Basic Bets in Craps: Strategies for Online Success

Understand the Basics: Your Essential Guide to Winning with Craps

Hero image

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding basic bets in craps is key to increasing your chances of success, with options such as Pass Line and Don’t Come bets offering lower house edges.
  • Bankroll management, smart betting choices, and practicing with free games are important for developing a successful craps strategy.
  • Researching the top online real money casinos can help you make an informed decision on where to play craps.

Craps Table Overview

As you approach a craps table, you’ll notice its unique layout, designed to accommodate a variety of craps bets. The table is divided into two main areas: the Come Out area and the Point area. The Come Out area is where the shooter initially rolls the dice, while the Point area is where the shooter rolls after the point has been established. Betting outcomes on these areas are determined by the roll of the dice, which makes them vital for placing bets.

Grasping the roles of the staff members working at the craps table is key to fully enjoying the game of craps. The boxman supervises the game, the stickman announces the dice rolls, and the dealers distribute winnings. Familiarizing yourself with these roles will help you feel more comfortable and confident as you play craps, whether at a land-based casino or online.

Dice Rolls and Outcomes

The shooter’s first dice roll in craps is referred to as the comeout roll. This roll of the dice is used to establish a point number. This roll significantly determines the outcome of pass bets and other craps bets. The possible outcomes of a roll can help players choose the best wagers to place.

Point numbers can be any of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10. These numbers represent different options for a given task. If a natural (7 or 11) is rolled, the player gets another chance to roll the dice. If a point number is established, the player must roll that number before a 7 for pass bets to win and bets on the don’t pass line to lose, in addition to being granted another roll.

Understanding the odds associated with various craps bets can help you make informed decisions when placing wagers. The odds of 4 and 10 are 2 to 1. The odds of 5 and 9 are 3 to 2, and the odds of 6 and 8 are 6 to 5. These odds, which apply to different bets including one roll bet options, play a significant role in determining your potential winnings or losses.

Staff Roles at the Craps Table

The staff at a craps table maintains a smooth gaming experience. The boxman is the game supervisor and cash processor, responsible for overseeing the game and managing various aspects of craps, including pass bets, don’t pass bets, and other craps bets. The stickman is in charge of pushing the dice, calling out results, and determining the speed of the game.

Other personnel at the craps table typically include three dealers and a floorman. These staff members manage various aspects of the game, such as placing and paying out roll bet options. A seamless gaming experience and better navigation of the craps table can be achieved by understanding the roles of these staff members.

Essential Bets in Craps

Grasping the essential bets that form the foundation of the game is important to maximize your chances of success in craps. These best craps bets include:

  • The Pass Line bet, which is the most widely utilized wager in craps, boasts a house edge of 1.41% and offers even money payout odds.
  • The Don’t Pass Line bet, which is an even money wager that is inversely related to the Pass Line bet.
  • Other wagers such as odds wagers, buy wagers, Big Six, Big Eight wagers, and Hardway wagers.

By understanding and utilizing these bets, you can improve your strategy and increase your chances of winning in craps.

In addition to these fundamental bets, other wagers can be placed on each roll of the dice. These include:

  • Free odds bets
  • Buy bets
  • Big Six
  • Big Eight bets
  • Hardway bets

Understanding these essential bets equips you better to navigate the craps table and make informed decisions when placing your wagers.

Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line bet, also known as the pass bet, is an even money bet placed on the initial throw of the dice. You are betting for either 7 or 11 to come up first. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the bet loses. If the point number is not rolled again before a 7, the player will lose. This is regardless of other rolls. The payout odds for the Pass Line bet are even money, and the house edge is 1.4 percent.

This popular bet appeals to beginners and experienced players alike due to its simplicity and relatively low house edge. Mastering the Pass Line bet provides a solid foundation for understanding other craps bets and developing your betting strategy.

Don’t Pass Line Bet

The Don’t Pass Line bet is the inverse of the Pass Line bet, wagering that the shooter will not roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or that the shooter will not make the point. This bet is less popular at the craps table because it involves betting against other players’ success. Upon the come-out roll, the player wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and loses if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. If the shooter rolls a 12, it is considered a push. If any other number is rolled, it becomes the ‘point,’ and the player wins if a 7 is rolled before the point is rolled again.

The Don’t Pass Line bet has a lower house edge of 1.36% compared to the Pass Line bet. This bet can be a strategic choice for players looking to minimize the house edge and maximize their chances of winning.

Come Bet

The Come bet is a wager made after the point on the Pass Line has been established, following the same rules as a Pass Line bet. The payout odds for a Come bet are 1:1 (even money), and the house edge is 1.41%, precisely the same as the Pass Line bet.

The Come bet is an excellent option for players looking for additional betting opportunities during the game. Understanding how the Come bet relates to the Pass Line bet allows you to expand your betting options and increase your chances of success at the craps table.

Don’t Come Bet

The Don’t Come bet is a wager placed after the initial roll when a shooter has established a point. This bet is the opposite of the Come bet, with the player betting that the shooter will roll a 7 before rolling the point number. The payout odds for the Don’t Come bet are equivalent to those of the Don’t Pass Line bet, which is 1:1 for the numbers 4 and 10, 2:1 for the numbers 5 and 9, and 3:1 for the numbers 6 and 8.

The Don’t Come bet serves as a reverse option to the Come bet, with a similar house edge. Understanding the rules and payout odds of this bet enables you to diversify your betting strategy and increase your chances of winning at the craps table.

Additional Basic Bets in Craps

Aside from the essential bets, there are other common bets in craps that beginners should be familiar with. These include:

  • Field bets: single-roll wagers with various outcomes determining their winnings
  • Place bets: allow players to bet on specific numbers that must be rolled before a 7 is rolled
  • Proposition bets: one-roll bets placed on specific numbers in the center of the table, with higher house edges and risk.

Familiarizing yourself with these additional basic bets offers a well-rounded understanding of the game and equips you better to develop a winning strategy. Remember, each bet comes with its own set of rules, payout odds, and house edges, so it’s essential to make informed decisions when placing your wagers.

Field Bets

Field bets are single-roll wagers placed on various outcomes that determine your winnings. These bets can result in even money, 2-to-1 payouts, or 3-to-1 payouts, depending on the outcome of the roll. To place a Field bet, position your chips directly in front of you on the nearest table. Field bets offer a 2:1 payout for the numbers 2 and 12. Other numbers have a 1:1 payout.

Field bets provide a simple and exciting option for players looking to bet on a single roll of the dice. Even though they may not offer the best odds compared to other bets, they can add fun to your craps betting strategy.

Place Bets

Place bets are wagers made on specific numbers that must be rolled before a 7 is rolled. These bets can be made after a point number is determined and allow players to bet on numbers 6 or 8 instead of the current point. The payout odds for place bets in craps are 9 to 5 on 4 and 10, 7 to 5 on 5 and 9, and 7 to 6 on 6 and 8.

With varying payouts and house edges, place bets offer an additional betting option for players looking to diversify their craps strategy. Understanding the rules and odds of place bets assists in making more informed decisions and improving your chances of winning at the craps table.

Proposition Bets

Proposition bets are one-roll wagers placed on specific numbers located in the center of the table. Examples of proposition bets include:

  • Any Seven
  • Any Craps
  • Horn Bet
  • Hardways
  • Hi-Lo

The payouts for winning an Any Seven bet, for example, are four times the bet. To place a proposition bet, position your chips in the center of the table and inform the dealer which bet you are making. This is also the right moment to place bet on Any Seven if you wish to do so.

While proposition bets may offer higher payouts, they also come with higher house edges and risk. It’s important for beginners to comprehend the potential risks and rewards associated with these bets before integrating them into their craps strategy.

Beginner’s Guide to Craps Betting Strategies

Developing a solid craps betting strategy is crucial for beginners to increase their chances of success. In this section, we will provide tips and advice on bankroll management, smart betting choices, and practicing with free games. By applying these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled craps player.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to craps betting. Experimenting with different bets and strategies to find the combination that best suits your individual playstyle and risk tolerance is essential.

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management is crucial to avoid excessive losses and extend your playing time at the online craps table. Strategies for managing your bankroll include establishing a budget, defining a win goal, and stopping play when your goal is achieved. Failing to manage your bankroll can result in substantial losses and an inability to play for an extended period of time.

Responsible bankroll management is key to a successful and enjoyable craps experience. By setting a budget, determining a win goal, and knowing when to walk away, you can minimize your losses and maximize your chances of winning.

Smart Betting Choices

Smart betting choices can reduce the house edge and increase your chances of success in craps. Some wise wagering decisions include:

  • The Don’t Pass/Don’t Come bet, which offers a lower house edge than the Pass Line bet
  • Place bets on 6 and 8, which provide more frequent payouts
  • Any Craps bet

By focusing on bets with lower house edges and better odds, you can develop a more effective craps betting strategy and increase your chances of winning. Always be aware of the house edge and odds associated with each bet, and make informed decisions when placing your wagers.

Practicing with Free Games

Practicing your skills using free online craps games is crucial before diving into real-money craps games. Almost all US gambling sites offer free games, allowing you to gain experience and test betting strategies without risking your own funds. You can join these sites to hone your skills before betting real money.

Taking advantage of free craps games can help build your confidence, develop your betting strategy, and familiarize you with the game’s rules and outcomes. Once you feel comfortable with your skills, you can transition to real-money craps games and put your strategies to the test.

Top Online Casinos for Playing Craps

If you’re ready to take your craps game online, there are several top online casinos where you can play craps safely and securely. Some recommended casinos with a variety of bonuses and promotions include:

  • Resorts Casino, which offers a 100% deposit bonus up to $1000
  • BetOnline
  • Bovada
  • Slots.lv

It’s essential to research each before making a decision.

Craps’ online gaming provides an excellent platform for learning the game, practicing skills, and enjoying the thrill of real-money gaming without the need to visit a land-based casino. Casino games, like craps, require responsible gaming and bankroll management to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.

Summary

In conclusion, craps is an exhilarating casino game that combines excitement, strategy, and skill. By mastering the essential bets and strategies outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled craps player. From understanding the craps table layout to making smart betting choices and practicing with free games, the knowledge and tips provided in this guide will serve as a solid foundation for your craps journey.

So, are you ready to step up to the craps table and put your skills to the test? Remember, practice makes perfect, and with the right strategy and mindset, you’ll soon be rolling the dice with confidence and enjoying the thrilling world of craps.

Only choose from the safest gambling operators that are properly licensed by respected authorities. Additionally, it is recommended to read editorial online casino reviews from independent gambling reviewing sites to assist in finding the best craps gambling site for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the simple bets in craps?

The most popular and straightforward bets in craps are the Pass Line and the Don’t Pass Line, which offer one of the safest betting strategies with a low house edge.

How do you bet on craps for beginners?

For beginners, craps betting can be done by placing a wager either on the ‘Pass Line’ or the ‘Don’t Pass Line’. On the first roll, 7 or 11 wins for the Pass Line bet and 2, 3, or 12 loses. Conversely, a Don’t Pass bet wins on a 2 or 3 and loses on 7 or 11. Understanding these two bets is key to playing this exciting game.

What are the best bets on craps?

The best bet on craps is the Don’t Pass/Don’t Come wager, which carries a house edge of just 1.36%. Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets are also popular choices offering low house edges for those employing a safe craps betting strategy.

What are any craps bets?

Any Craps is a one-roll bet, which means it only stands for one dice roll. It allows you to place a bet on the outcome of the roll, and if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, you win and are paid 7 to 1. Other craps numbers, like Aces or Ace-Deuce, also have winning payouts depending on the outcome.

What is the house edge for the Pass Line bet?

The house edge for the Pass Line bet is 1.4%, making it one of the most favorable bets available at a casino.

Stay Ahead of the Game

Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.