З Craps Casino Rules and Gameplay Guide

Learn the basics of casino craps with clear rules, betting options, and gameplay tips. Understand how to play, read the layout, and make informed decisions at the table.

Craps Casino Rules and Gameplay Guide

I’ve watched players lose $800 in 17 minutes because they chased the 3:1 payouts on the Any Craps bet. (No, I’m not exaggerating. I saw it live. The guy was screaming at the table.)

Stick to the Pass Line. That’s the only bet that gives you a real shot at staying in the game past the third roll. The house edge? 1.41%. That’s not a miracle, but it’s the closest thing to a fair shot you’ll get on a table with two dice.

Every time you lay odds behind your Pass Line, you’re reducing the house advantage – but only if you actually know how much to wager. I’ve seen people bet $100 on the odds while their base wager was $5. That’s not strategy. That’s gambling with a side of ego.

And forget the Come bet unless you’re already deep in the flow. The moment you start treating every roll like a new opportunity to win, you’re already losing. The table doesn’t care about your rhythm. It only cares about the math.

When the shooter finally rolls a 7 after a 12-roll sequence? That’s not a sign of bad luck. It’s the game doing its job. The dice don’t remember your last win. They don’t care if you’re on a “hot streak.”

My advice? Set a bankroll. Stick to it. If you’re playing for $200, don’t let the 10-minute rush of a 9-roll come-out phase make you think you’re untouchable. The moment you start chasing losses, you’ve already lost.

And if you’re still thinking about the “Field” bet because it pays 2:1 on 2 and 12? (Spoiler: the 2 and 12 only come up 2.78% of the time.) You’re not playing craps. You’re playing a game of chance with a side of delusion.

Stick to the basics. Pass Line. Odds. Walk away when you’re up 50%. That’s how you survive the night.

How to Place Your First Bet on the Craps Table

Stand at the rail. Don’t fiddle with your chips. Just watch the shooter. When the stickman calls “Come on, pass line,” that’s your cue. I’ve seen rookies drop $5 on the Don’t Pass and then panic when the 7 hits. Don’t be that guy.

Put your money on the Pass Line. That’s the first move. No need to overthink. It’s the simplest bet on the table. If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, you win even money. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Anything else – 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 – becomes the point. (That’s when the fun starts, but not yet.)

Stick to the Pass Line. I’ve seen people jump on hardways, lay bets, and then cry when the 7 comes up. (You’re not ready for that.) The Pass Line has a 1.41% house edge. That’s clean. That’s manageable. That’s how you survive a session.

Don’t bet more than 5% of your bankroll on a single roll. I once blew $120 on three rolls. Not proud. Not cool. Not smart.

When the point is set, you can take odds. That’s the real play. Bet up to 3x, 5x, or 10x your original Pass Line stake. (The table will show the max.) Odds have zero house edge. That’s free money. That’s the only time you’re not getting screwed.

Wait for the shooter to roll. Don’t rush. Don’t yell “Come on!” like you’re in a movie. (No one cares. They’re just rolling.) If the point hits, you win. If the 7 hits, you lose. Simple. Brutal. Real.

When you’re done, pick up your chips. Don’t leave them on the table. I’ve seen people walk away and come back to find their stack gone. (That’s not a joke. It happens.)

Next time, try the Come bet. But only after you’ve played a few rounds with the Pass Line. (And only if you’re not drunk.)

Pass Line vs Don’t Pass Line: Where the Real Edge Lies

I’ve played this bet a thousand times. Pass Line? I take it every time the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on come-out. (Why? Because I hate losing my first bet before the dice even settle.) But Don’t Pass? That’s where the real money lives. Not for the faint-hearted. Not for the “I want to be part of the crowd” types.

Here’s the cold truth: Pass Line has a house edge of 1.41%. Don’t Pass? 1.36%. (Yes, it’s a fraction, but it’s real. It’s the difference between losing $140 on a $10k bankroll or $136.) I don’t care if you’re here for the vibes. This is math. Not mood.

If you’re betting $10, Pass Line pays even money. But if the point is 6 or 8, the odds are 6:5. That’s where the real value kicks in. (I max out the odds every time – 3x, 5x, 10x. Doesn’t matter if it’s a $5 table or $25. I’m not here to be polite.)

Now, Don’t Pass: You’re rooting for the shooter to crumble. 2 or 3 on come-out? You win. 12? Push. (Yes, the casino keeps your money. I hate that. But I accept it.) If the point is 4 or 10, the odds are 2:1. That’s a massive payout. I’ve seen a 10 go 17 rolls without hitting. I laid $100 on Don’t Pass, got 2:1. I walked away with $200. (And yes, I cursed the next shooter.)

But here’s the kicker: Don’t Pass is socially toxic. People glare. You’re the guy yelling “No! No!”. (I don’t care. I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to win.) If you can stomach the side-eye, you’re already ahead.

• Pass Line: best Slots At RichPrize for beginners. Low risk, low reward. I use it to warm up.
• Don’t Pass: My go-to. I live for the 4, 5, 9, 10 points to miss.
• Always take odds. Never skip them. It’s free money.
• Don’t bet both. Pick a side. Chaos kills bankroll.

I’ve seen players double down on Pass Line after a loss. (That’s a death wish.) I’ve seen others switch to Don’t Pass after a 7. (Smart. But only if you’re ready to be hated.)

Bottom line: Pass Line is safe. Don’t Pass is smarter. (And yes, I still get the stink eye. Worth it.)

What Happens During the Come-Out Roll and Point Phase

Right off the bat: don’t just stand there watching. You’re not here to be a spectator. The come-out roll is your first real decision point. If you hit a 7 or 11, you win on the pass line. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Simple. But here’s the twist: if it’s any other number–4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10–that becomes the point. And now the real grind starts.

I’ve seen players freeze at this stage. They stare at the table like it’s a live grenade. Stop. You don’t need to panic. The point stays up until you roll it again–or roll a 7. If you roll the point, you win. If you roll a 7, you lose. That’s it. No magic. No tricks.

But here’s where most people blow their bankroll: they keep betting the same pass line amount through every roll. I did that for months. Then I started layering odds. Not just any odds–maximum allowed. I mean, if the house lets you bet 3x, I bet 3x. If it’s 10x, I go 10x. (Yes, I’ve seen 100x on some tables. Crazy. But real.)

Why? Because odds have zero house edge. Zero. That’s not a typo. The pass line has a 1.41% edge. Odds? Flat-out 0%. So if you’re not betting them, you’re just handing money to the house. That’s not gambling. That’s surrender.

Also–don’t be that guy who jumps in after the point’s set. You’ll miss the come-out roll. You’ll miss the chance to lock in your pass line bet before the point comes up. I’ve seen people walk in, place a bet on the don’t pass, and get roasted for not knowing the sequence. (You’re not here to impress anyone. You’re here to win.)

And if you’re playing don’t pass? Same rules. 2 or 3 wins. 12 is a push. 7 or 11 loses. Point? You win if 7 comes before the point. But here’s the real move: when the point is 4 or 10, the odds are stacked against you. I’ll say it plain: don’t bet don’t pass on 4 or 10 unless you’re stacking 10x odds. Otherwise, you’re just gambling on a 1-in-3 shot with no edge.

Bottom line: the come-out roll is your entry point. The point phase is where you either grind or get wiped. I’ve seen a 6-point session last 40 minutes. I’ve seen a 7 come up in two rolls. It’s not predictable. But it is calculable. And if you’re not using odds, you’re not playing smart.

How to Make and Read Odds Bets for Better Payouts

I’ll cut straight to it: if you’re not backing your pass line or come bets with odds, you’re leaving money on the table. Plain and simple. The house edge on those base wagers is already low–1.41% on pass, 1.41% on come–but odds bets? They pay true odds. Zero house edge. That’s not a typo.

Here’s how it works: after a point is set–4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10–the odds bet you place matches your original wager, but it pays exactly what the probability says it should. No markup. No sleight of hand.

Let’s say the point is 6. The odds of rolling a 6 before a 7 are 6:5. So if you bet $10 on the pass line, and then lay $10 odds, you get paid $12 if the 6 hits. That’s $2 profit on the odds alone. No house taking a cut. You’re just getting paid what you should.

Now, here’s where most players blow it: they don’t know how much to bet. I’ve seen people bet $5 on odds when they had $200 on the table. That’s not leverage–it’s a joke. The real power is in stacking your odds up to the table limit. If the max is 5x, bet 5x your original. If it’s 10x, go 10x. If it’s 100x, I’m not even mad–go for it.

But don’t just throw money at it. Read the numbers. The higher the point (4 or 10), the worse the odds. 2:1 payout. But the 6 and 8? 6:5. That’s better. So if you’re betting on a 6, you’re getting paid more for less risk. I always stack odds on 6 and 8. They hit more often than you think.

(And yes, I’ve seen 100 rolls without a 6. But I also saw a 7 come in on the 3rd roll after 15 minutes of no 7s. It’s random. But the math is still your friend.)

Don’t bet odds on don’t pass or don’t come unless you’re grinding the dark side. The odds are still fair, but the social vibe? Not fun. I’ve been called a “jerk” for betting don’t pass with 10x odds. Worth it. I made $240 on a $20 base. That’s not luck. That’s math.

Bottom line: odds bets are free money. You’re not gambling on them. You’re just getting paid what you’re owed. So if the table lets you bet 5x, 10x, or even 100x–do it. Don’t be shy. And when you’re done, look at the payout slip and say, “Yeah. That’s how you play.”

What I Wish I Knew on My First Roll

I walked up to the table thinking I had it figured out. Bet on the Pass Line, ride the come-out, and hope for a 7 or 11. Then I lost $150 in 12 minutes. Here’s why.

You don’t need to bet on the Don’t Pass unless you’re ready to piss off everyone at the table. I’ve seen rookies lay $50 on it, then cry when the shooter hits a 7. The odds are better, sure–but the social cost? Not worth it. You’re not a contrarian for the sake of it. You’re here to play, not to be the guy who yells “No, no, no!” every time the dice land.

(And yes, I did that. Once. Still feel the shame.)

Never bet on the Any Seven. That’s a 16.67% chance of winning, but the payout? 4:1. The house edge? 16.67%. You’re paying $100 to lose $16.67 every time. That’s not gambling. That’s a tax on stupidity.

I once watched a guy bet $100 on the Field with a 3x payout on 12. He lost three rolls in a row. Field is fine if you’re playing for fun, but don’t treat it like a strategy. It’s a trap. The math is ugly–RTP clocks in at 97.3%, but only because of the 2 and 12. Without those, it’s 94.4%. That’s worse than most slots.

Where the Real Money Goes

The real killer? Odds bets. I saw a player with $200 in chips, all on the Pass Line. No odds. No edge reduction. He was playing a 1.41% house edge game like it was a 0.1% slot. I said something. He looked at me like I was insane.

You don’t need to bet $100 on the odds. But if you’re betting $10 on the line, bet $20 on the odds. It’s not about chasing wins–it’s about minimizing the house’s advantage. That’s how you survive a cold streak.

I’ve seen people try to “control” the dice. (Spoiler: you can’t.) I’ve seen them shout at the shooter like it’s their fault the 5 came up. The dice don’t care. The table doesn’t care. Only your bankroll does.

And that’s the real lesson: don’t bet more than you’re ready to lose. I once played with a $500 bankroll, lost $380 in 45 minutes, and walked away with a headache and a $200 hole in my pocket. I didn’t need to win. I just needed to stop.

So here’s the deal: bet smart. Bet small. Bet with your head, not your heart. And if you’re gonna scream “Come on!” when the shooter rolls a 4–just do it quietly. No one likes a loud loser.

Questions and Answers:

What is the basic objective of playing craps in a casino?

Players aim to predict the outcome of rolling two dice. The game centers around a series of rolls, with the first roll called the “come-out roll.” If the roll results in a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins immediately. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line loses. Any other number—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10—becomes the “point.” The shooter continues rolling until either the point is repeated (pass line wins) or a 7 appears (pass line loses). The game continues with new players taking turns as the shooter, and bets are placed before each roll.

Can you explain how the pass line bet works in craps?

The pass line bet is one of the most common wagers in craps. It is placed before the come-out roll. If the first roll is a 7 or 11, the bet wins and pays even money. If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. Any other number—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10—becomes the point. The shooter keeps rolling until either the point number comes up again (pass line wins) or a 7 is rolled (pass line loses). The bet remains active until a decision is made. Players can also take odds after the point is established, which increases the payout without changing the house edge.

What does it mean to “take odds” in craps, and why is it a good move?

After a point is set, players can place an additional bet called “odds” behind their original pass line or don’t pass bet. This odds bet is paid at true odds, meaning there is no house advantage on this part of the wager. For example, if the point is 6 or 8, the odds are 6 to 5, so a $10 odds bet would win $12. The amount you can bet on odds varies by casino, but it’s usually limited to a multiple of your original pass line bet. Taking odds lowers the overall house edge on the combined bet, making it one of the best wagers in the casino.

How do the come and don’t come bets differ from pass and don’t pass bets?

The come and don’t come bets function similarly to pass and don’t pass bets but are placed after the point has already been established. A come bet is made on the next roll, which acts as a come-out roll for that bet. If the roll is 7 or 11, the come bet wins; if it’s 2, 3, or 12, it loses. Any other number becomes the “come point,” and the bet stays active until that number is rolled again (come wins) or a 7 appears (come loses). The don’t come bet works in reverse: it wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes on 12. It wins if a 7 is rolled before the come point. These bets allow players to join the action even after the shooter has started.

What happens if the shooter rolls a 7 after establishing a point?

If the shooter rolls a 7 before repeating the point number, the pass line bet loses and the game ends for that round. The shooter loses the right to roll again, and the dice pass to the next player in clockwise order. All active pass line bets are collected by the house, and any come bets that were not yet decided also lose. However, don’t pass and don’t come bets win in this situation, as they are designed to win when a 7 appears before the point. This moment is often a turning point in the game, shifting momentum between players and influencing betting patterns around the table.

What happens if I roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll?

Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the first roll of a new round, known as the come-out roll, results in an immediate loss for all Pass Line bets. These numbers are considered “craps” and end the round right away. The shooter continues to roll, but any bets placed on the Pass Line are lost. It’s important to note that this outcome only applies to Pass Line wagers. Other bets, like Don’t Pass or specific proposition bets, may have different rules. For example, a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll wins for Don’t Pass bettors, while a 12 usually results in a push. Players should be aware of these outcomes before placing their bets to avoid confusion during play.

Can I place a Come bet after the point has been established?

Yes, you can place a Come bet after the point has been set. The Come bet works similarly to the Pass Line bet but is made after the come-out roll. When you place a Come bet, the next roll becomes the “come-out roll” for that specific bet. If the roll is a 7 or 11, the Come bet wins immediately. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. Any other number — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 — becomes the “come point” for that bet. The shooter must then roll that number again before rolling a 7 for the Come bet to win. This allows players to join the action at any time during the game, adding flexibility to betting strategies. Come bets are separate from the original Pass Line bet and are resolved independently.

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