For those who don’t know already, craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome rounds of rolls. Our guide will explain the works, from understanding the rules to terminology to betting strategies to finding the best casinos. We’ve got you covered.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently join an online craps game and enjoy the thrill of each roll from the comfort of your home.
Let’s dive in and get you ready to roll the dice.
Table of contents
- What is craps?
- How to play craps online
- Craps types
- Playing craps for real money
- Odds and payouts
- FAQ
What is craps online in a nutshell?
Online craps is the digital version of the classic dice game found at land-based casinos. The goal is to predict and profit from the outcome of a roll of two dice. You can make a few different bets on said dice roll, but we will get into that later in this guide.
When you learn how to play craps online, you will find it to be a similar experience as traditional craps, the kind that attracts a crow, but with the convenience of being accessible from anywhere. With a wide range of betting options and the ease of online play, craps online is a genre you should absolutely check out if you are a fan of table games.
How do you play craps online?
Basic rules
The primary goal in online craps is to predict the outcome of a roll of two dice. Players can place bets on different possible outcomes. There are many bets you can make on a roll of the dice in craps, and while the table can be intimidating at first, it’s not as challenging to navigate as you might assume.
Step-by-step guide
- Place your bets: The first thing you do in a round of craps is to place your bets on either the pass line or the don’t pass line. Your pass line bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the first roll (come-out roll) and loses if they roll a 2, 3, or 12. A don’t pass line bet is the opposite: you win if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 and loses on a 7 or 11.
- Roll the dice: Click the roll button to simulate the dice roll. The come-out roll determines if the game continues or ends. If a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, it becomes the point.
- Establishing the point: After the point is set, the shooter rolls the dice. The goal is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. If the point number is rolled, pass line bets win. If a 7 is rolled first, don’t pass line bets win.
In some online versions, a craps card replaces the dice roll to ensure fairness. For example, the card may show a random outcome like a 7 or 11, mimicking a dice roll. Same rules, different execution.
If you are new to the game, check to see if the casino you are playing at offers the Quick Pick feature. This feature allows the game to place bets based on common strategies automatically. For instance, it might place a pass line bet and additional come bets without requiring manual selection. This can be useful for beginners who are not yet familiar with the game’s strategies and want to start playing without having to make all the betting decisions themselves.
Another top tip for rookie players is to examine the pay table before choosing seats. These tables display the odds and payouts for each type of bet.
Common payouts include
| Pass Line Bet: Pays 1:1 | Field Bets (2 & 12) 2:1 |
| Don’t Pass Line Bet: Pays 1:1 | Odds Bet 2:1 (4, 10), 3:2 (5,9), 5:6 (6,8) |
| Come Bet 1:1 | Any Seven 4:1 |
| Don’t Come Bet 1:1 | Any Craps 7:1 |
| Field Bets (3,4,9,10, and 11) 1:1 | Place Bet on 6 or 8: Pays 9:1 |
Craps online types
Online craps offers various versions to suit different player preferences. Here are the major styles you will see the most at digital casinos:
Traditional Craps: This is the classic version, replicating the experience of playing craps in a physical casino. It includes all standard bets like pass line and don’t pass line.
Themed Craps: These games incorporate unique themes, such as historical or fantasy elements, to make the gameplay more engaging. They retain the basic rules but add visual and thematic variations.
Progressive Craps: In progressive craps, a small percentage of each bet contributes to a jackpot. You have the chance to win life-changing payouts if you hit specific outcomes.
Live Craps: Live dealer craps brings the casino atmosphere to your screen. A real-life human dealer conducts the game via video stream, and players can interact in real time, making it the closest experience to being in a casino. These are personal favorites of ours. We highly recommend checking them out.
Power Craps: This version offers a faster-paced game with additional betting options. It’s designed for players who enjoy quick and dynamic gameplay.
Which type of online craps suits you best?
Choosing the correct type of online craps depends on your experience level and what types of games you generally gravitate towards. Here’s a comparison table to help you decide:
| Type | Description | Player type |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Classic craps with standard bets and rules | All |
| Themed | Craps with unique themes and visual variations | Beginner |
| Progressive | Offers a growing jackpot with a portion of each bet contributing | Intermediate |
| Live | Real dealer conducts the game via video stream, offering real-time interaction | All |
| Power | Fast-paced game with additional betting options | Experienced |
Playing craps for real money
To play craps for real money, you need to register at a licensed online casino, deposit funds, and place your bets. Ensure you choose a reputable casino with good reviews and secure payment methods.
Real money play adds excitement but also carries financial risks, so it’s important to gamble responsibly.
Where to play craps for real money online
Most online casinos offer craps online for real money. Here are just a few options we rate very highly:
DraftKings Casino
DraftKings Casino offers quite a few options of craps games but, what makes it really unique is its exclusive craps game available to play called DraftKings Andrew Dice Clay Craps.
The current welcome offer at DraftKings is applicable to be used on craps games.
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Caesars Palace Online Casino
Although Caesars Palace Online Casino does not have a wide variety of craps options, the casino is known for having the best bonuses and rewards system, it is definitely worth checking out any of its games just because of the rewards.
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FanDuel Casino
FanDuel’s welcome bonus can be used on craps games- no worry here. FanDuel Casino is also known for its First Person Craps and has a top-notch selection.
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Pros and cons of playing craps for real money
Pros
- Potential for real winnings: Playing for real money offers the thrill of winning real money in return. This, in essence, is the biggest pro of any gambling game.
- More exciting: When you play craps for real money, it’s naturally going to be more exciting than any free-to-play version.
Cons
- Potential to lose money: It’s important to remember that there’s a possibility of losing money when playing for real, so it’s crucial to set a budget and stick to it to ensure a safe and enjoyable ups and downs of casino gambling.
- More stressful: Playing craps for real money is not as relaxing as playing demo versions or free social casinos. At times, it can be pretty stressful in fact.
Guide for craps odds and payouts
Understanding the odds and payouts in craps is crucial for making informed bets and maximizing your chances of winning.
This section will break down the critical aspects of craps odds and payouts and compare house edges for different bets. For reference, the lower the house edge, the better your chances are of winning. But bets with low house edges also pay less. It’s all about finding that happy middle.
Craps payout percentages
| Bet type | Payout | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass Line | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Come Bet | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come Bet | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Place Bet (6,8) | 9:1 | 9.09% |
| Field Bet | 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 | 5.56% |
| Any Seven | 4:1 | 16.90% |
| Any Craps | 7:1 | 11.10% |
Examples of bets and payouts
- Pass line bet example:
- Bet $10 on the pass line
- Roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll to win $10
- Place a field bet on 6
- Bet $10 on 6
- If a 6 is rolled before a 7, win $90
Understanding these odds and payouts helps make strategic bets to lower the house edge and increase your chances of winning. Always refer to the pay table in the game for specific odds and payouts for each type of bet. They can differ depending on the platform you are using.
Popular craps software providers
When playing craps online, the quality of the software can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Here are some of the top providers renowned for their craps games:
Microgaming: Microgaming is well-respected in the online gaming industry and offers a selection of craps games. The studio is known for high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay. Their craps offerings include standard variations with clear instructions and easy-to-navigate interfaces, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
NetEnt: NetEnt is another top-tier software provider celebrated for its innovative features and user-friendly designs. NetEnt’s craps games stand out with their crisp graphics and intuitive gameplay. They focus on delivering a realistic casino experience with detailed animations and engaging sound effects.
Playtech: Playtech is a major player in the online gaming world, offering a wide range of craps variations. Their games are known for their reliability and high-quality performance. Playtech’s craps games feature comprehensive betting options and customization, allowing players to tailor the game to their preferences. They also provide detailed statistical information to help players make informed betting decisions.
Evolution Gaming: Evolution Gaming specializes in live dealer games and brings the excitement of a live casino to your screen. Their live craps games are hosted by professional dealers and streamed in high definition, providing a realistic and interactive gaming experience. Evolution Gaming’s craps tables are known for their authenticity and include features like real-time statistics and multiple camera angles to enhance the immersive experience.
Craps online real-money bonus
When playing craps online for real money, you can take advantage of various promotions offered by online casinos. While specific craps bonuses are few and far between, general casino promotions can often be used for craps games.
There is one caveat to this, though. Craps games usually contribute a smaller percentage to clearing the wagering requirements from bonus funds compared to slot machines. Double-check the rules wherever you are playing to be sure what the contributions for specific games are.
Here are the main types of bonuses available:
Welcome bonuses: These bonuses match your first deposit up to a certain amount, providing extra funds to play with. For example, a 100% match up to $500 means you get $500 extra when you deposit $500.
No-deposit bonuses: Some casinos offer free credits just for signing up, allowing you to play craps without depositing your own money. These bonuses usually come with wagering requirements.
Reload bonuses: These are offered to existing players and match a percentage of subsequent deposits, encouraging continued play.
Cashback bonuses: Casinos offer a percentage of your net losses back over a specified period. For example, a 10% cashback on losses means you get 10% of your losses returned.
Craps terminology
- Any Craps: A bet that the next roll will be 2, 3, or 12. This bet pays 7:1.
- Boxcars: Another term for rolling a 12 (double sixes). This bet usually pays 30:1.
- Come Bet: Similar to a pass line bet but made after the come-out roll. Wins if the next roll is 7 or 11, loses if it’s 2, 3, or 12, and establishes a point otherwise.
- Come-Out Roll: The first roll of the dice in a betting round. Determines the initial outcome of the pass line and don’t pass line bets.
- Craps: Refers to rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll. These numbers result in a loss for pass line bets.
- Don’t Come Bet: Similar to a don’t pass bet; it is made after the come-out roll. You win if the next roll is 2 or 3, lose if it’s 7 or 11.
- Don’t Pass Bet: A bet that the shooter will not win on the come-out roll. Wins if the roll is 2 or 3, loses if it’s 7 or 11, and ties (pushes) if it’s 12.
- Field Bet: A one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Pays 1:1, with higher payouts for 2 and 12.
- Hardways: Bets on rolling a pair (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5) before a 7 or any other combination of the number. Hard 6 and hard 8 pay 9:1, while hard 4 and hard 10 pay 7:1.
- Hi-Lo: A one-roll bet that the next roll will be either 2 (low) or 12 (high). This bet pays 30:1.
- Lay Bet: A bet that a 7 will be rolled before a specific point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). The payout varies based on the number.
- Place Bet: A bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) being rolled before a 7. Payouts are 9:5 for 4 and 10, 7:5 for 5 and 9, and 7:6 for 6 and 8.
- Point: The number established by the come-out roll if it’s 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The shooter aims to roll this number again before rolling a 7.
- Proposition Bets: One-roll bets placed in the center of the craps table. These include bets like Any Craps, Any Seven, and individual numbers.
- Seven Out: When the shooter rolls a 7 after a point has been established, ending the round.
- Shooter: The player who rolls the dice.
- Snake Eyes: Rolling a 2 (double ones). This is a losing roll for pass line bets on the come-out roll.
- Stickman: The casino employee who manages the dice, calls the outcomes, and controls the action at the center of the table.
Final tips to boost your craps odds
- Play the demo version first: Before risking real money, practice with the demo version of the game or one at a sweepstakes casino. Playing for free helps you familiarize yourself with the rules and betting options without financial risk.
- Play a consistent set of numbers: Stick to a few specific bets, such as pass line and come bets, which provide lower house edges. Avoid constantly changing your betting strategy.
- Check the payout chart before you play: Review the payout chart to understand each bet’s odds and potential payouts. This will help you make informed decisions.
- Establish and adhere to a budget: Set a strict budget for your gaming session and stick to it. This prevents overspending and helps manage your bankroll effectively.
- Take advantage of bonuses: Take advantage of any bonuses and promotions the casino offers. These can provide extra funds to play with, increasing your chances of winning.
- Avoid proposition bets: While tempting due to high payouts, proposition bets have a high house edge and lower your chances of winning. Stick to bets with better odds.
- Know when to walk away: Set win and loss limits. If you reach either, take a break or walk away to avoid losing your winnings or exceeding your budget.
By following these tips, you can improve your chances of success and enjoy a more strategic approach to playing craps online.
