What Is Craps?
Craps is an online casino dice game where the objective of the game is to bet on the outcome of each roll and correctly guess which numbers will appear for each dice roll. The game is played on a special Craps table with a unique layout, similarly to American and European Roulette, and the Craps dice are rolled on the table by one of the players, known as the shooter.
At brick-and-mortar casino venues, the game is played by numerous players and involves several casino employees. This includes a boxman, who is in charge of the chips and ensuring that the game is running smoothly, the base dealers who call out lost bets and pay winners, and the stickman who is in charge of passing the Craps dice to shooters with a long stick.
When it comes to playing Craps online, you play against the computer or casino like all other online casino games. Since there are no other players, you always act as the shooter. What’s more, there are dedicated buttons for you to place bets, make rebets, and start the game. The rules of the game remain the same as its real-life counterpart, and you can learn more by scrolling down.
A Brief History Of Craps
Unlike most other casino games, Craps has a rather clearer history. The game is an English variation of the European dice game of Hazard or Hasard. Young gambler Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville brought Hazard from London to New Orleans in the early 1800s, but Mandeville simplified several of the rules. The game was reportedly rejected by Mandeville’s social class, but it was a hit with the underclass. However, there was a flaw in the game’s design that allowed players to abuse it and win. This was eventually corrected by dicemaker John H. Winn in 1907, who created a new craps table layout with a ‘Don’t Pass’ option.
The game became hugely popular during World War II and was quickly adopted by Las Vegas. From there, the game made its way to Europe and beyond, and the game remains a popular choice at most brick-and-mortar casinos. Thanks to its popularity there, the game has also now become popular online, with most casino sites now offering a variation of Craps.
How To Play Craps
Craps Rules
At brick-and-mortar casinos, the game of Craps is a little more complex. The game consists of rounds that can last either one roll or multiple rolls depending on the outcome of the Come Out rolls, the shooter’s first roll for each round, and what happens after it. Before the shooter can roll, they and all other players will be required to make a Pass or a Don’t Pass bet. Once this is done, the shooter will roll both six-sided Craps dice.
According to the Craps rules, if the result of the roll totals seven or 11 (A Natural) or totals two, three or 12 (A Craps), the round ends and the Craps dice is passed to the next player. If the roll values four, five, six, eight, nine or 10, a Point is established. When this happens, players will be allowed to bet on what they believe the next roll will total, and the shooter will be required to keep rolling the Craps dice until they land a seven and lose or land the established point value and win. Winning shooters remain a shooter for the next round and start over with a Come Out roll.
How Does Online Craps Play?
Playing Craps online is similar to playing it at a brick-and-mortar venue. You’ll need to place your bet before each round by using the game’s interface to select casino chips and placing them on the Craps table. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to roll the Craps dice by hitting the Dice button. The game will determine the outcome of the roll using a Random Number Generator (RNG).
If the Point is established, you will be notified. For example, BetSoft’s Craps game has a puck labelled ON which indicates whether a point has been established or not. Like in brick-and-mortar games, if you establish a point, you will be required to keep rolling the Craps dice until you land a seven or land the established point value again.
Live Casino Craps
There are several traditional online Craps games available, but most of the Craps games available at online casinos in the UK are live casino variations, which feature real dealers that are streamed directly to you over the internet. Depending on the variation that you’re playing, the live casino game will follow all traditional rules, but you’ll be playing with a real-life dealer as well as numerous other players. Depending on the game, you’ll also be able to interact with the dealer and all other players through a messaging service, and the dealer can respond back.
Live casino content has become incredibly popular over the last few years as technology has advanced. Most live casino studios use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to offer you an unbeatable experience, including multiple 4K cameras which capture the dealer’s every move and all dice rolls.
Craps Table Explained
The Craps table is an incredibly important part of Craps, since the table is used to place your bets, similarly to other casino games. The table is made up of two main sections, a large main section that features the basic betting options and a second, smaller section which is used for proposition bets.
At brick-and-mortar venues, the table’s main section will be mirrored on the other side of the proposition betting field, providing all players around the table with access to the table’s betting options. In addition, standing around the table will be boxmen, stickmen, and base dealers.
Craps Table Payout Odds
The different sections of the Craps table will have varying payout odds. The odds we list below can change depending on the game, but we’ve found that most online Craps games stick to the ordinary payout odds. They are:
- Pass/Come Bets: 1:1
- Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bets: 1:1
- Pass/Come Bets on numbers four or 10: 2:1
- Pass/Come Bets on numbers five or nine: 3:2
- Pass/Come Bets on numbers six or eight: 5:6
- Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bets on numbers four or 10: 1:2
- Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bets on numbers five or nine: 3:2
- Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bets on numbers six or eight: 5:6
- Field Bets on numbers three, four, nine, 10 or 11: 1:1
- Field Bets on numbers two or 12: 2:1
- Place Bets on numbers four or 10: 9:5
- Place Bets on numbers five or nine: 7:5
- Place Bets on numbers six or eight: 7:6
- Big Six or Eight Bets: 1:1
- Hardways Bets on numbers six or eight: 9:1
- Hardways Bets on numbers four or 10: 7:1
The odds above can help you to determine which bets you should place when playing Craps, regardless of whether it’s offline or online. Just remember, they can sometimes change depending on the game you’re playing!
Although payouts appear somewhat confusing at first glance, they’re rather simple. For example, the payout odds for Pass and Come bets are 1:1, which means for every £1 you bet, you receive £1 back on wins. Similarly, if you place a Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet with payout odds of 5:6, you earn £5 for every £6 you bet. With this knowledge in mind, you’ll easily be able to work out how much you’ll get for each bet.
The Different Craps Bets
As mentioned, the Craps table is made of several different fields, all of which represent various bets, and it’s time to take a closer look at these Craps bets. When playing Craps, regardless of whether it’s online or offline, you’ll need to place casino chips on these fields to place your bet.
The betting options in Craps are widely regarded as the most confusing part of the game since there are so many different options. It’s important to understand what these fields mean and what betting options they present you with before you start playing the game. Take a look at our Craps bets guide below to help you figure all of this out.
Before Establishing The Point: Pass Line & Don’t Pass Bar
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Craps bets are those that are made at the beginning of each round. Placing your casino chip on the Pass Line means you’re betting that the shooter will land a seven or 11, and if you place your casino chip on the Don’t Pass Bar, you’re betting that the shooter will land a two, three or 12.
At brick-and-mortar venues, the shooter will be required to bet on this, along with most other players. It’s only after the Point is established that the shooter and other players will be able to place other bets.
After Establishing The Point: All Other Bets
Field Bets
The Field section can be found beside the Big Six & Big Eight section and above the Don’t Pass Bar on the Craps table. If you place casino chips here, you’re betting that the shooter will land a three, four, nine, 10 or 11.
Come & Don’t Come Bets
The Come and Don’t Come sections can be found above the Field and beside the Don’t Pass Bar. These betting options work similarly to the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar; if you bet on the Come section, you’re betting that the shooter will land a seven or 11, but if you bet on the Don’t Come Bar, you’re betting that the shooter will land a two or three.
Big Six & Big Eight Bets
The Big Six and Big Eight sections are found above the Pass Line and between the Don’t Pass Bar sections. By placing casino chips here, you’re betting that the shooter will land either a six or an eight before landing a seven.
Place Bet
Finally, Craps tables also have The Place, which is located above the Come and beside the Don’t Come sections. By placing casino chips here, you’re betting that the shooter will land either a four, five, six, eight, nine or ten before landing a seven.
Proposition Bets
As explained above, the Craps table has a second smaller section that is used for placing proposition bets. This section can be found at the centre of the Craps table between the two mirrored main betting sections. When betting with this section, you’re basically betting on a specific dice value for each roll. The available options and their Craps terminology include:
- Horn: The shooter rolls a two, three, 11 or 12
- Boxcar: The shooter rolls a 12
- Aces: The shooter rolls a two
- Ace Deuce: The shooter rolls a three
- Any Craps: The shooter rolls a two, three or 12
- Any Seven: The shooter rolls a seven
When making a proposition bet, you may also strike a Hard Ways bet in which the shooter rolls a double totalling at four, six, eight or 10. However, this proposition bet only applies before the shooter has rolled a seven or any other combination.
Online Craps: What Are The Best Craps Casino Sites?
As mentioned, Craps is a casino game that is often overlooked when it comes to online gambling. However, there are several online casinos that do offer Craps, and we’ve put together a list of some online casinos that do offer Craps. Take a look at our suggestions below to find out more about each Craps casino with links to our in-depth reviews.
PlayOJO
PlayOJO is an online Craps casino that is operated by SkillOnNet. The website is marketed as a “fair” online casino thanks to its wager-free welcome bonus. It’s also home to one Craps game, along with hundreds of other titles, including video slots, table games, and so much more. If you’d like to know more about the website, make sure to check our PlayOJO casino review.
Genesis Casino
Genesis Casino is a space-themed online casino operated by Genesis Global. The website offers a range of welcome promotions and a gigantic slew of casino games, including two Craps games. If you’d like to know why so many people enjoy playing at Genesis Casino, read through our in-depth review here.
Casumo
Casumo is another great online casino for Craps. The website is hugely popular for its wide selection of casino games and for its online sports betting service too. If that isn’t enough, the casino accepts numerous payment options and offers a generous welcome bonus too! Check out our Casumo review for more details.
Mr Green
Mr Green is an online Craps casino operated by Mr Green Limited. The website offers a generous welcome bonus, accepts several payment methods, is home to Craps games, and is known for offering an excellent mobile-friendly experience too. Our Mr Green review has more information on all this.
PlayJango
Our final suggestion for the best Craps casino sites is PlayJango, which offers one unique Craps game. The website is home to a great welcome bonus, daily promotions, a VIP scheme, and it accepts several major payment options too. Take a look at our in-depth PlayJango review for more details.
How Do I Know If These Craps Casino Sites Are Safe?
All of the online casinos we recommend here at CasinostoPlay.com are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, the regulatory body for all things gambling in the United Kingdom. All operators looking to offer their services to players based in the United Kingdom must hold a valid license from the UK Gambling Commission.
Operators are required to follow strict rules to obtain a license, and these rules have been designed to ensure that operators offer you fair and unrigged games, offer you safer gambling tools, contact you regarding responsible gambling, and keep all of your personal information safe. Operators that break or fail to adhere to these rules are sanctioned by the UK Gambling Commission and, in serious cases, have their license suspended.
It’s important to note that the UK Gambling Commission’s licensing only applies to players based in the UK as its rules have no effect internationally. If you’re based overseas, you should stick to your country’s gambling regulator, if there is one. And if you’re based in the UK, avoid registering with websites overseas and those without a UK license as you will have no protections.
Popular Online Craps Games
There are several different types of online Craps games, all developed by various game studios, including Evolution, Microgaming, 1x2Gaming, and more. Take a look below to discover a few of the more popular Craps games available at UK online casinos.
Craps by BetSoft
BetSoft’s Craps released back in March 2021. The game uses an RTP of 98.64% and can be played on desktop computers as well as mobile devices. The title follows all traditional Craps rules, benefits from lifelike graphics, and can be found at several online casinos worldwide.
Craps by Nucleus Gaming
Independent developer Nucleus Gaming released a popular Craps game back in April 2021. The game uses a traditional Craps table with all betting chips located at the top of the game screen. With its realistic visuals, it almost feels like you’re playing Craps in real life.
First-Person Craps by Evolution
First-Person Craps is an online casino game developed by Evolution, although it isn’t live. The title follows all traditional Craps rules and features gorgeous animations to look just like Evolution’s live Craps title. The main differences here is that you’ll be playing by yourself and at your own pace, rather than the fast-paced live variation. First-Person Craps has an RTP of 99.17%.
Live Craps by Evolution
Finally, one of the most popular Craps games is Evolution’s live variation. Like all other live games, this variation features a real-life dealer who acts as stickman and dealer, while a special catapult device is used to shoot dice. All you need to do is place bets in this fast-paced game. Like its RNG online variation, Live Craps has an RTP of 99.17%.
There are several other variations of Craps online games available, but the four we’ve listed above can usually be found at UK online casinos, are generally popular among gamers, and are fun to play too.
Craps Strategy & Tips
3 Point Molly Craps Strategy
Unlike with most other casino games, there aren’t many Craps strategies that you can follow to boost your odds. However, there is one well-known Craps strategy known as 3 Point Molly, which involves placing multiple bets depending on the outcome of each round.
The 3 Point Molly Craps strategy requires you to place a Pass Line bet, which you can either win or lose. After the Point is established, you’ll need to place a Come bet, and if your Come bet wins, you’ll need to place another Come bet. This process will continue until either a seven or the Point is rolled.
One of the reasons people enjoy using the 3 Point Molly Craps strategy is that even if your Pass Line bet fails, you can earn your losses back on your following bets if luck is on your side.
In addition to the 3 Point Molly Craps strategy, many players recommend that you avoid placing Big Six or Eight bets. Although they have payout odds of 1:1, it can be somewhat hard to land these bets successfully. Meanwhile, making a Place bet on numbers six and eight offers a similar type of bet with improved payout odds.
Our Craps Tips
While the lack of official Craps strategies may be disappointing when compared to other casino games, we have put together a list of Craps tips that can help you manage your funds when playing or assist you if you’re new to playing the game. Take a look at them below:
#1 – Stick To Simple Bets
If you’re new to Craps, it’s a much better idea for you to stick to simple bets like the Pass and Come bets. As mentioned above, they offer better odds and are easy to place. Alternatively, it can be useful to stick to Place bets since they cover a wider range of numbers, particularly when it comes to the second half of a game when a point has been established.
#2 – Know When To Stop
Craps is a relatively fast-paced game, and like with many other online casino games, it can be easy to lose yourself when playing. This is why it’s important to know when to walk away from the game and stop playing or at least decide on time, deposit, and loss limits to prevent yourself from overspending. This will also help keep the game and your gambling experience fun, rather than something that’s stressful.
#3 – Learn The Table And Bets
One of the best things you can do before playing Craps online is to learn the Craps table layout and the different betting options. This can help ensure that you place the right bets at the right time, particularly if you’re playing a faster variation of the game, such as Live Craps.
#4 – Avoid Making Complicated Bets
Regardless of whether you’re playing online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, you should try to avoid placing complicated bets or those with low odds. Only try the more complicated bets if you’re very skilled and experienced with the game.
#5 – Try The Different Variations
Compared to most other online casino games, there aren’t as many variations of Craps available at old and new UK casino websites. So if you find yourself getting a little bored of the game, it’s worth trying out the other variations which can feature improved graphics or UI. There are other variations, such as Live Craps, which are worth playing as they mix gameplay up and offer a different experience.
The Craps tips above won’t increase your chances at making a win, but they can help keep the game more fun to play. Just remember to focus on having fun rather than simply making wins, and enjoy this fast-paced online casino game.
Questions & Answers (FAQ)
How Do You Play Craps?
Many people believe that Craps is a complicated casino game, but it’s actually rather simple. When you play Craps online and offline, you simply bet on what you believe the outcome of each dice roll is! However, the betting options you can select from will differ depending on what’s happening in the game, so make sure to read our Craps guide to ensure you’re betting correctly!
What is Craps?
In short, Craps is a casino dice game where you are required to predict the outcome of each roll. The game’s roots date back to the 1800s and it has remained popular ever since.
Is there a Craps strategy?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a Craps strategy to help you make more wins. However, we’ve put together a list of tips that you can follow to make the game much more entertaining.
Can you play Craps online?
Like most online casino games, you can play Craps online. Sadly, when compared to all other online casino games, there aren’t as many online Craps games, which means it can be hard to find casino sites offering Craps titles. We’ve put together a list of online casinos offering Craps games.
How do I play Craps online?
You can play Craps online by registering at an online casino offering the game. Once you’ve registered, verified your account, and made a deposit, you’ll be able to play Craps online. It’s that simple!