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Learn How to Play Craps Online

Looking to learn craps rules before staking real money? Join our casino experts in discussing the basics of this classic dice game. Learn all the craps rules for beginners, from the types of bets to the terminology. We’ll also point you towards the best casinos to play craps for free or real money.

Craps Rules Explained

Craps can look a little intimidating at first with all the chips, dice, and betting options – but at its core, it’s a fast-paced game that’s easy to follow once you know the basics. A typical craps round starts with a come-out roll, which is the first roll after the betting round. Let’s call it the starting point for a new betting round. The player who throws the two dice during the round is a “shooter.” In online craps, you only have to tap the “Roll” button to throw the dice.

How to Throw Dice in Craps

After rolling a number on the screen, the following outcomes can appear:

  • Point
  • Craps
  • Natural

Craps Table Layout Guide

The first thing you should keep in mind is that the table layout is not nearly as intimidating as it looks at first glance. After all, the two sides of the table simply mirror each other.

The craps’ table also features a collection of colors, numbers, and different segments. These represent the various types of wagers that players can make.

Here is a breakdown of the core components of the craps table:

core components of the craps table - infographic

How Craps Evolved into an Online Game

Craps, is a very popular dice game, its roots are linked to the age-old game known as “Hazard.” As years went by, universal rules and standardized table designs were put in place, solidifying craps’ position as an iconic casino game. Fast forward to the early 20th century, with the emergence of Nevada’s gambling scene, this game transformed into the version we recognize today.

Online craps table

Most Popular Craps Variants

Craps is a deep game with many ways of being enjoyed. Playing craps at online casinos is notable for its portability, but also its flexibility, especially when it comes to diversity of play style. These are the most popular variants of craps:

Standard online craps: The digital version

This is identical to the traditional Bank Craps played in physical casinos, offering a range of betting options and similar gameplay, just in a digital format.

Live dealer: Real-time interaction

This online variation streams a live dealer in real-time, providing a more immersive experience. Players can interact with the dealer and other players via live chat, making it feel like you’re seated at the table.

Simplified: Perfect for beginners

Ideal for beginners, this version offers fewer betting options and more straightforward gameplay, making it easier to grasp the fundamentals.

High Limit: Big bets

Designed for high rollers, this variation allows for larger bets, while providing the opportunity for significantly larger wins (and losses).

Low limit:

Suitable for players who prefer low-risk sessions, this variation features low minimum bets, giving players the chance to play longer and practice strategy without a substantial financial commitment.

Crapless: unique variation without Craps bets

An online variation where you can’t lose on the come-out roll by rolling craps (2, 3, or 12), but the trade-off typically includes different payout structures.

High point: A Unique Twist

Here, an initial roll of 11 or 12 results in a win, while a roll of 2 or 3 is ignored, making for a unique gaming experience.

New York: Focused gameplay

This online variant focuses mainly on the Box numbers, eliminating some other common betting options, and it’s especially popular among East Coast players.

Die Rich: Master the one-de

An online version of the one-die game, where you get up to three rolls to achieve a winning outcome.

Multiplayer: Social play

In this variation, you can play with or against other players online, adding a social and competitive element to the game.

How to Bet in Craps

Placing your bets is the fundamental mechanic of every craps game. How much you’re willing to place, as well as where you will place your bets, contributes to your chances of securing victory.

Craps table layout

Types of Craps Bets

In order to construct a winning strategy, you’ll need to understand the forms of bets you have at your disposal. They are as follows:

  • Pass Line Bet: This is a basic bet placed before the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win; if they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose.
  • Don’t Pass Line Bet: The opposite of the Pass Line Bet. You’re betting against the shooter. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, you win; if it’s a 7 or 11, you lose. A roll of 12 results in a push (no win, no loss).
  • Come Bet: This bet is placed after the point has been established. It works similarly to the Pass Line Bet but relates to subsequent rolls.
  • Don’t Come Bet: Like the Come Bet but operates in reverse, similar to the Don’t Pass Line Bet.
  • Place Bets: After the point is set, you can bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.
  • Field Bets: A one-roll bet that wins if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled, and loses if 5, 6, 7, or 8 is rolled.
  • Proposition Bets: One-roll bets placed on specific combinations of the dice, like “snake eyes” (a roll of two 1s) or “boxcars” (a roll of two 6s).
  • Hardways: Bets on rolling doubles (like 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, or 5-5) before either a 7 or any other combination of that specific number is rolled.
  • Big 6 and Big 8: Bets on the 6 or 8 being rolled before a 7.
  • Odds Bets: These are additional bets made behind the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, or Don’t Come Bets, which pay out at true odds.

What is a Craps Point?

If you roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, any of these numbers would automatically become a point. You’ll see a small button in the position where the point is established. If you’re playing at a live casino in Canada, the dealer will mark the position on the table.

After establishing a point, you’ll play the Pass Line bet. This is essentially rolling the dice, hoping to hit the same number. The shooter will continue rolling the dice until you hit the number and win. You lose the bet if you roll a 7.

What is Craps?

Some players refer to this outcome as crapping out. To crap out refers to rolling a 2, 3, or 12 with the Come Out roll. If this happens, you’ll lose the Pass Line or Come bet. So, in short, crapping out is to lose the outcome of a come-out roll.

What is a Natural?

A natural happens if the outcome of the Come Out roll is a 7 or 11. If this happens, you’ll win the Pass Line bet. Conversely, rolling a natural will result in a loss for the Don’t Pass Line bet.

 

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Big 6 and Big 8: Why do they matter?
These numbers (6 and 8) lead way to greater payouts, but also the highest amount of risk. If a player rolls a 6 or 8, before rolling a 7, they claim victory. However, the steep house edge makes these simple bets a very dangerous option to pursue.

Craps Strategies from Maple Casino's Team

By following these tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a craps champion. Always remember to play responsibly, cherish your winnings, and learn from your losses.

Here are some steps you can follow to ironing out a world-class craps strategy:

1. Understand betting options

Before betting, familiarize yourself with the basic rules and the bet layout. Stick to simpler bets like the Pass Line at first.

2. Start small, aim big

Begin with smaller bets to manage your risk while you get comfortable with the game.

3. Play free demo games

Craps offers multiple bets, each with its own unique rules. Play this game for free to practice and know how the rules work.

4. Understand the odds

Know the odds for different types of bets to make informed decisions. Odds Bets are generally the best in terms of house edge.

5. Manage your wallet

Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. This will ensure you don’t chase losses and play responsibly.

6. Avoid proposition bets

These bets might seem attractive due to high payouts, but they also come with a high house edge.

7. Watch and learn

If the platform has a chat or spectator feature, use it to observe more experienced players and pick up strategies.

8. Leverage your bonuses

Look for any bonuses or promotions that can give you extra playing time or rewards.

Pro-Level Casino Guides for Serious Gamblers

Now you understand all the basic rules of playing craps for beginners. We know that craps can be intimidating to play, especially with the number of bets and craps rules to learn. However, by understanding how the dice rolls work, you should be ready to take on the table and play with a clear mind. Go ahead and try your luck!

Our experts have created in-depth casino guides to help you play smarter and make the most of your online gaming experience.

About Our Casino Expert

We are a team of skilled writers who have over 20 years of skills and expertise in creating online casino content. We keep up to date with new games from reputable casinos and changes in the Canadian casino industry.

FAQs about How to Play Craps Online

Playing craps is relatively easy, whether playing at an online or live casino. The objective is to throw two dice and predict the outcome of a roll. You can wager on outcomes like Come Bet, Pass Line, and Don’t Pass Line.

Start by finding an online craps game you want to play and then place the betting chips on the table. After that, press the “Roll” button and wait for the outcome.

Craps is a luck-based game, so there’s nothing you can do to alter the outcome of a roll after throwing the dice. However, you can improve your winning odds by wagering on bets with low house edge, such as Don’t Pass (1.36%) and Pass Line (1.41%).

The house edge in online craps generally varies depending on the bet you place. For instance, you can enjoy a low 1.36% house edge by betting on the Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets. You can also bet on the Pass Line and Come bets to get a 1.41% house edge.

In craps, the payout odds depend on the bet type. For instance, the Don’t Pass, Don’t Come, Come, and Pass Line bets can pay out even money (1:1). You can receive a higher payout for betting on individual numbers.

No, you should enjoy fair and transparent results if you play craps at a legal and reputable casino. On top of that, craps, except live options, use RNG systems to generate random and unpredictable results.

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