How a round works
The first roll is the come-out roll. A 7 or 11 wins for the pass line; 2, 3 or 12 loses. Any other number becomes the point. The shooter then rolls until the point comes again (pass wins) or a 7 appears (pass loses).
The bets compared
| Bet | Pays | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Pass line | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Don't pass | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Odds behind pass or don't pass | True odds | 0% |
| Place 6 or 8 | 7:6 | 1.52% |
| Field | 1:1, more on 2 and 12 | 2.78% to 5.56% |
| Hard 6 or 8 | 9:1 | 9.09% |
| Any 7 | 4:1 | 16.67% |
Craps at new casinos
New casinos carry RNG craps and live craps from the large studios. Check the maximum odds allowed: the higher the multiple, the lower your average edge across the pass line and odds together.
Live craps runs at the studio's pace; RNG craps lets you roll as fast as you click, which raises the cost per hour.
Beginner mistakes
- Playing proposition bets in the centre of the table because the payouts look big.
- Skipping the free odds, which are the only bet without a house edge.
- Raising the stake after losses.
- Playing a bonus that counts little or nothing for craps.
Practise first
RNG craps usually has a demo mode. Use it until the come-out roll and the point feel natural, then start live at the lowest stake. Many casinos count craps at a low rate toward wagering or exclude it, so read the bonus terms first.