Your Winning Guide to Playing Online Craps
Craps is one of the most thrilling casino games, filled with fast-paced action, big wins, and a whole lot of dice rolling. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play and, more importantly, how to win, you’re in the right place. This guide will break it all down in a fun and easy way, so you’ll be rolling like a pro in no time!
How to Play Online Craps
At its core, craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of two six-sided dice. Sounds simple, right? Well, there’s a bit more to it, but don’t worry—we’ll make it easy to understand.
Basic Rules of Craps
- The Shooter: The game starts with one player, called the “shooter,” rolling the dice. The first roll is known as the come-out roll.
- Possible Outcomes of the Come-Out Roll:
- Natural Win (7 or 11): If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win instantly.
- Craps (2, 3, or 12): If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose.
- Point Established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10): If any of these numbers are rolled, that number becomes the “point.” The shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7 to win.
Once a point is established, the shooter continues rolling until they either roll the point (win) or a 7 (lose). Then, a new round begins.
Types of Bets in Craps
- Pass Line Bet: The most common bet. Wins on a natural (7 or 11), loses on craps (2, 3, or 12). If a point is set, you win if that number is rolled again before a 7.
- Don’t Pass Bet: Essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Wins if craps (2 or 3) is rolled, pushes on 12, and loses on 7 or 11. If a point is set, you win if a 7 comes before the point.
- Come Bet: Works like the Pass Line bet but is placed after the come-out roll.
- Don’t Come Bet: The opposite of the Come Bet, placed after the come-out roll.
Advanced Bets for More Action
- Place Bets: Bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). If your chosen number is rolled before a 7, you win.
- Field Bets: A one-roll bet that wins if 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 is rolled. Loses on 5, 6, 7, or 8.
- Proposition Bets: Risky but potentially rewarding one-roll bets, such as betting that the next roll will be a 7.
Winning Strategies for Online Craps
While craps is a game of chance, smart betting strategies can help you make the most of your bankroll. Here’s how to improve your odds and keep the dice rolling in your favor:
1. Stick to the Best Bets
- Pass Line Bet and Don’t Pass Bet have the lowest house edges (1.41% and 1.36%, respectively).
- Avoid high house-edge bets like Proposition Bets, which can eat up your bankroll quickly.
2. Use Odds Bets to Your Advantage
After a point is set, you can make an odds bet, which has no house edge and pays true odds:
- 2:1 on points of 4 or 10
- 3:2 on points of 5 or 9
- 6:5 on points of 6 or 8
Always take the maximum allowed odds bet to maximize your potential winnings.
3. Use a Smart Betting Approach
- The 3-Point Molly: This strategy involves making a Pass Line bet, followed by two Come bets. This keeps you in action and increases your chances of winning.
- Avoiding Risky Bets: Stick to Place Bets and Odds Bets rather than risky Field or Proposition bets.
4. Bankroll Management
Even the best strategies won’t work if you blow through your bankroll too quickly. Here are some tips:
- Set a budget before playing and stick to it.
- Use small bets at first to get a feel for the game.
- Never chase losses—craps is meant to be fun, not stressful!
5. Learn the Flow of the Game
If you’re new to craps, watching a few rounds before placing bets can help you understand the game’s rhythm. Many online casinos offer free-play versions of craps, allowing you to practice without risking real money. Take advantage of these to familiarize yourself with different bet types and their outcomes.
6. Play at Reputable Online Casinos
Not all online casinos are created equal. Choose one that is licensed and regulated to ensure fair play. Check out reviews and ratings, and make sure the site offers fair odds and secure transactions.
7. Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses
Many online casinos offer bonuses for new players, such as deposit matches or free bets. Read the terms and conditions to understand the wagering requirements, and use these bonuses to extend your playtime without spending extra money.
8. Know When to Walk Away
Winning streaks don’t last forever, and knowing when to cash out is key to long-term success. Set a win goal—maybe doubling your bankroll—and stick to it. If you’ve hit your target, consider taking some profits and continuing with a smaller portion of your winnings.
9. Understanding Table Etiquette and Online Behavior
Although online craps lacks the in-person interaction of a real casino, knowing how to behave is still important. If you’re playing in a live dealer game, avoid excessive chatting or disrupting the flow of the game. Being polite and following the standard rules will ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
One of the best ways to improve your craps skills is by practicing regularly. Many online casinos offer free-play versions of the game, allowing you to test different strategies before wagering real money. Use these opportunities to refine your gameplay and become more confident in your betting decisions.
Final Thoughts
Online craps is an exciting and rewarding game when played with a smart strategy. By understanding the rules, sticking to low-house-edge bets, and managing your bankroll wisely, you can maximize your chances of winning. Now, it’s time to hit the virtual craps table and let the good times roll! Remember, the key to successful craps play isn’t just luck—it’s strategy, patience, and discipline. With the right approach, you can enjoy the game while keeping your winnings intact.
So, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player, use this guide as your roadmap to mastering online craps. May the dice be in your favor!