Craps Rules - Play and Win with Our Online Casinos Canada Guide

Quintin van Wyk by Quintin van Wyk Reading time: 19min

Craps rules apply to all forms of the dice game, including games played in physical and online casinos. So, understanding how to play the game and employ the best craps strategies gives you a better chance of winning when playing for real money. Read the following guide compiled by experts in popular 2024 casino games to understand craps and claim exclusive bonuses that can propel you to the ranks of the biggest winners in Canada.

play online craps

Craps Rules - Learn the Basics

Fast action on the craps table makes the game very entertaining. The items used in the craps table include a pair of dice, chips representing the value of a player's bet, and a table with markings. As many as 20 players can take part in the game, taking turns to shoot the dice and predict the score after the pair comes to a stop. For the basic bets to be valid, you must put down the wager before shooting dice. Due to the quick action in the game, you need to pay attention at every stage so that you don't miss out, as explained in this Online-Casinos.ca guide.

Every Game Begins with a Bet

The rules on all craps tables require the shooter to place their bet before the action begins. All bets must be within the limits allowed on a specific game, which varies in different online casinos. Craps rules give the player a choice of two options in the first wager. You can bet on the dice outcome of passing the line or failing to pass the line. Betting on passing the line simply means predicting that the dice will land on a 7 or 11, while placing a don't pass bet predicts that the dice will land on a 2, 3, or 12. Once you understand the basics, you can incorporate some of the best Craps betting strategies to further increase your chances of winning in 2024.

Roll the Dice

Once the first bet is placed, the shooter is handed a pair of dice to toss. On a physical table, the action is hands-on, while the online craps version has a button to trigger a throw of the dice. This first throw sets the base for the rest of the game and is commonly known as the "Comeout Roll."

Check the First Bet

Compare the outcome of the dice with the bets placed. That is, check if your pass bet or don't pass bet has won. You win instantly on a pass bet if the combined outcome on the dice is 7 or 11, and win on the don't pass bet if the dice outcome is 2, 3, or 12. Any other outcome on the dice keeps the wagers in play for a second round of rolling the dice and establishes a point on the craps table.

Establish a Point

Shooters establish a point on the number rolled in the initial dice roll, which does not end up winning them the pass bet or don't pass bet. That is the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Once you establish the point, you need to roll the dice until you roll the point number a second time, or until you roll a 7. All this while, your pass and don't pass wager remain in play.

Add More Bets

Establishing a point opens up more chances to win or lose, with openings to place more bets on multiple numbers, landing the point number one more time, or losing the initial bet with a roll that ends with the value 7. If you anticipate that you might reach this point, it is wise to keep a small stash of your bankroll for side bets.

Continue to 7 or Point

Each round of shooting the dice without landing the point number or a 7 is yet another chance to place a wager. This continues until the dice roll is a 7 or the point.

Round Ends

Landing the point number or 7 ends the round. Pass line bets win if the point number comes before the 7, while landing a 7 before the point number causes all pass-line bets to lose and the don't pass line bets to win.

How to Play Online Casino Craps

Players from Canada who can follow the simple online casino craps rules have many options on sites where they can enjoy a quick game or join a live dealer session for long terms gaming. With many operators fighting to stay ahead of competing craps casinos, they sometimes throw in cash bonuses on matching deposit bonuses or no deposit coupons to lure in new members. Such promos make online craps so exciting, and here is what you can do to get in on the action:

  1. Find a Reliable Casino: Canadians are lucky to live in a region with friendly gambling laws and lots of choices of platforms to join. To pick the best craps casino, punters consider the license owned, reputation, and ease of accessing help from support.
  2. Register A User Account: Create a user profile with your casino of choice and use your email and phone number for verification. Preferably stick to your name as it appears on official government documents so that they match with the names on payment provider accounts.
  3. Claim A Cash Bonus: Use awarded bonus codes on the promotions page if available to claim cash bonuses. Remember to read all the rules for craps and bonuses to know if the promo cash is valid on the craps table. Otherwise, deposit real money into your account to buy your seat on the craps table.
  4. Choose Craps Game: Head to the lobby or games page and open the table games section. Depending on the site you join, you might have the option of searching for craps by filtering table games by name or developer. Read up on the applicable craps table rules and check if the bet limits match the amount you wish to spend.
  5. Place your Bet: Set the amount you wish to bet on craps. Usually, online games allow punters to switch between supported currencies. If that applies, set the game to display CAD as the currency to help you track your spending and winnings.
  6. Throw the Dice: Press the play now button or start to throw the dice on the table. When playing on a live dealer table, realistic animations show how the dice roll, and the dealer announces the close of the betting session before the dice are handed to the shooter.
  7. Check the Outcome: Compare the outcome of the dice to see if your original bet won. Here, you can proceed to set a point and roll the dice more times until you land a 7 or the point. In addition, you can place more bets on additional numbers.
  8. Claim Winnings: If you follow the rules, Craps winnings can be high and the game can pay well if the dice land in your favor, after which you can claim instant winnings from the cashier. But if you play with a bonus, you must first wager real money on the game or alternative betting options to meet wagering requirements to keep what you win.
  9. Come Back to Play Again: Whether you win or lose, craps offers an unmatched form of entertainment which is enough to keep punters coming back to enjoy the game. Moreover, developers operating in the Canadian market have developed loads of unique craps games and live dealer options, where you can enjoy a fresh experience each time you play online.
craps betting strategies

Betting Rules for Online Casino Craps

When learning how to play craps, the rules are the most crucial basics you need to know to build a strong foundation that makes you a pro. Thereafter, you can find your way around well-known casino craps strategy to spice up your experience and increase your winning frequency. Very few changes are integrated across modern releases of online and mobile craps, with many developers choosing to keep things simple by retaining aspects from the original version, as explained in the sections that follow below:

Pass Bet

In the first round of throwing the dice, the shooter must first place a bet on the dice. The Pass Bet is placed on the prediction that the first roll will have an outcome of 7 or 11. Being one of the two possible mandatory wagers, the wager remains in play until the session ends and has applicable rules such as:

  • It is a self-service bet that shooters must place by themselves without help from the dealer.
  • One of two mandatory bet choices that must be placed before rolling the dice.
  • Pass Bets on all craps variations pay even money, meaning you can win the same amount you put down.
  • On average, the house edge on the pass line bet is about 1.31%.
  • There are 3 possible outcomes. Winning, losing, or establishing a point, the last of which leads to more rolls of the dice.

Don't Pass Bet

The don't pass bet is one of the options you have on the craps table on the first roll. Usually, players who place this wager are considered as betting against the shooter and thus are commonly referred to as "wrong" players. If you place the Don't Pass Bet, expect to win if the shooter lands 2, 3, or 12. If that does not happen, the shooter establishes a point, and the bet remains in play until the dice land on the point again or 7. When effective, the bet is subject to the following general craps rules:

  • Don't Pass Bet is a self-service bet that you should place by yourself to take part in a session of shooting dice in craps.
  • If the shooter ends up establishing a point on the first roll, players with active Don't Pass Bets can reduce their bet or remove the wagers altogether.
  • The bet pays even money, which can win you the same amount put down on the first roll.
  • After the shooter establishes a point, punters can place more bets on free odds, in which the house does not have an edge.
  • On average, the house edge on the Don't Pass Bet is 1.34%.

Come Bet

You can only place the come bet after the shooter rolls the dice and establishes a point, which means you already have a pass line or don't pass bet in place. The craps table has sections in which you can place your come bet and an indicator that informs punters when the come bet is active. Once the come bet is in play, the following rules apply:

  • Come bet only becomes active after the first roll where the shooter fails to land a 7 or 11. In case the dice land 2, 3 or 12, the bet loses, and if the outcome is any other number, a point is established.
  • The dealer will help you place the come bet by moving the bet to the box representing the point established in the first roll.
  • The come bet wins even money when the point number is rolled before a 7. With this, you can win as much as you place on your come bet.
  • The house edge on the come bet stands at 1.41%, which leaves all punters with high chances of winning.
  • You can increase your winnings by combing your come bet with allowed free odds bets, which have no house edge.

Don't Come Bet

To play the dont come bet, you have to wait until the shooter makes their first roll and establishes a point. You can tell if the Don't Come Bet is active by looking at the indicator on the table, which only turns on after the first roll, and the shooter now has a point. Once active, the wager is required to follow the following craps betting rules:

  • Dont come bets automatically lose if the first dice roll results in 7 or 11, and win if the first dice roll results in Craps numbers 2 or 3.
  • Rolling 12 results in a push to keep the odds tipped in favor of the house.
  • Rolling 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, or 11, establishes a point on the specific number rolled, and the don't come bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before the point in the subsequent rolls.
  • Free odds bets are allowed as long as the Don't Come Bet remains active, which gives you higher payouts and significantly lowers the house edge on winnings.
  • The odds on the Dont Come Bet vary, depending on the point established. That is, a 1:2 payout if the point is 4 or 10, a 2:3 payout if the point is 5 or 9, and 5:6 payout if the point is 6 or 8.

Other Bets to Place

The Craps table presents many opportunities for punters willing to take on risk and explore more than the basic bets. After mastering the basic craps rules for beginners, you can try your luck on the following bets on the best craps casinos in 2024:

  • Proposition Bets: One roll bets that must be placed by the dealer before the next dice roll. The outcome does not depend on whether the shooter passes the line or not. For example, a popular proposition bet is the "Snake Eyes Bet," which only pays if the dice roll results in a 2. Other proposition bets include Ace Dueces, The Yo, and Boxcars.
  • Field Bets: Field bets are self-service wagering opportunities that cover a range of outcomes, giving the punter high chances of winning. With an active field bet, you win if the next dice roll results in one of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, and lose if the dice roll results in 5, 6, 7, or 8. If you delay in taking away the chips won at the end of a roll, the dealer assumes you want to let the bet ride and replay the same bet.
  • Any Craps: One-time bet whose outcome depends on the next dice roll. To place the Any Craps bet, you must get help from the dealer. Winning depends on whether the dice roll results in any of the three craps numbers. Those are 2, 3, and 12. Many players who take their chances on this bet do so as a form of insurance for the pass line and don't pass line bets.
  • Place 6 or 8: 6 and 8 have a special box on the Craps table, where a player can bet on either of the two numbers being rolled before a 7. The dealer controls this bet and pays out winnings in the ratio of 7:6. The rules for the place 6 or 8 bets vary depending on the craps casino you play, with some pegging the bet to the pass line while others consider the wager and outcome independently.

Understanding the Numbers

Craps rules are based on numbers, with a table marked to distinguish where punters place their bets. With 2 dice in play, there are 36 unique combinations of outcomes that determine whether you win or lose your wager. With all that in mind, understanding the numbers and what they represent at each stage of the game can help you implement the perfect craps strategy. Below is a brief overview of the number clusters in the game:

  1. Natural Numbers - 7 and 11 are natural numbers in the game, which trigger a payout on pass line bets when rolled in the first round of shooting the dice. Don't Pass bets lose in case the natural numbers are rolled.
  2. Craps Numbers - 2, 3, and 12 are Craps numbers, which trigger a payout on Don't Pass line bets if rolled in the first roll of the dice. For 2 and 12, special rules apply in some circumstances, which may push the wager, giving you another chance to roll the dice.
  3. Point Numbers - Point numbers include 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. When the initial roll results in one of the point numbers, a point is established, and the shooter is awarded more chances to roll the dice. If the point number is rolled before 7, the pass line bet wins, but if 7 comes before the point number is rolled again, the Don't Pass bet wins.
craps table layout

The Craps Table and Layout

Since the Craps table accommodates many players in one session and each player has multiple opportunities to place a couple of bets, things can get confusing. But that rarely happens on a well-run table where punters follow basic etiquette and abide by all rules for online craps. Segments on the table help the dealer and players easily place and track bet outcomes, enabling quick payouts and bet settling. So, you need to familiarize yourself with the table layout as you learn the basic craps rules to stay ahead of the pack in real money online casinos.

  • Pass Line: Located on the outermost corners of the craps table and extends to the long edge on either side. Here, you can place your pass line bet, which wins on a roll resulting in 7 or 11.
  • Don't pass Bar: Found right above the pass line and extends along the edges of the table, leaving a section for Big 6 and Big 8 on the corner section. Bets placed on this bar win on rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the initial dice roll.
  • Big 6 and Big 8: The Big 6 and Big 8 box is found in the lower corner. The wagers placed here only pays even money when either 6 or 8 is rolled before 7, but the high house edge of 9.1% tips the odds against the player in the long run.
  • The Field: Single-roll bets on specific outcomes are placed in the field, where you can double or triple your payout on the large sections with 2 or 12. The other outcomes are smaller and include bets on single number outcomes on 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11.
  • Come and Don't Come: Come and Don't Come boxes are placed side by side above the field. These sections become active after the shooter establishes a point. Bets on the come bet section pay if 7 or 11 is rolled, while the Don't Come bet pays when the dice roll results in 2, 3, or 12. In case any other number is rolled, that is your secondary point besides the shooter's point, which raises your winning's chances of getting a win.
  • The Place: On the topmost section, the table has sections with the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. Here, you can wager on the shooter landing any of the numbers before a 7 at any time during the game.
  • Centre Section: Players share the center section in placing specific combination bets. The outcomes you bet on are shown in each section with the applicable odds below each dice combination. Here you can place your proposition bets, some of which have odds as high as 30:1. However, the attractive odds come with a high house edge, which could go up to 16%.

Live Dealer Casino Craps Rules

With more punters from Canada choosing to play craps online, software developers have come up with many variations of the game, including several live dealer craps titles. The first developer to venture into online craps was Vivo Gaming, and other designers soon followed. Enjoy an authentic experience with the help of a real live dealer who runs a craps table from a physical location with HD video streamed over the internet for participants to join, place bets, and make real money bets on craps within the general rules.

Bet limits vary on each table and casino, with many of the games allowing newbies to wager as little as C$1 and up to C$ 100. The chat window on live dealer craps makes it possible for punters to communicate with the dealer in case they wish to make additional bets, which is a useful feature on tables that allow additional bets after the Come Out roll.

Pros and Cons of Live Casino Craps

Joining a live dealer craps table comes with the following pros and cons:

  • Instant chats with the dealer
  • Freedom to join multiple tables
  • Access to the craps table round the clock
  • Easy tracking of all actions on the table
  • Poor video quality on low-speed Internet
  • Fast-paced gameplay can intimidate beginners

Casino Craps Rules and Strategy - Beginners Winning Tips

Like all games that have remained popular for decades, punters have devised strategies that help them make the best moves. So, beginners have a place to start to make the transition from novice to expert smooth. By implementing the best craps strategy for learners, you can learn how to spread your betting budget to cover multiple bets and avoid wagers with unfavorable odds for punters, as explained below:

  1. Decide on Your Budget: Responsible gambling calls for wagering only what you can afford to lose without feeling a pinch or the loss affecting your day-to-day life. So, the first step in implementing the perfect craps strategy is planning what you will spend on each betting session.
  2. Check the Game Rules: General rules apply to all Craps games, but additional rules may apply to each variation. Following this, it is important to go through the rules applicable to each game before putting down real money on online craps.
  3. Check the Betting Limits: Betting limits play into how far you can spread your betting budget for each session. Luckily, the rules in craps casinos give players a range with minimum and maximum limits to play on each bet, most of which favor low-budget players and high rollers.
  4. Choose a High RTP Percentage: Casinos pay slightly different rates on each bet, which only makes business sense for them to keep running while meeting operational expenses. Due to this, you should look for casinos with the best RTP rates on Craps to keep more of what you win.
  5. Make Use of Bonuses: Cash bonuses that are valid on table games like craps can give you a much-needed boost to put you ahead of punters spending real money in the casino. Where possible, claim promos in the welcome package and reload offers to help you extend your sessions on craps. While at it, remember to read the fine print in the bonus terms and conditions and play within all rules so that you keep winnings.
online craps bonuses

Best Real Money Bonuses to Claim in 2024

Canada's thriving iGaming industry is home to many craps online casinos with unique games and wonderful sign up bonuses. Occasionally, you can land a no deposit bonus coupon that awards you real money, but the most common offers are matching deposit promos, where the casino matches your deposit with bonus funds up to a given amount. After extensively searching the market for the best craps bonuses for 2024, our team came found several offers worth considering.

No Deposit Bonus Free Chips

Free chips with no deposit are exclusive promos that you can use to buy your seat on a table game. Such offers are valid on craps, blackjack, roulette, and poker. After claiming a free chip bonus, you can place several wagers on the craps table without digging into your bankroll and win real money. However, the cashier must first confirm adherence to all terms and conditions before paying what you win, which includes meeting wagering requirements after spending a specified amount of real money in the casino.

  • Get $50 Free at Raging Bull on Signup

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Minimum Deposit Bonus - Play for as Little as $1

Opportunities in the online gaming industry come to every type of player, even those with little to spare on casino games. Low deposit bonuses go for as little as C$1 and come with impressive upsides. And if you have a little more to flex with, you can claim more promos on operators with low deposit offers starting at C$5 and C$10 min deposit.

  • Casino Kingdom

    Become an Instant Millionaire at Casino Kingdom with a $1 Deposit

    Casino Kingdom extends a generous hand to new members who join the site with real money accounts. On your first deposit starting at C$1 at Kingdom, you can win millions with 40 chances on the Mega Money Wheel, a progressive jackpot slot with many ways to win. Winnings are subject to applicable terms and conditions, which you should read before claiming the bonus in 2024.

Best Online Casinos in Canada for Big Wins in 2024

Real money online casinos in Canada pay out real money to members who land huge wins on slots, craps, blackjack, poker, and many other games. Our team looked into the highest paying operators in 2024, which ranked as listed below:

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  11. Load More

Mobile Craps Apps for Real Money Wins

If you find the craps table confusing, we recommend trying out the game in demo mode with no deposit. You can do that on mobile with no registration to any mobile casino. Once you grasp the basic craps rules after playing for fun, switch to the real money mode and enjoy legit wins on bets that go your way after rolling the dice. In 2024, online craps games are adapted for mobile gaming on Android and iOS smartphones, including high-end devices like iPhone 14 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, and Google Pixel 7 Pro. Punters can enjoy the action on low-budget phones as well, as long as they connect to a stable Internet connection.

Practice the Rules for Craps Free with No Download

Craps is one of the few online casino games yet to be discovered by many players, which gives punters with a little experience playing the game a head start before others catch on. The guide we have compiled has enough to get you started, and more opportunities for hands-on practice exist in demo mode versions of the game you can play for fun with no registration. And when you get familiar with how things work, read our comprehensive reviews, where we share the best bonuses you can claim and win real money within Canada.

FAQs

  • What are the basic rules of craps?

    Punters must place the basic bets on the first roll. That is either bet a pass line or dont pass line.
  • What is the best way to learn the rules for craps?

    Search for an online casino or developer with a demo mode version of the game, which you can play for free. Then read up on guides that outline the best strategies to practice how to place your bets, place insurance bets, and bet on the outcomes from subsequent rolls after the Come Out roll.
  • Can I play for free with no download and no registration?

    Yes. Developers and operators promote games to newbies by providing trial mode versions that you can open with no deposit and no registration. For no download play, open the lobby on an instant casino, where you can access all features and demo mode games with no app installed.
  • How easy is it to win playing this game?

    The game uses two dice, with six faces each. With that, there are 36 possible outcomes. The easiest win would be landing a 7 or 11 on the come out roll. With six different ways of landing a 7 and only two combinations that can give you 11, the odds of winning on the first roll is 8:36, which gives you close to a 22% chance of winning.
  • Can I use a no deposit bonus to play craps for real money?

    Yes. No deposit cash bonuses are valid on a number of games, including slots, poker, and craps. But every offer is unique, which calls for you to check the terms and conditions before redeeming any coupon or bonus code.
  • What is the best online casino in Canada to play this game?

    Play the game at Raging Bull online casino in Canada to get a free chip boost that you can spend on craps. Then claim the welcome offer and reload offers as you expand your reach to the well-stocked lobby with exciting titles in each game category.
  • Can I play this game at live dealer casinos?

    Yes. Live dealer versions of the game are available online, and the tables come with bet limits that range between C$1 and C$100.
  • Are there winning strategies I can use?

    Plan your budget and look for a casino with the highest RTP rate on the craps table. When placing bets, leave some amount in your bankroll to cover opportunities that come after the first roll, such as the come bet and don't come bet.
  • How many dice are used to play this game?

    All craps game rules specify that the shooter plays with two, 6-sides dice. In turn, there are 36 possible combinations for each throw.
About the Author
 Quintin van Wyk
Quintin van Wyk - Lead Editor

Quintin is a strategic wordsmith and avid gambling enthusiast who has been editing and writing content for the iGaming industry for over 10 years. With the gaming industry constantly expanding and evolving, he is ready to guide both newcomers and experienced players with comprehensive news articles, unbiased casino reviews and informative how-to guides you can trust.