Craps is a popular game, but there is a general assumption that it’s complex. This misconception makes some people not want to play the thrilling game. First, you should know that learning to play Craps is simple, as you only need to know the rules. If you want to know how Craps works at Canadian online casinos, this guide will help.
Origins & History of Craps
Craps goes back to the 12th century, especially during the Crusades. There were tales that the soldiers used to play the dice game during the war, but it was more complex than Craps. An earlier mention of Craps was in the 1392 book Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
It was popular in France in the 14th century, but some believe a French aristocrat brought it to the US in the 19th century. Others say the French sailors brought the dice game to New Orleans. It was only a matter of time before the dice game spread across the United States.
Craps became popular at casinos in the 20th century; Today, it’s part of the popular games at online casinos in Canada. As a Craps player, you aim to predict the outcome when a shooter rolls the dice.
Rules of Craps
In Craps, there are rules that you must abide by. The first rule of the game is that the game must have two six-sided dice. Also, you need to get the correct credits when making your bet. A traditional craps game will require a four-man crew comprising two dealers, a boxman, and a stickman. In addition, you can only tell the dealer the bet you want to make.
Before any round begins, it’s important to know the bet limit. The person who rolls the dice is the shooter in the game. In Craps, all players can make a bet on the dice roll.
Here is our step-by-step guide to playing this casino game.
- Start with a Bet: You can place a bet to begin the game, but it must begin with the pass-line bet. When making a pass line bet, you’re predicting that the dice will roll a 7 or 11.
- Roll the dice: When the shooter rolls the dice, it marks the start of the game.
- Check your first bets: After the shooter makes the roll check the results to know your next move. Your bet wins if the dice rolls a 7 or 11 and you can collect your winnings. You will lose your bet if the dice rolls numbers 2, 3, or 12.
- Set a point number: Set a point if the shooter rolls a number that isn’t part of the pass line bet or doesn’t pass bet. The game will continue, and you don’t need to make another bet.
- Add to your bet: You can still add more bets to your stake before the second roll. You can bet on the point number, a 7, or a random number.
- Make another roll: Next, the shooter rolls the dice again, and if you bet wins you can collect your winnings. It will mark the end of the round.
Understanding Craps Table Layout
When you place your chips on a section of the table, it means you have made your bet. So, the value of your wager will determine the chips you have on the table.
When playing Craps, you’ll observe that there are several sections on the table. There is the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Bar, Big 6 and Big 8, Field, Come and Don’t Come, Place; and centre of the table.
You can place different bets on each section of the table. Also, the centre of the table has specific dice patterns you can bet on.
Types of Bets in Craps
Even though it takes luck to win at Craps, you must know the types of bets in the game. Some of the notable bets in Craps are Come Bet, Don’t Come Bet, Odds Bet, Place Bet, Buy Bet, and Hardways Bet.
The RTP for Craps at most online casinos varies between 98% to 99.5%, giving players an edge. So, the house edge will depend on the bet you place.
The easiest way to calculate the odds is to analyze negative bets like the don’t pass or don’t come bets. These options usually have a lower house edge. For instance, the house edge for pass line bets and come bets is 1.41%, while the don’t pass and don’t come bets are 1.36%.
Below are the odds for the different Craps bets:
| Craps Bet | House Edge |
| Pass Line | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass | 1.36% |
| Pass Odds | 0% |
| Don’t Pass Odds | 0% |
| Come | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come | 1.36% |
| Place Bets | 6.7%; 4%; 1.5% |
| Buy | 4.76% |
| Lay | 2.44%; 3.23%; 4% |
| Big 6 or 8 | 9.09% |
| Hardways | 11.1%; 9.09% |
Pass Line & Don’t Pass Line Bets
There is a Pass Line bet and a Don’t Pass bet in Craps, but these options are for beginners. If you’re new to Craps, it is best to use these basic bets until you master the game. You need to know the difference between the Pass Line and the Don’t Pass when playing at online casinos.
It is a pass line if the dice rolls a 7 or an 11 and Don’t Pass it rolls a 2 or a 3. If you choose these two options and the dice rolls a 12, the bet becomes a push. Also, the game will restart if the dice rolls other numbers.
Craps Strategy and Tips
Before you begin the game of Craps, here are some valuable tips to help you increase your winning odds:
Practice the Game:
Play craps more often before you stake real money. You can play the free version online to master the game and develop your strategy.
Know When to Leave:
You can get carried away when playing Craps at online casinos. It’s a very entertaining game, and sometimes can be difficult to quit. It is better to set a time limit when playing Craps.
Have a Bankroll Management:
Set your budget before you begin playing Craps. You can set a limit within your budget.
Craps Etiquette
You should have rules to help you maintain good conduct during the game. Here are some of the etiquette to keep in mind when playing Craps:
- When the game starts, giving the dealer cash is improper.
- The game requires transparency; allow other players to see the dice when shooting.
- It is wrong to buy-in during the game, and it is better to avoid it.
- When rolling the dice, please save time.
Craps Variations
You can play different versions of Craps at the best online casinos in Canada. Some of the popular ones include:
Crapless Craps
Crapless Craps is one of the different versions of the classic game. It’s sometimes called the Ruse or Bastard craps at some online casinos. The difference between the classic version and this game is that you won’t lose if the dice rolls a 2, 3, or 12 in a pass line bet.
Low Limit Craps
It’s pretty much the same as the classic Craps, except for players with a smaller budget. You’ll hardly find low-limit craps at land-based Casinos, but it’s common online.
High Limit Craps
It is the opposite of the Low Limit version but also like the classic version. The difference is that High Limit Craps is more risky, and it is for players who can stake more. You can bet up to CAD1,000 or even more in High Limit Craps.
Playing Craps Online
There are many reasons why it’s better to play Craps online than at traditional casinos. One is that you can practice the game anytime online by playing the demo version. Also, you can play different variations of Craps online, not just the classic game. You also don’t need to drive to a casino to play Craps. Instead, you can play Craps from home or while on the go. Playing Craps online offers you the privacy you won’t get at a brick-and-mortar casino.
Below is a quick comparison of the features of virtual Craps and Live Dealer Craps:
Virtual Craps
Virtual Craps are the regular games at online casinos, and some of the best software providers host them. Some of the features include
- It uses random number generator (RNG) technology that ensures no cheating.
- You are playing against the computer, not with other players.
- Virtual Craps offers several versions beyond just the classic game.
- You can play the demo version of the virtual Craps game without risking your money.
Live Dealer Craps
The live dealers also offer features similar to virtual games. Some of them are:
- It offers a real casino experience similar to brick-and-mortar casinos.
- Live Dealer Craps is an interactive game where you can meet people.
- The game is streamed live at a real studio.
- The dealers, chips, and tables are all real.
- The game doesn’t use RNG; the dealer moves the chips.
Famous Craps Moments
There have been some notable wins over the years in craps, which has made the game so popular. Stanley Fujitake won over $1,000,000 in 3 hours at the California Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in May 1989. Stanley made 118 rolls before passing the dice.
Patricia Demauro is another winning moment to remember. She beat Stanley Fujitake’s record after twenty years. She holds the title of the longest-ever Craps roll. Patricia made 154 rolls in 4 hours and 18 minutes.
