How to Play
Craps
The most exciting and social casino game. Master Pass Line and odds bets to enjoy some of the lowest house edges available—as low as 0.37% with full odds.
📖Game Overview
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolling two dice. One player (the shooter) rolls the dice, while other players bet on the results. The game features numerous betting options, from simple bets with low house edges to complex proposition bets with terrible odds.
Despite its intimidating appearance and fast pace, craps is straightforward once you understand the basics. With proper strategy (Pass Line + odds), craps offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino—often below 0.5%.
🎲The Craps Table
The craps table is large, accommodating 12-20 players. The layout shows all possible bets:
🎯How to Play Craps
The Come-Out Roll
• 7 or 11: Pass Line wins immediately
• 2, 3, or 12 (Craps): Pass Line loses immediately
• 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: This becomes the "point"
The Point Phase
• Point is rolled: Pass Line wins
• 7 is rolled: Pass Line loses, shooter "sevens out"
• Other numbers: No effect on Pass Line
💰Main Bets and House Edge
| Bet Type | House Edge | Payout | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line + Odds | 0.37% | 1:1 + true odds | ✅ Best |
| Don't Pass + Odds | 0.27% | 1:1 + true odds | ✅ Best |
| Pass Line (no odds) | 1.41% | 1:1 | ✅ Good |
| Don't Pass (no odds) | 1.36% | 1:1 | ✅ Good |
| Come / Don't Come | 1.41% / 1.36% | 1:1 | ✅ Good |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% | 7:6 | ○ OK |
| Place 5 or 9 | 4.00% | 7:5 | ⚠️ Fair |
| Place 4 or 10 | 6.67% | 9:5 | ⚠️ Poor |
| Field | 2.78-5.56% | 1:1 (2:1 on 2/12) | ⚠️ Poor |
| Big 6 / Big 8 | 9.09% | 1:1 | ❌ Bad |
| Hard Ways | 9.09-11.11% | 7:1 or 9:1 | ❌ Bad |
| Any 7 | 16.67% | 4:1 | ❌ Worst |
| Any Craps | 11.11% | 7:1 | ❌ Worst |
⭐Odds Bets Explained (0% House Edge!)
Odds bets are the secret to craps. They're the only casino bets with 0% house edge—they pay true mathematical odds. You can only place odds bets after a point is established, behind your Pass Line or Don't Pass bet.
Odds Bet Payouts
4 or 10
2:1
5 or 9
3:2
6 or 8
6:5
Combined House Edge with Odds
⭐ Always take maximum odds to minimize house edge!
🧠Betting Strategy
Basic Strategy (Beginners)
- 1.Bet Pass Line: Place minimum bet on Pass Line
- 2.Take Maximum Odds: After point is set, bet maximum odds behind Pass Line
- 3.Repeat: Continue this pattern
- 4.Avoid Everything Else: Don't make any other bets
House edge under 0.5% with 3-4-5x odds!
Intermediate Strategy
- 1.Pass Line + Maximum Odds (as above)
- 2.Add Come bets with odds for multiple numbers
- 3.Optionally Place 6 and 8 (1.52% edge)
Don't Pass Strategy (Lowest Edge!)
Don't Pass has slightly lower house edge (1.36% vs 1.41%) and even better with odds (0.27% with 3-4-5x). You're betting against the shooter, which some find less social. Mathematically, it's the best bet in craps.
📊Dice Probabilities
Understanding dice probabilities helps you make informed bets:
| Number | Ways to Roll | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or 12 | 1 way each | 2.78% each |
| 3 or 11 | 2 ways each | 5.56% each |
| 4 or 10 | 3 ways each | 8.33% each |
| 5 or 9 | 4 ways each | 11.11% each |
| 6 or 8 | 5 ways each | 13.89% each |
| 7 | 6 ways | 16.67% |
💡 Seven is the most common roll (6 ways out of 36). This is why 7 wins on come-out but loses after point is set.
💡Tips & Common Mistakes
🤝Craps Etiquette
🌐Where to Play Craps Online
When playing online craps, look for:
Proper Licensing
UKGC, MGA regulated
Live Dealer
Real dice via stream
RNG Certified
eCOGRA, iTech Labs
Odds Available
Maximum odds offered
Table Limits
Range of stakes
Mobile Ready
Play on any device
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is craps and how does it work?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolling two dice. The shooter (person rolling) establishes a point on the come-out roll, then tries to roll that number again before rolling a 7. Players can bet on various outcomes with different odds. It's one of the most social and exciting casino games.
What is the Pass Line bet in craps?
The Pass Line is the most basic craps bet. On the come-out roll, you win on 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12, and any other number becomes the point. Once a point is established, you win if that number is rolled again before a 7. Pass Line has a 1.41% house edge, making it one of the best bets in craps.
What are odds bets and why are they important?
Odds bets are additional bets placed behind your Pass Line or Don't Pass bet after a point is established. They're the only casino bets with 0% house edge—they pay true odds. You can typically bet 3x-5x-10x your original bet depending on the point. Taking odds significantly reduces the overall house edge on your combined bet.
What is the difference between Pass Line and Don't Pass?
Pass Line bets win when the shooter wins (point is made before 7). Don't Pass bets win when the shooter loses (7 before point). Don't Pass has a slightly lower house edge (1.36% vs 1.41%) but you're betting against the shooter, which some players find less social. Both are excellent bets.
What is a come-out roll?
The come-out roll is the first roll of a new round. If you're betting Pass Line, you win immediately on 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12 (craps), and any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point. The dealer marks the point with a puck, and the shooter tries to roll that number again before rolling a 7.
What does 'seven out' mean?
Seven out occurs when the shooter rolls a 7 after a point has been established, ending their turn. Pass Line bets lose, Don't Pass bets win, and the dice pass to the next shooter. On the come-out roll, 7 is a winner for Pass Line, but after a point is set, 7 ends the round.
What are Place bets in craps?
Place bets are wagers that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. Place bets on 6 and 8 have a low house edge (1.52%) and are good bets. Place bets on 4, 5, 9, and 10 have higher house edges (4-6.67%) and are less favorable.
Should I bet on the Field in craps?
The Field bet covers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 (seven numbers), paying even money except 2 and 12 which pay 2:1 or 3:1. Despite covering many numbers, the house edge is 2.78-5.56% depending on payouts. It's not the worst bet but Pass Line with odds is better.
What are the worst bets in craps?
Proposition bets in the center of the table have terrible house edges: Any 7 (16.67%), Any Craps (11.11%), Hard Ways (9.09-11.11%), and individual number bets (11.11-16.67%). These are sucker bets with flashy payouts but horrible odds. Always avoid proposition bets.
What is a Hard Way bet?
A Hard Way bet wins if a specific even number (4, 6, 8, or 10) is rolled as doubles before rolling that number the 'easy way' or before rolling a 7. For example, Hard 8 wins if 4-4 is rolled before any other 8 combination or a 7. House edge is 9.09-11.11%—avoid these bets.
What are Come and Don't Come bets?
Come and Don't Come bets work exactly like Pass Line and Don't Pass, but you can make them after a point is established. They create a personal point for you. Come bets are useful for getting multiple numbers working. They have the same house edge as Pass Line (1.41%) and Don't Pass (1.36%).
How much should I bet on odds?
Bet the maximum odds allowed (usually 3x-5x-10x your Pass Line bet). Since odds bets have 0% house edge, they reduce your overall house edge. For example, Pass Line alone is 1.41%, but Pass Line with 3-4-5x odds reduces it to 0.37%. Always take maximum odds when you can afford it.
What is craps table etiquette?
Key etiquette: Don't touch the dice with both hands. Don't say 'seven' at the table (superstition). Keep hands off the table when dice are rolling. Tip the dealers occasionally. Don't delay the game. Be respectful to other players. Handle chips carefully. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the social atmosphere!
Can I play craps online?
Yes, online casinos offer craps with RNG (random number generator) or live dealer versions. Live dealer craps uses real dice and dealers via video stream, replicating the casino experience. RNG craps is faster but less social. Both are fair when playing at licensed casinos with certified random number generators.
What is the best craps strategy for beginners?
Stick to Pass Line or Don't Pass with maximum odds. These have the lowest house edge (under 0.5% with full odds). Add Come bets with odds once comfortable. Avoid all proposition bets and hardways. Set a budget and stick to it. Learn the basic bets before exploring complex strategies.
Last Updated: January 31, 2026