Craps is an entertaining and social casino game of chance that sees players betting on the outcome of the rolling of two dice. At a casino, this is a table from which you will hear several people cheering in what feels like a party atmosphere. This will be a craps table. Whilst there is a lot that happens in the game, you can start playing in a few minutes as the basic rules are easy to learn.

Play craps online

Playing online craps is good for beginners because it removes any anxiety about the table etiquette required when dealing with the boxman, stickman and two dealers. With online craps, you can practice the rules of the game at your own pace, often on free demo sites where you can experiment with pass line bets before adding in other craps bets as you get more comfortable.

The Craps Table

The craps table is specifically designed for the game with an area for rolling the dice and an area for players to place bets. A first glance at a craps table will have most believing it to be a complicated game, which is why it could be the best game never tried by many in a casino.

Before the dice are rolled, everyone at the table can place bets in the betting area. A player, or shooter, then rolls the dice on the table at the start of each round. Craps at a land-based casino involves several characters that add to the excitement of the game. A boxman controls the chips and makes sure the game runs smoothly. The stickman is responsible for the dice and announces the outcome of each roll. Two base dealers collect losing bets, payout winners and can place some bets at the request of players.

A game of two halves

The first part of a craps game is the come out roll and the second part is the point.

Come out roll

The come out roll is the first time a new shooter rolls the dice. First, players bet on the pass line or the don’t pass. After all the bets are placed the dice are rolled and the outcome depends on the numbers rolled.

Pass and don’t pass bets

For those making a pass line bet, the number is 7 or 11 wins whilst a 2, 3 or 12 is a loss. The remaining numbers between 1 and 10 see the game move to part two.

A don’t pass bet sees 2 or 3 win, 7 or 11 lose or your money back with 12. All remaining numbers up to 10 establish a point.

The point

Playing the point makes craps more interesting. The pass line bet remains and the aim is to roll the point lower than a 7, so the pass line bets are paid out. However, if a 7 is rolled first, all pass line bets are lost.

Craps betting options

There are so many betting options in craps that you can never get bored at the table. The game can become immersive and exciting for players and with those playing in teams the excitement can create a party atmosphere.