If you’re looking to jump straight into the action, take a moment to check out the video below for some top craps tips.
Then, read on as we look at ways you can minimize the risk of big losses when playing this game in casinos across the US.
betrivers casino illinoisWhat Is Craps?
Craps is a popular casino table game. It involves rolling two dice, with players able to place multiple bets.
The main aspects you need to know are the come-out roll and the point. The come-out roll is the first throw of the dice. The shooter needs to roll either a seven or an 11 for a win.
If the shooter throws a two, three, or 12, this is considered craps, and the shooter loses. Other numbers (four, five, six, eight, nine, and ten) set the point. The shooter must now roll the same number as the point before seven to continue rolling.
If the shooter hits the point before rolling a seven, it is a win. This pattern can repeat multiple times. However, if the shooter rolls a seven before hitting the point again, they lose.
There are around 40 different craps bets, which can seem overwhelming to beginners. Learning the rules of the game and the best wagers can help you avoid making costly mistakes. We’ve got all the advice you need to start playing craps like a pro.
Understand the Dice in Craps
Two dice are used in craps games, each of which has six faces and bears a different numeric value depending on the face – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
The total combination of the two dice’ values represents the result of each throw or roll. The possible results range from 2 up to 12, and the aim of the game can involve betting on the likelihood of specific totals being rolled.
Check Out Our Guide on How to Play Craps
Before thinking about jumping straight into a real money game of craps online, it pays to learn the basics. Reading our comprehensive guide on how to play craps will give you a solid foundation.
You’ll pick up plenty of essential craps tips along the way, helping you become a more confident player. Head there now if you’re new to the game, or if you’re unsure of any aspects of this casino classic.
Practice With Demo Games
We found that the best way to get comfortable with the game was by practicing for free. Most regulated offer demo games that allow you to practice playing craps without spending any money.
Although these games use play money, they follow the same principles as real money games. You can practice placing the different bets, understanding what happens on a come-out roll, and what occurs when a point is set and thrown again.
Many craps tips refer to knowing the process and understanding how the game flows. Taking the time to practice for free will quickly familiarize you with the game and its many bets.
Look Out for Low Minimum Bets
One of our most important craps tips, especially for beginners, is to look for tables with low minimum bets.
It can be easy to get carried away in the excitement of the game. You might not realize how much you’ve spent until it’s too late. By choosing a table with small minimum bets, you can control your spending.
Mystic Cypress (minimum $15) and Robert’s Restaurant (minimum $10) at Bay Meadows Park Racecourse are two great options in New Jersey if you don’t want to spend large amounts of cash.
bonus casino mobileIf you prefer to play at the best craps online casinos, head to Wild Casino. Their live dealer tables start at just $0.10, while their RTP sits at over 99%.
Don’t Be Afraid of Table Limits
Another top tip for craps players is not being afraid to play at tables with maximum bet limits. Many players believe that they need to play at tables with no upper limit, relying on big bets to win big prizes.
However, progressively increasing your wagers won’t necessarily boost your profits. In fact, you could burn through your bankroll much quicker at these tables.
Look for tables where you get plenty of shots per hour while sticking within your budget. You can still land some impressive payouts at lower limit tables by placing the right bets.
For instance, you can win a prize of 30:1 by betting on line and the shooter hits a 9 or 10. Considering that you can place a $10 bet and win $300, it’s a deal that shouldn’t be ignored.
Again, one of the best places to put this craps tip into action is at Wild Casino’s live dealer tables. If you prefer a faster-paced game, their RNG tables allow up to 200 bets per minute.
Take Advantage of Low Commission Betting Options
In terms of craps strategy and odds, trying to minimize the house edge is vital. One of our most crucial craps tips is to look for bets with a low commission rate.
Some bets have a 0% commission, making them ideal if you’re looking to reduce the house advantage. Others have a 5% or 10% commission, so it’s worth comparing the different options.
You can usually find details of the commission rates at the table. Alternatively, refer to our guide to craps bets and their odds.
By minimizing the commission rates, you can keep the house edge down and improve your chances of winning.
Use Tables with No Odds (Offer X2 Payouts Instead)
Further reducing the craps house advantage is another essential tip. Some tables offer x2 payouts instead of no odds.
BetRivers Online Casino NJ Promos & Bonuses (2023) + Top GamesBacking the point with a pass line bet with no odds gets a 1.36% house edge at tables with a 5% commission rate. In contrast, a table offering x2 payouts has a house edge of just 0.64% at the same commission rate.
The case is similar when backing the point with a don’t pass bet. Both have a 6.72% house edge when no odds are allowed, but the effective house edge drops to 1.82% when a casino allows double odds. There is also a don’t pass bet with a house edge of 1.36% compared to 0.64%, respectively.
While some tables may seem limited because they don’t offer odds, checking the alternate lines might reveal superior odds — including twice odds on some bets. Such tables provide better potential returns than those that only cap odds at slight adjustments to the payout rates.
Avoid Hedge Bets
Avoiding hedge bets is one of the golden rules of craps that seasoned players swear by. These bets might seem appealing as they cover multiple outcomes. Still, they often come with high house edges, making them counterproductive.
Casino of Dreams Review - Top-Ranked British Casino 2023One common example of a hedge bet is betting on four and 10 at the same time. They are collective hedge bets since they cover two numbers for the shooter to roll before seven.
But these wagers have a high house edge of 9%, making them unattractive. Instead, you’re better off focusing on other bets with a lower house edge.
Another example of a hedge bet is the whirl bet, which combines a place bet on four and 10 and a bet against the pass line. Once again, this bet has a high house edge of 9%, making it less attractive than it seems on the surface.
Leave Well After a Loss
According to , this Superstition Affects How Much Gamblers Win, one of the worst craps strategies is to play when you’re emotional. That includes playing after a big win or loss.
After a win, you might feel overwhelmed and be tempted to win even more. Conversely, you could be angry and frustrated if you’ve just suffered a heavy loss. Either way, letting emotions affect your judgment can be costly.
One of the key elements of learning how to play craps is knowing when to stop. Set yourself a budget before playing and stick to it, regardless of whether you win or lose. Don’t chase losses by increasing your bets in the hope that you’ll turn things around.
Leaving a craps table after a loss can be difficult. But it’s the best thing to do. Return at a later date with a clear head and a fresh budget. Doing so will give you the best chance of profiting from your craps online strategy.
This approach is closely linked to another essential craps tip - don’t play when hungry, tired, or thirsty. Only play when you’re in the correct frame of mind.
Make Multiple Smaller Bets Rather Than One Large Wager
A common mistake made by many players is relying on a single, large bet. This approach can deplete your bankroll very quickly, especially if you’re yet to grasp the finer points of how to play craps strategically.
Best Utah Online Casinos 2023 - Poker Sites & Gambling GamesOur advice? Make several smaller bets spread over a series of games. This approach allows you to play for longer, giving you more opportunities to win.
Let’s imagine that you have a budget of $100. Spreading your bets across 10 games of $8 each gives you more chances to win than staking everything on a single $16 wager.
Put These Craps Rules Into Action Online
Wild Casino offers an excellent welcome bonus for new players, providing you with extra funds to try out these craps tips. They also accept a wide variety of payment methods, allowing you to easily claim rewards for a life in Vogue.
Casino Bonuses You Should Claim with No Deposit NeededTop Tips for Playing Craps in Las Vegas and Other Land-Based Casinos
These craps tips are equally valid for both and land-based venues.
One of the key advantages of following these craps strategy and odds lessons online is that you can practice for free. Most regulated sites have demo modes that allow you to get to grips with the game before switching to real money bets. As previously mentioned, this is an excellent way to prepare for trips to Las Vegas and similar destinations.
Additional advice for playing craps in Vegas or other famous gambling cities includes:
- Observe From a Distance – If you want to , try observing from a distance first. Watch how the game works, taking note of the many bets you can place and how they work. Also, watch how chips are placed and how people communicate their bets to dealers. It’s also advisable to observe the flow of the game and how people respond to wins and losses. This helps prepare you for when you step up to the table as a player. * Choose the Right Table – Popular movies such as The Hangover often show rowdy groups surrounding tables filled with excited gamblers who place enormous wagers. While this makes for entertaining viewing, it isn’t how most craps tables are. Still, if you’re new to the game, it’s best to steer clear of these bustling tables. Opt for a quieter one where everyone feels relaxed and comfortable, and the dealer explains bets clearly. * Don’t Feel Pressured to Tip – is an essential part of etiquette. However, don’t feel pressured to tip more than you can afford or are comfortable with. Dealers rely on tips to make the majority of their earnings, so some might pressure you into leaving bigger tips. However, sticking to our advice about small bets and not chasing losses will help you control your spending and keep within your budget. Remember, you should only tip what you can comfortably afford.
Over to You
Now that you’ve reached the end of our craps guide, you should have plenty of top tips to put into action. Whether you’re or at land-based casinos, these pointers will prove useful.
Of course, the only way to truly master the art of playing craps is to practice. So, head to the best casinos in NJ or the top online casinos today to hone your skills.
Joan S. Wells is a freelance writer for GamblingSites.com. She has helped run several household brands, including Travelocity and Expedia, and knows all there is to creating a successful online experience. Wells has a keen interest in the gambling industry and shares her knowledge with readers, helping them navigate the various state regulations and find the best casino sites for their needs.
