A beginner’s guide to playing craps online

In online craps, a round is divided into two distinct parts: the Come-Out Roll and the Point Phase. Unlike other table games where every roll is a fresh start, craps involves a multi-stage process where previous rolls dictate current winning conditions.

1. The Come-Out Roll

The round begins with the “Come-Out” roll [1]. Before the dice are thrown, you place your initial wager on the Pass Line.

• 7 or 11 (Natural): You win even money (1:1), and the round ends.

• 2, 3, or 12 (Craps): You lose your bet, and the round ends.

• 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: This number becomes the Point. A puck on the digital table will flip to “On” and be placed over that number.

2. The Point Phase

Once a Point is established, the goal changes. The shooter must roll that specific Point number again before rolling a 7 [2].

• Hit the Point: If the Point is rolled, Pass Line bettors win.

• Seven Out: If a 7 is rolled before the Point, the Pass Line bet loses, and the round resets [4].

The craps table offers dozens of betting options, but most carry a high house edge that favors the casino. For a smart start, focus on these four core bets.

Pass Line and Don’t Pass

The Pass Line is the most common bet, with a house edge of 1.41%. You are betting that the shooter will win. Conversely, the Don’t Pass bet is a wager that the shooter will lose (rolling craps on the come-out or a 7 during the point phase). This has a slightly lower house edge of 1.36% [5].

The Odds Bet (The Secret Weapon)

Once a point is established, you can place an “Odds” bet behind your Pass Line wager. This is the only bet in the casino with zero house edge because it pays out at true mathematical odds [2].

• Points 4 & 10: Pay 2:1

• Points 5 & 9: Pay 3:2

• Points 6 & 8: Pay 6:5

Come and Don’t Come Bets

These work exactly like Pass and Don’t Pass, but they can only be placed after a point has been established. They essentially create a “personal” point for your bet, adding more action to the table [3].

Place Bets (6 and 8)

If you want to bet on specific numbers without waiting for a Come-Out roll, “Place” bets on the 6 or 8 are highly recommended. These have a low house edge of 1.52% and are much more likely to hit than “Proposition” bets in the center of the table [5].

While the camaraderie of a physical casino is a major draw, online play offers significant advantages for those still learning the ropes.

1. Controlled Pace: In a live setting, the “Stickman” and “Boxman” move the game along quickly. Online, the dice only roll when you click the button.
2. Lower Minimums: Digital tables often allow $1 minimum bets, whereas live tables often start at $10 or $15 [4].
3. Visual Aids: High-quality online software will highlight winning areas and give you clear prompts on when to bet.
4. Live Dealer Options: If you miss the social aspect, many sites offer live dealer craps. You can check out our guide on choosing the best live dealer casino games to see how this format bridges the gap.

As discussed in our beginner’s guide to the casino floor, game selection and discipline are key to a successful session.

• Avoid Proposition Bets: These “one-roll” bets (like “Any 7” or “Hardways”) sit in the center of the table and offer high payouts, but they often have a house edge exceeding 10% [5].
• Watch the “Big 6” and “Big 8”: These bets pay even money (1:1), which is a “sucker bet” because placing a regular bet on 6 or 8 pays 7:6 [1].
• Understand the “Gambler’s Fallacy”: Each roll of the dice is independent. Just because a 7 hasn’t appeared for ten rolls doesn’t mean it is “due” [2].

The Master Rules

• The game starts with a Come-Out roll where a 7 or 11 wins for the “Pass Line.”
• Any other number becomes the “Point” that must be rolled again before a 7.
• The “Odds” bet is the best value in the casino and should be utilized whenever a point is set.

Action Plan

1. Find a “Play for Free” version: Most reputable online casinos offer a demo mode to practice placing bets without real money.
2. Start with the Pass Line: Keep it simple for your first 20 minutes.
3. Take the Odds: Once you understand the Point phase, always add an Odds bet.
4. Stick to 6 and 8: If you want to expand, use Place bets on 6 and 8 before trying riskier numbers.
5. Set a Limit: Determine your bankroll before you start and stick to it.

Craps is a game of high variance and high excitement. By sticking to low-edge bets and utilizing the free odds, you can enjoy one of the most mathematically fair games in the casino while building your confidence as a player.