If you walk onto any physical casino floor, the loudest and most energetic area is almost always the Craps table.

It is a unique gambling experience where players actively cheer for each other and celebrate shared victories.

The massive felt board, covered in strange terminology and dozens of betting boxes, scares many novices away.

Fortunately, you only need to learn a few basic rules to jump in and enjoy some of the best odds in the casino.

Our beginner’s guide will strip away the confusion and focus on the fundamental bets you need to know.
How a Round of Craps Actually Works
A new game begins when a player (the shooter) takes the dice and rolls them across the table for the first time.

The entire goal of the Come-Out roll is to establish a “Point” number for the rest of the round.

Once the Point is established, the dealer places a large white puck labeled “ON” above that number on the table.

The shooter keeps throwing the dice repeatedly; rolling the Point is a victory for the table.

Rolling a 7 ends the round immediately, sweeping away the bets on the table, and the dice pass to the next player.
Where to Place Your First Chips
The Pass Line is the fundamental bet of Craps and offers an incredibly low house edge of just 1.41%.

If the Come-Out roll is a 2, 3, or 12 (called “Crapping out”), your Pass Line bet loses instantly.

If the 7 hits before the Point, your Pass Line bet loses. It is that simple.

While mathematically slightly better (1.36% edge), betting the Don’t Pass means you are actively rooting against the rest of the table.

This simple bet is all you need to play for hours and enjoy fantastic mathematical odds.
The Best Bet in the Entire Casino
Once a Point is established, Craps offers a hidden bet that is mathematically the best wager in any casino.

It is the only wager in the entire building where the casino has absolutely no statistical advantage over you.

For example, if the Point is 4, the true odds of rolling a 4 before a 7 are 2 to 1.

Most casinos allow you to place Odds bets equal to 3x, 4x, or even 5x your original Pass Line wager.

Never play Craps without Taking the Odds; it is the absolute smartest financial move you can make.
Understanding the Dealer’s Calls

Rolling: Anyone at the table gets a turn to be the shooter if they have a Pass Line bet. First Roll: The Come-Out roll dictates whether the game ends instantly or sets a target. Target Number: Marked by the ON puck. The number needed to win Pass Line bets. Seven Out: Rolling a 7 after the Point is established. The round ends and everyone loses. Taking Odds: Placing a secondary bet behind the Pass Line with zero house edge.

Which Side of the Dice Are You On?

Bet TypeCome-Out WinCome-Out Loss Pass Line7 or 112, 3, or 12 Playing the House SideRolling a 2 or 3Rolling a 7 or 11 Casino MarginVery Low (1.41%)Lowest (1.36%)

By ignoring the complex, high-risk proposition bets in the center of the table, you instantly become a smart player.

Start by playing online for free to get comfortable with the flow of the Come-Out roll and the Point phases.

Craps dealers are among the friendliest in the casino, as their tips often depend on the players winning.

Cheer with the crowd, celebrate the hot rolls, and experience the unique magic of the Craps table.