Craps

Dice hit the felt, bounce off the back wall, and suddenly everyone’s watching the same tiny moment of chance. A shooter leans in, chips cluster on bold lines, and the table’s rhythm builds roll by roll as players track points, press bets, or play it cautious.

Craps has stayed one of the most recognizable casino table games for decades because it turns a simple idea—two dice—into a dynamic, social game with clear “team” moments (Pass vs. Don’t Pass), quick decision points, and a betting menu that lets you keep it basic or go deep.

What Is Craps?

Craps is a dice-based casino game where outcomes are determined by the roll of two six-sided dice. Players bet on what the next roll will produce, either on the very next result or on sequences that can develop over several rolls.

A key role at the table is the shooter—the player who rolls the dice. In online versions, the shooter may be you (in digital games) or the dealer/assigned shooter (in live dealer formats), depending on how the game is presented.

The round begins with the come-out roll, the first roll of a new sequence:

• If the come-out roll is 7 or 11 , Pass Line bets win.
• If it’s 2, 3, or 12 , Pass Line bets lose (these are often called “craps” numbers).
• Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point .

Once a point is set, the basic flow is straightforward: the shooter keeps rolling until either the point is rolled again (Pass Line wins) or a 7 appears (Pass Line loses). Then the next come-out roll starts a fresh round.

How Online Craps Works

Online craps usually comes in two formats: digital (RNG) craps and live dealer craps.

In digital craps, the dice rolls are generated by a random number generator, and the interface handles the rules automatically—setting the point, resolving bets, and highlighting where you can place wagers next. This format is often ideal for learning because the table can guide you with on-screen prompts and clear bet labeling.

Live dealer craps streams a real table with real dice, combining the pace and atmosphere of a casino floor with an online betting layout. You’ll place bets through the interface while the dealer manages the action.

Compared to land-based play, online craps can feel more streamlined: there’s less waiting for chips to be passed around, fewer interruptions, and the table layout is usually cleaner—especially on mobile. You still get the same core game: come-out roll, point, and that tense race between “make the point” and “seven-out.”

Understanding the Craps Table Layout

A craps layout can look busy at first, but it’s organized into a few key zones. Online tables typically display the classic layout with tappable or clickable areas.

The most important areas you’ll see include:

Pass Line: The main “with the shooter” bet. It’s placed before the come-out roll and stays active through the round.

Don’t Pass Line: The main “against the shooter” bet. Also placed before the come-out roll, it wins if the shooter sevens-out after a point is established.

Come and Don’t Come: Think of these as versions of Pass/Don’t Pass that you can place after the point is set. They create their own mini “point” based on the next roll.

Odds bets: These are optional add-on bets placed behind a Pass/Come (or Don’t Pass/Don’t Come) once a point is set. They don’t stand alone—you can only place them when your main line bet is active and eligible.

Field bets: A one-roll wager covering a group of numbers. You place it for the next roll only; it resolves immediately.

Proposition bets: A cluster of higher-variance one-roll (or special-condition) bets located in the center of the layout, often including specific totals or specific dice combinations.

If you’re playing online, hovering or tapping a betting area usually brings up a short description, and many games highlight which bets are currently available so you don’t have to memorize the timing right away.

Common Craps Bets Explained

Craps offers a lot of wagering options, but you don’t need them all to enjoy the game. These are some of the most common bets players start with:

Pass Line Bet: Placed before the come-out roll. It wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, it wins when the point repeats before a 7.

Don’t Pass Bet: The opposite side of the Pass Line. It generally wins when the shooter fails to make the point (by rolling a 7 first). On the come-out roll, it wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and 12 is typically a push (tie) depending on table rules.

Come Bet: Placed after a point is established. The next roll acts like a mini come-out roll for your Come bet: 7/11 wins, 2/3/12 loses, and any other number becomes your Come “point” that you want to hit again before a 7.

Place Bets: These are bets on specific point numbers (commonly 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). You’re betting that your chosen number will roll before a 7. They can usually be turned on/off or removed depending on the game’s rules.

Field Bet: A one-roll bet that wins if the next roll lands on one of the field numbers shown in that section. It resolves immediately, making it a simple “next roll” option.

Hardways: Bets that a number like 4, 6, 8, or 10 will be rolled as a pair (for example, 3-3 for a hard 6) before a 7 appears or before the same total is rolled the “easy” way (like 5-1 for 6). These are higher-risk bets and are usually treated as optional side action.

Live Dealer Craps: Real Dice, Real-Time Decisions

Live dealer craps brings the real-table feel to your screen. A dealer runs the game, rolls the dice, and keeps the pace moving while you place bets through a digital layout that mirrors the felt.

Most live tables include features like real-time bet confirmation, clear indicators for the current point, and a chat function so you can react with other players as the round develops. If you like the social side of table games—watching streaks, tracking hot shooters, and sharing the moment when a key roll lands—live dealer craps is the closest online match.

Tips for New Craps Players

Start simple and let the game teach you its timing. A Pass Line bet is the most straightforward way to follow the action, and it naturally introduces the come-out roll and point cycle.

Before you start adding extra wagers, take a moment to study the online layout. Many interfaces show which bets are available at each stage, and that visual guidance can prevent misclicks—especially when the round transitions from come-out to point.

Craps also has a rhythm: bets switch on/off, points change, and some wagers only make sense at certain times. If you’re new, slow down, watch a couple of rolls, and place one or two bets you fully understand.

Bankroll management matters here because the menu can tempt you into “just one more” side bet. Set a budget, keep your bet sizing consistent, and remember that no approach removes the role of chance.

Playing Craps on Mobile Devices

Mobile craps is designed for quick, tap-friendly play. Betting areas are typically enlarged, the layout is simplified for smaller screens, and chips are selected with a few taps before you place them on the felt.

Most modern mobile versions run smoothly on both smartphones and tablets, and live dealer streams are optimized so you can follow the dice and table status without constantly zooming. If you prefer shorter sessions, mobile play makes it easy to jump in for a few rounds and pick up right where you left off.

Responsible Play

Craps is a game of chance, and every roll is unpredictable. Play for entertainment, stay within a budget you’re comfortable with, and take breaks—especially during long sessions or when the swings start to feel personal.

A Classic That Still Delivers Online

Craps remains a standout because it blends simple mechanics with a big-game atmosphere: a clear round structure, meaningful choices in how you bet, and a social edge that feels shared even through a screen. Whether you stick to the Pass Line, experiment with Come bets, or sample live dealer tables, online craps keeps the pace moving while giving you plenty of room to play your style—right alongside other table-game favorites.