Casino & Poker

How to Play Craps: Basic Craps Rules for Beginners

how to play craps

Most people have heard of craps before, particularly those who use casinos regularly. However, it’s surprising how many people don’t know the basic rules. If you’re unsure of how the game works, this article is for you! By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly how to play craps and be aware of some of the best online craps games.

Keep reading to find out more!

What is Craps?

First of all, let’s establish what the game actually is. Craps is a casino dice game in which players bet on the outcome of a roll of a pair of dice. Players can either wager money against the bank or against each other, depending on which variant of craps they are playing. The game involves very little equipment or skill, so it’s easy enough for beginners to enjoy.

Casino craps rules and strategy

Learning how to play craps is actually pretty easy. Many gamblers steer away from the casino dice game because they fear it’s too complex, but most of the craps rules are actually straightforward. Essentially, all you’re doing is betting on the outcome of the roll of two dice. Since you cannot affect the outcome in any way, Craps is purely luck-based. This is another reason why it’s such a great game for newbies.

The most complicated thing about the game is the choice of wagers. Most of these are based on what combination of dice will be rolled, so it shouldn’t take you too long to remember them. Also, If you’re just getting started with the game, there’s no need to learn all the wagers if you don’t want to. Being clued up on just a few will allow you to enjoy the dice odds table game and make the most of the craps odds.

The table

craps rules and strategy

When learning how to play craps, you need to know how the table works. Like many dice odds table games, craps is played on a specially designed table that includes a section for gamblers to place their bets. In a live casino, the dice are rolled on the table by one of the players, who is referred to as the ‘shooter’. Typically, the shooter will change at the end of each round, so everybody will get a chance to roll the dice if they so wish. If one player wants to remain as the shooter for several rounds, though, that’s fine too.

Anyone at the table can place a bet by putting their chips in the correct spot on the betting table. To ensure the game runs smoothly and everything is fair, several casino employees will usually run a table. These include the Boxman, Stickman, and the Base Dealers. The Boxman is in charge of the chips. Whenever necessary, he will exchange player’s cash for chips and swap them for different denominations if needed.

The Boxman is also in charge of supervising the dealers and overseeing the game. The Stickman is in charge of the dice. He moves them around the table using a stick and passes them to the shooter at the start of each round. He will also call the outcome of each roll. Most craps tables have two Base Dealers, one on either side. They are in charge of paying out winning bets and collecting losing bets. If requested, they can also place a bet on behalf of a player.

Game craps rules

Obviously, you can’t learn how to play craps without knowing the basic rules. Each round in the game starts with the ‘come-out roll’. In some casinos, the shooter must place a bet before making this roll on either the don’t pass line or the pass line. If the total value of the two dice on a come-out roll is 2, 3 or 12, the player ‘craps out’ and the round ends. Gamblers will win don’t pass bets and lose pass line bets. The round is also over if the come-out roll totals 7 or 11. However, any other value allows the player to continue to the next stage of the game. The shooter continues to roll the dice with gamblers betting on the outcome until they roll a 7 or reach the point value that has been pre-set.

Following a roll of the point value or seven, the round comes to an end and a new come-out roll is made. Typically, the shooter passes the dice to another player if the round closes with a 7 but keeps the dice if the round ends with the total point value.

How to Play Craps online?

Want to try out your new-found knowledge for yourself? Play one of the online craps games below. If you’re wondering how do you play craps online, don’t panic. The rules are exactly the same! The only difference is that everything is digital.

Dice Dice Dice

Dice Dice Dice is a casino dice game from Red Tiger Gaming. As the name suggests, the game is centred around dice and craps is the main source of action. Graphics-wise, the slot is classy and modern, and you’ll see your typical classic fruits on the screen. The action takes place on a 5×3 reel set with ten active paylines, so again, that’s pretty standard. If luck is on your side, you could walk away with a top win of up to 150x from a regular combination, or a whopping 2,700x your stake from the wild dice multipliers! There are also various other extras in play if that’s not quite enough for you, including the Rolling Respins which come with mammoth multipliers of up to 55x. If you’re looking for an immersive online craps game, Dice Dice Dice is certainly worth checking out!

Lightning Dice

Lightning Dice is a craps-inspired casino game from Evolution Gaming. If you’re just learning how to play craps, this online dice game will be perfect for you. The slot is set in a dimly lit studio with a gold and black art deco style. When you open up the slot, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the transparent Lightning Tower, which seems to be based on the Empire State Building. Instead of rolling the dice on a table, the dice dropped from the top of the tower and hit various angles and bumps on the way down, ultimately influencing the outcome of the roll.

Now you know how to play craps, Lightning Dice should be easy to get the hang of. The aim of the game is to predict the outcome of a roll of three dice, so it’s very similar to a standard craps game. If you make the right decision, you could pocket a mighty 150x your total stake!

That’s essentially all there is to craps. Of course, there is a lot more that can learn about the game, but these basics are all you need to know when learning how to play craps at a beginner level. And if you want to play craps or more table games for yourself, at NetBet, we have a range of standard and live casino games including slots, roulette, and, of course, craps.

Sign up online here to start playing today!