"> "> ">

#1 Canadian gambling guide
decoration 2

Craps Gameplay: Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

The contemporary version of the craps game that we know today originated in the United States, having been influenced by its roots in Western Europe. Interestingly, the game's lineage can be traced all the way back to ancient Rome, where players used animal bones as dice, rolling them on their shields.

In casino craps, players compete either against the house or sometimes against the designated shooter. The game utilizes two dice rolled with one hand, and it’s crucial that they hit the opposite end of the table. The sum of the numbers on the upper faces of the dice is calculated, determining whether players win, lose or await another roll.

Some popular variants of the game include Bank craps (or Las Vegas craps), New York craps, Crapless craps, Simplified craps, and High Point craps. Each comes with its own unique set of rules and payout structures. Players also have the option to engage in craps games online, whether for free or with real stakes.

Page contents

Craps table explained

In a craps casino, the game unfolds on a rectangular table draped in green felt, accommodating up to 16 participants comfortably. The various betting options are marked clearly on the table, which is also the designated space for rolling the dice.

Pamphlets showing various bets are available for players, specifically in the self-serve betting area where participants stand, as well as in the dealer’s section, which is situated across from the players.

Craps table

The Self-service bets area

This part of the table allows players to make their bets, typically involving one of several basic wagers that come with the lowest house advantage:

  • Blue Chip

    Pass

    You secure a win if the initial roll produces a 7 or an 11.

  • Blue Chip

    Don’t Pass

    A winning scenario occurs if the initial roll results in a 2 or a 3.

  • Blue Chip

    Come

    Winning happens if a 7 or 11 appears on the first roll.

  • Blue Chip

    Don’t Come

    If 2 or 3 emerges during the first round, a victory is recorded.

  • Blue Chip

    Field

    If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, the bet wins.

  • Blue chip

    BIG 6 & BIG 8

    Before the shooter rolls a seven, players can pick either 6 or 8.

The Dealer’s area

In this section, the dealer must place a wager on your behalf if you'd like to bet on any of the designated point boxes:

  • Red Chip

    4

    This bet pays 2 to 1, with a house edge of 4.76%.

  • Red Chip

    5

    The payout ratio for the number 5 stands at 3 to 2, with a house edge of 4.76%.

  • Red Chip

    Six

    Number 6’s payout is 6 to 5, and it also comes with a house edge of 4.76%.

  • Red Chip

    8

    The odds and payouts for number 8 are identical to those of number 6.

  • Red Chip

    Nine

    This particular bet type has a payout percentage of 3 to 2, paired with a house edge of 4.76%.

  • Red chip

    10

    For this type of wager, the payout is 2 to 1, with a house edge once again set at 4.76%.

Craps Table Payout and house edge

Payout amounts correspond to your likelihood of winning. To compute your potential winnings, refer to the payout table and convert the figure to its decimal equivalent. For instance, a 9:1 payout translates to 9. If you stake $10, your total return would be $90.

Below is a comprehensive table displaying payouts and house edges categorized by bet type:

Craps table payouts
Craps Table Payout
Bet Type True Odds Payout Odds House edge %
Pass Line or Come Bet 251 to 244 1 to 1 1.41
Don't Pass or Don't Come Bet 976 to 949 1 to 1 1.36
Pass Line Odds / Come Bet Odds / Buy Bets – Carry a 5% Commission
Numbers 4 or 10 2 to 1 2 to 1 4.76
Numbers 5 or 9 3 to 2 3 to 2 4.76
Numbers 6 or 8 5 to 6 5 to 6 4.76
Don’t Pass Odds / Don’t Come Odds / Lay Bets – Carry a 5% Commission
Numbers 4 or 10 1 to 2 1 to 2 2.44
Numbers 5 or 9 2 to 3 2 to 3 3.23
Numbers 6 or 8 5 to 6 5 to 6 4
Field Bets
3,4,9,10, or 11 1 to 1 5.5
2,12 2 to 1 5.5
Place Bets
Numbers 4 or 10 2 to 1 9 to 5 6.7
Numbers 5 or 9 3 to 2 7 to 5 4
Numbers 6 or 8 6 to 5 7 to 6 1.52
Hardways
6 or 8 10 to 1 9 to 1 9.09
4 or 10 8 to 1 7 to 1 11.1
One Roll Bets
Any 7 5 to 1 4 to 1 16.9
Any Craps 8 to 1 7 to 1 11.1
2 Craps or 12 Craps 35 to 1 30 to 1 13.9
3 Craps or 11 Craps 17 to 1 15 to 1 11.1
Horn Bet (3 or 11) 3.75 to 1
Horn Bet (2 or 12) 7.5 to 1
Big 6 or 8 1 to 1 9.09

Craps rules

Learning the rules of craps isn’t particularly challenging, whether you're at a brick-and-mortar casino or playing online. While the processes and certain guidelines may exhibit slightly different characteristics, the foundational rules remain the same.

Number of dice

Number of dice

The game is played with two six-sided dice, and wagers are made based on the combined total of the numbers facing up. For example, should one die show a 2 and the other a 6, the total would be 8. It's important to note that you cannot place bets on just one die.

Buying chips

Buying chips

In physical casinos, you have the option of bringing your chips from a prior game or acquiring them at the gaming table. Conversely, in online casinos, you'll first need to deposit funds into your account before you can begin betting on craps virtually.

Betting

Betting

In physical casinos, you can independently make bets in the marked sections labeled 'Come' and 'Field', while for the point boxes, you'll need to ask the dealer to handle the bet for you. Online, players simply select their chip value and place their desired wagers.

Betting limits

Betting limits

Online casinos often have predefined minimum and maximum bet limits; players can select bets that suit their comfort level within these parameters. At physical casinos, the table displays clear signage detailing the minimum and maximum permissible bets.

The Shooter

The Shooter

In online casinos, the rolling of dice occurs virtually, with outcomes determined randomly by a computer. In contrast, in physical casinos, players take turns to roll the dice until a winning or losing scenario arises.

3 Steps to start

1. Place your bets

1. Place your bets

Placing a 'Pass' bet before the come-out roll begins is the simplest strategy. If you enter the game at a later time, you might opt for a 'Come' bet, which functions similarly to a 'Pass' bet, but relies on the next roll as the starting point for your sequence.

2. Roll the dice

2. Roll the dice

The first roll of the dice is termed the come-out roll, where a 7 or 11 signifies a natural, resulting in an instant win for 'Pass' betting players. Meanwhile, rolling a 2, 3, or 12 means a loss, and any different number establishes a point, switching the game's objective. The player must now roll that point number before a 7 appears.

3. Payout

3. Payout

In online casinos, payouts are processed automatically, providing an overview of your balance at any time. In physical casinos, a boxman, stickman, and two dealers work together to manage payouts and ensure all transactions proceed smoothly.

Best craps strategies for Beginners

It's essential to familiarize yourself with the overall payout rules to fully grasp the game. how to win at craps Since the game is driven by chance without any foolproof strategies ensuring victory, employing effective strategies can help manage your budget and enhance your play style.

Pass and Come

Pass and Come

Bets on 'Pass' and 'Come' enjoy a low house edge, contributing to their popularity. Typically, players who initiate with a pass bet will follow up by placing 2 or 3 come bets, aiming to establish multiple working numbers at once. While this can be a costly strategy with increased financial exposure, the house edge remains minimal.

Dont pass and dont come

Dont pass and dont come

Essentially, these wagers are the opposite of the commonly favored pass and come bets. The advantage here is that they carry an even lower house edge in comparison. However, you’ll be betting against the shooter, which means you miss out on the camaraderie of cheering with fellow players, as most will be rooting for the shooter.

Placing 6 and 8

Placing 6 and 8

Betting on totals of 6 or 8 is a favored choice since these numbers are more frequently rolled just after a 7. The house edge for these bets tends to be higher compared to come and pass as well as don’t come and don’t pass bets, and players aren’t required to wait for the shooter to set a point.

Hedge Bets

Hedge Bets

Hedge bets are placed to counterbalance potential losses on primary wagers, but they come with their own challenges; a win isn't guaranteed, and the house edge for these bets can be quite steep. There's a risk of losing both your primary and hedge bets in a single roll.

Put Bets

Put Bets

You can opt for a put bet if you wish to bypass the wait for the shooter to set a point. This allows you to bet on the number that is rolled most often while also backing it with free odds. However, this strategy can get pricey, making it uncomfortable for many bettors.

Online vs Live Dealer

Online Craps

  • Online Craps dice 1

    When playing online, the pace of with which the game can be conducted is entirely up to you, eliminating the necessity of waiting on the shooter.

  • Online Craps dice 2

    Thanks to online platforms, you can gain experience in craps without the pressure of an intimidating physical casino environment.

  • Online Craps dice 3

    The lower minimum bets typically found in online casinos can help extend your playtime significantly.

  • Online Craps dice 4

    You are able to enjoy the game from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to go out.

  • Online Craps dice 5

    Incredible online bonuses are often available, allowing you opportunities to play craps without spending your own money.

  • Online Craps dice 6

    Certain casinos provide free online craps, bringing a taste of the game straight to you.

Live dealer craps

  • Live dealer craps dice 1

    Live dealer games recreate a physical casino atmosphere right in your own living room.

  • Live dealer craps dice 2

    Given the greater operational costs tied to running a live dealer casino, the minimum bets may be higher than those associated with standard online craps.

  • Live dealer craps dice 3

    Participating in live dealer games can require more time since you'll have to wait for the host to execute the dice rolls.

  • Live dealer craps dice 4

    You have the choice of selecting your dealer from the available options, helping add a level of personalization to your gaming experience.

  • Live dealer craps dice 5

    Generally, it isn’t possible to play craps for free with a live dealer.

  • Live dealer craps dice 6

    Betting on don’t pass or don’t come presents better odds while keeping you out of the direct conflict with the shooter.

Top rated Online Craps Casinos

Now that you're ready to embark on your craps journey, you'll find some of the finest online casinos in Canada featuring a variety of craps types. You’re sure to discover an online or live dealer variation that fits your style. Plus, don’t forget to take advantage of fantastic casino bonuses, which can enhance your bankroll and boost your winning opportunities.

1
ICE casinos
ICE Casino

Rating:6.9/10

  • Weekly cashback offer of C$2,000
  • More than 4,000 games
  • Customer support available 24/7
  • Withdrawals processed within 12 hours
  • eCOGRA RNG-testing certificate
2
spinfever logo
SpinFever Casino

Rating:6.6/10

  • Over 4,200 games
  • Bonuses available every day
  • Highest Payout Tables on Slots
  • Up to 15% cashback weekly
  • Ultra Fast Payments
  • Instant deposits with Interac
3
Leon casinos
Leon Casino

Rating:6.5/10

  • Over 4,500+ games from 70+ providers
  • Both Kahnawake and Curacao licensing
  • Really low minimum withdrawals of $2
  • No-deposit bonus available
  • A robust loyalty program with redeemable points
5
Lemon Casino logo
Lemon Casino

Rating:8.3/10

  • Over 4,800 slots and 400+ live games
  • Lemon Lotto Wheel - Daily no deposit Free Spins
  • Treasure Boxes - A Loyalty Program
  • Non-sticky welcome bonuses
  • No wager 7% weekly cashback

FAQ

🎲 Is craps difficult to master?

You should expect to grasp the fundamental rules in approximately half an hour. However, since the game can progress rapidly, it may be beneficial to watch other players first.

🎲 Can I play free craps online?

A good number of online casinos offer a complimentary version of craps, and playing for real money may unlock bonuses that provide additional free rounds.

🎲 Which is superior, Online Craps or Live Dealer Craps?

Live dealer craps more closely mimics the real casino experience, but if you're not a high-stakes player, the online version where you can even enjoy free gameplay might be more appealing.

🎲 What bet gives me the best odds?

Bets on Don't Pass and Don't Come yield exceptional odds.

🎲 Is craps' house edge lower compared to that of other casino games?

Craps can have a house edge as low as 1.36%, which makes it higher than Blackjack and Baccarat but less so than Roulette.

For optimal gameplay, please rotate your device.
By continuing to use this website, you consent to our cookie policy aimed at enhancing both performance and user experience. More details on ourcookies policy page.