Craps is one of the most exciting and fast-paced games in any casino. It’s a dice game filled with energy, strategy, and sometimes superstition. Players gather around a large table in a land-based casino, cheering as the dice fly across the felt. But how does that translate to online play?
In this how to play guide, we’ll walk you through the rules of online craps, betting options, strategies to improve your chances, and tips to stay in control of your gambling. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your approach, you’ll find everything you need right here.
“Craps is one of those games that can seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s one of the most entertaining ways to play at an online casino.” – Michael Brown, Co-Owner of The Casino Count
Highlights:
- Master the Basics: Learn how the come-out roll, point system, and key bets work to get started quickly.
- Best Bets for Beginners: Stick with Pass Line and Odds bets for the lowest house edge and the best chance to win.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Discover why high-risk bets like “Any Seven” can drain your bankroll fast.
- Play Smart, Play Safe: Set a budget, know when to walk away, and use responsible gambling resources when needed.
The Basics: How Craps Works
At its core, craps is a dice game where players place bets on the outcome of a roll or a series of rolls. In a traditional casino, one player, known as the shooter, rolls two dice while others bet on the result. The process is streamlined online through a digital interface or a live dealer game where the dice roll is either animated or handled by a real person via video stream.
The Come-Out Roll and Point
The game begins with a come-out roll. Here’s what happens:
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, they win instantly.
- If they roll a 2, 3, or 12 (called “craps”), they lose that round.
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point.
Once a point is set, the goal is to roll that number again before rolling a 7. If the point is rolled first, the shooter wins. If a 7 appears before the point, they lose.
Online Craps Betting Options
One of the biggest appeals of craps is the variety of bets available. Here are the most common ones.
Pass Line Bet:
- The most popular bet in craps.
- You win even money (1:1) if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11.
- You lose if it’s a 2, 3, or 12.
- If a point is set, you win if that number is rolled before a 7.
Don’t Pass Bet:
- This is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet.
- You win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 (12 is a push).
- If a point is established, you win if a 7 appears before the point.
Come and Don’t Come Bets:
- Similar to the Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets but placed after the point is set.
- A Come Bet wins if the next roll is 7 or 11 and loses if it’s 2, 3, or 12.
- A Don’t Come Bet wins if 2 or 3 rolls next but loses on 7 or 11.
Odds Bets:
- Once a point is set, you can place an extra wager behind your original bet.
- This has no house edge, making it one of the best bets in the casino.
Payouts vary depending on the point:
- 2:1 for points of 4 or 10
- 3:2 for 5 or 9
- 6:5 for 6 or 8
Proposition Bets (Prop Bets):
- High-risk, high-reward bets on specific dice combinations.
Examples include:
- “Snake Eyes” (betting on a 2) – pays 30:1.
- “Boxcars” (betting on a 12) – pays 30:1.
- “Any Seven” (betting on 7) – pays 4:1 but has a high house edge.
“If you’re just starting, stick with the Pass Line bet and Odds bets. They offer the best chances of winning and keep the game simple.” – Michael Brown
Craps Payouts and House Edge Cheat Sheet
Understanding which bets offer the best value is the quickest way to play like a pro. In online craps, not all bets are created equal. Use this chart to identify the “smart money” bets versus the “sucker bets.”
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge (approx.) | Difficulty Level |
| Pass / Come | 1:1 | 1.41% | Beginner |
| Don’t Pass / Don’t Come | 1:1 | 1.36% | Beginner |
| The Odds (Taking/Laying) | Varies (True Odds) | 0.00% | Intermediate |
| Place 6 or 8 | 7:6 | 1.52% | Intermediate |
| Place 5 or 9 | 7:5 | 4.00% | Intermediate |
| Place 4 or 10 | 9:5 | 6.67% | Intermediate |
| Field (2 or 12) | 2:1 (or 3:1) | 5.56% | Beginner |
| Any 7 (Big Red) | 4:1 | 16.67% | Avoid |
| Hardways (4, 6, 8, 10) | 7:1 or 9:1 | 9.09% – 11.11% | Advanced |
Pro Tip: Notice that the “Any 7” bet has a house edge of over 16%, while the “Pass Line” is under 1.5%. Staying away from the high-edge bets is the single best strategy for preserving your bankroll.
Tips for Playing Craps Online
1. Start with Free Play Mode
Before risking real money, try out a free craps game to get comfortable with the rules and betting options. Many online casinos offer demo versions where you can practise without financial risk.
2. Avoid High-House-Edge Bets
Proposition bets might offer tempting payouts, but they’re called “sucker bets” for a reason. The house edge on these is significantly higher than standard bets.
3. Take Full Advantage of Odds Bets
Odds bets have zero house edge, making them the smartest wager in craps. Always take the highest odds your bankroll allows.
4. Manage Your Bankroll
Craps can be fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Set a budget before you start playing, and stick to it.
5. Learn the Flow of the Game
Online craps might lack the physical dice-throwing experience, but the mechanics remain the same. Watch a few live dealer games to understand how betting rounds progress.
6. Play Responsibly
As with any casino game, responsible gambling is key. Step away and take a break if you feel like you’re losing control. If gambling stops being fun, seek help from responsible gambling organisations such as BeGambleAware or GamCare.
“Craps is all about having fun, but it’s important to stay in control. Set limits and never chase losses.” – Michael Brown
3 Beginner Strategies to Try Today
Random betting is the fastest way to lose your chips. Instead, try one of these disciplined strategies used by UK players to manage risk while keeping the game exciting.
1. The “Pass & Odds” Method (The Mathematical Best)
- The Goal: Minimise the casino’s advantage.
- How to do it: Place a minimum bet on the Pass Line. Once a point is established, place the maximum allowable “Odds” bet behind your Pass Line wager.
- Why it works: The “Odds” bet has zero house edge, mathematically diluting the casino’s advantage on your total wager to below 1%.
2. The “Place 6 & 8” System (Frequent Wins)
- The Goal: Action on every roll.
- How to do it: Wait for a point to be established. Then, place a bet on the 6 and the 8 (in multiples of £6).
- Why it works: There are 10 ways to roll a 6 or an 8, making them the most frequently rolled numbers after the 7. This strategy keeps you involved in the game frequently without taking high risks.
3. The Iron Cross (Action Junkie)
- The Goal: Win on almost every roll.
- How to do it: Place a bet on the Field, and place bets on the 5, 6, and 8.
Why it works: You now cover every number on the dice except for the 7. You will win a small amount on every single roll unless a 7 appears (which wipes out the bets). This is high-energy but higher risk.
Craps Variations in Online Casinos
Different online casinos may offer variations of craps, including:
- Classic Craps – The standard version with all traditional bets.
- High-Limit Craps – A version for high rollers with larger bet limits.
- Simplified Craps – A beginner-friendly version with fewer bets.
- Live Dealer Craps – A real-time game with a human dealer streaming the action.
Choosing the right version depends on your experience level and how much you’re comfortable wagering.
Play Craps and Other Casino Games
If you’ve enjoyed our guide, check out our other How to Play guides for different online casino games:
- How To Play Texas Hold’em In An Online Casino
- How To Play Roulette In An Online Casino
- How To Play Slots In An Online Casino
- How To Play Blackjack In An Online Casino
For more expert insights, tips, and strategies, visit The Casino Count Blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Craps
Is online craps rigged?
No, provided you play at a UKGC-licensed casino. Legitimate online casinos use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine dice outcomes. These RNGs are independently audited by third-party testing agencies to ensure the results are truly random and fair.
What is the safest bet for a beginner?
The safest and simplest bet is the Pass Line. It has a low house edge (1.41%) and is easy to follow. You win if a 7 or 11 rolls first, and lose if a 2, 3, or 12 rolls.
Can I use a strategy card while playing online?
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of playing online is that you can have a “cheat sheet” or strategy guide (like this one!) open in another tab or printed out next to you without the dealer telling you off.
What is the difference between Live Dealer and RNG Craps?
RNG Craps is computer-generated and you control the speed of the game—perfect for learning. Live Dealer Craps involves a real human host rolling dice in a studio, streamed to your device. It is more social but moves at a faster pace set by the dealer.
Why do seasoned players avoid the “Field” bet?
While the Field bet is fun because it resolves in one roll, it carries a higher house edge (around 5.56%) compared to Place bets or Line bets. Over time, it drains your bankroll faster than the mathematically superior bets.
Final Thoughts
Craps may seem complex at first, but once you understand the core bets, it becomes one of the most enjoyable online casino games. Stick to smart betting strategies, play responsibly, and most importantly – have fun!
Are you ready to roll the dice? Head over to a trusted online casino, try a free game first, and play for real money with confidence when you’re comfortable.
Good luck, and as always, The Casino Count hopes the dice roll in your favour!
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