Generally, you bet with the table in the hopes that the player rolls the number they need. There are also some options for betting against the table, meaning the player rolls a losing number. On the first roll, called a come-out roll, 7 and 11 are winners. The numbers 2, 3, and 12 are called craps numbers and mean bettors lose. The winning and losing numbers vary depending on the stage of the game. If the player establishes a point, 7 becomes a losing number.
The pass line is the most basic element in craps betting, so it’s the best place to start when learning the game. A new round cannot begin until someone places a bet on the pass. Numbers like 4, 5, and 6 are neither wins nor losses. The rolled number becomes known as the point, and the game moves to the next phase of play. Another option is to bet on the don’t pass line. If you take this option, you’re betting against everyone else. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 but lose if they roll a 7 or 11. [2] X Research source
The pass line bets stay on the board until the round is over. You win your pass bet if the player rolls their point number. For example, when the point number is an 8, the shooter tries to roll an 8. If the shooter rolls a 7, all pass line bets lose. Play continues until the shooter rolls one of these numbers. If the shooter rolls the point number, play starts over with new pass bets. If a 7 comes up, the same thing happens but someone else has to roll the dice.
Keep in mind that the point doesn’t affect your bet. If the point is 6, you don’t get anything when the shooter rolls a 6. The come bet is also separate from the pass line. You may win the come bet with a 7 but lose the pass bet after the point is established. Similarly, play may continue even after a 2, 3, or 12 comes up. A related option is the don’t come bet, where you win if the shooter rolls a 7 and lose if they roll their point number. This is a relatively safe and simple bet, but keep in mind that it means going against other bettors. [5] X Research source
Craps is a fast-paced game, so give yourself time to get accustomed to it. Watch for a while if you need to, then start with a basic line bet when you get a chance to step in. These simple bets often have the best odds out of anything in the casino, but they don’t pay as much money as riskier bets. You can also lose more if you’re not careful because of how fast and exciting an average craps game is.
Always handle the dice with one hand. You don’t need to blow on them or do anything else you see in movies. Shake and toss! The craps table is long, so you throw the dice rather than roll them. If the dice bounce off the table or fail to hit the back rail, you have to toss them again.
The boxperson sits on one side of the table, usually the one closest to the pit. This person may be wearing a suit and tie. The boxperson keeps tabs on the game, stashing and guarding betting chips. The stickperson is on the opposite side of the table from the boxperson. The stickperson is the one using the long stick to push the dice around. This person controls the game’s tempo, helps bettors place number bets, and calls out the game’s results. The remaining crew members are dealers. There are at least 2 at every busy craps table. They manage the money, converting cash into chips and paying out winning bets as needed.
The pass line is labeled in big letters, so it’s visible no matter where you stand. The “don’t pass” bar above the pass line is a related betting option. It is for players who wish to bet against the shooter. Also, look for the come and don’t come spaces used for related bets later in the game.
Step up to an active table with caution. Wait for an open spot and try to come in when the disk on the table is flipped to off.
The excitement from a craps game is very easy to hear in most casinos. It’s a very loud game, but at the same time, be respectful of everyone around you.
Once you put your chips down, remove your hands from the table area. Keep your remaining chips on the rail, which is the elevated edge around the table. Watch where all the chips are on the table. Keep an eye on your own chips and avoid knocking over someone else’s stack. If you need help, ask the dealers! They are there to help you have a good time shooting craps.
For example, the house has only a 1. 41% edge on a pass or come bet. The house has a 1. 36% edge on don’t pass and don’t come bets, making them slightly more likely to pay out. The more complicated the bet, the more likely the odds are to be in the house’s favor. Big 6 and 8 spaces, for instance, pay poorly and tend to be excluded from most tables. Proposition bets are also usually good ways to blow through a stack of chips. For more information on odds and betting strategies, look for a probability guide or betting strategy guide online.
Craps numbers are 2, 3, and 12. These usually are bad news, depending on the bet. A right bettor is a person betting on the pass line. A wrong bettor is someone who bets against the rest of the table by betting on the don’t pass line. Betting terms like parlay are the same as in other casino games. A parlay, for example, means adding your stakes from a winning bet to another bet. The house edge means how much of an advantage the house has on a given bet. All numbers have their own slang that comes up sometimes but isn’t important to memorize. For example, a pair of 1s is called snake eyes and a 9 is called center field.
All field bets pay 1:1 odds except 2 and 12. Since these rolls are less common, you win 2:1 or even 3:1, depending on the house rules. The numbers at the top of the table close to the stickperson are for “place” and “buy” bets. They are separate from the field box, so notify a dealer before using these areas to bet. In the corners of the field boxes, you may see spots marked Big 6 and Big 8. These are additional bets that a 6 or 8 comes up before a 7. These spots aren’t present in all craps tables.
For example, if you bet on 4, you’re predicting that the shooter rolls a 4 before they roll a 7. A lay bet is the opposite of a place bet. You bet that the shooter rolls a 7 before they roll the number you bet on. The payout for these bets are not as good as odds bets. You get 1:2 odds on 4 and 10, 2:3 odds on 5 and 9, and 5:6 odds on 6 or 8.
The payout is better for numbers that come up less frequently. You get 2:1 odds for a 4 or 10, 3:2 odds for a 5 or 9, and 6:5 odds for a 6 or 8. Odds bets are simple and pay true odds. The house has no “edge” on the bet because the roll is entirely random. Winning is up to pure chance. Most casinos offer 3, 4, or even 5x odds tables. That means you get to bet as much as 5 times your pass bet. Some casinos allow even higher odds bets.
For example, you might use the proposition area to predict that the shooter rolls an 8 as a pair of 4s. This is called a hardaway bet. Proposition bets are risky. The odds are very high in favor of the house. As a beginner, you are better off avoiding them unless you’re feeling brave. The proposition area belongs to the dealer, so don’t interfere with it if you wish to bet. Put your chip on the table, then alert the dealer that you wish to bet.
