Craps stands as one of the most exciting and fast-paced games in any casino, where players gather around a table to bet on the roll of two dice. This dice game offers some of the best odds in the casino when players know which bets to make and which ones to avoid.
The game might seem complex at first glance, with its large table covered in numbers and betting areas, but the basic concept is simple. Players bet on what numbers will come up when the dice are rolled. The shooter throws the dice, and everyone at the table can win or lose based on the outcome.
Understanding craps opens up a world of betting options, from basic pass line bets to more complex proposition wagers. This guide covers everything from table layout and rules to advanced strategies and common mistakes. Players will learn the difference between playing online and in person, proper casino etiquette, and the terminology that makes craps culture unique.
What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcomes of two dice rolls. The game has French origins and comes in different versions, with casino craps being the most popular form today.
Brief History of Craps
Craps developed from an old French game called “crapaud,” which means toad in French. Players would crouch down like frogs while playing the dice game on the ground.
The French word “crapaud” slowly changed into “craps” through American slang over time. This happened as the game spread from France to other countries.
Street versions of the game became popular because they needed very little equipment. Players could play almost anywhere with just two dice.
The game eventually moved into casinos where it became more organized. Casino craps uses special tables and layouts that make betting easier and more structured.
How Craps Is Played
Craps uses two standard six-sided dice. One player, called the shooter, rolls both dice at the same time.
Other players bet on what numbers the dice will show. They can bet on the exact total or different combinations.
Each roll can result in three outcomes:
- Win: The bet was correct
- Lose: The bet was wrong
- No decision: The roll continues the game
The shooter keeps rolling until they either win or lose. Then the dice move to the next player.
Players can make many different types of bets during the game. Some bets win or lose on one roll, while others may take several rolls to decide.
Types of Craps Games
Street craps is the informal version played without special equipment. Players bet against each other using simple rules and basic betting options.
Casino craps uses special tables with marked betting areas. Players bet against the house instead of each other. This version offers the most betting choices.
Bank craps is another name for casino craps. The casino acts as the bank and covers all bets made by players.
Online craps follows the same rules as casino craps but uses computer software. Players can bet against the computer or in live dealer games with real people.
Each type follows the same basic dice-rolling rules. The main differences are the betting options available and who players bet against.
Craps Table Layout and Equipment
The craps table features a specific design with marked betting areas, while the game uses precision dice and specialized equipment. Casino craps tables typically measure 8 to 12 feet long and weigh around 350 pounds.
Craps Table Design
Casino craps tables come in three standard sizes: 8-foot, 10-foot, and 12-foot lengths. Most tables are about 5 feet wide and 3.5 feet high.
The table surface shows a complex layout of betting areas. Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets sit along the outer edges. The center section contains proposition bets like Hard Ways and Any Seven.
Each end of the table mirrors the other. This design lets players make the same bets from either side. Two dealers work the sides while a stickman controls the center.
The table uses felt material with printed betting zones. Numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 appear in boxes called Place Bet areas. The Field bet covers a large section with specific payout numbers listed.
Rails run along the table edges where players keep their chips. Small grooves hold chips for different players. The table also has a Come and Don’t Come area for additional betting options.
Dice Specifications
Craps uses two six-sided dice made from precise materials. Casino dice must meet strict standards for size, weight, and balance.
Standard casino dice measure exactly 19mm on each side. They weigh between 2.5 and 2.6 grams each. The dice use transparent materials so players can see inside them.
Each die shows spots from 1 to 6. The spots are drilled precisely and filled with paint that matches the die’s weight. Opposite sides always add up to 7.
Casinos replace dice frequently during games. New dice come in matched sets with serial numbers. Players can inspect the dice before each new shooter begins.
The dice must bounce off the back wall of the table. This rule ensures random results. If dice don’t hit the wall, dealers call “no roll” and the shooter tries again.
Craps Chips and Stick
Players use standard casino chips for all craps bets. Different colors represent different values, typically ranging from $1 to $500 or higher.
The stickman uses a long curved stick to move dice around the table. This stick measures about 4 feet long. It helps retrieve dice after rolls and pushes them back to shooters.
Dealers place chips in specific areas based on bet types. Place bets go on numbered boxes. Proposition bets stay in the center section until resolved.
The stick also has a small bowl where extra dice stay during play. Multiple sets remain available so games continue smoothly if dice leave the table.
Players can make bets using chips or cash. Dealers convert cash to chips during play. The stickman announces results and controls the pace of each game.
Rules and Gameplay Structure
Craps operates through distinct game phases with specific rules for each round. Players take turns rolling dice while dealers manage bets and payouts throughout the structured gameplay.
Game Phases
Craps has two main phases: the come-out roll and the point phase.
The come-out roll starts each new game. The shooter rolls two dice to begin. If the total equals 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win immediately. If the total equals 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose right away.
When the shooter rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. The dealer places a marker on that number on the table.
The point phase begins after a point is set. The shooter keeps rolling until they roll the point number again or roll a 7. Rolling the point number wins Pass Line bets. Rolling a 7 ends the round and Pass Line bets lose.
Shooting and Dice Rolling
Players take turns being the shooter in clockwise order around the table. The shooter must place a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet before rolling.
The shooter uses both dice for every roll. Both dice must hit the back wall of the table. If one die goes off the table, both dice get replaced with new ones.
The shooter keeps rolling during the point phase until they either make their point or roll a 7. When a 7 ends the round, the dice pass to the next player clockwise.
Players can decline to shoot when it’s their turn. The dice then move to the next person in line.
The Role of the Dealer
Three dealers typically run a craps table: the stickman and two base dealers. The stickman controls the dice and calls out results. They also handle proposition bets in the center of the table.
The two base dealers stand on opposite sides of the table. They collect losing bets and pay winners. Base dealers also help players place bets in hard-to-reach areas.
Dealers place and remove the point marker. They announce important information like “point is six” or “seven out, line away.” Players should wait for dealers to finish paying bets before placing new ones.
The dealers ensure proper dice rolling rules. They call “no roll” if dice don’t hit the back wall or leave the table.
Craps Bets Explained
Craps offers many betting options with different odds and payouts. The most basic bets include pass line and don’t pass bets, which form the foundation of craps strategy, while odds bets provide some of the best chances to win in the casino.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets
The pass line bet is the most popular wager in craps. Players place chips on the pass line before the come-out roll.
Pass Line Bet Rules:
- Wins on 7 or 11 on come-out roll
- Loses on 2, 3, or 12 on come-out roll
- Any other number becomes the point
Once a point is set, the pass line bet wins if the point rolls before a 7. It loses if a 7 rolls first.
The don’t pass bet works opposite to the pass line. It wins when the pass line loses and loses when the pass line wins.
Don’t Pass Bet Rules:
- Wins on 2 or 3 on come-out roll
- Loses on 7 or 11 on come-out roll
- Ties on 12 (no money changes hands)
Both bets pay even money (1:1). The house edge is 1.36% for don’t pass and 1.41% for pass line.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
Come bets work like pass line bets but can be made after a point is established. Players place come bets in the come box during any roll.
The next roll becomes the come-out roll for that bet. A 7 or 11 wins immediately. A 2, 3, or 12 loses immediately.
Any other number becomes the come point. The dealer moves the bet to that number on the layout.
Come Bet Outcomes:
- Wins if the come point rolls before a 7
- Loses if a 7 rolls before the come point
- Pays even money (1:1)
Don’t come bets work opposite to come bets. They win when come bets lose and lose when come bets win.
The house edge matches the pass line bets at 1.36% for don’t come and 1.41% for come bets.
Odds Bets
Odds bets are additional wagers placed behind pass line, don’t pass, come, or don’t come bets. These bets have no house edge and pay true odds.
Pass Line Odds Payouts:
- 2:1 on points 4 and 10
- 3:2 on points 5 and 9
- 6:5 on points 6 and 8
Don’t pass odds pay the reverse of these amounts. Players bet more to win less on don’t pass odds.
Casinos limit odds bets to multiples of the original bet. Common limits are 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x odds.
Taking odds reduces the overall house edge. With full double odds, the combined house edge drops to about 0.6%.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are one-roll wagers made in the center of the table. These bets have high house edges but offer big payouts.
Common Proposition Bets:
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Any 7 | 4:1 | 16.67% |
| Any Craps | 7:1 | 11.11% |
| Yo (11) | 15:1 | 11.11% |
| Aces (2) | 30:1 | 13.89% |
| Boxcars (12) | 30:1 | 13.89% |
Hard ways bets win when specific doubles roll before a 7 or the easy way. Hard 6 and 8 pay 9:1. Hard 4 and 10 pay 7:1.
The horn bet covers 2, 3, 11, and 12 in one wager. It splits the bet four ways across these numbers.
Most experienced players avoid proposition bets due to their high house edges.
Advanced Craps Betting Strategies
Smart craps players focus on bets with house edges below 1.5% and use controlled betting systems to protect their money. Proper bankroll management keeps players in the game longer and reduces the risk of big losses.
Best Bets for Low House Edge
The pass line bet offers a 1.36% house edge, making it one of the safest options at the table. Players can reduce this further by taking odds bets behind the pass line.
Odds bets have zero house edge. These bets pay true odds and work with pass line or don’t pass bets. Taking full odds whenever possible gives players the best mathematical advantage.
The don’t pass bet has a slightly lower house edge at 1.35%. This bet wins when the shooter loses, making it unpopular but mathematically sound.
Come and don’t come bets mirror pass line betting. They carry the same low house edges and allow players to make multiple bets during a roll.
| Bet Type | House Edge | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1.36% | Basic strategy |
| Don’t Pass | 1.35% | Slightly better odds |
| Odds Bets | 0% | Maximum advantage |
| Come/Don’t Come | 1.36%/1.35% | Multiple action |
Craps Betting Progression Systems
Flat betting keeps wager amounts the same throughout play. This method protects bankrolls and avoids the risks of progression systems.
The 3-Point Molly system combines pass line bets with two come bets. Players take odds on all three bets and maintain this pattern throughout the session.
Conservative progression increases bets only after wins. Players might double their bet after two consecutive wins, then return to base betting after any loss.
Regression systems start with higher bets and reduce them after wins. This approach tries to capture early wins while limiting losses during cold streaks.
Advanced players avoid steep progressions that require large bankrolls. Systems that double bets after losses can quickly drain funds during extended losing periods.
Managing Your Bankroll
A proper session bankroll should equal 20-30 times the planned bet size. Players betting $10 per roll need $200-300 for safe play.
Loss limits protect players from major damage. Setting a stop-loss at 50% of the session bankroll prevents complete disasters.
Win goals help lock in profits. Players should consider leaving when they double their starting bankroll or reach predetermined profit targets.
Bet sizing should never exceed 5% of the total bankroll on any single wager. Conservative players limit individual bets to 2-3% of their funds.
Time management prevents fatigue-based mistakes. Sessions longer than two hours often lead to poor decisions and increased losses.
Successful players separate their gambling money from living expenses. They never chase losses with money meant for bills or other necessities.
Craps Payouts and Odds
Understanding craps payouts and odds helps players make smart betting decisions at the table. Different bets offer varying payout ratios, house edges, and winning chances based on dice probability.
Payout Chart for Common Bets
The Pass Line bet pays 1:1 odds and wins when the shooter rolls 7 or 11 on the come out roll. This bet loses on 2, 3, or 12.
Don’t Pass bets also pay 1:1 but win when the come out roll shows 2 or 3. The bet loses on 7 or 11, while 12 results in a push.
Point number bets offer different payouts based on difficulty:
| Bet Type | Payout Odds | Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Point 4/10 | 9:5 | 4, 10 |
| Point 5/9 | 7:5 | 5, 9 |
| Point 6/8 | 7:6 | 6, 8 |
Field bets pay 1:1 for numbers 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11. They pay 2:1 for the number 2 and either 2:1 or 3:1 for 12, depending on the casino.
Hard ways bets pay much higher but are harder to hit. Hard 4 and 10 pay 8:1, while hard 6 and 8 pay 10:1.
House Edge Analysis
The Pass Line carries a 1.36% house edge, making it one of the best bets for players. The Don’t Pass bet has an even lower 1.4% house edge.
Odds bets behind the Pass Line have zero house edge. These bets pay true odds: 2:1 on points 4 and 10, 3:2 on points 5 and 9, and 6:5 on points 6 and 8.
Field bets have a house edge between 2.78% and 5.56%. The edge depends on whether the casino pays 2:1 or 3:1 for rolling 12.
Proposition bets carry much higher house edges. Any 7 bets have a 16.67% house edge, while hard ways range from 9.09% to 11.11%.
Place bets on 6 or 8 have a 1.52% house edge. Place bets on 5 or 9 carry a 4% house edge, while 4 and 10 have a 6.67% edge.
Probability of Dice Outcomes
Two dice create 36 possible combinations when rolled together. The number 7 appears most often with six ways to make it: 1-6, 2-5, 3-4, 4-3, 5-2, and 6-1.
Numbers 6 and 8 each have five ways to appear. The combinations are 1-5, 2-4, 3-3, 4-2, and 5-1 for six.
Numbers 5 and 9 have four ways each to roll. Numbers 4 and 10 have three ways each.
The least likely outcomes are 2 and 12, with only one way each. Rolling snake eyes (1-1) makes 2, while boxcars (6-6) makes 12.
These probabilities directly affect payout odds and house edges. More likely outcomes pay less, while rare combinations offer higher payouts but win less often.
Online Craps vs. Live Casino Craps
Players can choose between playing craps on their computer or phone versus visiting a physical casino. Each option offers different benefits in terms of convenience, atmosphere, and game features.
Key Differences Between Online and Live Craps
Convenience and Accessibility
Online craps allows players to start games instantly from home. They can play at any time without traveling to a casino. Mobile apps let players enjoy craps during breaks or while commuting.
Live casino craps requires visiting a physical location. Players must consider travel time, parking, and casino operating hours. This makes spontaneous gaming sessions more difficult.
Game Pace and Social Experience
Online craps moves faster since players control the pace. There are no crowds or waiting for other players to place bets. Players can take time to understand rules without feeling rushed.
Live craps creates excitement through crowd energy and social interaction. Players cheer together when the dice land favorably. The atmosphere includes sounds of chips, dice hitting walls, and dealer announcements.
Betting Limits and Options
Online platforms typically offer lower minimum bets. Players can start with $1-5 per bet. Maximum limits vary but often reach $500-1000 per bet.
Live casinos usually have higher minimums, often $10-25. Maximum bets can reach several thousand dollars at high-limit tables.
Software Providers and Live Dealer Games
Leading Software Companies
Evolution Gaming leads the live dealer craps market. They provide high-quality video streams and professional dealers. Playtech and Pragmatic Play also offer live craps games.
NetEnt, Microgaming, and IGT create animated online craps games. These use random number generators instead of physical dice.
Live Dealer Technology
Live dealer games stream from professional studios. Multiple camera angles show dice rolls clearly. Players chat with dealers through text messages.
The technology combines online convenience with real dealers. Players see actual dice being thrown and can verify results. Betting interfaces work like standard online games.
Game Variations Available
Most online platforms offer standard craps rules. Some include side bets like Fire Bet or Repeater Bets. Animated versions may include unique bonus features.
Live dealer games focus on traditional craps. They maintain authentic casino rules and procedures. Side bets depend on the specific provider and casino.
Tips for Playing Craps Online
Start with Free Games
New players should practice with free online craps first. This helps them learn betting options without risking money. Most casinos offer demo versions of their craps games.
Understand the Interface
Online craps uses digital betting layouts. Players click or tap betting areas to place chips. Clear buttons show options to add, remove, or clear bets.
Practice finding common bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass quickly. Learn where odds bets appear after establishing a point.
Manage Your Bankroll
Set betting limits before starting sessions. Online games make it easy to bet frequently due to fast pace. Players should stick to predetermined budgets.
Use casino tools like deposit limits and session timers. These features help prevent excessive gambling.
Choose Reputable Casinos
Research licensed online casinos with good reputations. Check for proper regulation and fair gaming certifications. Read reviews from other players about payout speed and customer service.
Verify that random number generators are tested by independent companies. This ensures fair dice outcomes in digital games.
Craps Etiquette and Tips
Proper craps etiquette centers on respectful dice handling, courteous table behavior, and understanding tipping customs. These unwritten rules help maintain the game’s social atmosphere and ensure everyone enjoys their casino experience.
Handling the Dice
Players must use only one hand when picking up and throwing the dice. This rule prevents cheating and keeps the game fair for everyone.
The dice should hit the back wall of the table when thrown. This ensures a random roll and follows casino rules.
Key dice handling rules:
- Never use both hands to hold dice
- Keep dice visible above the table at all times
- Throw with enough force to reach the back wall
- Don’t shake dice for more than a few seconds
Players should avoid touching the dice unnecessarily. Only the shooter handles them during their turn.
When someone else is shooting, keep hands away from the table surface. This prevents interference with the dice roll.
If dice leave the table, dealers will inspect them before returning them to play. Players must wait for the all-clear before continuing.
Player Conduct at the Table
Players should wait for a good time to join the game. The best moment is between shooters or during come-out rolls.
Proper table behavior includes:
- Keeping drinks away from the betting area
- Not leaning over other players
- Speaking at normal volume levels
- Avoiding superstitious comments about “seven”
Money exchanges happen only during certain times. Players cannot buy chips while dice are in motion.
Respect other players’ betting space. Each person has their own area for placing chips.
New players should observe quietly before jumping in. This helps them learn the rhythm of the game.
Celebrating wins is fine, but keep reactions reasonable. Loud outbursts can disturb other players and dealers.
Tipping Customs
Dealers expect tips when players win significant amounts. A good rule is tipping 5% of large wins.
Common tipping methods:
- Place a bet for the dealers on the pass line
- Hand chips directly to dealers between rolls
- Make a “two-way” bet that covers both player and dealers
Tip more frequently during hot streaks when winning consistently. This shows appreciation for good service.
Cocktail servers also receive tips, usually $1-2 per drink. They provide free drinks to active players.
Don’t feel pressured to tip on every small win. Focus on tipping during bigger moments or when receiving exceptional service.
Dealers remember generous tippers and often provide helpful guidance. Good tipping creates a positive relationship with casino staff.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Craps
Betting without understanding odds is a major error new players make. Many people place bets randomly without knowing which ones give the house a big advantage.
Chasing losses leads to bigger problems. Players often bet more money after losing to try to win it back quickly.
Not setting a budget before playing causes trouble. Craps moves fast and players can lose track of their spending easily.
Here are key betting mistakes to avoid:
- Making too many proposition bets with high house edges
- Ignoring the pass line bet, which has one of the lowest house edges
- Over-betting on single rolls
- Falling for betting systems that promise guaranteed wins
Poor bankroll management ruins many gaming sessions. Players should never bet money they cannot afford to lose.
Getting caught up in superstitions hurts decision-making. The dice have no memory of previous rolls.
Not learning basic table etiquette can create problems with dealers and other players. This includes handling chips properly and not touching the dice when betting.
Drinking too much alcohol while playing leads to bad choices. Players make worse betting decisions when they are not thinking clearly.
Playing when tired or upset also causes poor judgment. Emotions should not drive betting decisions at the craps table.
Ignoring odds bets means missing out on wagers with zero house edge when combined with line bets.
Glossary of Craps Terms
Craps uses special words that players need to know. These terms help players understand bets and game actions.
Basic Game Terms:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Come Out Roll | The first roll in a new round |
| Point | The number established on the come out roll |
| Seven Out | Rolling a seven after the point is set |
| Natural | Rolling 7 or 11 on the come out roll |
| Craps | Rolling 2, 3, or 12 |
Common Betting Terms:
Pass Line – A bet that the shooter will win. This is the most basic bet in craps.
Don’t Pass – A bet against the shooter. Players who make this bet want the shooter to lose.
Come Bet – Similar to a pass line bet but made after the point is set.
Field Bet – A one-roll bet on specific numbers. It wins on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Popular Slang:
Players often use fun names for dice combinations. Snake Eyes means rolling two ones. Yo-Leven refers to rolling an eleven.
Boxcars describes rolling two sixes for a total of twelve. The Stickman is the dealer who calls out the numbers and controls the dice.
These terms help new players follow the action at craps tables.
Craps in Popular Culture
Craps has appeared in famous movies like “Ocean’s Eleven” and “Casino,” creating memorable scenes that show the game’s excitement. The game has produced legendary wins and spawned myths about hot streaks and lucky dice.
Craps in Movies
Hollywood has featured craps in many blockbuster films. “Ocean’s Eleven” showed the game’s strategic side during casino heist scenes. “Casino” displayed the intense atmosphere around craps tables in Las Vegas.
“The Hangover” used craps scenes to show characters taking big risks. These movie scenes often focus on the drama of wins and losses. The game appears as a symbol of gambling excitement.
Classic sitcoms have also included craps. “Friends” featured the game in episodes about Las Vegas trips. Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” helped connect craps with casino culture in popular music.
The game serves as a plot device in many films. Writers use craps scenes to build tension or show character personalities. The fast-paced nature of craps makes it perfect for dramatic movie moments.
Famous Craps Wins
Real craps wins have become gambling legends. Stanley Fujitake once rolled dice for over three hours at a California casino. His hot streak lasted 118 rolls without losing.
Patricia Demauro set a record in Atlantic City in 2009. She rolled for four hours and 18 minutes. Her streak lasted 154 rolls at the Borgata casino.
Archie Karas won millions playing craps in Las Vegas during the 1990s. He turned $50 into over $40 million through various gambling games. Craps was a major part of his winning streak.
These wins get retold in casino stories. Players often discuss famous streaks while playing. The stories add to craps mythology and attract new players to the game.
Legends and Myths
Many myths surround craps dice and playing strategies. Some players believe certain dice are “hot” or “cold.” Others think blowing on dice brings good luck.
The myth of controlled shooting claims players can influence dice outcomes. This involves specific throwing techniques and hand positions. Casinos remain skeptical of these claims.
Some players believe in betting systems that guarantee wins. The Martingale system involves doubling bets after losses. No betting system can overcome the house edge.
Superstitions include avoiding certain numbers or colors. Players sometimes request new dice after bad rolls. These beliefs persist despite having no mathematical basis.
The “shooter’s touch” myth suggests some people naturally roll better. Players often crowd around hot shooters at tables. This adds social excitement but doesn’t change the odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
New craps players often have questions about the come out roll, betting rules, and different wager types. Understanding odds, house edges, and basic strategies helps players make better decisions at the table.
How does the ‘come out roll’ work in craps?
The come out roll starts each new round of craps. The shooter throws the dice to begin the game.
If the come out roll shows 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win immediately. If it shows 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose right away.
Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point number. The dealer marks this number with a puck.
Once a point is set, the shooter keeps rolling until they hit the point number again or roll a 7. Rolling the point number wins Pass Line bets. Rolling a 7 ends the round and Pass Line bets lose.
What are the basic rules for betting in craps?
Players must place bets before the dice are thrown. The most basic bet is the Pass Line bet, which goes on the Pass Line area of the table.
Bets must meet the table minimum amount. Most tables have minimums between $5 and $25.
Players can only touch their chips before the dice are rolled. Once the dice are in motion, hands must stay off the table and chips.
The shooter must hit the back wall with both dice for the roll to count. If a die flies off the table, the dealers will inspect it before continuing play.
Can you explain the various types of bets in craps?
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets are the most common starting bets. These have the lowest house edges for new players.
Come and Don’t Come bets work like Pass Line bets but can be made after a point is established. They create individual point numbers for each bet.
Place bets allow players to bet directly on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). These bets win if the chosen number rolls before a 7.
Field bets are one-roll wagers that win on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Proposition bets in the center of the table are also one-roll bets with higher payouts but worse odds.
Hard Way bets win when doubles are rolled (like two 3s for hard 6) before the number is made the easy way or a 7 appears.
What strategies can players use to improve their odds in craps?
Stick to bets with low house edges like Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets. These give players the best chance of winning over time.
Take or lay odds bets behind the line bets when possible. These bets have zero house edge and pay true odds.
Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table. These bets have much higher house edges, often over 10%.
Set a bankroll limit before playing and stick to it. A good rule is bringing 40 times the table minimum to handle losing streaks.
Learn basic betting patterns rather than complex systems. Simple strategies work better than complicated betting schemes.
How do odds work in the game of craps?
Odds bets are additional wagers placed behind Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets after a point is established. These bets pay at true mathematical odds with no house edge.
For Pass Line odds, players win if the point hits before a 7. The payouts are 2:1 on points 4 and 10, 3:2 on points 5 and 9, and 6:5 on points 6 and 8.
Don’t Pass odds work the opposite way. Players win if a 7 rolls before the point. The payouts are 1:2 on points 4 and 10, 2:3 on points 5 and 9, and 5:6 on points 6 and 8.
Most casinos allow odds bets up to 3x, 4x, or 5x the original line bet amount. Some casinos offer higher odds multipliers.
What is the house edge for the different bets in craps?
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets have house edges of 1.36% and 1.4% respectively. These are among the best bets in the casino.
Taking odds behind these bets reduces the overall house edge further. With full odds, the combined house edge drops below 1%.
Place bets on 6 and 8 have a 1.52% house edge. Place bets on 5 and 9 have a 4% house edge, while 4 and 10 have 6.67% house edges.
Field bets typically have house edges between 2.78% and 5.56%, depending on the payouts for 2 and 12. Hard Way bets range from 9.09% to 11.11% house edge.
Proposition bets in the center have the highest house edges, often between 11% and 16.67%. These bets should be avoided by players wanting better odds.