Online Craps Game Guide (Simple Rules, Bets, Odds & Strategy)

This guide explains online craps in clear, simple English. You will learn the rules, the table, every main bet, the house edge, and an easy plan to play. We also show how to keep your money safe, how bonuses work, and how to choose a licensed site. No hype. No “secret system.” Just facts you can use today.

What You Will Learn in 30 Seconds

Craps uses two dice. A round starts with the come-out roll.
If the shooter rolls 7 or 11 on the come-out, the Pass Line wins. If 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line loses.
If the roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. Now the goal is to roll the point again before a 7.
The strongest beginner plan: Pass Line + Free Odds. It is simple and has a low house edge.
Avoid most proposition bets (center of the table). They have a high house edge.

Responsible play: set a budget, set time limits, and use tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion. For help, see GamCare and BeGambleAware.

Table & Layout (Plain English)

The craps table has many areas. Here is what they mean:

Pass Line / Don’t Pass: main bets at the front edge of the table.
Come / Don’t Come: similar to Pass/Don’t Pass, but placed after a point is set.
Free Odds: an extra bet behind Pass/Come that pays true odds (no house edge on this part).
Place Bets: bets on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 to roll before 7.
Field: one-roll bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12 (payouts vary by casino).
Proposition Bets: center area (Hardways, Any 7, Yo 11, Horn, etc.). These look fun but are risky.

Quick glossary: shooter = the player who rolls; come-out = first roll of a round; point = the target number after the come-out (4,5,6,8,9,10).

How a Round Works (Step by Step)

Place a Pass Line bet before the come-out roll.
Come-out results:
- 7 or 11 → Pass wins.
- 2, 3, 12 → Pass loses.
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 → This number is the point.
Take Free Odds behind your Pass Line after a point is set.
The shooter rolls until:
- Point hits → Pass + Odds win, round ends.
- 7 appears first → Pass + Odds lose, round ends.

Play-flow checklist (copy this): Pass Line → come-out → if point set, add Odds → roll until point or 7 → repeat.

All Main Bets, Payouts & House Edge

Here is a quick view. Exact payouts can vary by casino rules. Always check the pay table and terms.

Bet	When It Wins	Base Payout	Typical House Edge	Beginner-Friendly?	Notes
Pass Line	7/11 on come-out or point repeats before 7	1:1	~1.41%	Yes	Core bet for new players.
Don’t Pass	2/3 on come-out or 7 before point repeats (push on 12 in many games)	1:1	~1.36%	Yes (if you like to lay against the point)	Slightly lower edge than Pass.
Come	7/11 on first roll after placed; then your new point repeats before 7	1:1	~1.41%	Yes	Use after a point is set.
Don’t Come	2/3 on first roll after placed; then 7 before your number repeats	1:1	~1.36%	Yes	Pairs with laying Odds.
Free Odds (on Pass/Come)	Point repeats before 7	True odds (no house edge on this part)	0.00% on Odds	Yes	Strong add-on to Pass/Come.
Place 6 / Place 8	6 (or 8) hits before 7	7:6	~1.52%	OK	Decent if you already use Odds.
Place 5 / Place 9	5 (or 9) hits before 7	7:5	~4.00%	Meh	Higher edge than 6/8.
Place 4 / Place 10	4 (or 10) hits before 7	9:5	~6.67%	No	Risky. Buy/Lay may be better in some rules.
Field	2,3,4,9,10,11,12 on next roll	Usually 1:1; 2 and/or 12 pay extra	~2–5% (varies)	No	Short-term fun, not great long-term.
Big 6 / Big 8	6/8 before 7	1:1	> Place 6/8	No	Worse than Place 6/8; skip it.
Proposition (Any 7, Yo 11, Hardways, Horn)	Varies; usually one-roll	High	High (often 9–16%+)	No	Fun but expensive; avoid as a plan.

Want deep math? See the well-known probability work on craps at Wizard of Odds. For fairness of RNG and live streams, look for testing seals like eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs.

Beginner Strategy That Actually Helps

This plan is easy and strong for new players:

Bet Pass Line on the come-out roll.
If a point is set, take Free Odds. If your bankroll is small, start with 1× Odds. If you can handle swings, try 3×–5× Odds (or the table max).
After you feel safe with Pass + Odds, add one Come bet + Odds. Do not spread too wide. Keep it simple.
Avoid Big 6/8 and most proposition bets. They eat your bankroll.

First 100 Rolls Plan

Buy-in: 50–100 units (for example, with a $1 unit, bring $50–$100).
Pass Line: 1 unit on come-out. When point sets, put 1×–3× Odds.
If ahead by 10–20 units, you may press Odds or add one Come bet.
Stop-win: +25 units. Stop-loss: −25 units. Walk away and review.

Why Odds help: Odds pay true odds with no house edge on that portion. The combined edge of Pass + Odds goes down as you raise the Odds multiple (though your variance goes up). This is healthy math for a simple plan.

Bankroll, Session Rules & Etiquette

Bankroll basics:

Pick a unit. Many players use 1–2% of their total bankroll as one unit.
Split your bankroll into sessions (for example, 4 sessions of equal size).
Use stop-win and stop-loss. Keep them realistic.

Variance control:

Fewer bets with Odds = lower house edge and clearer swings.
Many side bets at once = faster bankroll drain.

Etiquette online:

In live-dealer games, be ready when it is your turn.
Do not spam the chat. Be polite to the dealer and other players.
Follow the game timer so no one waits for you.

Online vs Live Craps

RNG craps: fast, solo, clear UI, small minimums. Fairness depends on licensed RNG testing (look for eCOGRA/GLI/iTech Labs).
Live-dealer craps: real table and dealer on camera. Slower pace, social chat, and more “casino feel.”
Mobile UX: check portrait/landscape, chip tray size, and bet confirmation steps so you do not mis-tap.

For licensing, prefer sites regulated by strong authorities like the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. These bodies enforce player protection, fair play, and dispute rules.

Bonuses & Wagering: What to Check

Craps often has a low or even zero bonus contribution. Read the terms before you claim.

Bonus Type	Typical Craps Contribution	Usual Max Bet Rule	Key Terms to Read
Welcome Bonus	0–10% (varies)	Often 10–20% of bonus size (or a fixed cap)	Eligible games, contribution %, blocked bets, time limit
Reload / Match	0–10% (varies)	Similar to welcome	Same as above; watch for repeat claim limits
Cashback	Usually game-wide	Depends on site	Net loss basis, cap, exclusion of certain bets

Bonus tips: If craps counts at a low rate, it may be better to play it without a bonus. Or use a separate bonus for slots or games with higher contribution, then switch to craps with real-money play.

Variants, Side Bets & Software

Bank Craps (standard): the common casino version with the rules in this guide.
Crapless Craps: Pass Line does not lose on 2, 3, 12; but other parts change and the house edge rises. Learn the math before you try it.
Live variations: Some studios add side bets or visual helpers. Always read the info tab.

About software and studios: online casinos use different providers for RNG and live games. Some studios focus on live streams, some on 3D RNG. If you enjoy high-quality 3D table games and slots, you can explore content from Betsoft. Read game rules inside the lobby, check min/max limits, and test in demo when possible.

Common Mistakes & Myths

“Systems” beat the game. No. The house edge does not change. Money management helps your time at the table, but it does not flip the math.
Big 6/8 is “the same” as Place 6/8. No. Big 6/8 pays worse. Place 6/8 is better.
“Hot” tables mean guaranteed wins. No. Dice have no memory. Enjoy the run, but keep your limits.
Taking no Odds “saves” money. Odds have no house edge. If you play Pass/Come, adding Odds is the efficient way to risk money.

For neutral, math-first facts, see Wizard of Odds.

Safety, Licensing & Fairness (Read This)

Before you play, check:

License: Is the site regulated by a known body like the UKGC or MGA?
Testing seal: Do you see eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs?
Payments: clear limits and timeframes, with ID checks (KYC).
Responsible tools: deposit limits, cooling-off, self-exclusion.
Support: fast live chat and email.

Plain-English reviews help: Before you join any site, read a review that checks licenses, bonus fairness, and payout speed. Use independent sources, and keep screenshots of terms in case you need support later.

Age & local laws: only play if you are of legal age in your country. If in doubt, do not play. For support and education on safer play, see the National Council on Problem Gambling and the American Gaming Association.

Mini Glossary (A–Z)

Come bet: Like Pass, but placed after a point is set.
Come-out roll: First roll of a new round.
Don’t Pass / Don’t Come: Bets that win if 7 comes before the point repeats.
Free Odds: Add-on bet that pays true odds when your point hits.
Hardways: A pair that makes 4, 6, 8, or 10 the “hard” way (for example, 2-2 for hard 4).
House edge: The built-in advantage for the casino over many bets.
Place bet: A bet on a specific number to hit before 7.
Point: The target number made after the come-out roll.
Proposition bets: One-roll or special bets in the center—usually high edge.
Shooter: The player who rolls the dice.

FAQs

What is the simplest way to play online craps?

Use Pass Line on the come-out. If a point is set, take Free Odds. Repeat. This plan is simple and strong.

What are Pass Line and Don’t Pass in plain words?

Pass Line wins on 7 or 11 on the come-out. It loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, Pass wins if the point hits before 7. Don’t Pass is the opposite flow and has a slightly lower edge.

What are Odds and why are they good?

Odds are an extra bet behind Pass/Come after a point is set. Odds pay true odds with no house edge on that part. This makes your total plan more efficient.

Which bets should beginners avoid?

Avoid Big 6/8 and most proposition bets like Any 7, Yo 11, and many Hardways. These have a high house edge.

How big should my bankroll be?

Many new players use 50–100 units. For a $1 unit, that is $50–$100. Set a stop-win and stop-loss (for example, ±25 units).

Is online craps fair?

It can be fair on licensed sites with proper testing. Look for seals from eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs, and check the license (e.g., UKGC, MGA).

Do bonuses count for craps wagering?

Often at a low rate or not at all. Read the bonus terms for contribution %, max bet, and game exclusions.

What is the house edge on common bets?

Pass Line ~1.41%, Don’t Pass ~1.36%, Place 6/8 ~1.52%. Odds have 0% on that portion.

What is the difference between Come and Place bets?

Come works like Pass but after a point is set, and it allows you to add Odds. Place is a bet on a number to hit before 7, but it does not use Odds in the same way.

Can I play on mobile safely?

Yes—on licensed sites with tested games. Check for responsible tools and clear payment rules.

How do I pick a safe site?

Check the license (UKGC/MGA), look for test seals (eCOGRA/GLI/iTech Labs), read clear terms, and try support chat. Use independent reviews and screenshots of rules.

Conclusion & Next Steps

You now know the flow (come-out, point, seven-out), the core bets (Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, Odds), the key numbers, and a clean plan for your first sessions. Keep the game simple, protect your bankroll, and read the rules before you risk money.