Casino: Craps is one of the most exciting and social games you can play at a casino. With players cheering together and chips flying across the table, it may look confusing at first — but once you understand the basics, you’ll be ready to step up and shoot the dice like a pro.
Table of Contents
Casino: This guide breaks down how to shoot craps in a casino, including how the game works, your role as a shooter, and which bets offer the best odds.
What is Craps?
Casino: Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll (or series of rolls) of two six-sided dice. The game is played on a large table with many betting options, but beginners can start with just a few basic bets.
Step 1: Join the Table
Casino: Before you can shoot, you need to join a craps table. Look for a sign that says “ON” or “OFF” — this indicates whether the table is in the middle of a round. If the puck says “OFF”, a new shooter will be starting soon, and you can jump in.
Casino: Make sure you buy chips from the dealer (no cash directly exchanged by hand). Place your money on the table, and a dealer will give you chips in return.
Step 2: Understand the Come-Out Roll
Casino: The Come-Out Roll is the first roll of a new round, and it’s what the shooter (you) starts with. This roll determines the “point” or could end the round immediately.
Come-Out Roll Outcomes
| Roll Result | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 7 or 11 | Pass Line bets win (Natural) |
| 2, 3, or 12 | Pass Line bets lose (Craps) |
| 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 | That number becomes the point |
Casino: If a point is established, you keep rolling until you either roll the point number again (win) or a 7 (lose — “seven-out”).
Step 3: Place a Pass Line Bet
Casino: If you’re the shooter, you must place a Pass Line bet before your come-out roll. This is the most basic and beginner-friendly bet.
Pass Line Bet Example
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| Roll 7 or 11 | You win |
| Roll 2, 3, or 12 | You lose |
| Roll 4 | Point is 4; keep rolling until 4 (win) or 7 (lose) |
Once the point is established, you can also place Odds Bets behind your Pass Line bet — these are great bets because they have zero house edge.
Step 4: Learn How to Shoot the Dice
As the shooter, you’ll be handed five dice and asked to choose two. Here’s how to shoot:
- Hold the dice with one hand.
- Make sure they hit the far wall of the table when you throw.
- Avoid sliding or bouncing too softly — dealers will call “no roll” if the throw is invalid.
Don’t worry if you’re nervous — just aim for a clean throw and try to have fun!
Step 5: Know the Other Basic Bets
While the table offers many bets, beginners should focus on just a few with the best odds.
Common Beginner Bets
| Bet Name | When to Place It | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | Before come-out | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass | Before come-out | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Come Bet | After come-out | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come | After come-out | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Odds Bet | After point is set | Varies (True Odds) | 0% |
Note: You can make an Odds Bet by placing chips behind your Pass Line bet once a point is established.
Step 6: Avoid the Sucker Bets
Some bets on the craps table offer tempting payouts but have high house edges. As a beginner, it’s best to avoid these until you gain more experience.
Bets to Avoid (for now)
| Bet Type | Payout Example | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Any 7 | 4:1 | 16.9% |
| Hardways | 7:1 or 9:1 | Up to 13% |
| Big 6/8 | 1:1 | 9.09% |
| Field (Varies) | 1:1 or 2:1 | ~5.6% |
Step 7: Etiquette and Tips
Craps is a fast-paced and communal game. Follow these etiquette tips:
- Don’t hand dice directly to dealers — place them on the table.
- Don’t throw dice too hard or too soft — aim for a smooth roll.
- Be courteous to other players — everyone is usually rooting for the shooter.
- Stick to simple bets as you learn the game flow.
Quick Strategy Recap
Here’s a quick guide to playing a solid beginner’s game of craps:
Basic Strategy Table
| Action | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Bet on Pass Line | Low house edge, easy to learn |
| Take Odds Bets | No house edge |
| Avoid proposition bets | High house edge |
| Roll confidently | Keeps the game moving |
Craps might seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the flow of the game and the basic bets, it becomes one of the most thrilling games on the casino floor. Stick with the Pass Line, add odds, and avoid risky bets. With a bit of luck and practice, you’ll not only feel confident shooting the dice, but you might just become the table hero.
