Online Craps Basics

Minutes left

minutes to read

Minutes left

Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

Learn about our Review Process

Published: March 28, 2019
Updated: August 13, 2025

Craps is an incredibly popular table game in land-based casinos around the world. It has even received much exposure on TV and film throughout the decades.

A movie that could immediately spring to mind is “National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation”. The tables are always the life of the party and are generally accompanied by a noisy crowd calling numbers and cheering on the dice rolls.

Traditionally, there are two types of Craps games: street and casino. In the context of this guide, we will be dealing with the Casino Craps variant, as this is the only version playable online.

What sets it apart from its counterpart is that it is played against the house or casino.

Online Craps basics guide — Introduction to online Craps

The game is very popular because of the super low house odds involved, which rarely exceed 1.5%. So, basically, it offers twice the amount of wins that Roulette does.

The outcome is driven by luck, as the win is determined quite literally by the roll of the dice. However, there are a few tricks it helps to have up your sleeve:

Brief history of Craps

It is not known when the base game for Craps truly originated. Some have made educated guesses that it evolved in ancient Rome, where soldiers would carve dice out of pigs' knuckles and throw them across their shields.

This was also known as casting “lots”. Other theories date the game back to the Middle Ages, when Arabs played a game very similar to Craps called azzahr.

This game form made its way from Europe across to the French colony of Acadia in the 1700s. After that, it was brought to Louisiana, USA. First, it was called “Creps”, but by 1842, the name had evolved to the term we are familiar with today.

How to play Craps online?

You place a wager and roll the two dice to determine the outcome. That's the gist of it. However, there are a couple more things to keep in mind:

There are several players who can play at the Craps table. However, only one can roll the two dice at a time. This player is known as the Shooter. They will roll the dice until they lose. It is the throw of this dice that determines the outcome for those betting.

You must be an active betting player at the table to be a shooter. In online casinos, there is a good chance that you are the only player (as you play against the house). So, you remain the Shooter, even though you never really get to physically handle the dice.

Prior to the dice roll, various wagers will be placed on a demarcated table with grids containing betting options. Some grids will be available to wager on at will, and others require permission from the table boss, stickman, or dealers before making them.

Different bet classifications hold different odds, so it is best that you learn the basic bets initially before graduating to more risky options. Here are the most common line wagers:

Pass line wager

The first roll is named the “come out” roll. If this is a 7 or an 11, the Shooter will win if he has bet on a “Pass line” wager. If the dice lands a value of 2, 3, or 12, the Shooter loses.
If the dice lands on any other outcome (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the value will be called “Point”. In the case of this happening, the Shooter will have to roll the dice again.
The Shooter must now try and land the “Point” value before rolling a 7 to win. If they roll a 7 first, they lose.
The chance of winning on this bet is 970 out of 1980, which is the odds of 241:244. This means that the house edge is 1.414%.
The payout is even at 1:1.

Do not pass line wager

This is the opposite of the Pass line wager. On the “come out” roll, you win on 2, 3, and 12 and lose on a 7 or 11.
The win odds here are 976:949, which equals a house edge of 1.404%.
This wager will also pay out 1:1.

Popular Craps games online

Considering how many American movies have featured players playing this Craps game in Las Vegas, it is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable table games ever.

Nowadays, you have the option to take your chance at a Craps variant from anywhere you are. Let's check out some of the most popular among them:

Play'n GO Craps

Play'n GO Craps gives a modern twist by offering to change the table design. You can choose between vintage, regular, or futuristic visuals.

Visit

First Person Craps

If you’re looking for a unique and quick gameplay, First Person Craps is your game! It is complex, dynamic, and perfect to play on all devices.

Visit

Playtech Craps

Playtech Craps comes with high-definition graphics that give you a true-to-life feel. The software is of the finest ilk, which guarantees smooth gameplay.

Visit

Odds and payouts of Craps

Below is the full paytable, which includes the odds on each win and the house edge involved. This will give you a good indication of which bets are safer and which must be avoided completely.

Pass line bets

4 or 10 pays 2:1, with equivalent odds, with a house edge of 4.76%.
5 or 9 pays 3:2, with equivalent odds, with a house edge of 4.76%.
6 or 8 pays 6:5, with equivalent odds, with a house edge of 4.76%.

Do not pass line bets

4 or 10 pays 1:2, with equivalent odds, with a house edge of 2.44%.
5 or 9 pays 2:3, with equivalent odds, with a house edge of 3.23%.
6 or 8 pays 5:6, with equivalent odds, with a house edge of 4%.

Fields bets

3, 4, 9, 10, 11 pays 1:1 with odds of 5:4 and a house edge of 2.78%.
2 or 12 pays 2:1 with odds of 5:4 and a house edge of 2.478%.

One-roll bets

Any 7 pays 4:1 with odds of 5:1 and a house edge of 16.9%.
Any Craps has odds of 8:1 and pays 7:1, with a house edge of 11.1%.
2 Craps and 12 Craps have odds of 35:1, paying 30:1, with a house edge of 13.9%.
3 Craps and 11 Craps have odds of 17:1, paying 15:1, with a house edge of 11.1%.

How to win at online Craps

The outcome of the game relies on the luck of the dice roll, so there are no special tactics to change this and use it to your advantage. However, there's always a way to get to know the game better!

Getting started with Craps online — Tips and tricks for playing Craps online

The following hints could help you make sure you do not lose too much at the table (or increase your chances of winning, depending on your point of view):

Stick to the 'Pass line bets' or 'Do not pass line bets' if you are a beginner. Their odds of winning are much better than other Craps bets. Once you have gained some experience, you can try your hand at bets that will pay you better dividends.
Stay away from propositional bets. They are the ones settled by one throw. Bet on the more “general” and less direct variations.
It is a good idea to play a free version of the game before betting your hard-earned cash on bet lines that will chew away at your bankroll. The free online Craps versions will build up your experience and confidence. After all, a confident player is a good player.

Last thoughts

Craps is popular for a reason. Learning to play is safe and reaps rich rewards for your troubles. That's why we made this guide; it's your help to become a better player. We trust it gave you enough information to help you get started.

Should you want to grow your skills in this game, we suggest that you do a little more research online about betting strategies and the like.