Craps Guide

What Is Craps?

Craps is the most electrifying game on any casino floor. Players gather around a long table as the shooter throws a pair of dice, and everyone bets on the outcome. The energy is unmatched — but the crowded table and dizzying array of betting options can be intimidating to newcomers.

The truth is, craps is simpler than it looks. Every round revolves around two key concepts: the come-out roll and the point. Once you understand these, you can focus on the handful of bets that offer genuinely favourable odds. And here is the good news: craps has some of the best player odds in any casino game — including the legendary Free Odds bet, which carries a house edge of precisely 0%.

If you are brand new to the game, start with our detailed how-to-play guide for a complete walkthrough of the rules, dealing mechanics, and table layout.

The Come-Out Roll & Establishing the Point

Every round of craps begins with the come-out roll— the first roll of the dice by the shooter. The result determines how the round unfolds:

• 🎯 7 or 11 (natural)— Pass Line bets win immediately. Don't Pass bets lose.
• 🎯 2, 3, or 12 (craps)— Pass Line bets lose. Don't Pass bets win (12 is a push at most tables).
• 🎯 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10— that number becomes the point. The dealer places a puck marked “ON” on the point, and the game enters the point phase.

Once the point is established, the shooter continues rolling until they either roll the point again (Pass Line wins) or roll a 7 (called sevening out, which ends the shooter's turn). This back-and-forth creates the dramatic tension that makes craps so thrilling.

Pass Line Bet — House Edge: 1.41%

The Pass Line is the most fundamental bet in craps and the ideal starting point for beginners. You place it before the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, you win even money. If they roll 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If a point is established, your bet stays active and wins if the shooter rolls the point before a 7.

The house edge on the Pass Line is just 1.41%— meaning you lose only $1.41 for every $100 wagered over the long run. That is already better than most slot machines (typically 3–10%) and many other table games. The true odds are 251 to 244, giving you a 49.29% chance of winning on any given round.

The real magic happens when you combine Pass Line bets with Free Odds — more on that below.

Don't Pass Bet — House Edge: 1.36%

The Don't Pass bet is the mathematical mirror of the Pass Line. You are betting againstthe shooter — that the come-out roll will be 2 or 3 (12 is a push, not a loss), or that the shooter will seven out before rolling the point. It also pays even money.

With a house edge of 1.36%, the Don't Pass is technically the best single bet you can make in craps. The edge is slightly lower than the Pass Line because a come-out 12 results in a push rather than a loss. However, many players avoid it because rooting against the shooter can feel awkward at a lively table. From a pure mathematical standpoint, it is the superior choice.

Free Odds Bet — House Edge: 0% (The Best Bet in the Casino!)

After a point is established, players who have a Pass Line or Come bet can take odds— placing an additional bet behind their original wager. This is the Free Odds bet, and it has a house edge of exactly 0%. Yes, zero. No other bet in any casino game pays true mathematical odds with no house markup.

The payout depends on the point number:

• 💰 Point 4 or 10— Pays 2:1 (true odds)
• 💰 Point 5 or 9— Pays 3:2 (true odds)
• 💰 Point 6 or 8— Pays 6:5 (true odds)

Most casinos offer 3x-4x-5x odds, meaning you can bet three times your Pass Line bet on points 4 and 10, four times on 5 and 9, and five times on 6 and 8. Some casinos offer even higher multiples (10x, 20x, or 100x). Since the Free Odds carry no house edge, you should always take the maximum odds your bankroll allows — it is the single smartest move you can make at any casino table.

When you combine a Pass Line bet (1.41% edge) with maximum Free Odds, your combined house edge drops dramatically. With 3x-4x-5x odds, the overall edge on your combined wager falls to roughly 0.37%. With 100x odds, it approaches 0.02%. That is as close to a fair game as you will ever find in a casino.

Where to Play Craps Online

Finding a trustworthy online casino with fair craps rules is essential. The best platforms offer multiple dice game variants, generous odds multiples, and live dealer craps for an authentic experience. Licensed casinos regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or Curacao eGaming are your safest options.

Many top casinos feature live dealer craps powered by Evolution Gaming and other leading providers, bringing the energy of a real casino floor straight to your screen. You can also explore our dedicated table games section for more options and detailed game breakdowns.