Craps
Gambling dice have been around for centuries, although the familiar layout of modern-day Craps has only been around for 100 years or so.
Craps is played by betting on the outcome of two dice rolled by a 'shooter'. At first sight, the table layout can be confusing. But with some freeplay games online you can soon get a feel for the best bets and moves.
Luckily, most casinos online feature play-money Craps so you don't have to risk a penny. Give the games a go before you get out the credit card. Once you're ready to go you'll be pulling in the winnings in no time.
Find the best free Craps games online:
- Get a feel for the Craps table betting layouts
- Try out some of the interesting side bets
- Try out some of the interesting side bets
History of Craps
The Romans, British, French and Americans: all have laid claim to developing dice-based gambling games over the centuries.
The Romans were meant to have fashioned dice out of pigs' trotters to use in games of chance. Later, Medieval English gamblers were said to have enjoyed a game of 'Hazard' during the 12th century.
The French took up gambling dice after discovering the game in 17th-century gambling houses. And from there, the dice travelled to Canada and the US.
It wasn't until the early 20th-century, however, that John Winn developed the first betting systems for what would become Craps. Winn developed the layout now seen in casinos across the world. Casino Craps made their way to Las Vegas and continued to be enjoyed after World War II ended.
You can now enjoy Craps in most US casinos, and it's even creeping its way into some UK casinos. It's also available to play for free on the best online casinos. Where better to get a feel for the complex betting layout?
Craps
How to Play Craps Online
The aim of Craps is simple: bet on the outcome of two dice. Players have a huge range of bets available, from pairs to dice totals.
The first roll: At the start of a game, a 'Come Out' roll is made. Just hit the 'Roll' button to roll the Come Out.
If the two dice thrown make 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 the 'point' is set. The computer will place an 'On' puck on the number so you know what it is. If, however, the total is 2, 3, 7, 11 or 12 the dice must be thrown again until a point is decided.
Bets are now placed and the dice are now rolled until the same number, or a total of 7, is rolled. The Point is then decided all over again.
Full List of Free Table Games
Table Games Reviews (No Free Games)
Craps Bets
Now here comes the tricky part: making bets. There are dozens of possible outcomes to bet on in Craps, each one carrying a different payout. Here are some of the popular wagers:
Pass Line
Pays: 1/1
What: A bet placed before the Come Out roll.
How to Win: If a 7 or 11 is rolled you win an even-money bet and the round is over. The Point is decided once again.
If a 2, 3 or 12 are rolled, that's 'Craps' and you lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point. Your bet wins if the Point is rolled before another seven comes up.
Don't Pass Line
Pays: 1/1
What: The opposite of the Pass Line bet. This is also placed before the Come Out roll.
How to Win: The shooter rolls 7 before the point appears. A nice even-money bet.
Come
Pays: 1/1
What: Place the bet in the 'COME' box after the Point has been set. You lose if the roll comes Craps (2, 3 or 12). If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the Come Point and your Come bet is moved to the box corresponding with the Come Point.
How to Win: If a Come Point is rolled before a 7 is rolled, you win at even money. If the 7 comes first, however, you will lose your bet.
Don't Come
Pays: 1/1
What: The opposite of a Come bet. It is placed on the Don't Come Bar after the Come Out roll.
How to Win: If a 3 or 2 is rolled, you win at even-money.
Field
Pays: 1/1
What: A one-off bet that a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12 is thrown.
How to Win: All outcomes pay 1/1, except the 2 and 12, which pay double.
Other Big-Money Bets
'Any 7'
Pays: 4/1
What: A bet on the 'SEVEN' area.
How to Win: If a 7 comes on the following roll you'll pick up 4/1 your bet.
'Any 11'
Pays: 15/1
What: A bet on the dice combo area of the table. One combo features a 5 and 6 dice (making 11).
How to Win: Hit an 11 and you'll win 15/1 your money.
Hardway
Pays: 7/1 or 9/1
What: Bets on the next rolls coming out as doubles.
How to Win: You win if you get 2+2, 4+4, 5+5, and so on.
Craps Top Tips
1 - Stick To Simple Bets
If you've never played Craps before, getting used to the table layout can be the biggest challenge.
Familiarise yourself with the betting layout and range of bets before you play. Always keep things simple and focus on the even-money bets first. Pass, Don't Pass, Come and Don't Come are good places to start while you get used to the game.
2 - Print a Cheat Sheet
You can't rock up to a live casino with a Craps instruction sheet. You'll certainly be given some strange looks by the other players. Playing online in the comfort of your own home you're free to use whatever resources you like. Print out a cheat sheet which lists all the weird and wonderful bets you can make in a game of Craps.
3 - Up Your Stakes and Hit the Welcome Bonus
If you're comfortable with the betting in Craps, it's time to play with some real cash. The minimum bets on a classic Vegas Craps table might be £1, with the maximum a whopping £1,000 per roll. That gives you plenty of range to up your stakes if you're using a system or working off a bonus.
Craps Glossary
Any 7 - 4/1 win if a total of 7 is rolled
Any 11 - 15/1 win if a total of 11 is rolled
Bet - Craps Wager
Big 6 - Bet that wins if you hit a 6 before a 7.
Big 8 - Bet that wins if you hit an 8 before a 7.
Come - Craps bet that pays even-money if your Come Point bet rolls before a 7.
Come Point - Target total used in a Come bet
Don't Come - Opposite of a Come bet
Don't Pass - Opposite of a Pass bet
Dice - Used in a game of Craps. Two dice are used
Field - Even-money bet that wins if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12 is thrown
Hardway - Bet that wins if you hit 4, 6. 8 or 10 as doubles (e.g. 2+2, 3+3, 4+4, or 5+5).
Odds - Extensions of the Pass, Don't Pass, Come and Don't Come wagers. Winning bets are made at true odds
Pass - Even-money bet placed before Come Out roll. If 7 or 11 rolls, you win.
Place Win - Bets on totals of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Wins if the total comes before a 7.
Place Lose - Bets on the 7 coming BEFORE a total of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10
Point - The first total rolled. The 'Point' must be 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10.
Roll - Start the game with a Come Out roll or bet
Wager - Bet made during a game