How to Play Craps at the Casino: Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever walked by a crowded casino table with people cheering loudly after a pair of dice is thrown, chances are, that was the craps table. It might look intense from the outside, but learning how to play craps is actually simple once you understand the flow of the game.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down the craps game rules, teach you the basic craps rules and help you feel confident when stepping up to play. Whether you’re looking for fast action, exciting odds, or just a new casino experience, craps for beginners starts right here.

What Is Craps?

Craps is a fast-paced casino dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll, or series of rolls, of two six-sided dice. The game is played on a specially designed table with a layout full of betting areas, and while it might seem overwhelming at first glance, the core of the game is built around a few simple craps rules.

At its heart, craps is about betting on what you think the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will roll next. Players can bet with or against the shooter, and every roll can result in cheers, groans or major wins.

Basic Craps Rules: How the Game Works

Let’s break down the craps basics. A standard game of craps consists of two main phases:

1. The Come-Out Roll

The come-out roll is the first roll of a new round. Here’s how it plays out:

• If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, it’s an instant win for those betting on the Pass Line.
• If the shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12, it’s called “craps,” and Pass Line bets lose.
• Any other number rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) becomes the point.

2. The Point Phase

Once a point is established, the shooter keeps rolling the dice until one of two things happens:

• If they roll the point number again, Pass Line bets win.
• If they roll a 7, it’s called “seven out,” and Pass Line bets lose.

The shooter continues until they seven out, and then a new round begins.

How Do I Play Craps? Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re brand new and wondering, how do I play craps, here’s your in-depth walkthrough. No jargon, no guessing, just exactly what happens when you walk up to the table and start playing casino craps.

Step 1: Approach the Table and Buy In

You walk up to the craps table, which looks like organized chaos. People are shouting, chips are flying and the dealers are laser-focused. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.

There are no seats, so just find a space along the rail. Place your cash on the felt (never hand it directly to the dealer). They’ll count it out, verify it with the boxman and give you casino chips. Now you’re ready to bet.

Step 2: Place a Pass Line Bet

Before the dice are rolled, you’ll see a puck on the table marked “OFF.” That tells you a new round is about to start, it’s the come-out roll. This is when you place your first bet.

Most beginners start with a Pass Line bet. Just place your chips in the clearly marked area labeled “Pass Line.” This bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the first roll and loses if they roll a 2, 3 or 12, what the game calls “craps.”

This moment is the true start of the round. Your chips are down, the tension builds and the dice are about to fly.

Step 3: The Come-Out Roll

Now the shooter (that might be you if the dice were passed your way) rolls the dice. The stickman gives you five dice to choose from. Pick two and roll them down the table, making sure they bounce off the back wall.

If the result is a 7 or 11, instant win on your Pass Line bet.

If the result is 2, 3 or 12, you lose that bet. That’s the origin of the phrase “crapped out.”

But if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that number becomes the point. The dealer will place the puck on the number to mark it, flipping the puck to “ON.” Now you’re in phase two.

Step 4: The Point Phase Begins

This is the real rhythm of craps with dice. Once the point is established, the shooter keeps rolling. The goal now is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.

If the shooter rolls the point, everyone with a Pass Line bet wins again. If a 7 comes up first, that’s called “sevening out,” and Pass Line bets lose.

During this time, new betting options open up. You can place Odds bets behind your Pass Line wager for better payouts. You might also try Come bets, Place bets or field wagers. But as a beginner, sticking with the Pass Line and Odds bets is a great way to learn.

Step 5: The Round Ends

Eventually, the shooter either hits the point again or sevens out. When the round ends, all bets are resolved, winnings are paid out and a new come-out roll begins.

The dice move clockwise to the next shooter, and the cycle repeats. That flow, from come-out to point to finish, is the heartbeat of the casino game craps rules.

Craps Betting Rules: Common Bets Explained

One of the most intimidating parts of craps is the number of bets available. But here’s the good news: you can have a great time sticking to just a few craps betting rules.

Pass Line

The most common and beginner-friendly bet. It’s placed before the come-out roll.

• Win on a 7 or 11
• Lose on 2, 3 or 12
• Point established? Win if that number is rolled again before a 7

Don’t Pass Line

The opposite of the Pass Line.

• Win on 2 or 3
• Lose on 7 or 11
• Tie on 12 (a “push”)
• After point is set, win if 7 is rolled before the point number

Come and Don’t Come

These bets work just like Pass and Don’t Pass, but they’re made after the point is established. Think of them as mini Pass Line bets during the point phase.

Odds Bets

• Made in addition to your Pass or Come bet.
• These have no house edge, they pay true odds.
• Example: On a Pass Line bet with a point of 6, you can place odds behind your original bet to boost your payout.

Place Bets

You can bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) and win if that number is rolled before a 7.

What Is the 3-4-5 Rule in Craps?

The 3-4-5 rule in craps refers to how much you can bet in Odds based on your original Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet.

• 3x odds on points of 4 or 10
• 4x odds on points of 5 or 9
• 5x odds on points of 6 or 8

This rule helps standardize maximum payouts while keeping the game fair. It’s helpful to understand when playing at casinos with odds bet limits.

Craps Table Layout and Dice Etiquette

When learning how to play craps, you should know the layout and dice etiquette:

Craps Table Layout

The craps table is built for group play. The layout is mirrored on both ends so players can stand on either side and still access all the major betting areas. Everything is designed to make the game flow smoothly.

• The betting areas like Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come and Field appear on both ends of the table. This way, everyone can easily reach the spots they want to play. 
• The center section of the table is where you’ll find proposition bets, which include things like hardways, any craps and other one-roll bets. These are placed through the dealer. 
• Dealers stand in the center of the table, managing the action, handling payouts, moving the puck to mark the point and keeping the pace of the game steady. 

Once you understand the layout, it becomes easier to follow the action and know where to place your bets. If you’re just learning how to play craps, this is a great first step to feeling more confident at the table.

Dice Etiquette

Dice etiquette is taken seriously in craps. The shooter has a specific role, and how you handle the dice affects the integrity of the game. Here are the key rules you need to follow every time:

• Always use one hand when picking up and throwing the dice. This is standard across all casinos. 
• Make sure the dice hit the back wall of the table. This ensures a fair roll and is required by house rules. 
• Never switch dice once they’ve been passed to you. Use the same two dice until the roll is complete or the dealer offers a new set. 
• Keep the dice visible and above the table at all times. Avoid bringing them near your chips or anything off the felt. 

Knowing the layout is only half of playing craps. Respecting the rules of the dice shows you’re serious about learning the game the right way. And that earns you respect from the table and the dealers alike.

Tips for Craps for Beginners

If you’re just getting started with craps, a few smart habits can make a big difference. The game moves quickly, and there’s a lot happening at once, so it helps to begin with a clear plan. These beginner-friendly tips will help you ease in without getting overwhelmed.

1. Stick to the Pass Line First

Start by placing a bet on the Pass Line. It’s the most straightforward wager on the table and has one of the lowest house edges in the casino. You’ll win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, and lose if they roll a 2, 3 or 12. If any other number is rolled, that becomes the point, and you’re hoping it’s rolled again before a 7.

This is the best place for new players to begin. It keeps things simple while still letting you feel involved in the action.

2. Take Advantage of the Odds Bet

Once a point is established and you’re comfortable with how the game works, add an Odds bet behind your Pass Line bet. This is one of the only bets in the casino with no house edge. You’ll need to put extra chips behind your original bet, and the payout will depend on the point.

Odds bets aren’t marked on the table, but the dealers know exactly what they are. Ask if you’re unsure, and they’ll guide you through it.

3. Avoid Proposition Bets at First

The center of the table is filled with what’s called “prop bets.” These include one-roll bets like any seven, hardways and other flashy options. While they may look fun, the odds aren’t in your favor.

Until you’ve seen a few rounds and understand how the game flows, it’s smart to stay away from these bets. They’re tempting, but they’re not ideal for learning the game or preserving your bankroll.

4. Watch the Table Before You Jump In

Before placing your first chips, step back and watch a few rolls. See how the dealer calls the game, where bets are placed, and how players interact with the table. It only takes a few minutes to get the rhythm of the game, and this quick observation will help you avoid beginner mistakes.

Even seasoned players take a moment to watch the table before buying in. It’s a smart move, especially if it’s your first time playing craps in a live casino setting.

Is Snake Eyes Good or Bad in Craps?

Snake eyes (rolling two 1s) is a total of 2, and it’s usually bad news for Pass Line bettors. It’s an automatic loss on the come-out roll if you’ve bet the Pass Line. However, it’s a win for Don’t Pass bets.

Play Craps With Confidence

Now that you understand the basic craps rules, how the dice flow and what to expect at the table, you’re ready to put that knowledge into action. The game might seem fast-paced at first, but once you get a few bets down and follow the rhythm of the table, it starts to feel natural. Craps is one of the most social and exciting games in any casino, which is exactly why so many players keep coming back to it.

When you’re ready to give it a try, head to the craps tables at Riverwind Casino. The environment is welcoming, the dealers are experienced and the energy at the table makes it easy to get comfortable, even if you’re new to the game. Whether you’re stepping up as the shooter or placing a few smart bets to get a feel for things, Riverwind is the ideal place to get in on the action.

So the next time someone asks how to play craps, you won’t just know the answer. You’ll be ready to lead the way.

Come to Riverwind Casino and roll your way to big wins today!