How Do You Play Craps At The Casino
You're standing at the craps table, surrounded by the roar of the crowd and the clatter of dice. It looks like a blast, but the betting layout is a confusing mosaic, the dealer's jargon sounds like a foreign language, and you have no idea where to even put your money. The fear of looking like a rookie or, worse, making a dumb bet that drains your wallet is real. Forget the intimidation. Craps is one of the most exciting and player-friendly games in the house once you learn a few core bets. Let's cut through the noise and get you ready to join the action with confidence.
Craps Table Layout: Your Map to the Action
The craps table can seem overwhelming, but it's just a collection of specific betting zones. The long side sections with the 'Pass Line' and 'Don't Pass Bar' are where you, the player, place your initial bets. The center of the table is a jungle of proposition bets ('Hardways', 'Any Seven', 'Craps')—these are for dealers and experienced players. As a beginner, stick to the edges. Your goal is to stand at the table, place chips on the 'Pass Line' or 'Don't Pass', and understand the two main phases of a craps round: the 'Come Out Roll' and the 'Point Phase'.
The Come Out Roll: Starting the Round
Every new round begins with a 'Come Out Roll'. This is when the shooter (the person throwing the dice) is trying to establish a 'point'. If you're betting on the 'Pass Line', you win immediately if the Come Out Roll is a 7 or 11. You lose immediately if it's a 2, 3, or 12 ('craps'). Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the 'point'. A puck labeled 'ON' gets moved to that number on the table. The game now enters the 'Point Phase'.
The Point Phase: The Real Game
Once a point is established (say, a 6), the shooter's new goal is to roll that point number again before rolling a 7. All the 'Pass Line' bettors are now rooting for that 6. The tension builds with every roll. If the shooter hits the point (rolls a 6), Pass Line bets win. If a 7 rolls first, Pass Line bets lose, and the round is over. This simple dynamic—point vs. seven—is the heartbeat of craps.
The Three Best Bets for New Players
You don't need to know 20 bets. Master these three, and you'll be playing with a low house edge and maximum enjoyment.
1. The Pass Line Bet
This is the fundamental bet. You place it before the Come Out Roll. It pays even money (1:1). The house edge is a tiny 1.41%. You win on a Come Out 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12, and then root for the point. It's the standard 'bet with the shooter' wager.
2. The Don't Pass Bet
This is the opposite of the Pass Line. You're betting that the shooter will lose. You *lose* on the Come Out if it's a 7 or 11, *win* on 2 or 3 (12 is usually a push/bar), and then in the Point Phase, you are rooting for a 7 to roll before the point. It also has a house edge of about 1.36%. It's a great bet mathematically, but you'll be betting against the table, which can feel socially awkward.
3. The Free Odds Bet
This is the secret weapon. It's the only bet in the casino with zero house edge. After a point is established, you can place an additional bet behind your original Pass Line (or Don't Pass) bet. This 'Odds' bet pays at true odds. If the point is 6, the odds of rolling a 6 before a 7 are 6:5. So a $10 Odds bet would win $12. Casinos limit how much Odds you can take, expressed as a multiple of your original bet (e.g., '3x-4x-5x Odds'). Always take the maximum Odds you can—it lowers your overall house edge significantly.
Taking Your Game Further: Come Bets and Place Bets
Once you're comfortable, you can make new bets after the point is set. A 'Come' bet works exactly like a Pass Line bet, but for the next roll. You win on the next 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12, and if another point number is rolled, your Come bet travels to that number. 'Place Bets' let you bet directly on a specific point number (like 6 or 8) to be rolled before a 7. They have a slightly higher house edge but are simple to make.
Craps Etiquette and Casino Flow
Craps has more etiquette than other table games. Use one hand to throw the dice. Hit the back wall of the table with your roll. Place your chips neatly in the betting area in front of you—don't toss them. To place a bet, put your chips on the layout and say clearly what you want: "$10 on the Pass Line" or "$20 Odds on the 6." The dealers are there to help; don't be afraid to ask, "Can you show me where to put an Odds bet?"
What to Absolutely Avoid as a Beginner
Stay away from the center of the table. Bets like 'Any 7' (pays 4:1 but has a 16.67% house edge), 'Hardways', and 'Craps' are sucker bets designed to drain your bankroll fast. They are tempting because of their big payouts, but the odds are terrible. Stick to the Pass Line with maximum Odds, and you're playing one of the best games in the casino.
FAQ
What's the easiest bet to make in craps?
The absolute easiest is the Pass Line bet. You put your chips down before the first roll of a new round, and then you just root for the shooter. You win on 7 or 11 on that first roll, and if a point is set, you win if they roll it again before a 7. It's straightforward and has one of the lowest house edges.
Why is everyone yelling numbers at the craps table?
They're cheering for the point! Once a point is established (like 6 or 8), players who have Pass Line or Come bets are hoping the shooter rolls that number again. The yelling is encouragement and superstition—it's part of the communal fun. Don't feel pressured to join in, but know that's what the excitement is about.
Do I have to be the one throwing the dice?
No, not at all. When the dice come to you, you can simply pass them to the next person or say, "I don't shoot." You can place bets and enjoy the game without ever throwing. Most players are totally fine with this.
What's the "odds bet" and why is it so important?
The Odds bet is an extra wager you can add after a point is set. It's placed behind your original Pass Line bet. This is crucial because it's the only bet in craps (and in most of the casino) that pays at true mathematical odds, with zero house edge. Taking this bet dramatically reduces the casino's overall advantage on your money. Always ask for the "maximum Odds" on your point.
Is craps a good game for beginners or is it too complicated?
It's an excellent game for beginners who take five minutes to learn the basics. The complexity is an illusion. If you only make a Pass Line bet and take the Odds, you are playing a simple, high-energy game with fantastic odds. All the other bets are just noise until you're ready to learn more. Start there, and you'll have a blast.