Walking into a casino, few games look as exciting and fast-paced as craps. The crowd around the table, the loud cheers, and the flurry of chips and dice—it can be exhilarating, yet intimidating for a beginner. If you’re wondering how to play craps at casino and want a clear, step-by-step explanation, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the basics of the game, the rules, popular bets, table etiquette, and beginner-friendly strategies.
Whether you’re learning how to play craps at the casino for fun or looking to improve your odds on the casino floor, this detailed guide will help you feel confident before your first rol
What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll, or series of rolls, of two six-sided dice. It’s a game of chance, but with a wide array of betting options, it also offers strategic depth. The goal is simple: bet on what you think the dice will roll.
Craps is played on a specially designed table, and players use chips to place bets on various outcomes. Although it may look overwhelming at first due to the crowded table layout and fast pace, the basic gameplay is quite straightforward once you understand the flow.
The Craps Table Layout
Before diving into gameplay, it’s important to understand the layout of a craps table. Here’s what you’ll see:
- Pass Line / Don’t Pass Line: The main area where players place bets on the outcome of the first roll.
- Come / Don’t Come: Similar to Pass/Don’t Pass, but used after the first roll (known as the ‘come-out roll’).
- Field Bets: Single-roll bets with specific payout odds.
- Place Bets: Wagers on specific numbers being rolled before a 7.
- Proposition Bets: Located in the center, these are one-roll bets with high risk and reward.
Step-by-Step: How to Play Craps at Casino
Step 1: Join the Table and Buy Chips
Head to a live craps table and exchange your cash for chips. Chips are placed on the table, and the dealer will hand you the appropriate amount.
Tip: The craps table doesn’t have a dealer that gives you change like blackjack. Place your money on the table and say, “Change, please.”
Step 2: The Come-Out Roll (First Roll)
The game starts with a come-out roll—the first roll of a new round. Players place their bets on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line before the shooter (the person rolling the dice) throws.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win, and Don’t Pass bets lose.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, that’s called “craps”:
- Pass Line bets lose
- Don’t Pass bets win on 2 or 3 (but push on 12)
- Pass Line bets lose
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the Point.
Step 3: Establishing the Point
Once a point is set, the game continues. The shooter keeps rolling until one of two things happens:
- They roll the point number again (Pass Line wins)
- They roll a 7 (Pass Line loses—called “seven out”)
The goal for Pass Line bettors is for the shooter to hit the point before a 7. Don’t Pass bettors are hoping for the opposite.
Step 4: Continue Betting
Now that the point is established, players can make additional bets:
- Come Bet: Like a new Pass Line bet made during the point round.
- Place Bets: Bet on specific numbers to be rolled before a 7.
- Odds Bets: Add-on bets with no house edge. These are placed behind your original Pass or Don’t Pass bet.
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Basic Craps Bets (With Payouts)
Here’s a breakdown of the most common and beginner-friendly bets:
| Bet Type | Description | Win Conditions | Payout |
| Pass Line | Bet the shooter will win (7/11 on come-out or point hit) | Wins on 7 or 11; hits point | 1:1 |
| Don’t Pass | Bet the shooter will lose | Wins on 2 or 3; loses on 7/11; push on 12 | 1:1 |
| Come | Like Pass Line but after the come-out roll | Wins on 7/11; establishes own point | 1:1 |
| Don’t Come | Like Don’t Pass but after come-out roll | Wins on 2/3; push on 12 | 1:1 |
| Odds (Pass) | Bet behind Pass Line for better payout | 2x odds: 4 or 10 pays 2:1 | Varies |
| Place Bets | Bet on specific numbers (4–10 except 7) | Hits before a 7 | 9:5 (4/10), 7:6 (6/8) |
| Field Bet | One-roll bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 | Wins if any field number hits | 1:1 or 2:1 on 2/12 |
Advanced Bets (for When You’re Ready)
Once you’re comfortable with basic bets, you can explore:
- Hardways: Betting a number will be rolled the “hard” way (e.g., 2+2 = 4), before a soft way or 7.
- Proposition Bets: High-risk, high-reward bets on specific outcomes like “Any 7” or “Yo (11).”
- Hop Bets: Bet on the exact combination of dice.
These bets often carry high house edges. Use sparingly or just for fun. If you’re interested in mastering more casino games, don’t miss our expert guide on the top 5 blackjack strategies to boost your winning chances
Craps Etiquette: What Not to Do at the Table
Learning how to play craps at a casino also means learning how to behave at the table. Here are key etiquette rules:
- Always use one hand to shoot the dice
- Don’t throw dice off the table.
- Don’t hand chips to the dealer—place them on the layout.
- Avoid interrupting the shooter or touching others’ chips
- Be respectful of the energy—it’s a social game
House Edge: Why Bet Selection Matters
Craps offers some of the best odds in the casino—if you stick to smart bets:
- Pass Line with Odds: House edge drops to ~0.8%
- Don’t Pass with Odds: House edge drops further to ~0.7%
- Place 6 and 8: House edge ~1.52%
Conversely, proposition bets can carry house edges over 10–15%. So if you’re serious about winning (or not losing too quickly), avoid the center bets. To ensure a secure and enjoyable gaming experience, don’t miss our Online Casino Safety 9 Tips: How to Gamble Securely—a must-read guide for every responsible player.
Tips to Win at Craps (Or at Least Play Smart)
- Start with Pass Line and Odds: It’s the safest combo for beginners.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Craps is fast—you can burn through your bankroll quickly.
- Avoid Big Risky Bets Early: Save hardways and prop bets for later.
- Watch Before Playing: Spend a few minutes observing the table to understand the rhythm.
- Stick to a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to lose before you start playing.
Variants of Casino Craps
While traditional craps is the most common version, you may also come across:
- Crapless Craps: No 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll—worse odds.
- High Point Craps: 2 and 3 are ignored on the come-out roll.
- New York Craps: No Come or Don’t Come bets allowed.
Each variant changes the dynamics slightly, so make sure to review the rules before playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is craps hard to learn?
Not at all! It seems complex due to the layout and jargon, but once you understand the Pass Line and Point system, the rest follows easily.
2. What is the best bet in craps for beginners?
The Pass Line with free odds is the best combination. It has a low house edge and is simple to follow.
3. Can I play craps online?
Yes, many online casinos offer digital or live dealer craps tables. The experience is similar, and some platforms even provide tutorials.
4. Do you have to be the shooter to bet?
No, you can bet without ever rolling the dice. You just need to place your chips accordingly.
5. What does it mean to “seven out”?
It means the shooter rolled a 7 after the point was established, ending the round and resetting the table.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to play craps at a casino can feel intimidating at first—but once you break it down, it’s one of the most exhilarating games on the casino floor. With this guide, you now understand the basic rules, bets, strategy, and etiquette to play confidently.
So the next time you walk past a loud craps table and feel the energy, don’t just watch—join in, roll the dice, and enjoy the game.
Ready to give craps a shot? Your lucky roll might just be the next one.
Note: Ballersbet is a betting platform for users 18+. Betting carries financial risk, so please gamble responsibly and make informed choices.
I’m a Michele, Casino Analyst and Reviewer at Ballersbet.com, where I specialize in providing honest insights and expert reviews of the latest casino games and platforms. With a passion for online gaming and a commitment to transparency, I strive to help players make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of online casinos.
