Online Craps: The Complete Guide to Playing Craps on the Internet

The thunderous cheers and electric atmosphere of a casino craps table can now be experienced from your living room. Online craps brings the fast-paced excitement of dice games directly to your screen, offering the same thrills as land-based casinos with enhanced convenience and accessibility. The game of craps is easy to learn and centers around predicting the outcome of dice rolls, with a unique table layout and a variety of betting options. Whether you’re a seasoned craps player or someone looking to start playing craps for the first time, the digital version provides an ideal environment to learn, practice, and master this exciting game—especially since you can play craps for free to practice without risking real money.

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This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about craps online, from basic rules and betting strategies to choosing the best sites for real money games. You’ll discover how to play craps online safely, understand the various craps bets available, and develop winning strategies that maximize your chances of success.

What is Online Craps?

Online craps is a digital version of the classic casino dice game played over the internet. Players bet on the outcome of two dice rolls using virtual chips on a digital craps table. The game maintains all traditional craps rules while offering convenience of playing from home. Online craps provides the same excitement as land-based casinos with enhanced accessibility.

At its core, when you play online craps, you’re engaging with a faithful recreation of the original game that has entertained casino-goers for decades. The craps game utilizes random number generators (RNG) or live dealers to ensure fair dice outcomes, preserving the integrity and unpredictability that makes craps such an exciting game. In online craps, a craps bet refers to placing a specific wager on the possible results of the dice roll, with each type of bet having its own payout structure and rules for how it is handled during gameplay.

The digital format eliminates common barriers that prevent people from trying craps at physical casinos. Many players find land-based craps tables intimidating due to the complex betting layout and fast-paced action. Playing craps online allows you to take your time understanding the game mechanics without feeling rushed by other players or dealers.

Modern online casinos offer craps for free alongside real money versions, making it easy to practice before risking your own money. This accessibility has made online craps increasingly popular among both newcomers and experienced players who appreciate the convenience of playing from mobile devices or computers.

Basic Rules of Craps

Before you start playing craps online, it’s important to get comfortable with the basic rules of this classic table game. Craps is played with two dice, and the action centers around predicting the outcome of each roll or a series of rolls. The game begins with the come out roll, where the shooter rolls the dice to kick off the round. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on this first roll, any pass line bet wins instantly. If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line bet loses—this is known as “crapping out.” Any other number rolled becomes the point number, and the shooter continues to roll the dice.

Once a point is established, the shooter keeps rolling until either the point number or a 7 appears. If the point number is rolled before a 7, pass line bets win again. If a 7 comes up first, those bets lose and the round ends. Along the way, players can place a variety of bets, including pass line bets, come bets (which work like a new pass line bet after the point is set), and odds bets that back up your line bets with better odds and lower house edge. Understanding these basic rules is the foundation for playing craps effectively, making smart bets, and having fun at the craps table—whether you’re playing for free or for real money.

The Craps Table: Layout and Features

The craps table is where all the action happens, and knowing its layout is key to making the most of your online craps experience. The table is divided into several sections, each designed for specific types of bets. The pass line and don’t pass line areas are where you’ll place your initial line bets before the come out roll. Once a point is set, you’ll find areas for come and don’t come bets, which let you join the action on subsequent rolls.

There are also dedicated spaces for odds bets, which you can place behind your pass line or come bets to take advantage of true odds with no house edge. Place bets have their own marked areas, allowing you to wager on specific numbers being rolled before a 7. The center of the table is reserved for proposition bets, which cover a variety of one-roll and multi-roll outcomes. Whether you’re playing at a physical casino or online, the basic structure of the craps table remains the same, making it easy to transition between different platforms and start playing craps with confidence.

How to Play Online Craps

Register at a licensed online casino and navigate to the craps section. Place your initial bet on the pass line or Don’t Pass Line before the come out roll. Click the “Roll Dice” button to initiate the virtual dice roll. Watch as the automated system calculates wins, losses, and establishes points.

Getting started with playing online craps is straightforward. After creating an account at reputable online casinos, you’ll need to verify your identity and make a deposit if you plan to play real money games. Most sites also offer free craps games that let you practice without financial risk.

The basic gameplay follows the same pattern whether you’re playing free craps online or wagering real money. You begin each round by placing line bets on either the pass line (betting with the shooter) or Don’t Pass Line (betting against the shooter). These represent the fundamental craps bets with the lowest house edge. These are considered simple bets and are ideal for beginners starting out in online craps.

Once you’ve placed your initial bet, you’ll click the virtual dice or “Roll” button to begin the come out roll. The game’s software instantly calculates results and updates your chip stack accordingly. If you’re playing live dealer craps, you’ll watch real dice being thrown while your bets are processed digitally.

Understanding the Come-Out Roll

The come out roll is the first dice roll that starts each new round. Rolling 7 or 11 on the come out wins pass line bets immediately. Rolling 2, 3, or 12 on the come out loses pass line bets (craps numbers). Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point for that round.

This first roll determines the direction of the entire round. When you roll the dice and get a natural (7 or 11), pass bet holders celebrate an instant victory. The excitement builds differently when crapping numbers (2, 3, 12) appear, as pass line bets lose immediately while Don’t Pass bets typically win.

The most strategic outcomes occur when the rolled number becomes the point. Numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 create ongoing tension as the round continues. The craps table clearly marks the established point, and additional betting options become available for the next phase of play.

Understanding come out roll dynamics is crucial for developing effective craps strategy. Smart players recognize that this single dice roll sets up all subsequent betting opportunities and determines which additional bets make mathematical sense.

The Point Phase

Once a point is established, the shooter continues rolling until hitting the point or a 7. Rolling the point number again before a 7 wins pass line bets. Rolling a 7 before the point number loses pass line bets and ends the round. Additional betting options become available during the point phase.

The point phase represents the heart of craps strategy, where experienced players can leverage odds bets and place bets to their advantage. When a point is set, you can take odds behind your pass line bet, which pays true odds and carries no house edge. This makes odds bets mathematically optimal for serious players.

During this phase, you can also make a come bet, which is a distinct betting option that works like a new pass line bet but is placed after the point is established. The come bet is resolved based on the next roll: if a 7 or 11 is rolled, the come bet wins; if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, it loses. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the "come point," and the come bet wins if that number is rolled again before a 7. Place bets allow you to wager on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) being rolled before the next 7. These different bets create multiple ways to win on each dice roll.

The tension builds with each roll as players watch for either their point number or the dreaded 7. When the shooter rolls the point, pass line bets win and a new come out roll begins. If a 7 appears first, the round ends with pass line bets losing, but Don’t Pass bets winning.

Types of Online Craps Games

Standard online craps follows traditional casino rules with computer-generated dice rolls. Live dealer craps streams real dealers and dice from professional studios. Multi-player craps allows interaction with other players in virtual rooms. Speed craps offers faster gameplay with reduced betting time between rolls.

The variety of online craps formats ensures every player can find their preferred style. Standard digital versions use sophisticated random number generators to simulate fair dice outcomes, providing quick gameplay perfect for practicing different betting strategies or enjoying rapid-fire action.

Software providers have developed these games with high-quality graphics and sound effects that recreate the authentic casino atmosphere. Many platforms offer both desktop and mobile device compatibility, letting you enjoy all the games from anywhere with internet access.

Speed craps caters to players who want accelerated action with shorter betting windows between rolls. This format maintains all traditional rules while reducing downtime, perfect for experienced players who know their preferred craps bets quickly.

Live Dealer Craps

Real human dealers conduct the game using physical dice and tables. High-definition cameras stream the action directly to your device. Chat features allow communication with dealers and fellow players. Live craps provides authentic casino atmosphere from your home.

Live dealer craps represents the pinnacle of online casino gaming, combining the convenience of playing online with the authenticity of real casino action. Professional dealers operate from specially designed studios, using actual dice and physical craps tables while multiple cameras capture every angle of the action.

The interactive element sets live dealer games apart from standard online versions. You can chat with dealers and other players, creating a social experience similar to visiting a land-based casino. Dealers often acknowledge players by name and respond to questions about betting options or game rules.

The transparency of watching real dice rolls eliminates any concerns about fairness that some players might have with computer-generated results. You see the dice leave the dealer’s hand, bounce off the table walls, and come to rest naturally. This visual confirmation builds confidence in the game’s integrity.

Online Craps Betting Options

Pass line and Don’t Pass Line bets offer the lowest house edge at 1.41% and 1.36%. These are considered part of the best craps strategies, as choosing wagers with the lowest house edge is key to maximizing your winning chances. Come and Don’t Come bets function similarly to pass line bets after the point is set. Odds bets provide true odds with zero house edge when placed behind line bets. Proposition bets in the center offer higher payouts but increased house edges.

The betting layout in online craps mirrors traditional tables, giving you access to the full range of wagering options. Smart players focus on bets with low house edges to maximize their long-term winning potential. The pass line bet remains the most popular choice for beginners due to its simplicity and favorable odds.

Understanding the mathematical foundation of each bet helps you make informed decisions. While proposition bets might offer tempting payouts, their high house edges make them poor long-term investments. Professional players typically stick to line bets supplemented by odds bets for optimal returns.

Bet Type	House Edge	Payout
Pass Line	1.41%	1:1
Don’t Pass	1.36%	1:1
Odds Bet	0.00%	True Odds
Place 6/8	1.52%	7:6
Field	2.78%	1:1 or 2:1

Field Bets and Place Bets

Field bets win on single rolls of 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Place bets allow wagering on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to roll before 7. Big 6 and Big 8 bets win when these numbers roll before a 7. Hard Way bets require specific dice combinations like 4-4 for hard 8.

Field bets appeal to players seeking action on every roll, as they resolve immediately with each dice throw. The bet covers seven different numbers, providing frequent winning opportunities. However, the house edge varies depending on how the casino pays 2 and 12, typically ranging from 2.78% to 5.56%.

Place bets offer more strategic flexibility, allowing you to select specific numbers based on their probability of appearing. Placing 6 or 8 provides better odds than placing 4 or 10, reflecting the different ways these numbers can be made with two dice. Experienced players often focus on place bets with better odds as part of their overall strategy.

Hard Way bets require both dice to show the same number, making them more challenging to hit but offering higher payouts. These proposition bets carry significant house edges but add excitement for players who enjoy the thrill of longer odds.

Additional Bets in Online Craps

Online craps platforms offer a wide range of additional bets that can add excitement and variety to your gaming sessions. Beyond the standard pass line and come bets, you can explore place bets, which let you wager on specific numbers (like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. Buy bets are similar to place bets but pay true odds in exchange for a small commission, giving you another way to target your favorite numbers. Lay bets allow you to bet that a 7 will be rolled before a specific number, essentially betting against the number being rolled.

Proposition bets, found in the center of the table, let you wager on the outcome of a single roll or a specific combination of dice. These include bets like “any craps,” “any seven,” or specific doubles. While these additional bets can make the game more dynamic and offer the potential for bigger payouts, they often come with higher house edges. It’s important to understand the rules, payouts, and risks of each bet before including them in your strategy. By mixing in these additional bets wisely, you can diversify your approach and keep your online craps experience fresh and engaging.

Additional Bets in Online Craps

Online craps platforms offer a wide range of additional bets that can add excitement and variety to your gaming sessions. Beyond the standard pass line and come bets, you can explore place bets, which let you wager on specific numbers (like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. Buy bets are similar to place bets but pay true odds in exchange for a small commission, giving you another way to target your favorite numbers. Lay bets allow you to bet that a 7 will be rolled before a specific number, essentially betting against the number being rolled.

Proposition bets, found in the center of the table, let you wager on the outcome of a single roll or a specific combination of dice. These include bets like “any craps,” “any seven,” or specific doubles. While these additional bets can make the game more dynamic and offer the potential for bigger payouts, they often come with higher house edges. It’s important to understand the rules, payouts, and risks of each bet before including them in your strategy. By mixing in these additional bets wisely, you can diversify your approach and keep your online craps experience fresh and engaging.

Free Online Craps vs Real Money Play

Free online craps allows practice without financial risk using virtual chips. Demo versions help beginners learn craps and test strategies safely. Real money online craps offers actual cash winnings and authentic gambling thrills. Most online casinos provide both free play and real money options.

The choice between free craps games and real money play depends on your goals and experience level. Playing free craps online provides an ideal learning environment where mistakes cost nothing but valuable lessons. You can experiment with complex betting systems, learn the basic rules, and develop confidence before risking your own money. In addition, some online casinos offer free spins as part of their welcome bonuses or promotions, which can be used alongside free craps games to attract new players.

Free versions maintain all the excitement of the game while removing financial pressure. This environment encourages exploration of different betting strategies and helps you understand how various craps bets interact during actual gameplay. Many successful players spend considerable time playing craps for free before transitioning to real money games.

Real money play introduces genuine stakes that can significantly impact your emotional response to wins and losses. The psychological element of risking actual funds often changes decision-making patterns, making the transition from free play an important step in your development as a craps player.

Benefits of Free Online Craps

Risk-free environment to master complex betting systems and odds. Unlimited practice time to understand game flow and table dynamics. Opportunity to test different strategies without losing actual money. Perfect training ground before transitioning to real money play.

Free craps games serve as an invaluable educational tool for players at all skill levels. Beginners can take their time learning the basic rules without feeling pressured by other players or financial considerations. The ability to pause, think, and make deliberate decisions helps build fundamental understanding of game mechanics.

Even experienced players benefit from free play when testing new strategies or familiarizing themselves with different online casino interfaces. Each platform may have slightly different layouts or features, making practice sessions worthwhile before committing real money.

The unlimited nature of free play allows you to experience rare situations that might occur infrequently in paid games. You can see how different betting combinations perform over extended sessions, gaining insights that would be expensive to acquire through real money play alone.

Choosing the Best Online Craps Casino

Verify the casino holds valid licensing from reputable gambling authorities. Check for SSL encryption and secure payment processing systems. Look for casinos offering generous welcome bonuses and craps-specific promotions. Read player reviews and ensure responsive customer support availability.

Selecting the right online casino significantly impacts your craps playing experience. Licensed operators must meet strict standards for game fairness, financial security, and player protection. Look for licensing from established authorities like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or similar regulatory bodies.

Security measures protect both your personal information and financial transactions. Reputable casinos use advanced SSL encryption and partner with trusted payment processors to safeguard your data. Always verify these protections before creating an account or making deposits.

Customer support quality becomes crucial when you need assistance with gameplay, bonuses, or account issues. Test the casino’s support responsiveness before making large deposits. Look for multiple contact methods including live chat, email, and phone support available during your preferred playing hours.

Mobile Craps Gaming

Modern online casinos optimize craps games for smartphones and tablets. Touch-screen interfaces make placing bets intuitive and user-friendly. Mobile apps often provide faster loading times and smoother gameplay. Play craps anywhere with stable internet connection on iOS and Android devices.

Mobile gaming has revolutionized how players access casino games, with craps adapting particularly well to smaller screens. Developers have redesigned betting interfaces for touch interaction, making it easy to place complex bets with simple taps and swipes. The portability factor means you can enjoy craps during commutes, breaks, or travel.

Modern mobile devices provide sufficient processing power to run sophisticated craps games with high-quality graphics and sound. Many players actually prefer the mobile experience due to the intimate nature of holding the game in their hands and the ability to play in comfortable, private settings.

App-based games often load faster than browser versions and may offer additional features like push notifications for bonuses or tournaments. However, browser-based mobile sites provide universal compatibility without requiring downloads or storage space on your mobile device.

Online Craps Strategy and Tips

Start with pass line bets which offer favorable 1.41% house edge. Take maximum odds bets when available to reduce overall house advantage. Avoid proposition bets in the center due to high house edges exceeding 10%. Set strict bankroll limits and never chase losses with increased bet sizes.

Successful craps strategy begins with understanding which bets offer the best mathematical foundation for long-term play. The pass line bet provides an excellent starting point, combining simplicity with one of the lowest house edges available in casino games. Building from this foundation with odds bets creates a powerful combination that minimizes the casino’s advantage.

Discipline plays a crucial role in successful craps play, particularly in managing emotions during winning and losing streaks. The game’s exciting pace can encourage impulsive betting decisions that deviate from sound strategy. Stick to predetermined betting limits and avoid the temptation to increase wager sizes when chasing losses.

Professional players focus on bets with better odds while avoiding the seductive high-payout proposition bets that carry devastating house edges. Understanding the mathematical reality behind each betting option helps you make rational decisions based on logic rather than emotion or superstition.

Bankroll Management for Online Craps

Determine your gambling budget before starting any online craps session. Never bet more than 5% of your total bankroll on a single roll. Take regular breaks to avoid emotional decision-making during gameplay. Cash out winnings periodically to secure profits and maintain discipline.

Effective bankroll management forms the foundation of sustainable gambling enjoyment. Before you start playing craps, establish a clear budget that represents money you can afford to lose without impacting your essential expenses. This mental framework helps maintain perspective during both winning and losing sessions.

The 5% rule provides a conservative approach that protects your bankroll from rapid depletion during unlucky streaks. Even experienced players can face extended losing periods, and proper bankroll management ensures you’ll have funds available to continue playing when fortune turns favorable.

Regular break-taking serves multiple purposes in maintaining optimal decision-making abilities. Extended playing sessions can lead to fatigue and emotional responses that override logical thinking. Stepping away periodically helps reset your mental state and reinforces discipline in following your predetermined strategy.

Setting profit targets and loss limits before each session creates clear exit points that prevent the common mistake of playing too long. When you reach either threshold, having the discipline to stop playing protects both your winnings and your remaining bankroll for future sessions.

Key Strategy Points:

• Focus on line bets with low house edges

• Take maximum odds when points are established

• Avoid center table proposition bets

• Manage bankroll with strict percentage limits

• Take breaks to maintain clear decision-making

• Set both win and loss limits before playing

• Practice with free games before risking real money

• Choose reputable casinos with proper licensing

• Understand all bet types before placing wagers

• Never gamble more than you can afford to lose

The world of online craps offers an exciting blend of traditional casino gaming and modern convenience. Whether you’re drawn to the social atmosphere of live dealer games or prefer the rapid pace of standard online versions, digital craps provides accessible entertainment for players of all experience levels.

Remember that success in craps comes from understanding the game’s mathematical foundations, maintaining disciplined bankroll management, and choosing reputable platforms for your gaming activities. Start with free craps games to build your skills, then transition to real money play when you feel confident in your abilities.

Above all, ensure you’ve reached the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction and always gamble responsibly. Online craps should enhance your entertainment experience while staying within comfortable financial limits that don’t impact your essential expenses or well-being.

Other Popular Online Casino Games

While craps is a thrilling choice for many players, online casinos are packed with a wide variety of other casino games to explore. Slots are a perennial favorite, offering everything from classic three-reel games to modern video slots with immersive themes and bonus features. Table games like blackjack and roulette provide different styles of play, each with its own set of rules and strategies. If you enjoy the challenge of poker, you’ll find video poker and live dealer poker tables available at most online casinos.

Baccarat, sic bo, and other specialty games round out the selection, ensuring there’s something for every taste and skill level. Leading software providers power these games, delivering smooth gameplay, crisp graphics, and fair outcomes. Many online casinos also feature live dealer games, where you can interact with real dealers and other players for a more authentic casino experience. Whether you’re a fan of craps or looking to try something new, online casinos offer a world of gaming options at your fingertips.

Conclusion: Mastering Online Craps

Mastering online craps is a journey that combines learning the basic rules, practicing with free craps games, and gradually developing your own betting strategies. Start by playing free craps games to get a feel for the game’s flow, the different types of bets, and how the odds work. As you gain confidence, you can move on to real money games, where the excitement and potential for big wins increase.

Effective bankroll management, setting clear limits, and avoiding the temptation to chase losses are all essential tips for long-term success. Take advantage of the resources offered by online craps platforms, such as odds calculators, betting guides, and free play options, to sharpen your skills. By practicing regularly and staying disciplined, you’ll become more proficient at reading the table, making smart bets, and enjoying all the fun that craps games have to offer.

Remember, the best approach is to play responsibly, stay within your means, and always ensure you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. With its fast-paced action, strategic depth, and the chance for real money wins, online craps is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a fun and rewarding casino experience.