Craps is one of the oldest and most recognizable dice games in existence! Thanks to its thrilling gameplay, it’s a staple in brick-and-mortar casinos around the world. Since the advent of the online casino, craps games are more accessible than ever! Craps is a game of chance. There are strategies to maximize your bet and increase your odds of winning. But, the outcome is always in the hand of Lady Luck. It’s a fast-paced game that can keep you on the edge of your seat regardless of your skill level.
If you’re new to the world of online craps, we have you covered. Our team created this comprehensive guide to help you make the most out of your time on the digital craps table.
Top Craps Casino Reviews
Want to take a spin and test your luck? Plenty of sites let you do just that. But before you do anything, you need to choose the best online casino for your needs. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry: We have you covered!
Our team of online casinos experts sifts through the saturated market to find the best platforms out there. We want to help you stay safe and have fun on your terms. To make our recommendations, we consider the following factors.
What Kind of Game is Craps?
If you’re not familiar with craps, you have a lot of fun ahead of you! There’s a reason why this game is so popular in the UK market. It’s a relatively easy game to pick up. Not only that, but it’s fast-paced and exciting. In a traditional casino, it’s not uncommon to see people hovered around a craps table. Rounds are short and don’t come with the long wait times associated with games like roulette or blackjack. Thus, craps games always attract thrill-seekers! Craps is a luck-based game, too. The entire game centres around a roll of the dice! Game reviews will tell you that this is a simple game to pick up. Next to slots, it’s one of the easiest games to learn. That’s because you can still win without any real skill. When you look at a comparison between craps and card-based games, there’s little strategy involved. Sure, there are certain techniques you can adopt to improve your chances of winning. But, even a novice player can win big against a seasoned craps shooter. The origins of craps are dicey, pun intended. There are still some unanswered questions about how the game came to be. But, early iterations of the game date back thousands of years! Many historians believe that simplified versions entertained ancient Roman and Egyptian cultures. When the game came to the English, the game went by the moniker of “crabs.” Then, French colonists in the United States developed the game even more. After that, players started calling it “craps.” The rest is history!
How to Play Craps
Before you jump in and start betting it all, you need to learn how to play craps! To newcomers, the terminology that comes with a craps game can be a bit overwhelming. But, it’s easier to understand than you think. Luckily, many online casinos allow you to learn how to play on your own time. With a free instant play or downloadable game, you can learn from the comforts of home. Throughout the learning process, no-stakes games and demos let you get a hang of the rules. When you’re ready, you can test your luck on a real game with real money. The rules of craps can vary based on the type of game you play. But, the basic idea of craps is pretty simple. Essentially, you place your bet against a roll of the dice. You may wager against other players. However, most online casinos have you wagering against the house. Whatever the case may be, the number of the dice roll determines if you’re a winner or a loser.
Basic Craps Gameplay
Craps has a series of rounds. The first round comes with the very first roll. In craps terms, the first roll is called the “Come Out” round. The outcome of this roll will determine if another will take place. As the shooter or roller, the goal is to roll a 7 or an 11 on the “Come Out” round. If the numbers on the dice add up to 7 or 11, you’re a winner! Your initial bet wins. However, rolling a 2, 3, or 12 results in an instant loss. Rolling any of those numbers ends the game. If you roll any other number besides those five, bonus rounds will commence. The number you do roll becomes the “Point.” For example, if you roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number will become the “Point.” With the bonus rounds, you continue to shoot until you hit that “Point.” or you roll a 7. Whether or not you win or lose depends on the bets you make. Either way, the game ends when you roll the “Point” or a 7. The game removes losing bets and pays out winning ones.
Craps Basics and Advanced Strategies
Now that you understand the basics, let’s look at how to bet. Craps strategy is quite vast. While the gameplay is very simple, the types of bets you can make are anything but. There are no hands like a traditional card game. Remember: craps is a game of chance. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use different bets to maximize your chances of winning something. Let’s take a look at some of the types of bets you can make.
Basic Craps Bets
Pass Line Bet
This is the simplest bet of all. When placing a Pass Line bet, you’re wagering that the shooter will land on a 7 or 11 on the Come-Out round. The bet loses if you roll a 2, 3, or 12.
Don’t Pass Line Bet
This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You’re wagering that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or a 12. If it lands on a 12, additional rounds will commence. This is a “Push.” To win, the shooter must roll 7 before the Point.
Pass Line Odds Bet
Sometimes called “Taking the Odds,” this bet occurs after figuring out the Point. You’re betting on the fact that the shooter rolls the Point before hitting a 7.
Don’t Pass Odds Bet
Also called “Laying the Odds,” this is the opposite of the previous bet. You’re wagering on the shooter hitting a 7 before the Point.
Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet occurs during the bonus rounds after the Point is determined. You’re betting on the shooter hitting a 2, 3, or 12.
Place Bets
Place bets have a lower payout, but they are still fun to make. You can place these bets at any time. You can wager on the shooter hitting a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.
Advanced Craps Bets
Field Bets
This bet is tough, but it can lead to a nice payoff. You can wager a field bet on a single roll at any time. To win, the dice must land on a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11. If you land on a 2, you win double. If you land on a 12, you win triple! Any other number is a loser.
Buy Bets
Similar to Place bets, this wager only wins if the dice land on the Point before a 7.
Big Six, Big Eight Bets
You can place this bet at any time. The only way to win is if the dice land on 6 or 8 before a 7.
Hardway Bets
These bets are rare but lucrative. To win, you must roll the “hard way” before the shooter lands on a 7. A “Hard” number is an even number where the two dice are equivalent. For example, a “Hard 6” is when both dice land on 3.
2 or 12 Bets
If you were to look at a craps dice chart, you’d see that 2 and 12 have the lowest odds. That’s because there’s only a single dice combination for both numbers.
You can wager on those numbers. The bet has a low chance of occurring, but it does come with the best payout.
3 or 11 Bets
Like the previous bet, 3 or 11 this one is tough. However, it’s slightly more manageable. You must land a 3 or 11 before hitting a 7 to win.
Any 7 Bets
To win this bet, you simply have to land a 7. This occurs often, as this number has the most dice combination. Thus, it has a low payout.
Any Craps Bets
To win this bet, the next roll has to land on a “craps number.” In this game, craps numbers are 2, 3, or 12.
Craps Game Variations
When you’re choosing an online casino, the available craps variations matter! The game of craps has evolved a lot in the last couple of centuries. Today, there are many ways to play. Trying your hand at a few different varieties will give you a chance to win big! Typically, physical casinos only offer one or two different options. But, when you play online, you have several to choose from. Games include simplified versions for beginners and high-stakes options for seasoned gamblers. The core mechanics of the craps games remains the same. But unique twists provide a thrilling gaming experience you’ll want to try out. New iterations are coming out all the time. There’s even a patent in the United States for a craps game with a progressive jackpot! Until that hits the UK market, here are some of the most common varieties to try out.
Bank Craps
Bank craps, by far, the most common variety you’ll encounter. It’s the traditional form of craps that is adopted by online and physical casinos. You might also see it being called “Las Vegas Craps.”
With this top game, you’re betting against the house and playing on a special board. In online casinos, the digital board is the same as brick-and-mortar casinos. To place your bets, you must position your digital chips over the appropriate section of the board.
Gameplay consists of simple rolls. There are no special rules, so the gaming experience is standard.
Crapless Craps
Crapless Craps is rarer. This is especially true in the online casino world. That’s because it’s easy for players to start winning big after only the first Come Out round!
As the name would suggest, this game doesn’t consider the traditional craps numbers as losing. Usually, you lose the Come Out round if you roll a 2, 3, or 12. That’s not the case with Crapless Craps. You can’t lose your initial Pass Line bet. This reduces the house edge and puts the odds in your favour.
High Point Craps
Here’s a unique form of craps that doesn’t use traditional gameplay elements. It’s a very simple version of craps, so it’s good for beginners.
When you first roll the dice, the goal is to land on an 11 or 12. Landing on one of these two numbers results in an instant win. If you land on a 2 or 3, that roll is essentially ignored. You get a “do-over” and roll again.
If you land on any other number, it becomes the Point. The goal then becomes to roll a higher number than the point. Landing a higher number on the subsequent roll results in a win.
Simplified Craps
This game variant has house odds of 2.3 percent. That’s because it’s one of the easiest versions of craps to play. It doesn’t involve multiple rounds or complicated number combinations. Instead, you have a single throw to either win or lose.
To win simplified craps, you must land on a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12. If you land on any other number, you lose the game.
Die Rich Craps
With Die Rich Craps, you’re only using a single die. This cuts out half of the number combinations. Despite the lack of two dice, it’s still very easy to get the grasp of.
Gameplay mechanics remain the same. But, winning and losing numbers change. To win on the Come Out round, you must land on 6. If you land on a 1, the game is over and you lose.
Any other number outside of 1 or 6 results in three bonus rounds. The number you land on becomes the Point, much like standard Bank craps. You have three rolls to hit the Point. If you land on a 1, the game is over.
New York Craps
As you can guess from the name, this variant originates from the United States. It’s played on a different table than standard craps. The table is usually called a double-ender.
The rules are a bit different with New York craps. You cannot place Come, Don’t Come or Place bets. They are not allowed in this version of the game. You can, however, bet on box numbers. Players can bet on 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, or 10.
The game awards true odds, making the house edge a firm 5 percent. Other than those differences, the game is played the same as standard craps.
Low Limits Craps/High Limits Craps
Low and High Limit online craps refer to the bet amount.
With Low Limit craps, you’re not wagering a ton of money. It’s great for beginners or those who aren’t comfortable putting a lot of money down. The stakes are low, making it accessible to beginners.
On the other hand, High Limit craps has higher pay-ins. Upper betting limits can exceed £1,000! Needless to say, a High Limit game is not for the faint of heart. While you can win big, you can also lose a lot of money. Perfect for high-rollers, this game offers a very thrilling experience.
Beyond the betting limits, these games are no different from standard craps.
Live Craps
Want to experience the thrill of a live-action game without leaving home? If so, live craps are for you. Virtual craps games are a dime a dozen on online casinos. Online craps do their best to replicate the real-life experience of the game. But at the end of the day, you’re still using digital dice and a simulated game board! Live craps makes it feel like you’re in a brick-and-mortar casino. However, you can play from home! These games connect you with a live dealer who is playing remotely. Cameras capture the action from multiple angles. The dealer can communicate with you and other players in real-time. These games are played just like any other craps game at a physical casino. The only difference is that you’re placing your bets digitally. Everything else is true-to-life. Live craps games aren’t nearly as prevalent as digital ones. But, there are plenty of online casinos that offer this service. Many have multiple games running 24/7. So, you can play with people all across the globe at any time during the day! It’s a great way to simulate that casino experience without actually visiting one. There are stricter playing requirements with live games. The gameplay is the same, but you must have a solid Internet connection. Not only that, but you also need to download specialty software. Luckily, most online casinos have a great support team to help you get set up when you’re ready to play.
FAQ
Is it fair?
Craps is a very fair game to play. With other card-based games, there are many ways to cheat. Even when playing legally, skilled players often have the upper hand.
That’s not the case with craps. It’s entirely up to luck. Craps is a game of chance with no way to swing the outcome in your favour. That’s why it’s such a popular game for UK players!
It doesn’t matter if you’re new or a seasoned player. Your odds of winning are pretty much the same across the board.
Not only that, but you have many opportunities to win. Even on the first Come Out round, your odds of landing on a 7 or 11 for an instant win are 22 percent!
Can I play free craps and learn how to play?
Many casino operators offer free games to try out. In most cases, you will need to create an account to try your hand at craps. But, there are some exceptions if you’re not ready to commit just yet.
Where can I learn game strategies?
Well, different casino sites offer articles on different strategies and ways of mastering them. You can also check out baccarat websites, which you can be sure to find advice on the best methods to use.
Free games and demos are a great way to learn the ropes. Craps is already a relatively low-stakes game. But free rounds don’t require any real money. Thus, you can try out different strategies and familiarize yourself with gaming concepts with no risk.
Where can I learn craps game strategies?
Craps is a very old game. As a result, finding unique strategies to maximize your winnings isn’t hard. Check out our craps gaming strategies section above. We offer some information on basic and advanced betting strategies.
The great thing about craps is that it can be as complex or simple as you want. You can play it safe by making Pass Line bets. Or, you can press your luck to its limits with a high-stakes 2 or 12 bet!
We recommend trying some free craps demos first. See how those bets work and understand your odds before wagering real money.
How can I find a reputable craps casino online?
Despite its popularity, not all casinos offer online craps. Even if you find one that does, you may be limited to just a single variation. To truly experience all that craps has to offer, you need to go to a reputable online casino. Big-name casinos often have multiple craps styles as well as live games.
We have a curated collection of some of the best craps casinos on the web. Our team has taken care of all the hard work to find the gems on the gaming market. Instead of sifting through the mess yourself, choose one of our recommended casinos to start playing!
What is a Welcome Package?
In the online gaming world, a Welcome package is an offer for new players. It’s a way for casinos to attract new members.
Packages and welcome offers vary dramatically from casino to casino. Some offer free spins, generous match bonuses, or even no-deposit bonuses. However, others may only offer a handful of free spins that you can’t use on craps games.
Check out some of our top craps casinos. We’ve taken a look at their bonus offers to help you decide which one is right for you!
How do I know if a casino is safe?
The best way to check that a casino is safe is to look at its licencing. The online casino industry is heavily regulated. It’s not just regulated here in the UK. There are regulatory bodies all over the world!
If you’re a UK player, you want to look for licencing by the UK Gambling Commission. A licence tells you that the casino follows all established operating guidelines. This includes privacy and security features.
All of the casinos we recommend are licensed and regulated. They’re all legitimate platforms with governing boards to answer to.
Can I play craps for real money?
You can absolutely play craps for real money. Online casinos offer several banking methods to make deposits. After your money is cleared in your account, you can start wagering as you would in a physical casino.
Craps can be a relatively low-stakes game. You don’t have to wager a ton of money to start playing. That said, high-stakes games do exist. Make sure to check the betting limits before you start playing. Also, we recommend familiarizing yourself with a free demo. Wait until you’re comfortable to start wagering real money.
Can I play craps casino games on mobile?
This all depends on the casino you sign up for. In the past, you could only use desktop or laptop computers. But, our reliance on mobile technology has resulted in a big shift in the industry.
Most casinos nowadays have fully developed mobile platforms! You may be able to access the casino on a compatible web browser. Some big-name casinos even have dedicated apps.
It’s important to check which games are compatible with mobile devices. Just because a casino has a mobile platform doesn’t mean that all the games are available. Luckily, craps is an easy game to develop for mobile devices. So, you shouldn’t have any problems finding titles you can play on the go.