How to Play Craps (Dice Game Basics for Beginners)

While craps might not be as straightforward as blackjack or baccarat for beginners, it’s not as complicated as it initially seems.

Fundamentally, you’re betting on the roll of the dice, and there are many ways to do this, depending on the payouts you wish to play for.

Let’s simplify craps and explain which bets you can place in live online craps at JeffBet.

Introducing Craps: Rolls, Standard Bets & Gameplay

Though it may seem confusing from the outset, craps is all about betting on the outcome of a dice roll. Each round begins with the come-out roll, which is the first roll by the shooter (the person with the dice).

One of three things can then happen:

1. Natural: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, pass line bets win immediately and Don’t Pass bets lose. The round then continues with a new come-out roll.
2. Craps (crap out): If the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, pass line bets lose. Don’t Pass bets win on 2 or 3 and push on 12 (no win or loss).
3. Point: If the shooter rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on the come-out roll, that number becomes the point. The shooter must roll that same number again before rolling a 7 to win pass line bets. Rolling a 7 first results in a loss.

Now, you need to decide how to bet in craps. You have the following primary options (we’ll touch on prop bets in the next section):

• Pass line: A bet that the shooter wins by rolling a natural on the come-out roll or hitting the point before a 7.
• Don’t pass line: A bet against the shooter, winning if they roll craps on the come-out roll or a 7 before the point.
• Come: Works like the pass line but placed after the point; wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12.
• Don’t come: Similar to don’t pass, but placed after the point; you win if a 7 appears before the new point.

In most craps games, the above bets pay 1:1 if you win. If you want to spice things up and play for higher payouts, check out the other craps bets you can place below.

Other Craps Bets (Props) & Strategy

Alongside the four standard bets introduced above, you can place the following wagers at the craps table, often referred to as craps proposition bets:

• Free odds: Placed after a pass, don’t pass, come, or don’t come bet is made. The main advantage is that it has no house edge, and the payout ranges from 2:1 to 6:5.
• Place bets: This is a bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. Payouts range from 7:6 to 9:5, depending on the number.
• Big 6 or Big 8: A bet on rolling a 6 or 8 before a 7, offering an even money payout.
• Hardways: A bet on a specific even number (4, 6, 8, or 10) rolled as a hard combination before a 7 or an easy version. A hard combination is a double (e.g., double 2 for a hard 4). Payouts range from 7:1 to 9:1.
• Any 7 bet: A single-roll wager that the next outcome will be 7. This pays out 4:1.
• Any craps bet: A single-roll wager that the next outcome will be 2, 3, or 12. This pays out 7:1.

As you’re now aware, there are lots of ways to bet at the craps table. But if you’re just getting started and are new at the craps table, consider these beginner strategy tips to keep things simple:

• Watch a few games first: If you’re about to play live craps at JeffBet, sit back and watch a few rounds first. Pretend that you’ve placed a pass line bet and watch what happens as the shooter rolls. This will help you visualise the game and make it easier when you bet for real.
• Start with pass line bets: The pass line bet is the easiest way to bet at the craps table. You’ll win immediately if the shooter rolls a natural (7 or 11).
• Graduate to come bets: When you’re familiar with the gameplay and gain confidence, you can graduate to come bets to spread the action without taking unnecessary risks.
• Look for games with free odds: As free odds bets have no house edge, they’re popular among craps players. However, they’re not offered in every game, so read the rules to see if it’s available before playing.

Ultimately, craps might not be the easiest casino table game to play, but if you take things slowly and understand the basics, it’s not as complex as it initially seems.

We also remind you to gamble responsibly while playing online craps. Set your limits and adjust your stake to preserve your bankroll. Visit our Bet Smart Hub for more information.

How to Play Online Craps at JeffBet

Now that you have a basic understanding of how craps works and which bets you can place, you’re ready to join the live dealer action at JeffBet.

We offer live dealer Craps by Evolution Gaming, which mimics the experience of playing craps in a land-based casino.

Here are the steps you need to follow to play live craps for real money at JeffBet:

• Click the Join Now button to create your account in seconds.
• Check for our latest bonus (terms and conditions apply) and deposit to fund your craps wagers.
• Click on the Evolution Craps game tile to launch the game.
• Watch a few rounds of craps first to familiarise yourself with the gameplay.
• Decide which bets to place and wait for the betting window to open before placing your chips.
• Please gamble responsibly – use our safer gambling tools to control your expenditure.

Conclusion

Though many people see craps as a complex game that’s difficult to play, the reality is that, with some patience and a basic understanding of craps terminology, you can play and win this game in no time.

Use this guide and our strategy tips to get started, and play Evolution’s live craps game today at JeffBet to enjoy this popular casino game.

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