Article Contributors

New Online Craps Casinos

This is a shame. Craps is not only among the most legendary and iconic casino games in history, it is one of the few table games that truly stand out. Craps offers much-needed variety and intense dice-rolling excitement, and any casino player should try their hands on it at least once.

Missing those dice? We have collected every single casino that lets you play craps online. You might not know this, but online casino craps is not easy to find. Few games have been developed, and even many notable casinos may leave craps lovers hanging.

Never played, or want to know how to maximise your craps odds? On this page, we provide a quick guide that will walk through all the craps rules, and provide the tips and insider knowledge you need to play craps like a pro. If you have any further questions we also have a simple FAQ section at the very bottom of the page. Any question you have will be answered.

Craps Rules
Craps Bets & Payout
Craps Strategies and Tips
Craps Terminology
FAQ

New Craps Casinos 2024

It is utterly ridiculous that a large number of casinos do not have a single craps game whatsoever. Well, if you love playing craps online, we are here for you. We will never let you suffer the indignity of signing up to a new online casino just to realize you cannot play craps. We have removed all the blasphemers and present you with every single new craps casino. Just compare the offers, and sign up to the casino that excites you the most.

Online Craps vs. Traditional Craps

One of the reasons why online craps did not make the same dent as blackjack and roulette may simply be that you can not feel the dice in your own hands. While you do not need to throw the dice yourself in land-based casino craps, you can, and this option is gone. In almost all other respects, online craps is identical to the brick and mortar version.

You can even play online craps at live casinos, with real dealers throwing the dice.

Let’s look at the main ways the online experience will differ.

RNGs

The key difference between online craps and craps games you play at physical casinos is the Random Number Generators (RNG). This ensures that the game is completely random and can not be rigged. The developers that create and run the games are licensed and supervised by government bodies ensuring absolute safety, and in most games, it is a sense of security and fairness.

However, with craps, many players feel that the way they throw the dice may impact the game, and the RNG generator, ensuring absolute randomness goes against this hope. Do not get suckered in, however, online craps odds are lucrative, and you would do yourself a disservice

Pace

Another key difference is the pace. Live craps is one of the fastest games you can play in brick-and-mortar casinos, but you still have to wait for the croupier to set it up. Not to mention waiting for other players to roll their dice, especially if they have their own rituals. Some may prefer to kiss them, rub them between their hands etc.

All this may become frustrating if all you want to do is get to your own attempt to strike it lucky. Online craps is much faster. You can get through a game in less time and focus on your own experience rather than that of everyone else around the table.

Free Craps Demos

Another difference is that you can play free craps at many virtual casinos before you spend any money. You can’t do this in brick-and-mortar casinos, of course, which can put novices off even trying the game, especially given the number of people who may be gathered around the table.

Playing for free enables you to get a feel for the game and its rules, without losing any cash along the way.

Software Developers Creating Craps Games

Software developers have to capture the sense of speed and chance so inherent to craps, and there are numerous online craps games to choose from, developed by different teams. You can expect to find craps created by:

  • NetEnt
  • Games Global
  • Evolution Gaming
  • BetSoft
  • And more

All of these are reliable, popular brands developing high-quality games, and are available across desktop and mobile devices.

Craps Bonuses & Free Play Options

The easiest way to get started and learn the ropes is to play craps yourself, and you can do this risk-free. The majority of casinos allow you to try their demo versions, even without being signed up. This allows you to test the game and get a real sense of how everything works before risking your hard-earned money.

You can also play with “limited risk” thanks to craps bonus offers. Beware that many casino bonuses do not apply to craps or countless towards the wagering requirement: but there are plenty of casinos that allow you to play craps with your bonus.

What is Craps: Basic Craps Rules

Craps is all about trying to predict the outcome of single or multiple dice rolls and making wagers on that outcome.

Bets are placed on different parts of the game screen to indicate which outcome the player is betting on. So, different bets have different payouts.

Game-play is in two phases (which we’ll talk about later on):

  • Come-out
  • Point

Craps Phases

So, how is a game of craps played? It is split up into the two phases mentioned earlier: the Come-out, and then the Point.

The game starts out in the come-out phase with the player rolling the two dice (or clicking ‘roll’ in the online version).

  • If the dice land on a total of 2, 3 or 12, this is called ‘crapping out’ and pass line bets lose. Don’t pass line bets win if a 2 or 3 is rolled and tie if it’s a 12.
  • If totals of 7 or 11 are rolled, pass line bets win while don’t pass line bets lose.

If totals of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are rolled, that number then the point phase starts. The button is flipped to ‘on’ and placed on the point number on the table to identify it as such.

  • The point value must be rolled again before a 7 is rolled for the pass line bet to win.
  • If a 7 is rolled before the point value, the Pass line loses, the Don’t Pass line wins.

Craps Rolls

There are names given to each total you might encounter when rolling the dice at the live craps table, usually when the stick-man announces the result.

  • Snake Eyes – A roll value of 2, each dice showing 1
  • Ace Deuce – Dice show 2 and 1
  • Easy Four – Dice show a 3 and a 1
  • Fever Five – Dice show a 4 and a 1, or a 3 and a 2
  • Easy Six – Dice show 5 and 1, or 2 and 4
  • Hard Four – Dice show two 2s
  • Easy Eight – Dice show 2 and 6
  • Hard Six – Dice show two 3s
  • Hard Eight – Dice show two 4s
  • Nine/Nina – Dice show 4 and 5, or 3 and 6
  • Hard Ten – Dice show two 5s
  • Easy Ten – Dice show 6 and 4
  • Yo-leven – Dice show 5 and 6. It is named as such to prevent confusion with the similar sounding ‘seven’
  • Boxcars/Midnight – Dice show two 6s

Variations of Craps

All casinos play the same variant of craps because all games of craps follow the standard craps rules. However, some casinos might prohibit or accept certain bets. Below are some variations in the bet rules that can be used.

  • 11 is a point number, which means that the Pass line does not automatically win if an 11 is rolled at the Come-Out
  • 12 pays on the field, at 3:1. Most commonly seen at casinos with higher minimum bets
  • 11 pays 2:1 on the field. This is normally in play when 12 pays 3:1
  • Big Six, Big Eight bets are unavailable

The Craps table

A physical craps table usually has raised sides to ensure that dice remain on the table once they are rolled. The vertical walls of the craps table are often covered in a rubber-like material, which causes the dice to bounce off and randomize the result. The bottom of the table is covered in a fabric surface, usually felt.

The table is divided into three areas. The two sides at either end of the table are mirror images of one another and they display the Come and Don’t Come bets, Odds bet, Place bets and Field bets, and the Pass line and Don’t Pass line bets.

The third, central section is shared by both sides and displays the Proposition bets. Don’t worry, we’ll go into all these bets later on!

Each round is played with two dice, selected at random from a group of five, to ensure that they are not tampered with or exchanged for altered dice.

Craps Participants

Each craps table has standing room for about 8 players, though some larger tables can accommodate more players. There are also two to four staff members present at each table.

The Boxman

This person is usually seated behind the casino’s bank and their job is to manage chips, supervise the dealers and exchange small denomination chips for larger ones

The Dealer/s

These participants stand on either side of the boxman and are in charge of collecting and paying bets on their side of the table.

The Stickman

This person stands opposite the boxman and they announce the results of each roll. They are also equipped with a long wooden stick used to move the dice across the table

In standard games of craps, there are two dealers, a boxman and a stickman. In games of mini craps, the table is small enough that two dealers can handle all player betting activity

Craps Bets & Craps Payouts

Aside from the pass line and don’t pass line bets, there are a number of other bets players can make on a round of craps:

Pass Line Bet

This is the fundamental bet in Craps, which is a bet on the shooter winning their point number. The shooter wins if their first roll is a natural 7 or 11 and loses if it’s 2, 3 or 12 (‘craps’). After a point value is established, to win the Pass bet that value must be rolled before hitting a 7. The Pass bet pays even money.

Don’t Pass Bet

This is the reverse of the previous bet and is essentially a bet on the shooter losing. If the first roll is a natural 7 or 11, this bet is lost. A roll of 12 is a tie. If the point value is established, this bet will only win if a 7 is rolled before that point value is hit.

Come Bet

This bet is similar to the Pass Line bet except that it is made after the point has been determined. The bet is placed on the pass line. The next roll after the bet is made determines the come point. This bet wins if it is a natural and loses if it’s craps. If a 7 is rolled before the come point is reached, this bet loses. It wins if the come point is reached before a 7.

Don’t Come Bet

The inverse of the Come bet, this also takes place after the come point has been established. This bet wins if the shooter hits craps or if a 7 appears before the come point is hit. This bet loses on 7 and 11, and is tied on 12.

Place Bets

Once the point has been determined, the player can bet on the outcome of a dice roll of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. This bet wins if the selected number is hit before a 7 is rolled. There are different payouts for each value: 4 and 10 pay 9:5, 5 and 9 pay 7:5, and 6 and 8 pay 7:6.

This bet can be cancelled at any point during the game.

Field Bets

These bets are made on a single roll of the dice. If 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 are rolled, this bet wins. If 5, 6, 7 and 8 are rolled, this bet loses. 2 pays double at 2:1 and 12 pays 3:1. Other winning rolls pay even.

Big Six, Big Eight bets

At any stage in the game, players can bet on a 6 or an 8, respectively, appearing before a 7. Big Eight and Big Six bets pay even money.

Proposition Bets

These bets can be made on any roll and with one exception, as all one-roll bets.

  • Any Craps – pays 8:1 if 2, 3 or 12 are rolled
  • Any Seven – pays 5:1 if 7 is rolled
  • Eleven – pays 16:1 if 11 is rolled
  • Ace Deuce – pays 16:1 if a 3 is rolled
  • Aces/Boxcars – pays 30:1 if a 2 or a 12 are rolled
  • Horn Bet – this bet is split between 2, 3, 11 or 12. If any of these are hit, the bet wins and the other three are lost. 2 and 12 pay 30:1, 3 and 11 pay 15:1
  • Hardways – the outcome of this bet is only possible after multiple rolls. The bet is made on a hardway number (i.e. the dice showing the same number) being rolled before it is rolled easy and a 7 is rolled. Hard 4 and 10 pay 8:1, hard 6 and 8 pay 10:1

Craps Odds

Once a point value is established, players can place odds on the Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come bets. This means that players increase their existing bets, and in return they’ll get a higher payout if the selected bet wins.

Craps House Edge

Your chances of winning at craps vary depending on what bets you place because the house edge differs depending on the bet made. The list below covers all the possible house edge/bet combinations in craps.

  • Pass/Come: 1.41%
  • Don’t Pass/Don’t Come: 1.40%
  • Pass + 1 x Odds: 0.85%
  • Pass + 2 x Odds: 0.61%
  • Pass + 5 x Odds: 0.32%
  • Pass + 10 x Odds: 0.18%
  • Pass + 100 x Odds: 0.02%
  • Field (2:1 on 12): 5.56%
  • Field (3:1 on 12): 2.78%
  • Any Craps: 11.11%
  • Big: 6,8 9.09%
  • Hard 4,10: 11.11%
  • Hard 6,8: 9.09%
  • Place (to win) 6,8: 1.52%
  • Place (to win) 5,9: 4.00%
  • Place (to Win) 4,10: 6.67%
  • Place (to lose) 6,8: 1.82%
  • Place (to lose) 5,9: 2.50%
  • Place (to lose) 4,10: 3.03%
  • Proposition 2,12: 13.89%
  • Proposition 3,11: 11.11%
  • Proposition 7: 16.67%

Craps Strategies

The outcome in a craps game is totally random but players can use strategies to help guide their betting. A number of popular gambling strategies can be used in craps, including the following examples:

  • Martingale strategy
  • Reverse Martingale or Paroli strategy
  • Fibonacci strategy
  • D’Alembert strategy
  • Labouchere strategy

There is of course also the famed dice control theory, which even if real, can not be used on online casinos.

Dice Control Theory

The concept is simple and intuitive and is based on the idea that an experienced shooter can influence the dice outcome. The basic idea is that throwing the dice is much like bowling, darts or even pool, and that skill may play a role in how the dice lands.

The theory also goes further, in that the player should attempt to spin the dice on the Y-axis as opposed to both the Y- and X-axis.

This theory is deeply controversial, and internal rules, such as the dice needing to hit the wall of the dice table to be valid. Of course, even if the theory does hold up it can not be utilized on digital versions operating with a Random Number Generator.

Tips For Playing Craps

As with any online casino game, craps has strategies you can try to better your chances of winning. This isn’t guaranteed, of course, but when used wisely, strategies may be able to increase your enjoyment of the game.

Learn the Rules

This should be obvious: Before you start playing know the rules and your odds. Read our guide above, and maximise your knowledge so that you do not make rookie mistakes.

Play Free Craps

Put your knowledge to the test, and internalize the rules, by testing out everything we have thought you on free online craps. Simply go to any of the casinos listed above and try their demo version of craps.

Manage Your Money

When you’re playing online, it’s easy to lose track of your stake amount and keep betting when you should probably take a break. It’s easier with a fast-paced game like craps, too. Set a limit for yourself before each game, and be willing to quit while you’re ahead.

Stick to Pass Bets at The Beginning

If you want to extend your craps game as much as possible and have fun, consider sticking to the pass/don’t pass and come/don’t come options. This helps to keep online craps a little bit simpler and is ideal if you’re just starting to get into the game.

Craps Terms

In order to play craps, you need to know the language! Below are a number of beginner terms new players should add to their vocabulary before starting to play:

  • The shooter – At a land-based casino, this is the player rolling the dice. When playing online, the game software simulates a dice roll with a random outcome.
  • The button – A circular marker with the word ‘off’ written on one side and ‘on’ on the other. This is used to identify the point value during a round of craps.
  • Chips – Players make bets using chips, not cash, in craps.
  • Pass line – when the player bets that the shooter will win the round.
  • Don’t Pass line – when the player bets that the shooter will lose the round.
  • Natural – In craps, the 7 and 11 are two naturals during the come-out phase. If these two numbers appear, it’s an automatic win on Pass bets. In other circumstances, the 7 is a losing number
  • Seven-Out – Beyond the Come-Out phase, if a 7 is rolled before the point value has been hit, it is called a Seven-Out

Easy, right? Let’s complicate things a little, as the specific combos, you get also have their own names. Knowing this part of the lingo is more important in the real world, as you can show off your knowledge and blend in like a pro. However, it can still be beneficial in the online casino world; especially if you are playing live craps. Here they are:

  • Craps – refers to 2, 3, and 12
  • Yo – refers to 11
  • C and E craps – refers to 11
  • Snake Eyes – refers to two 1s
  • Boxcars – refers to two 6s
  • Little Joe – refers to a 4 (usually as a combination of a 1 and a 3)
  • Jimmy Hicks – refers to a 6
  • Skate and Donate – refers to an 8
  • Skinny Dugan – refers to a loser 7
  • Centre Field – refers to a 9
  • Puppy Paws – refers to two 5s
  • Natural Winner – refers to a 7 or an 11 on the coming out

References

Mathematics of Games and Gambling by Edward W. Packel (2006)

An Introduction to Probability and Inductive Logic by Ian Hacking (2001)

Casino Craps: Shoot to Win! by Frank Scoblete (2010)

Craps FAQ

Do you have any further questions about craps? Just ask? Contact us with a question, and we will give you a prompt answer.

1. Can You Play Craps Online for Free?

Yes, essentially all casinos allow you to play Craps for free through the demo version of the games. Beware that you may need an account for this feature.

2. Can I Play Live Craps For Free?

No, you can not play live casino games for free, as these are real dealers using their real time at the tables.

3. Where Can I Get a Craps Bonus?

Just look at the bonus offers in the toplist above. Many will apply to craps games.

4. Is There a Craps Card Game?

There are versions of craps where the dice have been replaced by cards, but these are at present not available at online casinos.

5. Is Online Craps Fair?

Yes, online craps use a Random Number Generator (RNG) and is therefore completely random and safe.

6. What’s the Best Online Craps Betting Strategy?

All the standard casino strategies, from Martingale to the Fibonacci strategy can be applied to craps. They each have their strong and weak points.

7. Can Online Craps Be Beaten?

The odds will always be in the house’s favour, but you can optimize your odds by reading our guide.

8. Do Craps Games Work on Mobile?

Yes, several craps games work on mobile. You may be unlucky and run across older craps games that have not been built for mobile, but these flash-games have at this point been largely phased out.