Rules of Craps

History of Craps

Craps is one of the most unique, captivating, and energetic games in the world of casino gaming. Originating in the United States in the early 1800s, the game is believed to have evolved from an older English dice game called "Hazard," a lineage that reflects the roots of chance and risk-taking at the core of the game to this day. Originally played by soldiers, sailors, and travelers in makeshift games on the streets and docks of New Orleans, Craps was a beloved pastime among gamblers for generations before finding its way into modern casinos around the world. Today, the game exists in a few popular variations — from the standard casino version played on a full-size Craps table to simplified street versions still played informally — all of which share the same foundational structure of rolling the dice and betting on the outcome in order to beat the house. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned casino enthusiast, Craps offers an experience unlike any other, blending history, energy, and excitement into one unforgettable game.

Hand pointing at casino table layout
Gambling scene with dice and chips

Objective of Craps

The objective of Craps, the most commonly played dice game in modern casinos and casino-style events, is simple yet deeply strategic. The game centers around a shooter who rolls two dice, and the goal is to correctly predict the outcome of the roll or series of rolls by placing bets on the table before the dice are thrown. The first roll of a new round, known as the "come-out roll," determines the immediate outcome for certain bets, and if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, "Pass Line" bets win instantly, while a roll of 2, 3, or 12 results in an automatic loss known as "crapping out." If the come-out roll results in any other number, that number becomes the "point," and the shooter continues rolling until they either roll the point again to win or roll a 7 to lose. Betting options on the table serve as a wide range of strategic tools that can be used to wager on the shooter's success, the shooter's failure, or specific number combinations, and if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point, all "Pass Line" bets lose while "Don't Pass" bets win. Winning your bet based on the outcome of the roll results in a win for the player, certain rolls resulting in a tie result in a push, and losing your bet based on the outcome of the roll results in a loss — making every decision about which bets to place a critical and exciting moment in the game.

Game Rules

How the Game Is Played

A round of Craps begins when all players at the table place their bets before the dice are rolled. Once the bets are placed, the shooter — the player whose turn it is to roll — throws two dice down the length of the table, with the first roll of a new round known as the "come-out roll." If the come-out roll results in a 7 or 11, all "Pass Line" bets win instantly; if it results in a 2, 3, or 12, those same bets lose, an outcome known as "crapping out." If the come-out roll results in any other number — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 — that number becomes the "point," and a marker is placed on the table to indicate it. The shooter then continues rolling the dice until they either roll the point number again, winning the round for "Pass Line" bettors, or roll a 7, which ends the round and passes the dice to the next shooter. Once the outcome of the roll or series of rolls is determined and bets are settled, the outcome of the round is determined — a win, a push, or a loss — and the next round begins. The pace of Craps is notably more energetic and fast-moving than many other casino games, giving players plenty of exciting moments to shout, cheer, celebrate a hot streak, and fully enjoy the experience.

The Role of the Point and Bet Types

One of the most distinctive elements of Craps is the establishment of the "point," which adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to every round. The point functions as the target number the shooter must roll again before rolling a 7, meaning once it is set, the entire table's fortunes hinge on which number comes up first — but if a 7 is rolled before the point, the round ends and the dice pass to the next shooter. Betting options in Craps follow a wide-ranging hierarchy of risk and reward, with simple even-money bets like "Pass Line" and "Don't Pass" at the foundation, followed by "Come" and "Don't Come" bets, "Odds" bets, "Place" bets on specific numbers, and high-risk, high-reward proposition bets on single-roll outcomes. One notable exception unique to many versions of Craps is that "Odds" bets, once placed behind a Pass Line or Come bet, carry no house edge at all, making them one of the best value bets on the entire table. Understanding the different bet types and how to leverage the point effectively is a key component of developing a strong Craps strategy, and mastering these elements can significantly improve a player's performance at the table.

Strategy and Tips for Winning

While Craps involves a significant element of luck, it is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and community-driven games in the casino, and players who take the time to learn proper betting techniques will find themselves at a significant advantage. The fundamental principle of a strong Craps strategy is to focus on the bets with the lowest house edge — meaning you want to prioritize wagers like "Pass Line," "Don't Pass," and "Odds" bets rather than chasing flashy proposition bets that carry a much higher house advantage. For example, if you place a "Pass Line" bet and a point is established, it is generally advisable to back it up with an "Odds" bet, as this adds no additional house edge and increases your potential payout. When deciding between "Pass Line" and "Don't Pass" bets, understanding that both carry a similarly low house edge but represent opposite outcomes can help you choose the style of play that suits you best. Beginners are often encouraged to start with simple, low-edge bets — the tried-and-true foundation of Craps strategy — as a reliable guide until they become more comfortable making independent decisions. Over time, with practice and experience, players develop an intuitive feel for the game that makes every roll a rewarding and exhilarating challenge.

Why Craps Is Perfect for Events

Craps is not just an exceptional casino game — it is also one of the very best games to feature at a private party, corporate event, or fundraiser, and here is why. The game's naturally lively and boisterous energy creates an electric, social atmosphere that encourages guests to cheer, celebrate, and enjoy each other's company in a way that quieter games simply cannot replicate. Unlike more intimidating games that can feel confusing to newcomers, Craps is approachable and easy to learn at a basic level, making it ideal for guests of all experience levels — from first-time casino players to seasoned dice enthusiasts. The game's group-oriented nature also means that players tend to stay at the table longer, cheering on the shooter together, which is perfect for events where the goal is to keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the evening. Whether you are raising money for a worthy cause, rewarding your corporate team with a night of fun, or simply celebrating a special occasion with friends and family, Craps brings a level of energy, excitement, and genuine entertainment that elevates any event to an extraordinary experience. At Casino Event, we are proud to make Craps the centerpiece of every event we host, and we invite you to discover for yourself why this remarkable game has been capturing hearts and minds for generations.

Standard Craps Bets Reference (Lowest to Highest House Edge)

Understanding common bet types is essential for playing Craps. Here is a quick reference guide:

  1. Odds Bet (Placed behind a Pass/Don't Pass or Come/Don't Come bet — no house edge)
  2. Pass Line / Don't Pass (Wager on the shooter winning or losing the round)
  3. Come / Don't Come (Same as Pass/Don't Pass, but placed after the point is established)
  4. Place Bet on 6 or 8 (Wager that 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7)
  5. Place Bet on 5 or 9 (Wager that 5 or 9 will be rolled before a 7)
  6. ♠️ Place Bet on 4 or 10 (Wager that 4 or 10 will be rolled before a 7)
  7. Field Bet (Single-roll wager on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12)
  8. Hard Way (Wager that a specific number will be rolled as a "double" before a 7 or an "easy" combination)
  9. Any Craps (Single-roll wager on 2, 3, or 12)
  10. Proposition Bets (High-risk, single-roll wagers such as "Snake Eyes" or "Yo-leven")