the demo mode, so players will get to try and test every feature for free using virtual funds instead of their actual bankroll. Players wouldn’t be able to collect any of the winnings they earn, but it’s a great way to give the gameplay a test drive. Demo availability may vary depending on your jurisdiction. 

CRAPS LIVE

Once you’ve exhausted First Person Craps, why not turn up the heat with Craps Live? This phenomenal game is the brainchild of the brilliant Evolution. Craps Live comes complete with HD streaming, professional live dealers, a lavish studio design and many outstanding mechanics that help make your experience as authentic as possible. It’s so authentic that you’ll feel like you’re actually standing in the studio! But that’s just the beginning. What makes this craps table so great is the fact that Evolution threw in a few additional features you won’t be able to find elsewhere:

• Tutorial — Sometimes, the best way to learn how to play craps is by diving right in, but with real money on the line, some players might be a little hesitant. With the tutorial, players will be able to try and test the gameplay without depleting their bankroll — think of it as the demo of live tables. It is super interactive, super entertaining and features the same gameplay, with one exception: players won’t be able to win actual money as they play the game (just like a slot demo). Access the tutorial by simply clicking the shirt and tie icon found on the user interface. If there’s any feature that will help you boost your craps knowledge, it is definitely this one.

• Easy Mode — If you want to take your craps journey to the next level but are still a little shaky on the game rules, you can give Craps Live a go in Easy Mode. This gaming mode was designed to cater to beginners who want to play the game with fewer bet spots. Players will also benefit from a smaller betting grid with the simplest betting spots available.

• Dealer Assist — If you head to the ‘Settings’ menu, you’ll find the Dealer Assist mechanic that will tell the dealer to keep your winning bets on the craps table, ready for the next round.

• My Numbers — This mechanic keeps track of all number combinations and payouts, which will come in handy when building betting strategies. Players can also use the ‘My Numbers’ feature to place bets directly.

• Statistics — The statistics board is a dynamic game feature that constantly updates with other players’ real-time bets and results. This board also includes the top five dice totals players have bet on, as well as the top five bet spots players have placed their chips on. You can choose to place the same bet as other players if you’re still not up to speed with your betting options.

PLAY CRAPS AT HotSlots

We’ve given you the lowdown on some fascinating craps games; the only thing left to do is tell you the best place to play them! And what better place than one of the fastest-growing online casinos in the iGaming realm? On top of epic casino craps live tables, our Casino is home to many other online casino games, including slots, live tables, game shows, and more! 

Journey to uncharted lands, sail across the seven seas or explore the depths of the ocean — our slot collection will take you on any adventure imaginable. For some good, old-fashioned table games, hit up our Live Casino! Check out our fun poker, roulette, baccarat and blackjack tables, place additional bets, and trigger all kinds of bonuses.

To make your experience even better, we also offer a myriad of casino bonuses. Boost your bankroll with our Welcome Bonus, snatch up a few extra spins with a Free Spins Bonus, or cushion your losses with a Cashback Bonus on losing bets! Just remember to read through the Terms and Conditions as promotions may be subject to a minimum bet, wagering requirements, expiration dates, among other criteria.

For any additional tips and tricks on how to play craps, hop over to our blog for all things craps. Take a look at our ‘How to Play Craps For Beginners’ guides, where we dive into craps strategies, betting systems and even craps etiquette. We won’t teach you how to win, but with our guiding hand, you’ll learn how to play craps in no time!