How Do You Play Craps at the Casino?

Croupier stick clearing craps table

Craps is one of the most exciting and fast-paced games you’ll find in a casino. With players gathered around the table and chips flying, the game can be both exhilarating and intimidating for newcomers. However, once you understand the basic rules and flow of the game, craps can be a lot of fun. This guide will explain how to play casino craps, from the basic rules to the different betting options available.

The Basics of Craps

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls of two six-sided dice. The game takes place on a specially designed table with different betting areas, and it’s often surrounded by a crowd of cheering players.

The goal in craps depends on the type of bet you place, but the most common bet revolves around the “Pass Line” and whether the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will win or lose.

How to Play Casino Craps

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started with casino craps:

1. Understand the Objective

In the simplest terms, the main objective in craps is to bet on the outcome of the dice rolls. The game begins with the “come-out roll,” which is the first roll in a new round. The shooter (the person rolling the dice) must establish a point, or roll a 7 or 11 to win immediately, or a 2, 3, or 12 to lose (this is called “crapping out”). If any other number is rolled, it becomes the “point.”

2. Place Your Bets

Before the shooter rolls the dice, you’ll need to place your bet. The most common bets in craps are the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets:

  • Pass Line Bet: You’re betting that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or by rolling the point number before a 7.
  • Don’t Pass Line Bet: You’re betting against the shooter. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll, or rolls a 7 before hitting the point.

Once you place your bet, the game begins with the come-out roll.

3. The Come-Out Roll

The come-out roll determines the next phase of the game:

  • If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win.
  • If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose.
  • If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “point.” The shooter’s goal is now to roll the point again before rolling a 7.

4. Rolling for the Point

If the shooter establishes a point (by rolling any number other than 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12), the next phase of the game begins. The shooter continues rolling the dice, trying to hit the point again before rolling a 7.

  • If the point is rolled before a 7, Pass Line bets win, and the round starts over.
  • If a 7 is rolled before the point, Pass Line bets lose, and a new shooter takes over.

5. Other Betting Options

Craps has a wide range of additional bets, making it one of the most diverse games in the casino. Here are a few common betting options you’ll encounter:

  • Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line bet, but made after the come-out roll.
  • Don’t Come Bet: Similar to the Don’t Pass Line bet, but made after the come-out roll.
  • Place Bets: You bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.
  • Field Bets: A one-roll bet where you win if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.

These are just a few of the many betting options available in craps. As you become more comfortable with the game, you can explore other bets to diversify your strategy.

Strategies for Playing Craps

Although craps is largely a game of chance, some strategies can help you manage your bets and increase your chances of winning.

1. Stick to the Pass Line Bet

For beginners, the safest and simplest bet is the Pass Line bet. It has a relatively low house edge (around 1.41%), making it one of the better bets in the casino. This bet is easy to understand and gives you a good chance of winning during the game.

2. Avoid Proposition Bets

Proposition bets, which are placed in the center of the craps table, typically have a much higher house edge and are more difficult to win. These bets include single-roll wagers like betting on “snake eyes” (rolling two 1s) or any 7. It’s best for new players to avoid these bets until they’re more familiar with the game.

3. Manage Your Bankroll

As with any casino game, it’s essential to manage your bankroll when playing craps. Set a limit on how much you’re willing to lose, and don’t chase your losses. Stick to your budget, and play responsibly.

Common Terms in Craps

Before you head to the casino, here are a few terms you should know:

  • Shooter: The player rolling the dice.
  • Come-Out Roll: The first roll in a new round of craps.
  • Point: The number established on the come-out roll, which the shooter must roll again before rolling a 7.
  • Seven-Out: When the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point, ending the round.
  • Boxman: The casino employee who oversees the craps table.

Conclusion

Craps may seem complicated at first glance, but once you understand the basic rules and flow of the game, it becomes much easier to follow. By starting with simple bets like the Pass Line and gradually learning more about the game, you can enjoy the fast-paced action of craps and increase your chances of winning at the casino.

 

Nick
Nick

Nikhil Sethi has been working in digital marketing for 16 years. He’s seen how it’s changed over time and has learned to keep up. He’s worked with many different kinds of businesses and knows how to make plans that work. Nikhil loves teaching others and finding new ways to reach people online.