Play Craps Online: 2023 Guide for US Players

Almost all US online casinos feature craps games. Most of the trusted online craps casinos do not offer live craps now but take heart. Players can sign up and play craps online for real money within a few minutes.

Read our how-to guide for online craps. You will learn the basic craps rules, tips for making the best bets, and a short history of craps. We provided a craps glossary, plus descriptions of each bet in the game. Once finished, you should know everything you need to know to play online craps for real money.

The Basic Bets in Craps

Players can make a variety of bets on the outcome of the roll of two dice. Here are the basic bets in craps:

  • Pass Line Bet: This is the most popular bet in craps, and it is placed before the Come-Out Roll. If the Come-Out Roll is a 7 or 11, the bet wins. If the Come-Out Roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point” and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 for the bet to win. The house edge for the Pass Line Bet is 1.41%.
  • Don’t Pass Bet: This bet is the opposite of the Pass Line Bet. If the Come-Out Roll is a 2 or 3, the bet wins. If the Come-Out Roll is a 7 or 11, the bet loses. If the Come-Out Roll is a 12, the bet is a push (tie). If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point” and the shooter must roll a 7 before rolling that number again for the bet to win. The house edge for the Don’t Pass Bet is 1.36%.
  • Come Bet: This bet is like the Pass Line Bet, but it is placed after the point has been established. If the next roll is a 7 or 11, the bet wins. If the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “come point” and the bet wins if that number is rolled again before a 7. The house edge for the Come Bet is 1.41%.
  • Don’t Come Bet: This bet is the opposite of the Come Bet. If the next roll is a 2 or 3, the bet wins. If the next roll is a 7 or 11, the bet loses. If the next roll is a 12, the bet is a push (tie). If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “come point” and the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before that number. The house edge for the Don’t Come Bet is 1.36%.

Single-Roll Bets

In craps, single-roll bets are those that are determined by the outcome of a single roll of the dice. Here are the descriptions of the most common single-roll bets:

  • 2 Bet: This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is a 2. The payout for this bet is typically 30:1.
  • 3 Bet: This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is a 3. The payout for this bet is typically 15:1.
  • 11 Bet or Yo Bet: This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is an 11. The payout for this bet is typically 15:1.
  • 12 Bet: This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is a 12. The payout for this bet is typically 30:1.
  • 2 or 12 Bet: This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is either a 2 or a 12. The payout for this bet is typically 15:1.
  • Any Craps bet: This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is a 2, 3, or 12. The payout for this bet is typically 7:1.
  • C&E Bet: This is a combination bet that includes both the any craps bet and the yo bet. This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is a 2, 3, 11, or 12. The payout for this bet varies depending on the specific combination of bets made.
  • Any Seven Bet: This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is a 7. The payout for this bet is typically 4:1.
  • Horn Bet: This is a combination bet that includes four separate bets on the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12. The bettor chooses how much to wager on each of these numbers. If any of the chosen numbers are rolled, the bet wins. The payout for this bet varies depending on the specific combination of bets made.
  • Whirl Bet (or World Bet): This is a combination bet that includes five separate bets on the numbers 2, 3, 7, 11, and 12. The bettor chooses how much to wager on each of these numbers. If any of the chosen numbers are rolled, the bet wins. The payout for this bet varies depending on the specific combination of bets made.
  • On the Hop Bet: This bet allows the bettor to choose a specific combination of numbers to bet on, such as 3 and 4. If the next roll of the dice matches the chosen combination, the bet wins. The payout for this bet varies depending on the specific combination of numbers chosen.
  • Field Bet: This bet wins if the next roll of the dice is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payout for this bet varies depending on the specific number rolled. Typically, 2 and 12 pay out more than the other numbers.

Multi-Roll Bets

Multi-roll bets in craps are bets that can last for several rolls of the dice. Here are the descriptions of some of the most common multi-roll bets:

  • Place Bets: Place bets are made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. If the number is rolled before a 7, the bet wins. If a 7 is rolled before the number, the bet loses.
  • Buy Bets: Buy bets are similar to place bets, but with a commission fee. The player pays a 5% commission on the bet amount, and in exchange, the bet pays true odds. This means that if the number is rolled before a 7, the payout is higher than with a place bet.
  • Lay Bets: Lay bets are the opposite of buy bets. The player bets that a 7 will be rolled before a specific number. Like buy bets, there is a commission fee of 5%, and the payout is based on true odds.
  • Put Bets: Put bets are similar to place bets, but they are made after the come-out roll. The player bets on a specific number to be rolled before a 7, but the bet is only valid for the next roll. If the number is rolled, the payout is based on true odds.
  • Hard Way Bets: Hard way bets are made on the specific combination of a 4, 6, 8, or 10 being rolled as a pair (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, or 5-5) before a 7 or the easy way combination of the same number is rolled (7 is easy way for all four numbers). If the number is rolled as a pair, the payout is higher than with a regular place bet.
  • Big 6 and Big 8 Bets: These bets are made on the outcome of the next roll being a 6 or an 8, respectively. If the number is rolled, the bet wins. However, the payout is even money, which is lower than with a place or buy bet on the same numbers. These bets are considered to have a higher house edge than other multi-roll bets.

Online Craps Glossary

CRAPS TERM DEFINITION
Ace Deuce When a player rolls a three. Called ace-deuce because it’s roll of one and two.
Basic Bets The fundamental roll in craps, because it’s a bet on whether the shooter will win or lose. These are the pass line, don’t pass line, come, don’t come, and odds bets.
Bones Another name for the dice used in craps.
Boxcars A roll of two sixes, which look a bit like boxcars on a train. Also called midnight.
Boxman The casino employee who supervises the game and handles the chips.
Cold Dice A term used to describe when the dice are not rolling well for the shooter.
Come Out Roll The first roll of the dice in a new round of betting.
Crap Out When the shooter rolls a two, three, or twelve on the come out roll, resulting in the loss of the pass line bet.
Dice Control The practice of trying to control the outcome of the dice by using a specific throwing technique. It’s a controversial topic.
Hot Dice A term used to describe when the dice are rolling well for the shooter.
Midnight A roll of two sixes. Because it adds up to 12, some call this roll midnight. Also called boxcars.
Seven Out When a shooter rolls a seven after the point has been established, resulting in the loss of the pass line bet.
Shooter The player who is rolling the dice.
Snakes Eyes A roll of two ones. Since it loses on a come-out roll, snake eyes usually has a negative connotation.
Stickman The casino employee who controls the dice and announces the outcome of each roll.
Yo Bet A bet on the next roll being an eleven. Because eleven sounds similar to seven in a loud casino, dealers used the word “Yo” to distinguish these bets.

Craps Etiquette Tips

Craps etiquette is essential because it creates a positive atmosphere for all players involved. Players need to be respectful of each other, the dealers, and the game to ensure a pleasant gaming environment. Without proper etiquette, the game can quickly become unpleasant and uncomfortable for everyone involved.

  • Betting Against the Shooter: One of the most crucial aspects of craps etiquette is to be aware of the don’t come bet and the don’t pass bet. These bets are betting against the shooter and most other players at the table. While it is acceptable to make these bets, cheering for them when they win can be seen as cheering for the misfortune of other players at the table. Be mindful of other players’ feelings and don’t make a scene when you win these bets.
  • Toking the Dealers: Another important aspect of craps etiquette is tipping the dealers. Tipping the dealer is known as “toking,” and it is customary to tip the dealers when you are winning. Live craps games typically have up to four dealers, so players should account for this when tipping. It is important to remember that dealers rely on tips as a significant portion of their income, so being generous with your tips can go a long way in creating a positive gaming experience.
  • Don’t Mess up the Table: Players should not hold drinks, food, or cigarettes over the felt as spills can cause damage to the table and disrupt the game. It is also important to be courteous to other players by not taking too much time when placing bets or handling chips.
  • Craps: A Community Game: Craps etiquette is about creating a positive gaming experience for everyone involved. Being respectful of other players, understanding betting etiquette, and tipping the dealers generously can go a long way in making the game enjoyable for all.

Craps History

Craps has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. It has evolved over time, but the basic gameplay remains the same. It is a game of chance that can be enjoyed by anyone, and it continues to be a popular pastime in both land-based and online casinos.

  • The Crusades and Craps: It is believed to have originated in the 12th century during the Crusades, where soldiers used to pass the time by rolling dice. Over time, the game evolved, and it became popular in various parts of Europe, including France.
  • Hazard in France: In the 18th century, courtiers in the French royal court played a game called “hazard,” which is similar to modern-day craps. The game was so popular that it eventually made its way to New Orleans, where it was played by French settlers. The game acquired the name “craps” from the French word “crapaud,” which means toad, because players would squat like toads when playing the game on the streets.
  • New Orleans Craps: In the 19th century, craps became popular in New Orleans, and it quickly spread throughout the United States.
  • World War Craps: It was played in bars and on the streets, and it was a popular pastime for soldiers during World War II.
  • Street Craps: After the war, craps became even more popular, and it was played on the streets of major US cities.
  • Las Vegas Craps: In the 20th century, Las Vegas became the center of the gambling world, and craps was one of the most popular games in the casinos. The game was played on long tables with complicated betting layouts, and it was a favorite of high rollers.
  • Craps Online Games: With the advent of online casinos, craps became even more accessible. Online craps and live dealer craps are now available on many US online casinos, and players can enjoy the game from the comfort of their own homes.
  • Mobile Craps: Mobile craps has also become popular, with Android and iPhone tablet computers being the best devices to use due to the complicated betting layouts. However, smartphones also work well because the betting, strategy, and graphics are easy to understand in craps.

Craps Online Real Money FAQ

Where can I play craps online in the USA?

Play craps at real money online casinos. These sites have all the banking methods that US Players prefer: credit cards, bank transfers, and crypto deposits. They also offer huge welcome bonuses for new depositors. Online craps is a staple at US online casinos, so you’ll find at least one version of craps at the best US online casinos.

What app lets me play craps with real money?

Most online casinos have mobile casino apps. Most of those sites offer a version of mobile craps on that app. Many mobile casinos these days don’t require a craps app download. Instead, the game opens in the web browser on your smartphone or tablet computer.

We recommend the mobile casino games at Big Spin Casino, MyBookie Casino, or XBet Casino. Each has table games like craps. XBet is our recommendation for online table games, but all three are excellent choices.

Can online craps be played for free?

Yes. The best online casinos offer free versions of their games, including free online craps. Free casino games are a promotional tool that convinces some players to deposit cash and play craps for real money. When you click on the craps game icon, you’ll be asked if you want to play for real money or for practice. Choose the practice money. Most sites give players $1000 in make-believe money for their free online craps session.