The game of dice captivates from the first roll. Dynamics, energy and strategic possibilities make the gambling pastime one of the most popular in casinos. That’s why craps is something that will never go out of fashion. And that is what our article is dedicated to.
Gambling as an art, or what is craps?
In land-based casinos, a craps table is the standard 12 by 4 feet, covered in green cloth and marked with lines for different bets. The table is surrounded by special walls that help the dice bounce. The online casino uses graphic simulators on engines such as Unity or HTML5, which ensures smooth animations and simulation of a real table.
Wagers with payouts of up to 30:1 are available for players, such as for Hard 12. The mechanics of the game are simple: two standard six-sided dice (perfectly balanced) decide the fate of each bet. This combination of chance and strategy appeals to beginners and professionals alike, providing an immersive gambling experience.
How the roll of the dice changed the world of gambling
Craps is a simplified version of the medieval game of Hazard, which was brought from England to America. In the early stages, players used non-ideal wooden dice and the rules varied from region to region. As casinos developed, particularly in New Orleans, John H. Wynn developed simplified rules and added Don’t Pass bets, making the game more balanced.
Today’s craps dice are made of acrylic resin, have 19mm faces and are tested for even weight and balance. Each facet is painted with a special varnish to protect it from wear and tear. In modern casinos, the dice are replaced every 8 hours to eliminate the risk of counterfeiting.
In the online format, the game is supported by developers such as Evolution Gaming and Playtech. Random Number Generators (RNGs) are certified by independent organisations such as eCOGRA to ensure the fairness of each throw.
The rules that decide the fate of each throw
Craps is a game that starts with a “come-out” throw. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the Pass Line bet wins. A roll of 2, 3 or 12 means a loss (craps). If it is any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), it becomes a “point”. The shooter continues to roll until either a “point” or a 7 is rolled, which ends the round. Extras:
- Pass Line: the most popular bet with a 1:1 payout ratio and a casino advantage of 1.41%.
- Field: offers payouts of 2:1 for 2 and 3:1 for 12. For example, betting $10 on Field on a roll of 12 brings $30.
- Odds Bets: additional bets without casino advantage. For example, for a “point” 6, the payout ratio is 6:5.
Bets are accepted before the start of the roll, and clear rules help avoid confusion. Beginners often start with Pass Line to learn the basics and minimise risk.
Betting varieties: where the risk is justified
There are dozens of bets available in craps, each with its own peculiarities:
- Pass Line: payout is 1:1 at 7 or 11. The casino advantage is 1.41%.
- Don’t Pass Line: bet on the opposite outcome. Payout is 1:1, casino advantage is 1.36%.
- Field: bet on a roll of 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. Payout odds are 2:1 for 2 and 3:1 for 12.
- Place Bets: bet on certain numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). For example, a $5 bet on a 6 will pay out $7.
- Hardways: a bet on a pair of identical numbers, e.g. 3+3 for 6. The payout is 9:1, but the probability is less than 10%.
The varieties of solutions allow you to choose between high risk and low casino advantage. For example, Hardways are attractive for lovers of big winnings, while Place 6 and “Place 8 are suitable for those who prefer stable payouts.
First steps into the world of dice
Beginning players should focus on simple craps bets – this is, for example, Pass Line with minimal risk. To start, it is important to:
- Bankroll: beginner players set a deposit of $50 to $100.
- Minimum bets: most tables offer minimum bets between $1 and $5.
- Demo modes: online casinos provide free practice sessions to learn the rules.
For example, by betting $5 on Pass Line and setting the “point” to 6, a player can complement the Odds bet with a 6 to 5 payout. If a 6 to 7 is rolled, the total winnings would be $11 ($5 for the main bet and $6 for the Odds). Craps for beginners is ideal for learning without significant losses.
Popular craps strategies: from excitement to skill
Players use strategies to minimise risk and increase the chances of success:
- 3-Point Molly: Pass Line with the addition of two Come Bets and Odds.
- Iron Cross: Field and Place Bets to cover most numbers. For example, bets of $5 on Field and $6 each on 6 and 8 provide frequent wins.
- Parlay: doubling bets after a win. For example, starting with $5, the player doubles to $10, then to $20.
Craps in virtual space
Online craps is a digital game that provides players with comfort and convenience. The main benefits are:
- Welcome bonuses: up to 100% of your first deposit, such as $200 when you deposit the same amount.
- Minimum bets: from $0.1, which is suitable for training.
- Flexibility: the game is available on mobile devices while maintaining quality graphics and smooth animations.
Platforms like Evolution Gaming offer games with live dealers and high quality graphics. Random number generators ensure that every throw is fair.
Craps is a game for everyone
Craps is not just a game, but a philosophy where every roll of the dice becomes a symbol of risk and hope. The format offers a unique atmosphere of excitement where every action counts. This game is simple and fun, so it is suitable for everyone.