Craps is one of the most exciting and intimidating casino games for new players. The table looks complex, chips are flying, and players shout at every dice roll. But beneath the noisy surface, craps is actually a simple game built around a few key bets with very strong odds.
This guide breaks down how craps works, the main bets you should know, and how to play the game smartly both online and in live casinos.
What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolls made with two six-sided dice. The player rolling the dice is called the shooter, and everyone at the table can bet on what will happen next.
Craps is famous for:
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Fast-paced action
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Many different betting options
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Some of the lowest house edges in the casino on key bets
Basic Craps Table Layout
Even though the table looks busy, it can be broken into main areas:
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Pass Line / Don’t Pass Line
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Come / Don’t Come
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Field bets
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Place bets on numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)
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Proposition bets in the center (high-risk, high-house-edge bets)
You do not need to use all of them. Most skilled players focus on a small group of strong, low-edge bets.
How a Craps Round Works
Craps revolves around the come-out roll and establishing a point.
1. Come-Out Roll
The first roll of a new round is called the come-out roll. Players can bet on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line.
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Pass Line Bet wins if the shooter rolls 7 or 11
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Pass Line Bet loses if the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12 (these are “craps” numbers)
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Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point
If a point is set, the round continues.
2. Point Phase
Once the point is established:
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The shooter continues rolling the dice
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Pass Line wins if the shooter rolls the point number again before rolling a 7
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Pass Line loses if a 7 appears first (this is called “seven-out”)
The round ends after the point or a 7 is rolled. Then a new come-out roll begins with the next shooter.
Key Bets in Craps (The Ones Worth Learning)
You do not need every bet on the table. Focus on these core bets for strong odds.
1. Pass Line
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The most popular bet at the table
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Low house edge (around 1.4%)
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Simple: bet on the shooter to roll 7 or 11 on the come-out or to make the point
2. Don’t Pass Line
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The opposite of Pass Line
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You win if the shooter rolls 2 or 3 on the come-out, lose on 7 or 11, and push on 12
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After a point is set, you win if 7 rolls before the point
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House edge is slightly better than Pass Line, but socially you’re betting “against the table”
3. Come and Don’t Come Bets
These act like Pass and Don’t Pass but can be placed after the point is established.
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Come bets follow the same rules as Pass Line
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Don’t Come bets follow the same rules as Don’t Pass
They allow you to have multiple points working simultaneously.
4. Odds Bets (The Best Bet in Craps)
Once a point is set on Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come, you can place Odds behind your original bet.
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Odds bets pay true odds with no house edge
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Casinos limit how many times your original bet you can place (e.g., 2x, 3x, 5x odds)
This is where craps becomes very favorable compared to many other casino games.
5. Place Bets on Numbers
You can bet directly on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 to appear before a 7.
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Payouts differ by number
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House edge is reasonable on 6 and 8, higher on 4, 5, 9, 10
Bets to Avoid (High House Edge)
Craps has many tempting “one-roll” and proposition bets in the center of the table:
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Hard ways (hard 4, hard 6, hard 8, hard 10)
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Any 7
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Any craps
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Specific doubles (2, 3, 11, 12)
These bets usually carry a large house edge and are more like lottery shots than long-term strategies. Advanced players may sprinkle them in for fun, but they should not be your main approach.
Simple Craps Strategy for Beginners
You don’t need complicated systems. Start with this clean, low-edged setup:
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Bet Pass Line on the come-out roll.
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When a point is established, take maximum Odds allowed by the table.
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Optionally, place Come bets with Odds to build additional points.
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Avoid center-table proposition bets until you fully understand the game—and even then, treat them as entertainment only.
This style keeps the house edge minimal and your decisions clear.
Bankroll Management for Craps
Craps can be very fast, so protecting your bankroll is critical.
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Choose a base bet (e.g., 1–2% of your total bankroll per round)
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Remember that using Odds increases the total amount at risk per point
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Set a stop-loss (maximum amount you’re willing to lose)
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Set a win goal (for example, 50–100% profit) and lock in your win when you reach it
Consistent, disciplined play is more important than trying to predict specific dice results.
Online Craps vs Live Casino Craps
Live Casino
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Social, loud, and energetic
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Many players bet together on the same shooter
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Great atmosphere, but can feel intimidating at first
Online Craps
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Slower pace, more time to think
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Easy to start with small stakes
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Some casinos offer live-dealer craps, blending both experiences
For new players, starting online (or in demo mode) is a good way to learn the rules without pressure.
Is Craps the Right Casino Game for You?
Craps is ideal if you:
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Enjoy fast, energetic table games
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Want good odds when using the right bets
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Like simple core rules but a lot of betting flexibility
If you prefer slow, individual games or dislike noise and group energy, blackjack or baccarat might suit you better. But if you want one of the most exciting—yet surprisingly fair—games in the casino, craps is hard to beat.