Craps: How to Play and Where to Play Online
What Is Craps
Craps is a dice game in which players bet on the outcome of one or more rolls, usually made by a shooter. The central wager is whether the shooter will establish and then make a point; other bets cover specific totals or combinations. You can learn the basic craps rules quickly, but the betting menu can be complex, and every wager has its own odds and house edge.
At a casino table, players generally share the same shooter and betting layout. In online craps, software simulates the rolls, while a live-dealer version uses a streamed table and physical dice. Rules, available bets, table limits and payouts can differ between games, so check the specific game’s help screen before wagering.
Craps is one of several casino games with distinct rules and risk profiles. If you are comparing games, see the casino games guide.
Basic Rules
A standard craps round has two phases: the come-out roll and, if a point is established, the point phase.
- Place a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet before the come-out roll. These are opposing main wagers; some casinos may restrict or handle particular bets differently.
- On the come-out roll, a Pass Line bet wins if the shooter rolls 7 or 11, and loses on 2, 3 or 12. A Don’t Pass bet generally wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and treats 12 as a push. Check the table rules for the exact treatment.
- If the roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that number becomes the point. The shooter keeps rolling. Pass Line wins if the point appears before a 7; it loses if 7 appears first. Don’t Pass generally has the reverse result.
- After a decision, the next round begins with another come-out roll.
The shooter’s role does not make the dice predictable. Each roll is random, and past outcomes do not determine the next one. Bets such as Come and Don’t Come work broadly like Pass Line and Don’t Pass wagers, but can be placed after a point has been set. Some bets can be removed or changed only under specific rules.
For a slower walkthrough, read the craps rules guide. A casino’s rules may differ from a simplified tutorial, so use the live game’s paytable and instructions as the final reference.
Bets and Payouts
The Pass Line is a common starting point because it follows the basic round structure. Don’t Pass is its opposite in broad terms. Other wagers may be tied to a point, a particular roll, or a number appearing before a 7. A bet with a larger possible payout is not necessarily a better value: the chance of winning and the house edge matter too.
The table below gives examples of familiar bets and standard payouts. Exact offerings and rules can vary by casino, game version and jurisdiction. Confirm the payout table before placing a bet; do not assume every online or live-dealer game uses the same layout.
| Bet | What it generally covers | Common payout basis |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | Come-out result, then point before 7 | Even money (1:1) |
| Don’t Pass | Opposing outcome to Pass Line, subject to rules such as a possible push on 12 | Usually even money (1:1) |
| Come | A new come-out-style wager placed after a point is established | Even money (1:1) |
| Don’t Come | Opposing outcome to a Come bet, subject to the game’s rules | Usually even money (1:1) |
| Odds bet | An additional wager behind an eligible Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come or Don’t Come bet | Pays according to the point and the game’s odds rules |
| Place 6 or 8 | Wager that the chosen number appears before 7 | Commonly 7:6 |
| Field | One-roll wager on a listed set of totals | Varies by game and total |
“Odds” wagers are often described as paying true odds, but casinos can set limits on how much may be added, and the permitted amount is not the same everywhere. A bet’s payout ratio is not the same as its house edge. Check both the game’s paytable and betting rules, including any restrictions on odds bets and the minimum and maximum stake.
The craps odds guide can help explain how probability relates to different wagers. As with all casino games, the house has an edge on the available bets; no betting pattern removes it.
Popular Variants
Craps games may differ in layout, bet selection, dice presentation and table limits. Common labels include:
- Traditional or casino craps: The familiar table format, with a range of bets around the Pass Line, Don’t Pass and point.
- Bank craps: A casino-banked format commonly associated with the standard table game. The precise rules and available wagers still depend on the venue.
- Simplified or electronic craps: A digital version may streamline the layout or use a different interface. Read the game rules rather than assuming every bet works like its table counterpart.
- Online and live-dealer craps: Online games may use software-generated rolls; live-dealer games stream a human-run table. These formats can have different controls, limits and bet menus.
Names alone do not establish that two games have identical rules. Before playing a variant, inspect its instructions, paytable, available betting options and minimum/maximum stakes. If you are used to another casino game, note that craps’ many simultaneous wagers make its layout feel different from baccarat or blackjack.
Strategy Basics
Craps strategy is mainly about choosing which bets to make and understanding their costs—not predicting dice or overcoming randomness. A strategy cannot guarantee a result or make a negative-expectation wager profitable over time. Each roll is uncertain, and the house edge remains.
For a more measured approach:
- Learn the Pass Line and Don’t Pass rules before adding other wagers.
- Compare the house edge for the specific bets shown in the game’s rules, rather than relying on a general claim about “best” bets.
- Treat proposition bets and high-payout wagers cautiously: a large payout can come with a lower chance of success.
- Set a spending limit before starting, and choose a stake that fits within it.
- Do not increase bets to recover losses or interpret a run of results as a prediction.
Beginner checklist
- Read the game rules and payout table.
- Confirm the minimum and maximum table limits.
- Check whether the game is software-based or live dealer.
- Practise in free play first if available.
- Decide in advance how long to play and how much you can afford to lose.
- Stop when you reach your limit; never borrow to gamble.
Editorial note: This guide explains commonly used craps rules and payouts, not the terms of a particular casino. Game versions and offers change, so verify current details on the operator’s official page before registering or depositing. To compare available options, use the craps site comparison as a starting point, not as a guarantee that any listing is suitable or currently available in your location.
Where to Play Craps Online
When choosing where to play craps online, check that the operator accepts players in your state or province and review the relevant regulator’s information. Gambling rules differ across the United States and Canada, and availability can change. This is general information, not legal advice; consult your local state or provincial regulator if you are unsure.
Compare the game itself as well as the casino. Confirm whether it offers the craps variant you want, whether it has free play or a live-dealer option, what payment methods and fees apply, and how its bonus terms affect withdrawals. Do not rely on advertised claims alone: read the full terms, including eligibility, wagering requirements, exclusions and deadlines. These details can change.
Free play
Many casinos and game sites offer a free-play or demo mode, allowing you to practise the controls and rules without risking money. Demo availability and features vary, and practice results do not predict real-money outcomes. Some demos may not be available in every location. Find options in the free craps guide.
Live dealer
Live-dealer craps streams a table with a host or dealer, while players place bets through an online interface. Before joining, check the game’s rules, table limits, bet-placement controls and whether the stream is available in your location. The presence of a live dealer does not alter the underlying uncertainty of dice rolls or remove the house edge.
If you prefer to play on a phone or tablet, check device compatibility and the operator’s app details in the craps apps guide. Review permissions and download software only through an official source.
FAQ
How do you play Craps?
Before a come-out roll, choose an eligible wager such as Pass Line or Don’t Pass. The result may settle the bet immediately or establish a point; if there is a point, the shooter rolls until it or a 7 appears, with the outcome depending on your wager. Read the table rules for the exact bet conditions and payouts.
Can I play Craps online for free?
Yes. Many casinos and game sites offer free Craps in demo mode so you can practise the rules without risking money. Availability varies by site and location, and demo mode does not guarantee the same experience or results as real-money play. See the free-play options.
Is Craps a game of skill or luck?
Craps is primarily a game of chance: players can choose among wagers, but they cannot control or reliably predict the dice. Learning the rules can help you avoid misunderstanding a bet, but it does not remove the house edge or guarantee a win.
What is the easiest craps bet to understand?
The Pass Line is a common starting point because it follows the come-out roll and, if needed, the point phase. “Easiest” is not the same as “risk-free,” and the bet still has a house edge. Review the rules and payout table before playing.
Do online craps games use the same rules as casino tables?
They may use familiar rules, but the interface, available wagers, limits and payout details can differ. Check the individual game’s instructions and paytable rather than assuming a digital version matches a particular land-based table.
Can a craps strategy guarantee a win?
No. A betting strategy cannot make dice outcomes certain or guarantee winnings. Set a limit you can afford, treat the game as entertainment and stop if gambling is no longer enjoyable.
Responsible Gambling
Craps is for adults aged 18+ (21+ where local law requires). Set time and spending limits before you play, never chase losses, and do not gamble with money needed for essentials. If gambling is causing harm, seek support: in the US, call 1-800-GAMBLER; in New Zealand, call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655; in Canada, contact your provincial problem gambling service.
Information last reviewed: October 2026.