Craps Guide - How To Play and Win

Welcome to the ultimate Casinogy.com guide to craps, arguably the most exciting and social game on the casino floor. The sound of cheers erupting from a crowd huddled around a large felt table, the rhythmic chant of the stickman, and the dramatic flight of the dice—this is the heart-pounding world of craps. While its sprawling layout and unique vocabulary can seem intimidating to newcomers, craps is a game that is surprisingly easy to learn but offers layers of depth for seasoned players.

This in-depth article is your complete roadmap to mastering this classic dice game. We will journey from its ancient origins to the modern digital tables, demystify the rules, and break down every bet available. You will learn proven strategies to minimize the house edge, discover the best craps casino websites, and find out how to play craps online for free. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll be ready to step up to the table, online or off, and roll the bones with confidence.

Table of Contents

What is Craps?

At its core, craps is a game of chance played with two six-sided dice. Players place wagers on the outcome of a single roll or a series of rolls. What sets it apart is the communal aspect; often, a table full of players will bet on the same outcome, winning and losing together in a shared wave of emotion. This creates a level of camaraderie rarely found in other casino games. But where did this unique dice game come from?

The Ancient Origins of Craps

The history of craps is a rich tapestry woven through centuries and continents. Many believe its earliest ancestor dates back to the Roman Empire. Soldiers, seeking a diversion, would shave down pig knuckles (astragali) into cube-like shapes to use as dice, tossing them on their shields. This practice is thought to be the origin of the enduring slang term for playing craps: “rolling the bones.”

From Hazard to Modern Craps

A more direct and commonly accepted lineage traces craps back to an old English game called “Hazard.” Developed by Sir William of Tyre and his knights during the Crusades around the 12th century, Hazard was a complex dice game that became wildly popular in English gambling dens and aristocratic circles for centuries.

The game crossed the English Channel to France in the 17th or 18th century. It was here that it likely acquired its modern name. In Hazard, the worst possible roll was a “crab,” and it’s believed the French simplified the name of the game to “craps.”

French aristocrat and gambler Bernard de Marigny brought the game to New Orleans, America, in the early 19th century. From there, it spread up the Mississippi River and across the burgeoning nation. However, this early version of craps had a flaw: it was susceptible to cheating with loaded or fixed dice. Players could only bet with the shooter, so a clever cheater could easily fleece the table.

This all changed around 1907 with the innovations of a bookmaker and dice maker named John H. Winn. Often called the “Father of Modern Craps,” Winn introduced the “Don't Pass” bet. This revolutionary addition allowed players to bet against the shooter. Suddenly, using crooked dice was pointless, as players could simply bet on the outcome the crooked dice were designed to produce. This single change made the game fair, balanced, and suitable for casinos to bank, cementing the version of craps we know and love today.

Craps Table Explained

Walking up to a craps table for the first time can feel like approaching the command centre of a spaceship. The large, sunken table, known as a “tub,” is covered in a complex felt layout filled with boxes and numbers. Understanding this layout and the roles of the casino staff running the game is the first step to feeling comfortable.

Table Layout

A standard craps table is a mirror image of itself on both ends, allowing more players to participate. It is divided into three main sections.

The Side Sections: These two identical areas are where most players stand and place their bets. This is where you'll find the fundamental bets of the game:
- Pass Line: A large bar that runs along the outer edge of the table.
- Don't Pass Bar: A slightly smaller bar located just inside the Pass Line.
- Come and Don't Come: Boxes for placing bets after the initial roll.
- Field: A large section with the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12.
- Place Bets: Numbered boxes for 4, 5, Six, 8, Nine, and 10.
- Big 6 and Big 8: Large red boxes for betting on a 6 or 8 to be rolled before a 7.
The Center Section: Located in the middle of the table, this area is home to the Proposition (or “Prop”) Bets. These are typically single-roll bets with high payouts and, consequently, a high house edge. They include bets on specific numbers (like Any Craps or Any 7) and Hardways. This section is managed exclusively by the Stickman.

The Casino Crew

A live craps game is a well-oiled machine operated by a team of four highly trained casino employees.

The Boxman: The supervisor of the game. The Boxman sits in the middle of the table, opposite the Stickman, guarding the casino's chips (the bank). Their job is to oversee everything, watch for mistakes, settle disputes, and track buy-ins. The Boxman is the ultimate authority at the table.
The Dealers (2): A dealer stands on each side of the Boxman, facing the players. They are responsible for managing the bets in their half of the table. They collect losing chips, pay out winning bets, and convert cash into chips for new players. They also help players make their Place and Come bets.
The Stickman: Standing directly across from the Boxman, the Stickman is the most visible and vocal member of the crew. They wield a long, flexible stick to move the dice around the table, pushing them to the shooter and collecting them after a roll. The Stickman is also the game's narrator, calling out the results of each roll in a unique, rhythmic chant and managing all the bets in the center of the table. They are responsible for creating much of the game's energy and excitement.

Craps Terminology

Craps has its own rich language, filled with slang and technical terms. Getting a handle on this lingo will help you understand the flow of the game and communicate with the dealers and other players. Here's a glossary of essential craps terminology.

Term	Definition
Arm	A player believed to be skilled at rolling the dice in a way that influences the outcome.
Big Red	A slang term for the number 7, used by players who are superstitious about saying the word “seven.”
Bones	A classic slang term for the dice.
Boxcars	A roll of 12 (two 6s). Also called “midnight.”
Boxman	The casino employee who supervises the game from a seated position between the dealers.
Come-Out Roll	The very first roll of a new round, used to establish a Point or decide the round immediately.
Craps	The numbers 2, 3, or 12. Rolling one of these on the come-out roll is generally a loss for Pass Line bettors.
Hardway	A bet on a 4, 6, 8, or 10 being rolled as a pair (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5) before a 7 or an “easy” version (e.g., 5-1 for an easy 6).
Hot Table	A table where the shooter is on a long winning streak, making the Point multiple times.
Natural	A roll of 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. This is an instant win for Pass Line bettors.
Odds Bet	An additional bet made behind a Pass, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come bet. It pays true odds and has zero house edge.
Point	If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled on the come-out roll, that number becomes the “Point.” The dealer marks it with an “ON” puck.
Puck	A plastic marker used by the dealer. The “OFF” (black) side is up during the come-out roll. The “ON” (white) side is placed on the Point number.
Right Bettor	A player betting on the Pass Line (betting with the shooter).
Seven Out	When a 7 is rolled after the Point has been established. This ends the round, Pass Line bets lose, and the dice pass to a new shooter.
Shooter	The player currently rolling the dice.
Snake Eyes	A roll of 2 (two 1s).
Stickman	The dealer who calls the rolls and manages the dice with a long stick.
Wrong Bettor	A player betting on the Don't Pass Line (betting against the shooter).
Yo-Leven	Slang for the number 11, shouted by the stickman to avoid confusion with “seven.”

How to Play Craps

Despite the seemingly chaotic action, the fundamental gameplay of craps is straightforward. A round is divided into two distinct phases. Let's walk through a typical round from start to finish.

Phase 1: The Come-Out Roll

This is the beginning of every new round. The dealer's puck will be in the “Don't Come” box with its black “OFF” side facing up.

Step 1: Choose the Shooter. The opportunity to be the shooter rotates clockwise around the table. To shoot, a player must make a minimum bet on either the Pass Line or the Don't Pass Line.
Step 2: Place Your Bet. Before the shooter rolls, all players place their primary bets. For beginners, the best place to start is the Pass Line. You place your chips directly on the Pass Line in front of you. This is a bet that the shooter will win.
Step 3: The Roll. The Stickman will push several dice towards the shooter, who must pick two. The shooter then throws the dice down the table so they hit the opposite wall. This is done to ensure a random roll.
Step 4: The Outcome. The result of this single roll determines what happens next. There are three possibilities:
- Natural (7 or 11): If the dice total 7 or 11, all bets on the Pass Line win instantly. The round is over before it really begins. The shooter keeps the dice and starts a new round with another come-out roll.
- Craps (2, 3, or 12): If the dice total 2, 3, or 12, all bets on the Pass Line lose. This is known as “crapping out.” The round is over, but the same shooter keeps the dice and starts a new round with another come-out roll (unless they want to pass the dice).
- Point Established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10): If any of these numbers are rolled, the game enters its second phase. The dealer will flip the puck to its white “ON” side and move it to the corresponding number on the layout. This number is now the Point.

Phase 2: The Point Round

The game now has a new objective. The “ON” puck on the table clearly indicates the Point number that needs to be rolled.

Step 1: The Goal. The shooter's goal is to roll the Point number again before rolling a 7.
Step 2: The Rolls Continue. The shooter will continue to roll the dice. During this phase, many other numbers might be rolled, but they are irrelevant for the main Pass Line bet. Only the Point number and a 7 matter.
Step 3: The Outcome.
- The Point is Rolled: If the shooter rolls the Point number (e.g., they roll a 6, and the Point is 6), all Pass Line bets win! This is a “pass.” The round ends, the dealer turns the puck back to “OFF,” and the winning shooter begins a new round with a fresh come-out roll. This is when a table erupts in cheers.
- Seven-Out: If the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the Point, all Pass Line bets lose. The stickman will call out “Seven out, line away.” The round is over, and the dice are passed to the next player in a clockwise direction to start a new round. This is when the table goes quiet.

Example: You bet $10 on the Pass Line. The shooter's come-out roll is a 5. The dealer places the “ON” puck on the number 5. The shooter then rolls a 9, a 3, an 11, and then a 5. Since they rolled the Point (5) before a 7, you win your $10 bet. The round ends, and a new come-out roll begins.

Craps Bets: House Edge & Payouts

The beauty of craps lies in its vast array of betting options. While the Pass Line is the foundation, understanding the other bets is key to developing a strategy and enjoying the full experience. Bets can be categorized into multi-roll bets, which stay active over several rolls, and single-roll bets.

Here we break down the most common bets, including their payouts and, most importantly, their house edge. The house edge is the casino's built-in mathematical advantage on any given bet. A lower house edge is always better for the player. The Return to Player (RTP) is simply $100% - House Edge$ .

The Core Multi-Roll Bets

These are the fundamental bets that form the basis of most craps strategies.

Bet	How it Works	Payout	House Edge
Pass Line	Wins on a 7 or 11 come-out roll; loses on 2, 3, 12. If a point is set, wins if the point is rolled before a 7.	1:1	$1.41%$
Don't Pass	Wins on a 2 or 3 come-out roll; loses on 7 or 11. Pushes on 12 (or 2). If a point is set, wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.	1:1	$1.36%$
Come	Made after the point is set. Works exactly like a Pass Line bet for the next roll. Wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, 12. Otherwise, the number rolled becomes your personal “Come Point.”	1:1	$1.41%$
Don't Come	Made after the point is set. Works exactly like a Don't Pass bet for the next roll.	1:1	$1.36%$

Taking and Laying Odds

This is the most crucial concept for any serious craps player. After a point is established for your Pass or Come bet, the casino allows you to make an additional wager called an Odds Bet. You place this bet directly behind your original bet. Similarly, if you have a Don't Pass or Don't Come bet, you can Lay Odds.

The revolutionary thing about an Odds Bet is that it has ZERO house edge. It pays out at true statistical odds. By taking the maximum odds allowed, you dramatically lower the overall house edge on your combined wager.

Odds Payouts:

Points of 4 or 10 pay 2 to 1.
Points of 5 or 9 pay 3 to 2.
Points of 6 or 8 pay 6 to 5.

Always ask the dealer what the maximum odds are (e.g., 3x-4x-5x, 10x, 100x). A player's first rule of craps strategy should always be to take the maximum odds they can afford.

Other Multi-Roll Bets

Bet	How it Works	Payout	House Edge
Place Bets	A direct bet on a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 to be rolled before a 7. You can make or remove this bet at any time.	9:5 (4/10), 7:5 (5/9), 7:6 (6/8)	$1.52%$ (6/8), $4.00%$ (5/9), $6.67%$ (4/10)
Big 6 / Big 8	A bet that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7.	1:1	$9.09%$

Warning: The Big 6 and Big 8 bets are considered “sucker bets.” A Place Bet on 6 or 8 pays better ($7 for every $6 bet) and has a much lower house edge ( $1.52%$ ). Never bet on Big 6 or Big 8. Always make a Place Bet on 6 or 8 instead.

Single-Roll Proposition Bets

These are the high-risk, high-reward bets found in the center of the table. They are resolved in a single roll and generally have a very high house edge. Use them sparingly for a bit of fun, not as a core strategy.

Bet	How it Works	Payout	House Edge
Field	A bet on the next roll being 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Most casinos pay 2:1 on a 2 and 3:1 on a 12.	1:1	$2.78%$
Any 7 (Big Red)	A bet that the next roll will be a 7.	4:1	$16.67%$
Any Craps	A bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12.	7:1	$11.11%$
Craps 2 (Snake Eyes)	A bet on the next roll being a 2.	30:1	$13.89%$
Craps 3	A bet on the next roll being a 3.	15:1	$11.11%$
Craps 12 (Boxcars)	A bet on the next roll being a 12.	30:1	$13.89%$
Hardways	Bet on a specific pair (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5) before a 7 or the number's “easy” version.	9:1 (Hard 6/8), 7:1 (Hard 4/10)	$9.09%$ (6/8), $11.11%$ (4/10)

Winning Craps Strategy

It's crucial to understand that craps is a game of negative expectation; the house always has an edge. There is no magical system or dice-setting technique that can guarantee a win. The goal of a sound craps strategy is to make bets that minimize the house edge, giving you the best possible chance to walk away a winner and maximizing your playing time.

Beginner Strategy: The “Right Way” Bettor

This is the most common and fundamentally sound strategy. It’s easy to learn and allows you to participate in the table's communal spirit.

Stick to the Pass Line: Start every round with a bet on the Pass Line. This gives you a low house edge of $1.41%$ and puts you on the same side as the shooter.
Take Maximum Odds: Once a point is established, back up your Pass Line bet with the maximum Odds bet you can afford. This is the single most important move you can make. The combination of a Pass Line bet plus a 3x-4x-5x Odds bet lowers the overall house edge to just $0.374%$ .
Add Come Bets (Optional): Once you are comfortable, you can place a Come bet after the point is established. Treat it exactly like your Pass Line bet: if it travels to a number, back it up with full Odds. This gets more of your money working on bets with a very low house edge.

Intermediate Strategy: The “Wrong Way” Bettor

This strategy is for players who are purely focused on the best mathematical odds, even if it means betting against the table.

Bet the Don't Pass Line: This bet has a slightly lower initial house edge ( $1.36%$ ). You are betting that the shooter will “seven out.”
Lay Maximum Odds: When a point is set, you Lay Odds. This means you are betting that a 7 will appear before the point. Like taking odds, laying odds has a $0%$ house edge and lowers your overall edge even further.
Add Don't Come Bets (Optional): Similar to the Right Bettor's strategy, you can place Don't Come bets during the point round, always laying full odds when a point is set.

While mathematically superior, being a “Wrong Bettor” means you win when everyone else loses. This can sometimes lead to a less social experience at a lively table.

The Most Important Strategy: Bankroll Management

No betting tactic can replace disciplined money management.

Set a Budget: Decide exactly how much you are willing to lose before you even approach the table and stick to it. This is your session bankroll.
Set Win Goals and Loss Limits: Decide on a realistic profit target at which you will walk away. Similarly, if you lose your session bankroll, the game is over. Never chase your losses.
Bet Size: A good rule of thumb is to have your Pass Line bet be no more than 1/20th of your session bankroll. This allows you to withstand the natural swings of the game.

Playing Craps Online

Don't have a casino nearby, or just want to learn the ropes without pressure? Craps online is a fantastic solution. Online casinos have made the game more accessible than ever, offering several advantages over their land-based counterparts.

Why Play Craps Online?

Convenience: Play anytime, anywhere, from your desktop or mobile device.
Lower Stakes: Online craps tables often have much lower minimum bets (as low as $1 or less) than live casinos, making it easier to manage your bankroll.
Pace of Play: You control the speed of the game. Take as much time as you need to place your bets and learn the rules.
Play for Free: The single best feature for new players is the ability to play a craps demo. This lets you learn the game and test strategies with zero financial risk.

Types of Online Craps

RNG (Random Number Generator) Craps: This is a fully digital version of the game, like a video game. The outcome of each roll is determined by a sophisticated and highly regulated computer algorithm (RNG) that ensures perfect randomness and fairness. This is the ideal format for practicing.
Live Dealer Craps: This is the pinnacle of the online craps experience. You watch a live video stream of a real human dealer (a Stickman and sometimes a host) on a physical craps table. You place your bets through a digital interface, and the dealer manages the real dice. Games from providers like Evolution have innovative features like a mechanical arm to roll the dice, ensuring a fair and transparent outcome. Live Dealer Craps combines the convenience of online play with the social atmosphere and trust of a real casino.

How to Start Playing at Craps Casino Websites

Getting started with online craps is simple. Follow these steps:

Find a Reputable Online Casino: Choose from our curated list of the best craps casino websites. Look for casinos with proper licensing (e.g., Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission), a good reputation, secure payment methods, and fair bonus terms.
Register Your Account: Click the “Sign Up” or “Register” button. You'll need to provide some basic personal information like your name, email, date of birth, and address.
Claim Your Bonus: Many casinos offer welcome craps bonuses. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions. Due to its low house edge, craps often contributes very little (or nothing) towards bonus wagering requirements.
Make a Deposit: Navigate to the “Cashier” or “Banking” section and choose a deposit method (e.g., credit card, e-wallet, bank transfer) to fund your account.
Find the Game: Go to the casino's game library and look for the “Table Games” or “Live Casino” section. Search for “Craps.”
Play Craps for Free: Before playing for real money, we strongly recommend launching the craps demo or “play for fun” version. Get comfortable with the interface, the bet placements, and the game flow.
Start Playing! Once you're confident, open the real money version, set your bet size, and start rolling!

FAQ about Craps

What is the absolute best bet in Craps?

The best bet in craps, and arguably in any casino, is an Odds Bet. This is because it has a house edge of $0%$ . Since you can only make an Odds Bet after placing a Pass/Don't Pass or Come/Don't Come bet, the best strategic play is to make a minimum bet on one of those lines and then take or lay the maximum odds possible.

Can I play craps on my mobile phone?

Absolutely. All modern craps casino websites are built with mobile-first technology. You can play both RNG and Live Dealer craps directly through your phone's web browser or via a dedicated casino app for iOS and Android.

Is online craps rigged?

No. Reputable and licensed online casinos use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) for their digital games. These are regularly audited by independent third-party agencies (like eCOGRA) to ensure fairness. Live Dealer Craps is even more transparent, as you can see the real dice being rolled in real-time.

What is the RTP of craps?

The Return to Player (RTP) varies significantly depending on the bet you make. For a Pass Line bet, the craps RTP is $98.59%$ . For a Don't Pass bet, it's $98.64%$ . The worst prop bets can have an RTP below $85%$ . By backing your bets with odds, the combined RTP on your money gets significantly closer to $100%$ .

What happens if a die flies off the table in a live game?

The roll is declared “No roll” and is invalid. The Boxman will carefully inspect the die that went off the table for any signs of tampering before returning it to play. Often, they will simply introduce a new set of dice to be safe. The shooter then rolls again.

Why do players get mad if you say the word “seven”?

It's one of the most ingrained superstitions in gambling. After the point is established, a seven is the losing number for most players at the table. Saying the word is considered extremely bad luck, as if you might summon the dreaded number. Players prefer to use nicknames like “Big Red” or “the S-word.”

Conclusion

You have now journeyed from the basics of craps to the advanced strategies that separate novices from sharp players. You've learned its history, decoded its language, and dissected every bet on the felt. Craps is more than just a dice game; it's a shared experience, a whirlwind of hope and anticipation with every roll. Its reputation for being complicated is undeserved. At its heart, it’s a simple game of betting on a shooter to either make their point or fail.

Your path to mastery is clear. Start with the fundamentals: the Pass Line bet. Always, always back your bets with Odds to slash the house edge. Manage your bankroll with discipline, and take full advantage of free online craps demos to practice without risk.

Now you are armed with the knowledge to walk up to any craps table, whether virtual or real, and understand the action. You are ready to place your bets, cheer for the shooter, and feel the unique thrill that only comes from rolling the bones. Good luck!