How to play Craps
Craps is a thrilling dice game that enjoys a rich history all the way back to the days of ancient Rome. A staple on casino floors across the world, craps is a popular game that enjoys a fantastic following here in Canada.
You’ll find heaps of options to play craps online, including RNG-based video games and live-hosted titles where you can enjoy a more sociable gaming experience. And with plenty of betting options, you will surely find something that suits your gambling preferences.
So, what are you waiting for? Strap in as we go deep into the fascinating world of online casino craps, share the best strategies to get the best chance of winning, and reveal the best casino sites where you can play craps online in Canada today.
The Basics of Craps
While craps can appear complicated to the untrained eye, it’s relatively easy to follow. Your primary objective is to predict the outcome when a pair of dice is rolled by the “shooter,” and place your wagers accordingly.
There are 36 possible number combinations from the roll, and you have several betting options with varying degrees of risk as the probabilities of rolling specific numbers vary.
For example, a 7 is the most common outcome because six different number combinations will result in a 7 (1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1), so you have a 1 in 6 chance of hitting a 7. Conversely, only one possible number combination will add up to 12, making the odds of hitting a 12 one in 36.
These varying possibilities and the pace of the game make craps an exciting game to play and ensure that no two gaming sessions ever feel the same.
Craps Gameplay
The basic craps gameplay can be split into two phases known as the “come out phase” and “point phase,” which are summarised below:
- Come Out Phase: The shooter rolls the set of dice to kick off this initial phase of play. If 7 or 11 lands, it’s a “natural win” for pass line bets. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, it’s called “craps,” and pass line bets lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point.”
- Point Phase: The game enters the point phase once the point is established. The shooter continues to roll, this time aiming to roll the point number followed by a 7. If the shooter rolls the point number, it’s a point win, and if a 7 is rolled first, it’s known as “seven-out,” and pass line bets lose, ending the round.
Craps Payout Chart
Craps Table Layout
The craps table is divided into three main sections, two identical sections on either side, with one central area featuring a unique set of betting options known as proposition bets. The most common bets can be placed in either of the side sections, including:
- Pass line and don’t pass line
- Come and don’t come
- Field bets
- Place bets
- Big 6 and Big 8
Proposition Bets
The centre of the table is reserved for proposition bets, which are High-risk, high-reward bets that are typically single-roll or specific number combination bets, like Snake Eyes or Boxcars.
Beginners should avoid proposition bets due to the high house edge. Once you have a better understanding of the gameplay and have established your craps strategy, you can revisit this section of the table for high-volatility gameplay.
Popular proposition bets include:
- Hardways: These bets are placed on rolling a pair of identical numbers before rolling a 7 or another easier combination. The payouts are higher because the probability of rolling a hard number is lower.
- Any Craps: A one-roll bet that the next outcome will be a 2, 3, or 12.
- Any Seven: Another one-roll bet that the next outcome will be a 7.
- Horn Bet: This is a combination bet on 2, 3, 11, and 12. Hitting these numbers offers a high payout, but the house edge is also significant.
- Yo (11): A bet that the next roll will be 11.
The Rules of Craps
The two parts of a game of craps will play out as such:
The Come Out Roll
The initial roll of a game round is known as the come out roll. It sets the stage for the rest of the game round, and you have a choice of two betting options, pass line or don’t pass line, which must be placed before the dice are rolled.
There are three possible outcomes:
- Natural Win: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, pass line bets win, and the game proceeds with another come out roll.
- Craps: If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, pass line bets lose, and the round ends.
- Point Establishment: If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point,” and the game moves to the Point phase.
The Point Phase
Once the point has been established, the dealer marks this number on the table, and play continues in this next phase.
The objective for the shooter now is to keep rolling and hit the point number before rolling a seven. If successful, a point win is awarded, and gameplay is reset. If the shooter hits a 7 before the point number, it’s a seven-out, line bets lose, and gameplay resets.
During the point phase, additional bets can be placed, which adds further excitement to your game.
Craps Betting Options
Pass Line Bet: Can be placed in both the come out phase and point phase. You win if the come out roll is a 7 or 11, or if a point is established, you win if the point is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Line Pass Bet: This is the opposite of the pass line bet. You win if the come out roll is a 2 or 3 (12 is a push), and in the point phase, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point.
Come Bet: Placed after the point is established, you win the come bet if the next roll is a 7 or 11. If a new point is established, you win if that point is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Come Bet: Opposite bet to the come bet. You win if the next roll is a 2 or 3 (12 is a push) or if a 7 is rolled before that point in the point phase.
Odds Bet: An odds bet is a side bet placed after a point is established, offering true odds with no house edge.
Field Bets: One-roll bets offering smaller, more frequent wins. You win if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Payouts depend on the winning number.
Proposition Bets: Offer potential for larger payouts but come with higher risks and require more strategic consideration. Examples include:
- Any Craps: The next roll will be 2, 3, or 12.
- Any Seven: The next roll will be a 7.
- Hardways: A pair will be rolled before a 7 or easier combination.
- Yo (11): The next roll will be 11.
- Horn Bet: A combination bet on 2, 3, 11, and 12.
Basic Craps Strategy
When you’re learning how to play craps online, it’s advisable to stick to these basic craps strategies until you have honed your skills:
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Start with Pass Line and Odds Bets
Sticking to pass line bets and odds bets when you’re just starting out will offer you the best chances of winning with a low house edge. As odds bets can only be placed once the point has been established, these can be placed in combination. -
Avoid Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are the highest-risk bets in craps, and while they can offer fantastic returns, you need to be prepared for the high risk. If you are looking to minimize your losses, avoid proposition bets until you have a solid understanding of gameplay and have established your craps strategies. -
Take Odds on Pass and Come Bets
By focusing on pass line and come bets with odds, you can take advantage of lower house edges and better odds while avoiding the high-risk proposition bets. Odds on come bets pay out true odds with no house edge. -
Bankroll Management
Bankroll management is key to getting the most out of any online gaming session, regardless of which game you choose to play. Take advantage of the tools many online casino operators offer that allow you to set betting and time limits before you start playing. Remember to start small and work your way up slowly as you continue to hone your skills.
Advanced Craps Strategies
As an established craps player or high roller seeking out a more dynamic, high-stakes experience, you may wish to consider employing some more advanced craps strategies, such as one of the three listed below.
3-Point Molly Strategy
The 3-Point Molly strategy in craps involves keeping three bets active to maximize your chance of winning and minimize the house edge. Start with a pass line bet, and once a point is established, place a come bet.
When this come bet establishes another point, place another come bet. Always back these bets with maximum odds. This will help you maintain three active bets, spreading the risk, increasing the chances of hitting a winning combination, and ultimately allowing you to stay in the game longer.
Iron Cross Strategy
The Iron Cross Strategy in craps is designed to cover almost all possible outcomes on the dice, except for the most common outcome of rolling a 7. This is achieved through a combination of place bets and field bets. Place bets should cover numbers 5, 6 and 8, while your field bets will cover all remaining numbers except for the number 7, essentially making every roll bar a 7 a winning roll.
This strategy is designed to provide you with more frequent, smaller wins, which makes it the ideal craps strategy for consistent payouts and extended playing time. It is important to manage your bankroll; however, when employing this strategy, as rolling 7s can lead to substantial losses, a large starting balance is essential.
Hedge Betting
Hedge betting in craps is when you place a combination of bets to reduce your risk and improve your chances of scoring a payout. You are essentially placing additional bets to offset potential losses from your main bets.
A hedge betting strategy is designed to help you manage your bankroll more effectively by covering more dice roll outcomes to mitigate your losses. It’s worth remembering that when hedging your bets, you are also reducing your potential winnings for the round, so that needs to be factored into your overall craps strategy.
Craps Odds and Payouts
To summarise all that we have learned so far, the following table displays the various betting options available in craps, including the payouts you can expect for winning rolls.
Compare each option’s true odds and house edge to make better-informed gambling decisions. You can see that the payouts rise in conjunction with the house edge as your chances of winning the bet decrease.
| Bet Type | Payout | True Odds | House Edge |
| Pass Line | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass Line | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% |
| Come | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% |
| Place 6 or 8 | 7:6 | 6:5 | 1.52% |
| Place 5 or 9 | 7:5 | 3:2 | 4.00% |
| Place 4 or 10 | 9:5 | 2:1 | 6.67% |
| Field (3, 4, 9, 10, 11) | 1:1 | 5:4 | 5.56% |
| Field (2, 12) | 2:1 | 5:4 | 5.56% |
| Big 6 or 8 | 1:1 | 6:5 | 9.09% |
| Any 7 | 4:1 | 5:1 | 16.67% |
| Any Craps | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% |
| Hard 6 or 8 | 9:1 | 10:1 | 9.09% |
| Hard 4 or 10 | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% |
| Yo (11) | 15:1 | 17:1 | 11.11% |
| 2 or 12 | 30:1 | 35:1 | 13.89% |
| 3 or 11 | 15:1 | 17:1 | 11.11% |
Playing Craps Online for Real Money
To start playing craps online, you’ll first need an online casino account. Be sure to do your homework before committing to a supplier—shop around, read reviews, check game availability and promotional offers. Stick to fully licensed, reputable casinos to ensure your data is protected and transactions are secure.
If you prefer playing on your mobile device, you’ll find plenty of Canadian casino operators have mobile casino apps that you can download from your app store for a seamless casino experience whenever you’re on the go.
Live Dealer Craps
If you’re looking for a more authentic casino experience, try playing live dealer craps to get a sense of what it feels like to be stood in amongst the action right there at the casino table.
Modern technology allows you to enjoy HD-quality video streams live from dedicated casino studios, which create luxurious gaming environments and a fantastic social atmosphere as you interact with the game host and chat with fellow players, rejoicing in wins and consoling losses.
Feel the camaraderie as you watch the action unfold in real time and get swept up in the excitement. Check out some of our recommended Canadian online casino sites to get started playing live dealer online craps today.
Craps Myths and Misconceptions
Where there is gambling and games of chance, there is usually superstition and misconceptions, and you can expect no different with craps—from thinking you can influence a roll outcome to predicting the patterns of play.
We’re committed to providing you with facts and putting the record straight, starting with the following myths:
| Myth | Fact |
| Certain Numbers Are Due to Hit | Each roll of the dice is random and independent of all previous rolls. |
| Craps is Too Complicated for Beginners | While craps may seem complex at first, you can start with basic bets and move over to higher-risk bets as you learn more about the game. |
| You Can Control the Dice | There is no way for you to influence the outcome of a roll of the dice, as each roll produces completely random outcomes. |
Responsible Gaming
The most important thing to remember when you play online craps in Canada is always to play responsibly. Online gambling can become addictive and lead to problematic behaviours, so it is essential to protect yourself when playing craps online.
Take advantage of limit-setting tools provided by online casino operators, remember to take regular breaks, and seek out help from dedicated organizations if you feel you need it:
Conclusion
That’s craps in a nutshell—everything you need to get started playing online craps right here in Canada. Remember, you should begin with basic bets and advance yourself to proposition bets as you become more confident. And never bet beyond your means.
Keep these tips in mind as you take your first plunge into online craps, and you’re sure to enjoy the thrills of the gameplay. Sign up at one of our recommended Canadian online casinos to get started today.