Craps: Rules, Bets, Odds & How to Play
Craps can look complicated because the table contains dozens of betting areas, but the basic game is surprisingly simple. Learn how the come-out roll works, what happens when a point is established and which bets offer the lowest house edge.
This guide explains Pass Line and Don't Pass bets, Odds, place bets, payouts, strategy, table etiquette and the differences between online and live dealer craps.
Best Craps Casinos
Craps Rules
Every game of craps begins with the come-out roll. Depending on the result, players either win or lose immediately, or a point is established for the rest of the round.
Every new round starts with the shooter's first roll. This determines whether the game ends immediately or moves on to the next stage.
A come-out roll of 7 or 11 wins Pass Line bets instantly.
Rolling 2, 3 or 12 on the come-out roll loses a Pass Line bet, although Don't Pass players win on 2 or 3 while 12 is usually a push.
Any roll of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 becomes the point. The shooter must roll that number again before a 7 appears.
If a 7 is rolled before the point is repeated, the round ends and a new shooter begins.
How to Play Craps
Once you understand the basic rules, playing craps is simply a matter of following the same sequence every round. Most beginners start with the Pass Line because it is easy to understand and offers one of the game's lowest house edges.
Most new players begin with a Pass Line bet before the shooter makes the come-out roll.
A 7 or 11 wins immediately, while 2, 3 or 12 loses (with the usual exception that 12 pushes on Don't Pass).
If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the point and remains active until it is rolled again or a 7 appears.
Once the point has been established, many experienced players back up their Pass Line bet with an Odds bet because it carries no house edge.
When the round ends, a new come-out roll begins and the process starts again.
The Main Craps Bets
You don't need to learn every betting option on your first visit to a craps table. Most experienced players rely on just a handful of bets because they offer the best balance of simplicity and value.
| Bet | When It Wins | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or by making the point. | ✅ Yes |
| Don't Pass | 2 or 3 on the come-out roll, or a 7 before the point. | ✅ Yes |
| Odds Bet | Supports a Pass Line or Don't Pass bet after the point. | ✅ Once you've learned the basics |
| Place Bets | Your chosen number appears before a 7. | ✔ After a little experience |
| Field Bet | The next roll is one of several specified numbers. | ✔ Easy to understand |
| Proposition Bets | Single-roll bets with high payouts. | ❌ Better left until later |
Want to understand why some bets are mathematically stronger than others? Our Mastering the Odds, RTP & House Edge guide explains how house edge affects your long-term results.
Craps Odds, Payouts & House Edge
Craps contains both low-house-edge wagers and expensive novelty bets. Comparing the payout and house edge before playing helps you understand which bets offer reasonable value and which are likely to drain your bankroll quickly.
| Bet | Typical Payout | House Edge | Our View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1:1 | 1.41% | One of the best starting bets for beginners. |
| Don't Pass | 1:1 | 1.36% | Slightly lower house edge, although less popular socially. |
| Come / Don't Come | 1:1 | 1.41% / 1.36% | Useful once you understand the point cycle. |
| Odds Bet | True odds | 0.00% on the Odds portion | The strongest bet available after a point is established. |
| Place 6 or 8 | 7:6 | 1.52% | A reasonable alternative for more experienced players. |
| Place 5 or 9 | 7:5 | 4.00% | More expensive than placing 6 or 8. |
| Place 4 or 10 | 9:5 | 6.67% | High enough to approach cautiously. |
| Big 6 or Big 8 | 1:1 | 9.09% | Avoid - placing 6 or 8 pays better for the same outcome. |
The simplest low-edge approach is to place a Pass Line or Don't Pass bet and add as much Odds as your budget comfortably allows. Higher payouts may look tempting, but they usually come with a much larger mathematical cost.
Craps Strategy & Tips
Craps is a game of chance, so no betting system can overcome the house edge. However, choosing sensible bets and managing your bankroll can help your money last longer and make the game far more enjoyable.
Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, Don't Come and Odds bets generally offer the best long-term value.
The centre of the table contains exciting one-roll wagers, but these usually carry some of the highest house edges in craps.
Craps moves quickly. Decide on a budget before you start and avoid increasing your stakes to chase losses.
If you're new, spend a few minutes watching a table before placing your first bet. You'll soon become familiar with the pace of the game and the betting sequence.
Craps Table Etiquette
Craps is one of the most social games in the casino. Good etiquette helps the game run smoothly and makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Pick up and throw the dice using one hand only. Casino staff need to see a fair, uninterrupted throw.
Don't place, remove or adjust chips while the dice are in play. Wait until the dealers have settled all bets.
Aim for the back wall without throwing the dice off the table or into the chip stacks.
Craps is known for its excitement. Celebrate wins, encourage the shooter and remember that everyone is there to have fun.
If you're new to casinos, our Beginner's Guide to Casino Etiquette explains the basic etiquette expected at casino tables.
Planning to play live dealer craps? Our Live Dealer Casino Etiquette guide covers the extra etiquette involved when playing with real dealers via live video.
Playing Craps Online
Online craps gives you the same betting options as a traditional casino table, with the choice of fast RNG games or immersive live dealer tables streamed in real time.
Pick a licensed casino offering reputable craps software, fair games and payment methods that suit your needs.
Many online casinos offer demo mode, allowing you to learn the layout and betting sequence before risking real money.
RNG craps is quicker and ideal for practice, while live dealer craps recreates the atmosphere of a real casino with genuine dealers and dice.
Decide how much you want to spend before joining a table and stick to your bankroll throughout the session.
Live Dealer Craps
Live dealer craps combines the excitement of a real casino with the convenience of playing from home. Real dealers oversee genuine dice rolls while high-definition video streams the action directly to your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Watch real dice, real dealers and genuine table action instead of a computer animation.
Most live tables include chat, allowing you to ask questions or communicate with the dealer during quieter moments.
Understanding the Pass Line, point cycle and common bets before joining will help you feel far more confident.
Live games move more slowly than RNG craps, giving beginners extra time to follow the action and place bets.
Before joining your first live table, it's worth reading our Live Dealer Casino Etiquette guide so you'll know exactly what to expect.
Craps FAQs
Pass Line and Don't Pass bets have relatively low house edges. Once a point is established, adding an Odds bet can reduce the house edge across your combined wager.
Yes. Many online casinos offer free RNG craps games, allowing you to practise the rules and learn the table layout without risking real money.
The dice rolls are random, so you cannot control the outcome. Your decisions still matter because different bets carry very different house edges.
No betting system can remove the casino's mathematical advantage. Systems may change the pattern or size of your bets, but they cannot predict future dice rolls.
The shooter is the player currently rolling the dice. At a traditional table, players normally take turns becoming the shooter.
On the come-out roll, a 7 wins Pass Line bets. After a point has been established, rolling a 7 before repeating the point causes the shooter to seven out and ends the round.
Casino Beacon's Verdict
Craps has a reputation for being one of the most intimidating casino games, but we think that's undeserved. Once you understand the come-out roll, the point and the Pass Line bet, everything else starts to fall into place surprisingly quickly.
If you're learning for the first time, ignore the temptation to try every betting option on the table. Stick with the Pass Line, learn when to add an Odds bet and enjoy the atmosphere. In our experience, that's the quickest and most enjoyable way to discover why so many experienced casino players consider craps one of the best games on the casino floor.