How to Play Craps Online
Playing craps online is easy. The trick is finding the best real-money online craps sites that accept US players and offer fair craps bonuses. The following guide helps new players learn how to play craps online, which is one of the best casino games for players who don’t want to learn strategy.
Our craps guide provides a comprehensive list of craps bets. Though craps doesn’t require strategy, we list a number of tips to help you avoid the pitfalls of online craps. Finally, we offer craps etiquette tips, because most versions of dice shooting is a games with social aspects. We’ll start with basic craps bets.
List of Craps Bets
Whether played in a land-based casino or an online casino, craps have a huge number of bets. Players should not be intimidated by the betting layout, though. Most of the betting options are sucker bets, so the smart players make the basic bets.
Here is a list of craps bets. To help you make wise decisions, we have included the house edge in each description.
- Pass Line Bet: This is the most basic and popular bet in craps. The pass line bet wins if the come-out roll (the first roll of a new round) is a 7 or 11, and loses if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the “point” and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 in order for the pass line bet to win. The payout for a pass line bet is even money (1:1), and the house edge is 1.41%.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet: This is the opposite of the pass line bet. The don’t pass line bet wins if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, and loses if it’s a 7 or 11. If a 12 is rolled, the bet is a push (neither winning nor losing). If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point and the shooter must roll a 7 before rolling the point number again in order for the don’t pass line bet to win. The payout for a don’t pass line bet is even money (1:1), and the house edge is 1.36%.
- Come Bet: This is similar to the pass line bet but is available only after the come-out roll when the point is established. The come bet wins if the next roll after it is placed is a 7 or 11, and loses if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point for the come bet and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 in order for the come bet to win. The payout for a come bet is even money (1:1), and the house edge is 1.41%.
- Don’t Come Bet: This is the opposite of the come bet. The don’t come bet wins if the next roll after it is placed is a 2 or 3, and loses if it’s a 7 or 11. If a 12 is rolled, the bet is a push. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point for the don’t come bet and the shooter must roll a 7 before rolling the point number again in order for the don’t come bet to win. The payout for a don’t come bet is even money (1:1), and the house edge is 1.36%.
- Field Bets: A field bet is a one-roll bet that can be placed on any roll of the dice. The bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payout for a winning field bet is typically even money for 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11, and 2:1 for 2 or 12.
- Buy Bets: A buy bet is a wager that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. The player pays a commission to the casino to place the bet, but if the number is rolled before a 7, the payout is typically better than even money.
- Hardway Bets: A hardway bet is a wager that a specific number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled as a pair before it is rolled any other way or before a 7 is rolled. For example, a hard 8 would be two 4s. The payout for a winning hardway bet is typically higher than other bets but the odds of winning are lower.
- Big Six Bet: A big six bet is a wager that a 6 will be rolled before a 7. The payout for a winning big six bet is typically even money.
- Big Eight Bet: A big eight bet is a wager that an 8 will be rolled before a 7. The payout for a winning big eight bet is typically even money.
- Two or Twelve Bets (2/12): These are two separate bets, but they function the same way. A player places a bet on either the number 2 or the number 12. The bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or a 12 on the next roll of the dice. If any other number is rolled, the bet loses. The payout for this bet is usually 30:1.
- Three or Eleven Bets (3/11): These also are two separate bets. They function much the same way as the 2/12 bet. A player places a bet on either the number 3 or the number 11. The bet wins if the shooter rolls a 3 or an 11 on the next roll of the dice. If any other number is rolled, the bet loses. The payout for this bet is usually 15:1.
- Any 7 Bets: With this bet, a player is betting that the next roll of the dice will result in a total of 7. This bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7, and it loses if any other number is rolled. The payout for this bet is usually 4:1.
- Any Craps Bets: This bet is a bet that the next roll of the dice will result in a craps number (2, 3, or 12). If any of these numbers are rolled, the bet wins. If any other number is rolled, the bet loses. The payout for this bet is usually 7:1.
- Place Bets: These are bets placed on one of the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after the come-out roll. A place bet wins if the point number is rolled before a 7, and loses if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
The payouts for place bets vary depending on the point number:
- 4 or 10: payout is 9:5, house edge is 6.67%
- 5 or 9: payout is 7:5, house edge is 4%
- 6 or 8: payout is 7:6, house edge is 1.52%
Online Craps Betting Tips
Though craps doesn’t require strategy, many real money craps tips exist. The house edge varies wildly depending on the type of bet you make. The basic bets are among the best in the casino for a game with no strategy, while the sucker bets have some of the worst odds you’ll find.
- Stick to Basic Bets: The four basic bets in craps – the pass-line bet, don’t pass bet, come bet, and don’t come bet – have the best odds for players. These bets offer a low house edge, which means the casino has a smaller advantage over the player.
- Take the Odds: When playing the pass-line or come bet, you can take the odds by placing an additional bet behind your original bet. This bet pays out true odds, which means there is no house edge. Taking the odds can greatly increase your chances of winning.
- Avoid Sucker Bets: There are several bets in craps with high house edges, including the big 6/8, hardway bets, and the Any 7 bet. These bets should be avoided as they have poor odds and can quickly deplete your bankroll.
- Practice Craps Money Management: Set a budget for your craps session and stick to it. Only bet what you can afford to lose and don’t chase losses. It’s also a good idea to set aside some of your winnings to ensure you leave the table with something.
- Don’t Use Progressive Betting in Craps: Betting systems like the Martingale scheme, where you double your bet after each loss, can quickly lead to large losses. Instead, stick to flat betting and only increase your bets when you have the advantage.
- Choose Craps Over Sic Bo: Play at an online casino that offers craps. Many players try online Sic Bo, but Sic Bo has a higher house edge than online craps.
Craps Etiquette Tips
Live craps is a game that encourages camaraderie among players because most players make the same wagers. To maintain camaraderie, proper craps etiquette is essential to maintaining a positive and enjoyable atmosphere at the table. Whether you’re playing in a brick-and-mortar casino or an online casino with live dealer craps, remember the following craps etiquette tips.
- Respect the Shooter: The shooter is the person who is rolling the dice, and they have the most significant impact on the outcome of the game. It’s important to avoid distracting or interrupting the shooter, as this can throw off their rhythm and affect the outcome of the roll.
- Don’t Cheer Other Players’ Misfortune: Cheering when you’ve won a “don’t come” or “don’t pass” bet means you are cheering when the shooter and most other players at the table have lost. This can be seen as cheering for the misfortune of others, which is considered poor form.
- Tipping the Dealers: Tipping the dealers, also known as toking the dealer, is a common practice in craps. It’s customary to tip the dealers when you’re winning, and you should tip them based on the size of your bet and the number of dealers working at the table. Remember that live craps games have up to four dealers, so you should account for this when tipping.
- Don’t Hold Drinks Over the Felt: Craps tables are designed to be a clean and comfortable environment for players. Holding drinks, food, or cigarettes over the felt can damage the surface or make it dirty, so it’s best to avoid doing so.
- Know the Rule: It’s important to understand the rules of the game and any specific craps etiquette that applies at the casino where you’re playing. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask the dealer or other players for clarification.
The History of Craps
Craps has a rich history that dates back centuries. The game dates back at least to the Middle Ages when it might be borrowed by Europeans from the Muslim civilization.
- Hazard: Craps is a popular casino game that involves rolling dice and betting on the outcome. The game has a long and interesting history that dates back to the Crusades in the 12th century. It is believed that soldiers played a game called Hazard, which involved rolling dice and betting on the outcome. This game may have been the predecessor to modern-day craps.
- Crapaud: In the 18th century, craps were played by the French royal court, and it was known as “crapaud,” which means “toad” in French. The name was derived from the way players crouched over the dice when they rolled them. The game became popular in the United States in the 19th century, especially in New Orleans, where it was played in the city’s gambling houses.
- Street Craps: During World War II, US soldiers played dice to pass the time and gamble. They used army blankets as a surface to roll the dice on, and the game became known as “street craps.” The game became popular among soldiers, and many continued to play it after the war ended.
- Las Vegas Craps: In the 20th century, craps became a popular casino game in Las Vegas. The game was played on a table with a felt surface and had a variety of bets that players could make. The game’s popularity grew, and it became a staple of casinos around the world.
- Online Craps: With the advent of the Internet, craps have become even more popular. Online casinos offer the game to players around the world, and it is one of the most popular casino games online. The game has also been adapted for mobile devices, allowing players to play craps on their smartphones and tablets.
Conclusion
With the rise of online gaming, online craps is one of the key games on casino sites’ table games menus. Due to its low house edge on basic craps bets, players should seek it out anytime they want a game with no strategy elements and a low house edge.
Sign up at an online craps casino and start playing for free or real money today.
Online Craps FAQs
What is the difference between craps and Sic Bo?
In Craps, players take turns rolling two dice and placing bets on the outcome of the roll. The first roll of a new round is called the “come-out roll,” and depending on the roll’s outcome, the game can either end immediately or continue with the shooter rolling the dice multiple times until they either make their “point” or roll a seven. Players can make a variety of different bets on each roll, including Pass/Don’t Pass bets, Come/Don’t Come bets, and various “place” bets.
Sic Bo, on the other hand, is a much simpler game in which players place bets on the outcome of a single roll of three dice. Players can make a wide variety of bets, including betting on the specific numbers that will come up, the total of the three dice, and various combinations of numbers.
If you place the right bets (basic bets), craps have a lower house edge than Sic Bo. Online players who want a better game should play craps if they have the choice.
Do craps clear the wagering requirement of an online casino’s welcome bonus?
The rules for clearing a welcome bonus at an online casino can vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the bonus. It’s important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the bonus to know which games are eligible for meeting the wagering requirements.
In general, craps may contribute to meeting the wagering requirements of a welcome bonus, but the contribution percentage may be lower than for other games. For example, some online casinos may only count a percentage of the wager towards the wagering requirement for craps, while others may not count crap wagers at all.
Again, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the bonus to see which games count towards meeting the wagering requirement, and at what percentage. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to contact the customer support team of the online casino for clarification.