How a round works
The first roll is the come-out. A 7 or 11 wins for the pass line, a 2, 3 or 12 loses. Any other number becomes the point, and the shooter rolls until the point comes again (pass wins) or a 7 (pass loses).
A round of craps has two phases. The come-out roll opens the round, and the point phase follows only when the come-out roll sets a point. Craps uses two dice, so every roll totals between 2 and 12. The total 7 is the most common, which is why a 7 decides both phases.
The shooter is the player who rolls the dice. Digital craps games generate each roll with a random number generator, so the roll itself involves no skill. Our guide on how to start playing at a new casino covers the account and deposit steps to finish before you open a craps table.
Bets by cost
| Bet | House edge |
|---|---|
| Odds behind pass or don't pass | 0% |
| Don't pass | 1.36% |
| Pass line | 1.41% |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% |
| Field | 2.78% to 5.56% |
| Any seven | 16.67% |
House edge is the share of each bet the casino expects to keep over time. The table ranks bets from the cheapest to the most expensive.
The pass line has a house edge of 1.41%.
The don't pass bet has a house edge of 1.36%.
The odds bet has a house edge of 0%.
The odds bet pays 2:1 on 4 and 10, 3:2 on 5 and 9, 6:5 on 6 and 8.
The place 6 or 8 bet has a house edge of 1.52% per bet resolved.
The odds bet carries no edge because it pays at true odds. You can place it only after a point is set, and only behind a pass line or don't pass bet. This is why the pass line is the entry point for a beginner.
Beginner mistakes
- Playing the proposition bets in the middle of the table.
- Following systems that raise bets after losses.
- Ignoring the odds bet, the only bet with no edge.
- Playing faster than the budget allows in digital craps.
Proposition bets attract beginners because they pay large multiples on a single roll.
The any seven bet pays 4:1.
The any seven bet has a house edge of 16.67%.
Betting systems change the size of each bet and cannot change the house edge. Each roll is independent, because dice have no memory. A deeper look at general tips for table games shows why the same budget discipline applies across the casino floor.
Practice and bonuses
Most digital craps games have a demo mode. Bonus terms often exclude craps or count it at a low rate, so read them before you claim.
Demo mode lets you play rounds without staking money. Use it to learn how the come-out roll, the point and a seven-out look in the game's interface. The same habit works elsewhere, and our list of games suited to beginners shows where to build it.
Bonus terms can exclude craps or give it a low wagering contribution. Check the contribution table before you claim. The difference between sticky and non-sticky bonuses also decides whether your own deposit is played first.
Choosing a new casino that offers craps
Many new casinos list roulette, blackjack and slots but not craps. Search the lobby for craps before you deposit. Check whether the game is a digital version or a live dealer table.
Read the table limits so the minimum bet fits your budget. Confirm the casino's licence and payment methods before you register.
Setting a budget for a first craps session
A first craps session needs a fixed budget set before the first roll. Craps moves quickly, and a round can finish in seconds. Divide the budget into units equal to the table minimum.
Place the pass line bet with one unit and add the odds bet only when the budget allows. Stop when the budget is gone or the planned session time ends.