A Beginner's Guide To Playing Casino Craps

The craps table is undoubtedly the loudest, most energetic, and most intimidating area on any casino floor.


Despite its complex appearance, the fundamental rules of the game are actually quite simple to grasp.

The Most Important Craps Bet

If you are a complete beginner, the only place you ever need to put your chips is on the 'Pass Line'.


If the first roll of the dice is a 7 or an 11, the entire table celebrates and you double your money.

The Pass Line bet has an incredibly low house edge of just 1.41%, making it one of the best bets in the casinoYou can place 'Odds' behind your Pass Line bet, which is the only wager in the building with a 0% house edgeMost of the crazy proposition bets in the center of the table are terrible mathematically and should be avoided
Unwritten Rules of the Craps Table

Because the game is so fast-paced and physical, strict etiquette rules must be followed to keep things moving safely.


Never let your hands dangle over the felt; if the dice hit your hand and 'seven out', the entire table will blame you.

ActionExplanationDealer ReactionString bettingDropping chips one by one slows the gameDealers will scold you; drop them all at onceTippingDealers work incredibly hard at this gamePlace a bet 'for the boys' to ensure great service

Do not be afraid to tell the dealers you are new; they are usually very helpful and will guide you through the bets.