Of all the casino games that continue getting headlines, you might not hear about craps at first. However, this slick dice-rolling game has been around the block for gamblers for centuries. A fixture of live dealer play today, craps is one of the fastest-growing and moving online casino games, especially with more enhanced technology. Featuring many user-friendly bets, get to know how to get the dice rolling like an expert with this craps guide.
What is Craps?
Craps, depending on who you believe, is one of the oldest casino games we enjoy today. It is widely believed that it comes from the ancient game “Hazzard,” which goes back to the times of the Crusade in the 1100s, at least five centuries before the invention of the French Roulette wheel.
After the game spread, it took on its similar French name, “crapaud,” because of the way players were crouched over like frogs rolling the dice. Craps got introduced to American cities like New Orleans in the 1800s.
It wouldn’t be until the 1930s, under the direction of Vegas casino casino owner John Win, introduced two principle craps bets we enjoy today. These bets, of course, are the pass and don’t pass-line wagers. These two bets set down the foundation for other craps bets, like prop bets, about rolling the dice to hit a certain number to win.
The Craps Table
At first glance, understanding the craps table might seem a bit overwhelming. With so much information on the craps table, the design is user-friendly to help players properly place their bets. Because craps are played at a fast pace, it’s a good idea to study the table layout so you can move like a pro to place your bets.
The digital craps table is a faithful re-indention of the real-life craps table. Going the extra mile, the best online casinos even have special boxes for the more sophisticated “come” and “don’t come” boxes to make quick bets. When playing craps, these are the main bets you place your chips on or click on the table:
- Pass Line Bets: The pass line is the easiest and perhaps the most essential of craps bets. This classic bet means rolling a seven or an eleven.
- Don’t Pass Line Bets: Similar to the main pass line bets, winning with don’t pass line bets means the dice rolling on two, three, a twelve, or a seven.
- Come Bets: Works in tandem with the pass line bets but comes after it.
Hopefully, it’s clear the amazing variety of bets that are possible with craps. More sophisticated craps bets include hardway and prop bets. Prop bets are short for proposition bets. Both require a bit more skill and understanding than the pass and don’t pass line bets.
How to Play Craps
Despite its breakneck pace, playing craps is a straightforward process. To get the dice rolling, please consider these expert steps:
- Choose a Spot: After purchasing chips, if you’re playing in person, place your desired bet on the specific spot on the craps table to begin play.
- The Come-Out Roll: Most craps games begin with the come-out roll to establish the point. The point sets the tone for the other wagers.
- Establishing the Point: Once the come-out roll is made, players then roll the dice to see if their bets pay off or not. This is also when they can make additional bets like the come and odds bets.
Betting Odds and Payouts
Because craps offer many unique bets, you’ll be happy to know the incredible diversity of the payouts available.
- Pass Line Bets: The classic pass line bets are even money bets that pay 1:1.
- Don’t Pass Line Bets: These basic bets also pay 1:1.
- Odds Bets: A side bet based on the established point. Because odds bets are diverse, they can pay between 2:1 and 6:5.
- Prop Bets: Most prop bets pay 7:1.
Tips for Beginners
- Stick with Basic Bets: If you’re new to craps or on a budget, it might be best to stick with simple, even money bets like the pass and don’t pass line bets.
- Consider the Odds: While there are bigger payouts with prop and field bets, they can drain your budget faster than expected. Also, the odds of frequently winning these types of bets are not on your side.
- Practice: The great thing about playing craps is the ability to do so online. Many online casinos support practice play.
- Why Play Craps?
Why not play craps is the better question? Craps is a fast-moving game with plenty of user-friendly and high-percentage betting options for beginners and those on a budget to get into the game. Playing online craps now feature first-person play where you can enjoy enhanced gameplay with augmented reality and other tech tools.
Conclusion
Craps continue to be the casino game that defines the hustle and bustle of instinct and skill. Craps at retail casinos usually have one style of game. However, playing online offers a few more variants, like First Person Craps. There are even emerging themed craps games that include jackpots to get the dice rolling.
