Online Craps Guide: Rules, Bets, and Strategy
Master online craps with our comprehensive guide to dice betting, from basic pass line bets to advanced strategies.
Understanding Online Craps
Craps is one of the most exciting casino games, and online versions capture all the action. While the table layout looks complex, the core bets are simple to understand.
Craps Basics
The Come-Out Roll
Each round starts with a "come-out" roll:
- 7 or 11: Pass bets win
- 2, 3, or 12 (Craps): Pass bets lose
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: Sets the "Point"
The Point Phase
Once a point is established:
- Roll the point again before a 7 = Pass wins
- Roll a 7 before the point = Pass loses ("Seven-out")
Essential Craps Bets
Pass Line Bet
- House edge: 1.41%
- Win on come-out: 7 or 11
- Lose on come-out: 2, 3, or 12
- Otherwise, must hit point before 7
Don't Pass Bet
- House edge: 1.36%
- Opposite of Pass Line
- Win on come-out: 2 or 3 (12 is push)
- Win if 7 comes before point
Come Bet
- House edge: 1.41%
- Like Pass Line, but made after point is established
- Creates your own personal point
Don't Come Bet
- House edge: 1.36%
- Opposite of Come bet
Odds Bet (The Best Bet in Craps)
- House edge: 0%
- Placed behind Pass/Don't Pass after point is set
- Pays true odds with no house advantage
- Casino limits how much you can bet (3x, 4x, 5x, etc.)
Bet Odds Summary
| Bet | House Edge | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1.41% | Good - basic bet |
| Don't Pass | 1.36% | Good - slightly better odds |
| Odds (behind Pass) | 0% | Excellent - always take it |
| Come/Don't Come | 1.36-1.41% | Good - additional action |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% | Decent |
| Field Bet | 2.78-5.56% | Avoid |
| Proposition Bets | 9.09-16.67% | Avoid |
Craps Strategy
Basic Strategy (Best for Beginners)
- Bet Pass Line on come-out roll
- Take maximum Odds once point is set
- That's it - simple and effective
3-Point Molly (Intermediate)
- Bet Pass Line
- Take Odds on point
- Make two Come bets with Odds
- Always have 3 numbers working
Don't Pass Strategy (Lower Edge)
- Bet Don't Pass
- Lay Odds against the point
- Slightly better odds, but betting against the shooter
Bets to Avoid
- Big 6 and Big 8: 9.09% house edge (Place 6/8 is better)
- Hardways: 9.09-11.11% house edge
- Any 7: 16.67% house edge
- Any Craps: 11.11% house edge
- Hop Bets: 11.11-16.67% house edge
Online vs Land-Based Craps
Advantages of Online
- Play at your own pace
- No intimidating table environment
- Lower minimum bets
- Practice in free mode
Live Dealer Craps
Some casinos offer live dealer craps with real dice and dealers, combining online convenience with authentic atmosphere.
Bankroll Tips for Craps
- Craps can be volatile - size bets appropriately
- Always have enough for Odds behind your Pass bet
- Set win/loss limits for each session
- Don't get caught up in the excitement with bad bets
Conclusion
Online craps offers some of the best odds in the casino when you stick to Pass/Don't Pass with Odds. Avoid the colorful proposition bets in the center of the table, and you'll enjoy a fair game with exciting action.