Why play online craps?
Unique betting options
There’s a range of exciting bets to try out in craps, all with different probabilities and payouts. The fun really starts when you mix different bets together, though, and certain combinations like pass line and odds bets can result in potentially lucrative payouts.
Ideal for betting systems
The different wagering options in craps mean there’s a range of betting systems you can use to spice things up a bit. As well as the regular positive and negative progression systems, there’s a few betting strategies that are unique to craps, such as the ‘Anything but Seven’ system.
Play at your own pace
In brick and mortar casinos craps is played by a group of bettors, which can be great fun but means you need to keep pace with the rest of the table. With online craps, however, you can take the game as fast or as slow as you like; great news for new players just getting to grips with the game.
About craps
Like many casino games, it’s difficult to pinpoint the origin of craps. It’s generally believed that the modern form of the game came about in the early twentieth century, though it really came to prominence in the famous casinos of Las Vegas in the 1940s and 50s.
If you ever go to a land-based casino, you can bet on hearing plenty of lively cheering from the craps table. Players win and lose together, which adds a real social element to the game and is one of the reasons it’s so popular.
Thanks to online casinos, players can now enjoy this much loved dice game without stepping out the front door. In fact, craps is now one of the most popular casino games played online, so let’s see what all the fuss is about.
How to play Craps
The aim of craps is to correctly wager on the roll of two dice. This may sound straightforward, but craps can seem a little daunting to new players. This is largely due to the somewhat hectic-looking table, but luckily it’s actually pretty simple once you’re familiar with the rules. There’s a wide range of betting options, but these are the bare basics and are enough to get you playing:
1.Come out roll
The game kicks off with players either betting on the pass line, the don’t pass bar, or both. The two dice are then rolled, which is known as the come out roll. Bets on the pass line win if the dice total 7 or 11, and lose on 2, 3 or 12. This is the opposite for don’t pass bets except that a 12 results in a “push”, which means it neither wins nor loses.
2.Point
If none of those values are rolled, then whatever value is (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) becomes the point. Once the point is established, all players who bet on the pass line are hoping that the shooter will roll the point again before a 7. If they do, then it’s a win. Again, it’s the opposite if you’ve bet on the don’t pass line, where you’d be betting against the shooter rolling the point.
3.Come/don’t come
These bets are optional, but they’re popular among players. They’re both made when a point has been rolled, and come is essentially the same as pass while don’t come is the same as don’t pass.
Come bets win on 7 and 11 but lose on 2, 3 and 12. So if a 7 is rolled after a point is established, you lose the pass bet but win on come. If any other value is rolled, it becomes the come bet point. Don’t come works in the opposite way, but again 12 results in a push.
Craps betting options
Let’s take a look at the whole range of possible bets you can make in a game of craps.
| Bets |
House edge |
Payout |
| Pass line, come |
1.41% |
1:1 |
| Don’t pass bar, don’t come |
1.36% |
1:1 |
| Pass odds, come odds (side bets that complement pass/come bets) |
0% |
2:1 (4 or 10)
3:2 (5 or 9)
6:5 (6 or 8) |
| Don’t pass odds, don’t come odds
(side bets that complement don’t pass/don’t come bets) |
0% |
1:2 (4 or 10)
2:3 (5 or 9)
5:6 (6 or 8) |
| Place (betting on a particular number to be rolled before a 7) |
6.7% (4 or 10)
4% (5 or 9)
1.5% (6 or 8) |
9:5 (4 or 10)
7:5 (5 or 9)
7:6 (6 or 8) |
| Buy (same as the place bet but with a better payout) |
4.7% |
2:1 (4 or 10)
3:2 (5 or 9)
6:5 (6 or 8)
*5% commission applies |
| Lay (betting on 7 to be rolled before a particular number) |
2.44% (4 or 10)
3.23% (5 or 9)
4% (6 or 8) |
1:2 (4 or 10)
2:3 (5 or 9)
5:6 (6 or 8)
*5% commission applies |
| Big 6 or 8 (betting on a 6 or 8 to be rolled before a 7) |
9.09% |
1:1 |
| Field (wins on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, loses on 5, 6, 7, 8). |
5.56% (2, 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11) |
1:1 (3, 4, 9, 10 or 11)
2:1 (2 or 12) |
| Hardways (betting that both dice show the same number) |
9.09% (6 or 8)
11.1% (4 or 10) |
9:1 (6 or 8)
7:1 (4 or 10) |
| Any craps (betting on the next roll being 2, 3 or 12) |
11.1% |
7:1 |
| Proposition (betting on a particular number to be rolled next) |
11.11% (3 or 11)
13.89% (2 or 12)
16.9% (7) |
15:1 (3 or 11)
30:1 (2 or 12)
4:1 (7) |
Craps variations
The craps games you can play at UK online casinos are generally pretty similar, but there are a few variations that are played in land-based casinos. Let’s check them out:
Bank Craps
Also known as Las Vegas Craps, this is the most popular version and the one available at most online casinos. In land-based casinos, a wire or string is stretched a few inches above the table which the dice must be thrown over.
New York Craps
New York Craps has a higher house edge and a different table layout, known as a ‘double-end-dealer’ table. The main difference in terms of gameplay is that the come, don’t come, and place bets are removed from this variation. This may put some players off, as the come and don’t come bets offer some of the lowest house edges in bank craps, and it also means that players can’t use certain betting systems like the Three Point Molly.
Simplified Craps
This is the most straightforward version of the game and removes most of the betting options available in bank craps. Players simply win if a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11 or 12 is rolled, and lose on 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.
Crapless Craps
In crapless craps players are given the option to bet on rolling a 2, 3, 11 or 12 before a 7. If you don’t bet on any of these then they become the point after the come out roll, which means you can’t lose on the first bet. As you can imagine, this variation isn’t very common in casinos and is mostly played for fun rather than money.
Start playing online craps today
Compare casinos
Use our genius list to check out the best online craps sites on the web. To help pick out your ideal casino, read up on everything from bonuses to banking options in our expert reviews.
Sign up
When you’ve found a online craps site you’re happy with, click on our link to take you directly to the registration page. Once there, you can get your account created within just a few minutes.
Deposit
Time to fund your account – head over to the cashier page, choose your preferred payment method and make a deposit to get your craps bankroll started.
Play
Make your way to the games library, pick out a craps title and set your bets. Now all that’s left to do is hope for a lucky roll of the dice. Fingers crossed!
Live dealer craps
Unfortunately, live dealer craps isn’t currently available at UK licensed casinos. One of the reasons behind this is that it’s difficult to create a casino environment that provides an immersive craps experience, because in land-based casinos it’s the players rolling the dice. Though, as live dealer gaming is now more popular than ever, we’ll hold out hope that a software developer may release a live craps game in the future.
Until then, if you’re in the mood for a live dealer game, live sic-bo is a great alternative. It’s another dice game and it’s available at some of the best UK casinos. Of course, you can turn to tried and trusted table game classics like live dealer blackjack and roulette as well.
Free craps
If you’d rather enjoy playing craps without placing real money on the line, you can play free demos at most top casinos. You won’t be able to win cash playing free games, but they’re great if you just want to play for fun.
We also think it’s a good idea to use free demos to familiarise yourself with the rules, table layout and betting options if you’re a beginner. Once you feel more confident you can then move onto wagering cash, or just keep enjoying free play if you wish – the choice is yours.
Mobile craps
Fancy a quick roll of the dice during your lunch break, or maybe on the train home? You can, thanks to mobile craps games. Casino software developers create their games using HTML5 technology, meaning you can play online craps on mobiles and tablets as well as desktops, without making any compromises.
If you’re a fan of gaming on the go, check out if your chosen casino has a native mobile app – this makes mobile play even faster. As well as placing your bets online, you’ll also be able to deposit, withdraw and claim bonuses using your phone.
Craps bonuses
Hoping to boost your craps bankroll with the help of an online casino bonus? Let’s see what’s on offer:
Matched deposit
Many online craps sites offer matched deposit welcome bonuses to new players. These give you a percentage of your first deposit as bonus funds, up to a certain amount. So if you see a ‘50% match up to £200’ offer, depositing £200 would give you a £100 bonus.
No wagering craps bonuses
Matched deposits generally come with wagering requirements, which we’ll come to in a minute. Some casinos, though, offer smaller matched deposit bonuses with no wagering. These are known are no wagering casinos and are few and far between, but they’re definitely worth checking out if you want a chance to withdraw your bonus winnings as soon as you earn them.
No deposit
No deposit bonuses are the rarer cousin of matched deposits. They’re pretty self-explanatory – you get bonus funds just for signing up. Understandably, these bonuses will usually be limited to £5 or 10, but they’re an attractive deal for players looking to get a feel for their new casino without spending any cash.
Promotions
It’s not just existing craps players who can benefit from bonuses – most craps sites also have regular offers for existing players. These include reload bonuses, which are essentially the same as matched deposits but offer smaller amounts, usually in the range of £10 to £20. There’s also cash back bonuses, where you receive a portion of your spending over a certain stretch of time. Many online casinos have VIP and loyalty schemes as well, where you’re rewarded for your loyalty with points which can then be exchanged for more perk bonuses.
Terms and conditions
Unless you bag a no wagering bonus, the offers you come across online will usually come with some kind of catch to limit your free winnings. Most often this comes in the form of wagering requirements, which mean you have to wager your bonus a certain amount of times before you can withdraw any returns. Wagering requirements are designed to make it more difficult to convert your bonus winnings to withdrawable cash.
You’ll also find that wagers placed on table games like craps don’t count 100% towards the wagering requirements. In fact, at some sites these wagers won’t contribute at all, so you’ll have to play other games like slots to complete the wagering.
Time limits
Bonuses are available for a limited time only, which means you’ll have to claim and use your freebies before they expire. This also applies to completing the wagering requirements, so make sure to read up on the small print so that you’re all clued in.
Craps betting strategies
Craps is a game of chance, so there’s no strategy that can improve your chances of a win. Some players do employ betting strategies, though. These can be fun to try out and give structure to your betting, but none are foolproof. After all, they all rely on the roll of a dice, so take each with a pinch of salt.
Martingale
Players using the Martingale system when playing craps online, double their bets after each loss, while returning to the original bet after a win. This is known as a negative progression system, and the idea is that a win will recover your losses plus some profit. The Martingale is designed for even money bets, so it’s only suitable for certain craps wagers: pass, don’t pass, come, don’t come and odds bets.
Paroli
The Paroli works in the opposite way to the Martingale – you double your bet when you win and return to the original betting unit after a loss. This is known as a positive progression system, and like the Martingale it’s intended for use on bets with roughly even odds.
Classic regression
This system is more tailored specifically to craps. Wait until a point is established and make place bets on 6 and 8, with two betting units on each. If either is rolled, reduce each bet by one unit, then take both bets down if 6 or 8 is hit again. The theory behind this is that there’s ten ways to roll a 6 or 8 and only six ways to roll 7, but keep in mind that a 7 will mean you lose all your bets.
Three Point Molly
This involves betting on the pass line and backing this up with single or double odds after a point is established. Then do the same with a come wager, and if the come bet wins place another. Keep doing this until the shooter hits a 7. With this system, the come bets protect your pass bets when a 7 is rolled, but you won’t make big profits and again nothing is guaranteed.
Anything but Seven
Wait until a point is established and then place two bet units on 5, 6 and 8, and one unit on the field bet. This means you win on any number apart from 7. It’s advised to take your bets down after three rolls, as one average it takes 4-6 rolls to hit a 7. This system may sound pretty foolproof, but remember that a 7 will mean you could make a hefty loss.
Craps software developers
Let’s check out the craps games on offer from the top casino software developers:
Playtech
Playtech’s craps title features the top graphics, casino-esque sound effects and smooth functionality characteristic of its games. It adds a slight twist to the original game by including a 3x odds payout on pass, don’t pass, come and don’t come bets.
Microgaming
Microgaming lives up to it’s lofty reputation with it’s craps title, thanks to clear visuals and a detailed, realistic table. Microgaming’s craps software doesn’t depart from the traditional rules, so it’s an ideal option for craps purists. The only notable difference is that place bets are called “win” bets on the Microgaming craps table, and lay bets are called “lose”.
1×2 Gaming
While most the craps you play at UK online casinos are either the Playtech or Microgaming versions, some sites host 1×2 Gaming’s offering. This game mixes things up a little by going for a red table instead of the classic green, but apart from that maintains the standard gameplay that’s made craps so popular.
How to pick a top UK craps site
We’ve done the hard work by compiling the best online craps sites into our genius list, but you still need to pick out your favourite. Here’s what to keep in mind when browsing different casinos:
Licensing
A valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) license is the first thing we look for when checking out a new craps site, and you should do the same. All our recommended casinos are fully licensed, but be sure to look out for the UKGC logo if you browse other sites.
Banking options
Online casino players now have more banking options than ever before, but the accepted deposit and withdrawal methods differ from site to site. E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller and Skrill are widely accepted, but it’s always worth checking before signing up to avoid disappointment.
Friendly withdrawal terms
There’s not much fun in playing with bonus funds if you have to jump through hoops to cash in on your returns. This is why we prioritise friendly withdrawal terms, and you should keep an eye out for low and no wagering deals with terms that give you a good chance of pocketing your bonus earnings. Bonuses with wagering of 25x and less are generally considered to be low wagering deals.
Bonuses
For many players, bonuses are make or break when it comes to choosing a casino. Whether you’re after a large matched deposit welcome bonus, plentiful regular promotions or an elusive no deposit offer, have a browse to find the best deal for you. Remember that biggest isn’t always best – the bonus that gives you the best chance of winning real money is what you should be looking out for.
Customer service
It’s always nice to have a helping hand if you have any issues or questions, so read up on the customer service offered at different casinos. Some of the best craps sites have 24/7 service via email, live chat or phone, but this doesn’t apply to all sites.
Ready to play?
Now you’ve got what it takes to be a craps genius, you’re probably ready to put your knowledge to the test and try your luck at the table. You don’t need to look any further than our carefully selected list to find the best online craps sites – simply browse and compare to start playing today. Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Should I bet on pass or don’t pass?
It’s up to you. Traditionally, players in land-based casinos bet on pass so that they’re all playing together with the shooter. This makes the game more exciting as players win and lose together. Of course, this doesn’t apply to online games, and the don’t pass bar has slightly favourable odds, so the decision is yours.
Is online craps fair?
Yes, as long as you’re playing at a UKGC licensed casino. This ensures that the craps games you play online are audited and regulated to ensure fairness. Online craps games use RNG (random number generator), which means that each throw of the dice is completely random and unbiased.
What are the best bets in craps?
The best bets in craps are generally the ones with the lowest house edge – pass, don’t pass, come, don’t come and odds bets. There’s some bets most players avoid, such as Big 6 and 8. These bets have an edge of 9.09%, even though place 6 and 8 are essentially the same bets but only have an edge of 1.52%.
Do I need to deposit to play real money craps?
Not necessarily. If you manage to get your hands on a no deposit bonus, then you might be able to use it to enjoy real money craps games without making a deposit. Remember, however, that no deposit bonuses are usually small, and once you’ve used it you’ll have to top up your account if you want to continue playing real money games.
How can I withdraw my craps winnings?
Withdrawing at online craps sites is simple – just head to the cashier page and follow the on-screen instructions. Keep in mind that not all sites accept the same withdrawal methods, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill can have faster processing times than methods like debit cards. Make sure to also keep an eye out for withdrawal limits and any associated fees.
