Playing Craps in a Las Vegas Casino: A Complete Guide

craps

When it comes to gambling in Las Vegas, craps is one of the most exciting and fast-paced games on the casino floor.

The energy around a craps table is electric, with players cheering, dice flying, and chips changing hands rapidly.

Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playing craps in a Las Vegas casino.

What is Craps?

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll, or a series of rolls, of two dice. Although it may look complicated at first glance due to the large table and numerous betting options, craps is actually quite simple once you understand the basics.

Understanding the Craps Table

The craps table may seem overwhelming, but it’s divided into sections that are easy to understand:

  1. Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line: These are the main betting areas for most players.
  2. Come and Don’t Come: Similar to Pass and Don’t Pass but for future rolls.
  3. Odds Bets: Additional bets that can be placed behind Pass/Come or Don’t Pass/Don’t Come after a point is established.
  4. Proposition Bets: Single-roll bets, which have higher payouts but also higher house edges.
  5. Place Bets: Bets on specific numbers that you think the shooter will roll before a 7.

How to Play Craps

Craps is played in rounds, and the player rolling the dice is called the “shooter.” The game consists of two phases: the Come Out Roll and the Point Phase.

1. Come Out Roll

The shooter starts by making a “come out roll.” You can place a bet on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line before this roll.

  • Pass Line Bet: You’re betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11. If they do, you win even money. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose.
  • Don’t Pass Bet: You’re betting against the shooter. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win. If they roll a 7 or 11, you lose. A 12 is a tie.

If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number becomes the point, and the game moves to the second phase.

2. Point Phase

Once a point is established, the goal of the shooter is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.

  • Pass Line bettors win if the point is rolled before a 7, and lose if a 7 comes first.
  • Don’t Pass bettors win if a 7 is rolled before the point number, and lose if the point is rolled before the 7.

If the shooter rolls the point, the same shooter continues with another come-out roll. If they roll a 7, the dice pass to a new shooter, and a new round begins.

Key Craps Bets

Although there are many bets available in craps, let’s focus on the most important ones for beginners:

1. Pass Line Bet

This is the simplest and most popular bet in craps. If the come out roll is a 7 or 11, you win even money. If the roll is 2, 3, or 12, you lose.

2. Don’t Pass Bet

This is the opposite of the Pass Line. You’re betting against the shooter, meaning you win if they roll a 2 or 3 and lose if they roll a 7 or 11.

3. Come Bet

A Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it can be made after the point has been established. The next roll becomes the come out roll for this specific bet, and the rules follow the same pattern as the Pass Line.

4. Odds Bets

Once a point is set, you can make an odds bet by placing additional chips behind your Pass or Don’t Pass bet. This is one of the best bets in the casino because it has no house edge, meaning it pays true odds. You can bet up to a certain multiple of your original bet (usually 3x or 4x, depending on the casino).

5. Place Bets

You can make a Place Bet by betting on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). If the number is rolled before a 7, you win.

6. Proposition Bets

Proposition bets are one-roll bets, meaning they’re resolved on the next roll. They have high payouts but also carry a large house edge, so they’re riskier than other bets. Some popular proposition bets include betting on a specific roll of the dice (e.g., rolling a 2 or 12).

Craps Etiquette in Las Vegas

Playing craps in Las Vegas is a highly social experience, and there are a few important etiquette rules to keep in mind:

  1. Wait for the Right Time to Buy In: The best time to join a game is between rolls rather than during the middle of a roll.
  2. Handle the Dice with One Hand: When it’s your turn to roll, you’re only allowed to handle the dice with one hand.
  3. Avoid Betting Against the Shooter: While it’s perfectly acceptable to bet on the Don’t Pass line, doing so when everyone else is betting on the Pass Line can make you the odd one out.
  4. Tip the Dealers: If you’re having a good run, it’s customary to tip the dealers.

Tips for New Players

  1. Start with Simple Bets: The Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets are the easiest to understand and offer the best odds.
  2. Avoid Proposition Bets: They may seem tempting with high payouts but have a higher house edge.
  3. Practice First: Many casinos offer free craps lessons in the mornings. These sessions are a great way to familiarize yourself with the game before betting real money.
  4. Bankroll Management: Set a budget for yourself before you start playing, and stick to it. Craps can be fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement.

Final Thoughts

Craps is one of the most thrilling games in a Las Vegas casino, offering a unique blend of strategy, luck, and camaraderie.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite among both casual and serious gamblers. Whether you’re rolling the dice or just cheering from the sidelines, there’s nothing quite like the energy of a Las Vegas craps table.

So, next time you find yourself on the casino floor, why not give it a try? You might just roll yourself into a big win!