How to Play Craps Online in 2025 – Craps Rules for Beginners
Craps is the leading example of a casino dice game available to play both in person and online. It might seem complex for first-time players, but learning the basic craps rules doesn’t take long and makes the game easier to enjoy. Moreover, while different gameplay formats are available, once you learn the basics you can play anywhere.
Learning how to play craps consists of understanding the different betting options available and what a typical game looks like. Classic online games, whether played with a live dealer or with a Random Number Generator (RNG), follow the same structure, allowing you to implement our recommended strategies with responsible bankroll management.
Understanding the Basics of Craps Online
Craps is a casino table game featuring two, six-sided dice where players bet on the outcome roll or a series of rolls. You play the game on a specially designed table which, like in roulette, features various betting options.
A classic game of online craps begins with the Come-Out roll. If the individual rolling the dice, known as the shooter, rolls a total of 7 or 11, Come-Out bets win immediately. However, if the dice total is a 2, 3, or 12, Come-Out bets lose. Any other numbers, namely 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, establish the Point.
Once a Point is set in craps, the shooter’s goal is to roll that number once more before rolling a 7. If a 7 lands first, the round ends and a new one begins.
Craps Bets Explained
When you play this game, whether in person or at any of the UK’s best online craps casinos, you can place various bets backing or against the shooter. Some bets are straightforward, while others are more advanced, as shown below.
Pass Line Bet
Don’t Pass Line Bet
Helpful Tip: Unlike roulette rules that only allow you to wager on numbers that will win, several craps bets, including the Don’t Pass Line, let you wager against a result. Placing such bets strategically can help you hedge your risk, but can also exhaust your bankroll quicker.
Come Bet
This bet functions like the Pass Line Bet with the difference that it’s placed after a Point is set. It wins on a 7 or 11 total and loses on a 2, 3, or 12. Otherwise, it creates a new Point.
Don’t Come Bet
Similar to the Don’t Pass Line Bet, but placed after a Point is set. A 2 or 3 wins, while a 7 or 11 loses. A 12, meanwhile, results in a push.
Odds Bet
This is an additional bet placed behind the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets. Unlike other craps bets, it has no house advantage and pays true odds based on the Point value.
Place Bets
Craps rules let you wager on specific results, such as 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, appearing before a 7. Place Bets payouts vary depending on the total.
Field Bet
A bet that a single roll results in a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Totals of 5, 6, 7, and 8, however, result in a loss.
Big 6 and Big 8
A specific craps bet that a total of 6 or 8 will appear before a 7. It pays even money but is not recommended due to lower payouts than Place Bets, which are very similar.
Proposition Bets
These are single-roll bets with high payouts but a higher house edge. Examples include betting on Snake Eyes, which means rolling two 1s, or Boxcars, meaning rolling two 6s.
Hardways Bets
Hop Bets
A one-roll bet that a specific combination of dice will appear, such as 3 on one dice and 5 on the other. These types of craps bets are divided into Easy Hop Bets, which cover mixed dice totals, and Hard Hop Bets, which require identical dice results.
Craps Odds and Payouts
An important part of learning how to play craps is becoming familiar with the standard odds and payouts for the various bet types in the game. Classic games at top casino sites in the UK match the table below, but it’s always a good idea to look at the paytable before participating.
| Craps Bets | Payout | House Edge | Odds of Winning |
| Pass Line | 1:1 | 1.41% | 49.29% |
| Don’t Pass Line | 1:1 | 1.36% | 49.32% |
| Come | 1:1 | 1.41% | 49.29% |
| Don’t Come | 1:1 | 1.36% | 49.32% |
| Odds Bet (Point 4 or 10) | 2:1 | 0% | 33.33% |
| Odds Bet (Point 5 or 9) | 3:2 | 0% | 40.00% |
| Odds Bet (Point 6 or 8) | 6:5 | 0% | 45.45% |
| Field Bet (3, 4, 9, 10, or 11) | 1:1 | 2.78% | 44.45% |
| Field Bet (2) | 2:1 | 2.78% | 5.56% |
| Field Bet (12) | 2:1 or 3:1 | 2.78% or 2.27% | 5.56% |
| Place Bet (6 or 8) | 7:6 | 1.52% | 45.45% |
| Place Bet (5 or 9) | 7:5 | 4.00% | 40.00% |
| Place Bet (4 or 10) | 9:5 | 6.67% | 33.33% |
| Big 6 / Big 8 | 1:1 | 9.09% | 45.45% |
| Proposition Bets | Up to 30:1 | 11.00% – 16.00% | Varies |
| Hardways Bet (4 or 10) | 7:1 | 11.11% | 9.09% |
| Hardways Bet (6 or 8) | 9:1 | 9.09% | 9.09% |
| Hop Bets (Easy Numbers) | 15:1 | 13.89% | 5.56% |
| Hop Bets (Hard Numbers) | 30:1 | 16.67% | 2.78% |
Helpful Tip: Just like with blackjack strategy, the simplest way to win more often whilst playing craps involves placing bets with the highest odds of winning. This means placing Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t come bets.
Learning the Rules of Craps Through a Simulated Game
The simplest way to learn how to play craps online is by going through the stages of a typical game.
Initial Betting Stage
Players place their bets before the dice roll. Numerous bets are available and you can place multiple bets. Most beginners choose the Pass Line Bet because it is the most common bet in craps.The Come-Out Roll
The shooter rolls the dice. If the result is 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win. A total of 2, 3, or 12 means Pass Line bets lose. Any other number becomes the Point.Setting the Point
If a Point is established as a result of a total of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, players can place additional bets, such as Odds Bets or Place Bets.Rolling for the Point
The shooter continues rolling the dice. Pass Line bets win if the Point number is rolled before a 7. If a 7 appears first, the round ends immediately, and bets are settled.
Helpful Tip: When you play craps at land-based casinos, players normally take turns being the shooter. However, in an online setting, a live dealer is usually the one rolling the dice. If you play RNG craps, you can roll the dice by pressing the roll button. The outcome is determined by a certified Random Number Generator (RNG).
Basic Craps Strategy for Beginners
Like online baccarat, craps is a game of chance, but certain strategies can help improve your overall gaming experience. By understanding the best craps bets and managing your bankroll wisely, you can make more informed decisions whilst playing.
Stick to Craps Bets with a Low House Edge
The Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets offer the best chance of winning in the long run. These bets have relatively low house edges, making them favourable choices if you’re looking to win more often. However, like with roulette odds, the higher the odds of winning, the lower the payouts.
Consider Placing an Odds Bet
While geared for seasoned players, the odds bet is the only wager in craps with no house edge. Placing the maximum allowable odds behind your Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet can significantly improve your expected returns over time, but the odds of winning are still lower than the Pass Line and other even-money bets.
Avoid Bets with a High House Edge
Some craps bets, such as Proposition Bets and Big 6/8, have much higher house edges. While these may offer larger payouts, the odds of winning are significantly lower, making them riskier in the long run.
Calculate a Budget and Stick to It
Before rolling your first set of dice in online craps, decide how much money you are willing to risk. Sticking to a budget prevents you from chasing losses and ensures a more enjoyable gaming experience. It is also an important aspect of gambling responsibly, allowing you to enjoy the game with a lower risk of frustration or addiction.
Practice in Free Play Mode Before Betting Real Money
Many online casinos offer free craps games where you can play risk-free to familiarise yourself with the game mechanics and test different strategies. When you’re ready to switch to real money gameplay, look at the latest casino bonuses for offers and promotions suitable for craps. These may include matched offers, cashback, and no deposit bonus table chips.
Conclusion
Learning how to play craps can be a fun experience for online casino players in the UK. By understanding the game’s rules, using simple and smart betting strategies, and managing your bankroll effectively, you can improve your chances of enjoying a successful session. For the safest approach, you should place bets with high odds of winning and spread your bankroll across numerous bets and rounds.
FAQs
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