Playing craps online is possible for all US players, though most players must visit offshore online casinos. Shooting dice is one of the best casino games, so it’s natural that online casinos offer craps. Since craps is a social game, some players don’t like the online version and prefer live dealer craps. Not all US online casinos offer live casino craps, so you might have to settle for standard online or mobile craps.

If you want to get started playing craps online, read the guide below. We provide an intro to the many different craps bets, plus a guide to craps etiquette. Our guide gives tips when making craps bets, along with a short timeline about the development of craps. We also answer a few frequently asked questions about online craps.

Craps Betting Options

Craps, whether played at a physical or online casino, offer a wide array of betting choices. However, it’s important not to feel overwhelmed by the complex layout. Most of the available bets are considered unfavorable, so savvy players tend to stick to the basic options.

Read our comprehensive list of craps bets, along with their corresponding house edges, to assist you in making informed decisions:

• Pass Line Bet: This is the simplest and most popular bet in craps. It wins if the come-out roll (the initial roll of a new round) results in a 7 or 11, while it loses on a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the “point.” To win, the shooter must roll the point number again before rolling a 7. The payout for a pass-line bet is even money (1:1), with a house edge of 1.41%.
• Don’t Pass Line Bet: This bet is the opposite of the pass line bet. It wins on a come-out roll of 2 or 3 and loses on a 7 or 11. If a 12 is rolled, it’s a push (neither wins nor loses). When any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point, and the shooter must roll a 7 before hitting the point number again to win. The payout for a don’t pass line bet is even money (1:1), with a house edge of 1.36%.
• Come Bet: Similar to the pass line bet, the come bet is placed after the come-out roll when the point is established. It wins on the next roll following its placement if it results in a 7 or 11, and it loses on a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point for the come bet, and the shooter must roll it before a 7 to win. The payout for a come bet is even money (1:1), with a house edge of 1.41%.
• Don’t Come Bet: This is the opposite of the come bet. It wins on the next roll after placement if it results in a 2 or 3 and loses on a 7 or 11. If a 12 is rolled, it’s a push. When any other number appears, that number becomes the point for the don’t come bet, and the shooter must roll a 7 before hitting the point number again to win. The payout for a don’t come bet is even money (1:1), with a house edge of 1.36%.

More Craps Bets Explained

Those are the basic bets in craps. Below is a list of other craps bets. Most of these have a higher house edge than the basic bets, though they have higher payouts.

• Field Bets: Field bets are one-roll bets placed on any dice roll. They win if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Payouts for a winning field bet are typically even money for 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11, and 2:1 for 2 or 12.
• Buy Bets: A buy bet involves wagering that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. While a commission is paid to the casino when placing this bet, the payout is generally better than even money if the number is rolled before a 7.
• Hardway Bets: This wager predicts that a specific number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled as a pair before any other combination or a 7. For instance, a hard 8 consists of two 4s. Hardway bets offer higher payouts but lower chances of winning.
• Big 6 Bet: This bet assumes that a 6 will be rolled before a 7. A winning big six bet usually pays even money.
• Big 8 Bet: Similar to the big six bets, this wager expects an 8 to be rolled before a 7. The payout for a successful big eight bet is typically even money.
• Two or Twelve Bets (2/12): Although separate bets, they function identically. Players place a bet on either the number 2 or 12. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 12, the bet wins; otherwise, it loses. The payout for this bet is usually 30:1.
• Three or Eleven Bets (3/11): Like the 2/12 bets, these are two distinct wagers. Players can choose to bet on either the number 3 or 11. If the shooter rolls a 3 or 11, the bet wins; otherwise, it loses. The typical payout for this bet is 15:1.
• Any 7 Bets: This bet relies on the shooter rolling a total of 7 on the next dice roll. If a 7 is rolled, the bet wins; otherwise, it loses. The usual payout for this bet is 4:1.
• Any Craps Bets: This wager predicts that the next roll will result in a craps number (2, 3, or 12). If any of these numbers are rolled, the bet wins; otherwise, it loses. The payout for this bet is typically 7:1.

How to Make Place Bets

Place Bets: These bets are placed on one of the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after the come-out roll. A place bet wins if the point number appears before a 7, and loses if a 7 is rolled before the point number. The payout and house edge vary based on the point number:

• Place 4 or 10: Payout is 9:5, with a house edge of 6.67%.
• Place 5 or 9: Payout is 7:5, with a house edge of 4%.
• Place 6 or 8: Payout is 7:6, with a house edge of 1.52%.

Craps Strategy and Tips

While craps is not a game that requires intricate strategies, there are various tips to consider when playing with real money. The house edge can vary significantly depending on the type of bet you place. Among the best available, the basic ones are the most favorable in a strategy-free game, while the risky bets offer some of the worst odds.

• Place Basic Bets: Focus on the four fundamental bets in craps—the pass-line bet, the don’t pass bet, the come bet, and the don’t come bet—as they provide the best odds for players. These bets come with a low house edge, minimizing the casino’s advantage.
• Take Advantage of Odds Bets: When placing a pass-line or come bet, you can make additional odds bets behind your original wager. These odds bets pay out at true odds, meaning there is no house edge involved. Taking advantage of odds bets can significantly enhance your chances of winning.
• Avoid Sucker Bets: Several craps bets carry high house edges, so much so that they can be called sucker bets. These include the Big 6 / Big 8 bets, the hardway bets, and the Any 7 bet. It is advisable to steer clear of these bets due to their unfavorable odds, as they can quickly deplete your bankroll.
• Use Money Management: Set a budget specifically for your craps session and ensure you adhere to it. Only wager amounts that you can comfortably afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses. Additionally, it is wise to set aside a portion of your winnings to guarantee that you leave the table with something.
• Don’t Make Progressive Bets: Strategies like the Martingale scheme, where you double your bet after each loss, can lead to substantial losses in a short amount of time. Instead, adopt a flat betting approach and only increase your bets when you have a clear advantage.
• Play Craps, Not Sic Bo: When playing at an online casino, opt for craps over Sic Bo. Although many players are drawn to online Sic Bo, it carries a higher house edge compared to online craps.

Craps Etiquette Tips

Live craps fosters camaraderie among the players, as most bettors place similar bets. Practicing proper craps etiquette is crucial for maintaining a positive and enjoyable atmosphere, whether you are at a physical casino or engaging in live dealer craps online. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Respect The Shooter: The shooter, responsible for rolling the dice, hold the most influence over the game’s outcome. Avoid distractions or interruptions that could disrupt their rhythm and potentially affect the roll’s result.
• Don’t Celebrate Others’ Misfortune: Refrain from cheering when you win a “don’t come” or “don’t pass” bet, as this implies celebrating when the shooter and most other players at the table lose. Such behavior is considered poor taste.
• Tip the Dealers: Tipping the dealers, also known as toking, is customary in craps. When you are on a winning streak, remember to tip the dealers based on your bet’s size and the number of dealers working at the table. Keep in mind that live craps games typically have up to four dealers, so factor this in when calculating your tip.
• Don’t Place Drinks on the Table: In a live setting, craps tables provide a clean and comfortable environment for players. To preserve the table’s surface and prevent it from becoming soiled, refrain from placing drinks, food, or cigarettes on the felt.
• Learn the Betting Rules: It is essential to understand the game’s rules and any specific craps etiquette enforced by the casino where you are playing. If you have any uncertainties, do not hesitate to seek clarification from the dealer or other players.

The History of Craps

Craps is the most famous casino game that involves dice rolls and strategic betting. It boasts a long history that spans centuries. The origins of craps can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was borrowed by Europeans from the Muslim civilization.

• Hazard: Craps has roots in the Crusades during the 12th century. It is believed that soldiers engaged in a game called Hazard, where dice were rolled, and bets were placed on the outcomes. This game served as a precursor to the modern-day version of craps.
• Crapaud: In the 18th century, the French royal court embraced craps, then known as “crapaud” or “toad” in French. The name was derived from the players’ hunched posture resembling a toad when rolling the dice. The game gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, particularly in New Orleans, where it found a home in the city’s bustling gambling houses.
• Street Craps: During World War II, American soldiers sought amusement and thrills by playing dice. Utilizing army blankets as makeshift surfaces, they engaged in what was coined “street craps.” This game grew in popularity among soldiers, persisting even after the war’s conclusion.
• Las Vegas Craps: The 20th century witnessed craps becoming a beloved casino staple in Las Vegas. Played on felt-covered tables, the game offered an array of betting options for players. As its popularity soared, craps secured its position as a cherished feature in casinos worldwide.
• Online Craps: With the advent of the Internet, craps experienced an even greater surge in popularity. Online casinos now provide the game to players across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after casino games in the digital realm.
• Mobile Craps: Additionally, craps has been adapted for mobile devices, enabling players to enjoy the game on their smartphones and tablets.

Craps Online FAQ

What sets craps apart from Sic Bo?

Craps is a game where players take turns rolling two dice and placing bets on the outcome of the roll. The initial roll in each round is called the “come-out roll.” Depending on the result, the game can conclude immediately or continue with the shooter rolling the dice multiple times until they establish a “point” or roll a seven. Players can choose from various types of bets on each roll, such as Pass/Don’t Pass bets, Come/Don’t Come bets, and different “place” bets.

On the other hand, Sic Bo is a simpler game where players bet on the outcome of a single roll of three dice. There are numerous betting options, including specific numbers, the total of the three dice, and various number combinations.

For players seeking a better gaming experience, craps with its lower house edge (especially with basic bets) is the preferred choice over Sic Bo.

Can craps be used to meet the wagering requirement of an online casino’s welcome bonus?

The rules for fulfilling a welcome bonus at an online casino vary based on the specific terms and conditions attached to the bonus. Read the bonus terms and conditions to determine which games are eligible for meeting the wagering requirements.

Often, craps contribute towards the wagering requirements of a welcome bonus, although its contribution percentage might be lower compared to other games. Some online casinos may only count a portion of the wager placed on craps towards the wagering requirement, while others might not consider craps wagers at all.

It is advisable to review the bonus terms and conditions to ascertain which games count towards fulfilling the wagering requirement and at what percentage. If there is any uncertainty, it is recommended to contact the customer support team of the online casino for clarification.