Craps is one of the most exciting and fast-paced casino games, known for its lively atmosphere and variety of betting options. While it might seem complicated at first, this beginner’s craps guide will break down the basics, so you can confidently jump into playing craps online. Whether you’re aiming for fun or looking to employ some strategy, this guide will help you understand how to play craps online, explaining the rules, types of bets, and essential tips for beginners.

1. Understanding the Basics of Craps: An Essential Part of This Craps Guide

Before you dive into placing bets, it’s important to understand the basics of craps. The game revolves around the roll of two dice and various betting options on the outcome. Here’s how it works:

The Craps Table Layout

  • Shooter: In craps, the player rolling the dice is known as the “shooter.” In online craps, the shooter is virtual, with the dice rolls determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure fairness.
  • Table Sections: The craps table is divided into different sections for various bets, including the “Pass Line,” “Don’t Pass Line,” “Come,” “Don’t Come,” and other proposition bets.

The Objective of Craps

  • The goal of craps is to predict the outcome of the dice roll. Players can bet on different outcomes, such as the total of the dice or whether certain numbers will appear before others. The game begins with the “come-out” roll, where the shooter rolls the dice to start a new round.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the table layout and bet types before starting. This knowledge will help you place informed bets as you play.

2. Starting the Game: The Come-Out Roll

The first roll in a round of craps is called the “come-out roll.” It sets the stage for the rest of the game, and understanding it is key to playing craps online.

How the Come-Out Roll Works

  • Pass Line Bet: Before the come-out roll, players typically place a bet on the “Pass Line.” This is the most basic bet in craps. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, the Pass Line bet wins. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses.
  • Establishing the Point: If the come-out roll results in any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “point.” The objective then shifts to rolling the point number again before a 7 is rolled.

Don’t Pass Line Bet

  • The “Don’t Pass Line” is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line. Players who bet on the Don’t Pass Line are hoping that the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll (a 12 results in a push). If a point is established, the goal is for a 7 to be rolled before the point number.

Advice: For beginners, starting with the Pass Line bet is a good way to learn the flow of the game and get comfortable with the basic rules.

3. Craps Guide to Basic Bets and How to Use Them

In craps, there are various betting options, but some are more beginner-friendly than others. Understanding these basic bets will help you get started.

Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line Bets

  • Pass Line: As mentioned earlier, this is the most straightforward bet in craps and offers a relatively low house edge (around 1.41%). It is ideal for beginners due to its simplicity.
  • Don’t Pass Line: The house edge for the Don’t Pass Line is slightly lower, at about 1.36%. It’s an option for players who want to try the opposite approach of betting against the shooter.

Come and Don’t Come Bets

  • Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line, the Come bet can be made after the point has been established. The next roll becomes the “come-out roll” for the Come bet. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you win; if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, you lose. If another number is rolled, that number becomes the Come bet’s “point.”
  • Don’t Come Bet: This is the opposite of the Come bet, allowing you to bet against the shooter. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win; a 12 results in a push.

Tip: Start with Pass Line and Come bets before exploring more complex betting options. These bets are simple and offer some of the best odds in the game.

4. Exploring Advanced Craps Bets: Odds, Place, and Proposition Bets

Once you’ve mastered the basic bets, you might want to explore some of the more advanced betting options in craps. This part of the craps guide will introduce you to a few of these bets and how they work.

Odds Bets: Enhancing Your Winnings

  • Taking Odds: After a point is established, players can place an “odds bet” behind their Pass Line or Come bets. This bet pays true odds, meaning there is no house edge. For example, if the point is 4 or 10, the odds bet pays 2:1.
  • Laying Odds: If you’ve placed a Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet, you can “lay odds” behind these bets. This bet pays true odds if a 7 is rolled before the point number.

Place Bets: Betting on Specific Numbers

  • How Place Bets Work: Place bets allow you to wager on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) coming up before a 7 is rolled. The payouts vary depending on the number you choose. For instance, a place bet on 6 or 8 pays 7:6.
  • Pros and Cons: While place bets can offer decent payouts, they come with a higher house edge compared to Pass Line and Come bets.

Proposition Bets: High Risk, High Reward

  • Proposition Bets: These are one-roll bets placed in the center of the table. Examples include betting on the next roll being a specific number (like “Any 7”) or a particular combination of the dice (“Hardways”).
  • High House Edge: Proposition bets can be enticing due to their high payouts, but they also come with a high house edge. Therefore, they are best avoided by beginners looking to maximize their bankroll.

Advice: Focus on odds bets if you want to add complexity to your game while keeping the house edge low. Proposition bets are fun but should be used sparingly due to their high risk.

5. Essential Craps Tips for Beginners

Now that you know the basics and some advanced betting options, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you start playing craps online.

Tip 1: Start with Small Bets

  • As a beginner, it’s wise to start with small bets, especially if you’re still learning the game’s flow and the different betting options. This strategy helps you manage your bankroll and play longer.

Tip 2: Stick to Low House Edge Bets

  • Focus on bets like the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come, as these offer the lowest house edge in craps. Avoid placing too much money on proposition bets, as they can quickly deplete your bankroll.

Tip 3: Practice with Free Craps Games

  • Many online casinos offer free craps games, allowing you to practice without risking real money. Use this opportunity to get familiar with the game, try out different bets, and develop your strategy.

Tip: Before you play for real money, practice using this craps guide to ensure you’re comfortable with the rules and betting options.

6. Advantages of Playing Craps Online

Craps is a game filled with energy in physical casinos, but playing online comes with its own set of advantages.

Convenience and Accessibility

  • Online craps allows you to play anytime and anywhere. You can enjoy the excitement of craps from the comfort of your home without the need to visit a casino.

Variety of Betting Options

  • Online craps games often provide a range of betting options and table limits, catering to both beginners and high rollers. This variety allows you to explore the game at your own pace.

Bonuses and Promotions

  • Many online casinos offer bonuses and promotions that you can use to play craps. Look for welcome bonuses, deposit matches, or free bets to enhance your gaming experience.

Advice: Choose a reputable online casino that offers a user-friendly craps table and clear rules. Check for licenses and player reviews to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.

Conclusion: Use This Craps Guide to Enhance Your Online Gaming Experience

Craps is a thrilling and dynamic casino game that offers endless excitement. By understanding the basics, mastering the come-out roll, exploring various bets, and following essential tips, you can confidently play craps online and improve your chances of success. Use this craps guide as your go-to resource whenever you need a refresher on the rules or strategies. Remember to start with the basics, practice with free games, and most importantly, enjoy the exhilarating experience that online craps has to offer.