Craps Online Game – How to Play Craps? Rules and Strategy

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Written by Dmytro Sipko | last updated 14 November 2025

The craps game, in our view, is one of the most unique and complex games. To help everyone understand it, we’ve gathered all the useful tips and craps strategy on this page.

Craps game

Table of content

How to Play Craps 

Let’s start with the basics. Craps, unlike most simple games, falls into the category of more complex ones. Here at Pokiesworld, we consider it one of those games you really need to learn how to play. It’s not exactly the most complicated game in online casinos. But we can confidently say that to start playing this game, one needs to learn the rules and understand the game itself. Let’s begin with the rules.

Craps online

​Craps rules

Since this is a typical live dealer game, the pace can be quite fast, so keep a close eye on the board. We’ve put together a short list of game terms. Without knowing them, playing doesn’t go too well.

  • Dice. Players roll two six-sided dice. The result is the sum of the two faces.
  • Shooter. The one rolling the dice is the shooter, while everyone else bets on what they think the outcome will be.
  • Stages. The game has two phases, Come Out Roll, which is the first throw, and the Point Roll, which is the point phase.
  • Bet. Before rolling, the shooter places a bet on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line.
  • Win. To win, gamblers need to roll a 7 or 11.
  • Loss. On the Come Out Roll, a sum of 2, 3, or 12 means a loss for Pass Line bets.
  • Point. If the shooter rolls a 4 – 10 on the Come Out Roll, they move to the Point Roll.
  • Round. In the point phase, the shooter keeps rolling until they either hit the point number again or roll a 7.
  • Additional. Once the point is set, the shooter can make extra bets. There are different payouts for Odds, Come, Don’t Come, Place, and other bets.
  • Completion. When the shooter rolls a 7, the round ends, and it’s the next player’s turn.

We find mastering craps rules essential for enjoying this dynamic game.

It sounds complicated, we get it. But to play, one has to figure it out.

Step-by-step guide how to play craps

Step 1 Step 1

Shooter places a bet and rolls the dice.

Step 2 Step 2

Shooter keeps rolling until the Point comes up.

Step 3 Step 3

Hitting the Point allows the shooter to add an Odds Bet on the Point. Other players place bets.

Step 4 Step 4

When a 7 or Point is rolled, the round ends. A 7 passes the dice to the next shooter.

Craps online casino features

Once the rules are figured out (and it took us more than one try), the game turns out to be quite engaging. Here’s what it offers.

  • Automated shooter. Most online games have a system that acts like a shooter, using a random number generator to make sure the outcomes are always random.
  • Variety of options. Every online casino has got a bunch of different games, and these can be different in how they look and how they play.
  • Bonuses. Naturally, when talking about online casinos, bonuses are to be expected, and yes, there are plenty. Every reputable platform offers a couple of deals for fans of live and table games.
  • Mobility. Table craps games themselves are optimized for phones, though proper display depends on the casino.
  • Hints. Interactive guides and visual markers on the table help newcomers quickly grasp the rules and follow the game’s flow.

Naturally, such advantages can be found in every game like roulette, and nearly every casino, but for a complex game like craps, high-quality platform support is worth its weight in gold.

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How to Win in Craps?

Time to talk about winning. Knowing the rules is important, but it's not the only thing that matters. Let's talk about the skills before we get into the strategies.

Craps hacks

There are some simple tips you can use to improve your chances of winning without resorting to sneaky tactics or tricks.

  • Demo versions. Playing free games first is preferable before jumping into real-money play.
  • Casino choice. Platforms offering low stakes and straightforward interfaces simplify the starting process. Navigating a confusing platform can be challenging.
  • Bonus hunting. Welcome bonuses or cashback provide significant support, particularly early on. Verifying whether bonuses apply to craps and examining wagering conditions is beneficial.
  • Betting timer. Online games typically allow 10–20 seconds for placing bets. Knowing the timer helps avoid hurried errors.
  • Simple bets. Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets have a casino edge of roughly 1.4%. Pokiesworld deems these the top picks for newcomers.
  • Maximum odds. Where allowed, maximizing odds bets is a wise choice, as they carry no casino edge.
  • Table interface. Online tables display active bets and the Point, streamlining navigation during play.
  • Spending limits. Tools like deposit limits assist in managing expenditure, especially during intense sessions.
  • RTP check. Variants like Crapless Craps have different RTPs. Opting for versions with higher odds is advantageous.

Craps rules lay the groundwork for mastering this intricate game’s flow.

Craps Strategy for Winning

Now that we’ve covered all the tips, it’s time to move on to what we’re all here for today – methods for winning. The game doesn’t give players much control, so the advice is largely aimed at maximizing the chance of winning.

No strategy will give a 100% chance of victory or even come close. But in our view, it’s better to try to inch toward a win than to simply rely on luck. In the list of tactics, we’ll use specific terms, so it’s worth reading the first section of this page.

  • Pass line with odds. Start by placing a Pass Line bet on the Come Out Roll. Once the point is established, add the maximum Odds bet.
  • Don’t pass and don’t come. Betting against the shooter proves effective for those favoring this approach.
  • 6 and 8 place bets. Keep an eye on 6 and 8, as these numbers come up more often than others.
  • 3-2-2 come ladder. A Come bet gives you a better chance of winning before a Seven Out, but you'll need a decent bankroll.
  • Iron cross. This strategy covers almost all numbers except 7, using Field and Place bets on 5, 6 and 8.
  • Hedge betting. Thinking about combining a Pass Line bet with a small Any 7 bet on the Come Out Roll can help minimise quick losses.
  • Bankroll split. If you split your bankroll into 10-15 parts per session, you can extend gameplay and reduce risk.better to go for versions with better odds.

Craps strategy balances risk and reward for sharper gameplay decisions.

We’ve created a small table with all the strategies and their chances of winning.

StrategyChance
Pass line with odds49.3%
Don’t pass and don’t come49.7%
6 and 8 place bets45.5%
3-2-2 come ladder48%
Iron cross80%
Hedge betting47%
Bankroll split49.3%

So, what do you think about craps? Have you already won at the game? Used any strategies? If so, share it all in the comments!

FAQ

Is craps easy to learn?

The game isn’t actually complicated, but it requires memorizing combinations, terms, and rules.

Is craps just luck?

Yes, but the chance of winning can be directly influenced. We wrote about the craps strategy for winning above.

Dmytro Sipko photo
Dmytro Sipko Head iGaming Expert
I have over 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. At Pokiesworld, I handle in-depth analysis of brands and bonus promotions.