Craps, also known as dice gaming, is one of the oldest and most dynamic casino games in the world. Its origins trace back to Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, and although its popularity peaked in the 20th century, craps remains a staple in land-based and online casinos today. Below is a detailed look at how the game works, its betting system, variations, and historical evolution.
General Rules of Craps
The craps table, much like a roulette layout, is divided into multiple sections designed for different types of bets. The core mechanic of the game is simple: two six-sided dice are rolled, producing a total between 2 and 12.
Players take turns rolling the dice, and the outcome of each roll determines whether bets win, lose, or remain active. One defining feature of craps is the wide variety of betting options, many of which depend on the game phase.
The game is divided into rounds, the length of which depends on the dice results. Some bets are placed before the round begins, while others can only be made after certain outcomes.
The Come Out Roll
The first roll of a round is called the Come Out Roll:
- If the roll is 2, 3, or 12, the shooter loses immediately — this outcome is known as craps.
- If the roll is 7 or 11, it is a natural, and the shooter wins.
- If the roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the Point.
When a Point is established, a marker labeled ON is placed on the corresponding number, and the game continues into the next phase.
The Point Roll
After the Point is set, the shooter continues rolling the dice:
- If the Point number appears again before a 7, the shooter wins.
- If a 7 appears first, the shooter loses, the round ends, and the dice pass to the next player.
Once the round ends, the Point marker is turned to OFF, and a new Come Out Roll begins.
Types of Bets in Craps
Craps is known for its extensive betting system. Bets vary by round and probability:
Core Line Bets
- Pass Line
Placed during the Come Out Roll. Wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12, and remains active if a Point is set. Pays 1:1. - Don’t Pass Line
The opposite of the Pass Line. Wins on 2 or 3, pushes on 12, loses on 7 or 11. Pays 1:1.
These are the most common bets and are often recommended for beginners.
Come Bets
- Come
Similar to Pass Line but placed after the Come Out Roll. Wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12. Pays 1:1. - Don’t Come
The inverse of the Come bet. Wins if a 7 appears before the assigned point. Pays 1:1.
Odds Bets (Best Player Value)
Odds bets have no house edge and are among the most favorable wagers in any casino game:
- Pass Line Odds / Come Odds
- Don’t Pass Odds / Don’t Come Odds
Payouts vary depending on the Point number, reaching up to 2:1, 3:2, or 6:5.
Proposition and Special Bets
- Win (Place Bet) – Wins if a number appears before 7
- Lose (Lay Bet) – Wins if 7 appears first
- Hard Way – Doubles like 2+2 or 4+4
- Big Six / Big Eight – Number appears before 7
- Field – One-roll bet covering multiple numbers
- Any Craps, Any Seven, Eleven – High-risk, high-reward single-roll bets
While exciting, these bets carry a higher house edge and are better suited for experienced players.
Most Advantageous Bets for Players
From a mathematical standpoint, the most profitable bets are:
- Pass Line Odds
- Don’t Pass Odds
- Come Odds
- Don’t Come Odds
Combining these bets forms the foundation of most professional craps strategies.
Variations of Craps
There are four main types of craps games:
- Private Craps
Played casually without a table; players take turns rolling dice. - Bank Craps
The standard casino version with a dedicated layout and house advantage. - New York Craps
A variation that allows percentage-based wagers. - Open Craps
Players can bet against each other, not just the dealer. Rarely found in casinos.
In 2025, online craps and live dealer craps have gained popularity, allowing players to enjoy authentic gameplay via streaming platforms.
The History of Craps
Dice games date back thousands of years and were known as “Hazard” in medieval Arab cultures. The modern version of craps emerged in the United States, particularly in New Orleans, where it was popularized by African American communities.
In the early days, casinos often used biased dice to ensure profits. To combat this, dice manufacturer John H. Winn introduced revised rules in 1907, including the Pass and Don’t Pass bets, making the game fairer.
These rules remain largely unchanged today and form the foundation of modern craps in both land-based and online casinos.
Read more: Popular casino games