Craps

What’s craps?

The game is all about placing bets on the outcome of two dice, with wagers made against other players or the casino itself. On the other hand, it is the hardest game to explain the rules with its own terminology and dozens of odds where players need a little bit of training until they get all the facts.

The digital version of craps sticks to the same rules as the real thing, except instead of rolling physical dice, an RNG (Random Number Generator) determines the outcome. While you won’t hear the classic casino chatter, the same excitement and strategic betting remain intact.

Rolling the Bones: The Wild History of Craps

Craps has been around for centuries, but its exact origins are a bit of a mystery. Some say it dates back to the Ancient Romans, where soldiers would carve pig knuckles into dice-like shapes and toss them on their shields—hence the phrase "rolling the bones" that’s still used today. Others believe craps evolved from the Arabic game azzahr or the medieval English game hazard, which was supposedly invented by Sir William of Tyre during the Crusades. The game took on a French twist in the 18th century, where it became known as "crabes" or "crapeaud", referring to unlucky rolls of 2, 3, or 12. By the time it crossed the Atlantic, English and French settlers each brought their own spin on the game, and by the mid-19th century, "Craps" was the name everyone knew. It became a street gambling favorite, with players rolling dice against stoops, staircases, and curbs. The game wasn’t exactly balanced—players had a huge edge, leading to rampant cheating—until John H. Winn, an American dice maker, stepped in. In 1907, he revamped the rules, introducing the "Don't Pass" bet and solidifying himself as the "Father of Modern Craps." When Nevada legalized gambling in the 1930s, craps exploded in popularity, becoming one of the most iconic casino games of all time. Today, whether you’re shooting dice in Vegas, playing at an Atlantic City casino, or rolling virtually in an online casino, craps remains one of the most exciting and fast-paced games you can play—keeping the thrill of the roll alive for generations to come!

Craps Rules: Breaking It Down

At first glance, the craps table can look a bit intimidating—numbers everywhere, fast-paced rolls, and a flurry of casino slang. But don’t worry! Once you get the basics down, you can play it easily.

Here’s how it works:

• The Come-Out Roll – This is the first roll of the game or the first roll after a previous round ends.
• The Shooter – The player rolling the dice (or pressing “roll” online).

Possible Outcomes:

• Natural (7 or 11) – You win instantly and get to roll again.
• Craps (2, 3, or 12) – You lose, but the round continues.
• Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) – The game continues, and you need to roll the same number again before rolling a 7 to win.

Now, why is 7 missing from the Point list? Because rolling a 7 means you "seven out" and lose—ending the betting round. Once you’ve got this down, you can start exploring different betting options.

Let’s Take a Look at Popular Craps Variants

Since craps has been around for centuries, it evolved into different versions with unique twists and house rules. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Bank Craps (aka "Casino Craps" or "Vegas Craps")
   This is the most common version of craps played in casinos worldwide. It’s a structured, casino-friendly version where players bet against the house, not each other. The table layout, rules, and betting options have been fine-tuned to create a fair and balanced game.
2. Crapless Craps
   Sounds like a dream, right? No losing on the come-out roll! Instead of crapping out with a 2, 3, or 12, these numbers simply become Point numbers. But here’s the catch—the house edge is way higher (about five times more than in standard craps). So, while it looks like a great deal, in the long run, the odds aren’t exactly in your favor.
3. Simplified Craps
   If you're looking for an easy, no-frills version, this one’s for you. The game removes all the complex bets, boiling it down to a win-or-lose format:

• Roll a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12? You win!
• Roll a 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9? You lose!

It’s great for beginners, but the house edge is higher (2.8%), making it less profitable for serious players.

Craps Bets: What You Need to Know

Craps might seem like a game with too many betting options, but don’t let that scare you off. You don’t need to memorize every single bet to have a great time—just focus on the key ones that matter most. If you’re looking to dive into the action without getting lost in a sea of chips, here are the most important bets to know.

Pass Line & Don't Pass Bets – The Basics

The Pass Line Bet is the most popular bet in craps. Think of it as betting with the shooter—you’re rooting for them to win. Here’s how it works:

• Win instantly if the come-out roll is 7 or 11
• Lose immediately if it's 2, 3, or 12 (aka “crapping out”)
• If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), that number becomes the point, and the bet stays on the table until:

The point number is rolled again → You win!

A 7 is rolled before the point → You lose!

The Don’t Pass Bet is basically the opposite—you’re betting against the shooter:

• Win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3
• Lose if it's 7 or 11
• Push (no win or loss) on a 12
• If a point is set, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point—but lose if the point is rolled again first.

Big 6 & Big 8 – The “Why Bother?” Bets

These bets are super simple. Here’s the catch: they’re not worth it. The Odds Bet (which has no house edge) gives you better payouts for betting on the same numbers, so most experienced players skip these bets altogether.

• Bet on 6—win if it lands before a 7.
• Bet on 8—win if it lands before a 7.
• Payout is even money (1:1).

Hardways – Betting on Doubles

A Hardway Bet is when you wager that a specific number will be rolled as a double before a 7 appears. If the dice land on your chosen double before a 7 or an “easy” version of the number (e.g., a 6 made with a 5+1 instead of 3+3), you win! Hardways are high-risk but offer big payouts, making them a favorite for players who love suspense.

• Hard 4 = Double 2s
• Hard 6 = Double 3s
• Hard 8 = Double 4s
• Hard 10 = Double 5s

Field Bet – Quick & Easy Wins

If you’re into fast action, the Field Bet might be your style, but be aware that it has a small edge. This is a one-roll bet, meaning it’s settled on the next dice roll.

• You win if the roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• You lose if it's 5, 6, 7, or 8.
• Pays 1:1, except for rolling a 2 or 12, which pays double (2:1).

In Conclusion

Craps is a fast-paced casino game where players bet on the outcome of two dice. While exciting, it has complex rules and terminology that require some learning. The game has a long history, potentially dating back to Ancient Rome, evolving through the French and English into the modern version played today. The standard version, Bank Craps, is the most common in casinos, but there are also different variants that doesn’t lack any excitement. There are also different betting options that players need to learn but once trained players play it with no issues.

Whether online or in a casino, craps continues to be one of the most thrilling gambling experiences available. We lined up some craps games exclusively for you. Enjoy and have fun!