Few casino games create the kind of noise and excitement that craps does. Walk into any casino and you’ll likely hear cheers, groans, and the clatter of dice against the table walls. Craps is one of the most social and energetic games on the floor, where players gather around, rooting for the shooter and riding the highs and lows together.
The Origins of Craps
Craps evolved from an English game called Hazard, which dates back to the 12th century. French settlers brought a simplified version, “crapaud,” to Louisiana in the 18th century. Over time, the game adapted into what we now know as craps, becoming especially popular in New Orleans before spreading across the United States. Today, it remains a cornerstone of casino culture.
How Craps Works
At first glance, craps can seem overwhelming due to the many bets on the table, but the game revolves around a simple concept: predicting the outcome of a pair of dice.
- Come-Out Roll – The shooter rolls two dice.
- If the total is 7 or 11, it’s a natural win.
- If it’s 2, 3, or 12, it’s craps, and the round ends in a loss for most bets.
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point.
- Point Phase – Once a point is established, the shooter keeps rolling until they roll the point again (win) or a 7 (lose).
Popular Bets in Craps
- Pass Line Bet – The most common bet. You win if the shooter rolls a natural or makes the point, and lose if they roll craps or a 7-out.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet – The opposite of the Pass Line. You win if the shooter loses.
- Come and Don’t Come Bets – Similar to Pass/Don’t Pass but placed after the point is established.
- Odds Bets – An additional wager behind Pass or Don’t Pass bets, paying true odds with no house edge.
- Proposition Bets – One-roll bets such as predicting a specific number. These carry high payouts but also high house edges.
Why Players Love Craps
- Social Atmosphere – Unlike slots or blackjack, craps is communal. Players often cheer together for the shooter’s success.
- Fast Action – Rolls happen quickly, and money moves around the table fast.
- Flexible Betting – From low-risk Pass Line bets to risky one-roll wagers, craps offers something for every play style.
- Low House Edge – With proper bets, craps can be one of the best games for players, with house edges as low as 1.4% (or even 0% with odds bets).
Craps in Popular Culture
Craps has long been featured in movies and literature as a glamorous, high-energy game. Scenes of players shouting for a “seven” or “snake eyes” capture the tension and excitement that make craps so iconic.
Online Craps
Though craps thrives in physical casinos due to its social aspect, online casinos have adapted it successfully. Digital versions replicate the table layout, while live dealer craps streams bring real-time dice action to players at home. For newcomers, online play can be less intimidating since it allows practice without the pressure of a crowd.
Strategy Tips for Craps
- Stick to Pass Line and Come bets for steady play.
- Always take Odds Bets, since they pay true odds.
- Avoid Proposition Bets unless playing for fun, as their house edge is high.
- Manage your bankroll carefully, as the speed of play can make losses mount quickly.
Conclusion
Craps is more than just a dice game—it’s an experience. Its mix of strategy, keonhacai energy, and camaraderie sets it apart from other casino offerings. Whether you’re a first-timer watching the action unfold or a seasoned player shouting alongside the crowd, craps delivers some of the most thrilling moments you’ll find in any casino.