Craps backstory is as interesting as the game itself. Some trace its history back to Ancient Rome, where soldiers started to shave pig knuckles into dice-resembling cubes, perhaps giving rise to the phrase 'rolling the bones,' although this theory is widely disputed. Others point to an English dice game called Hazard, created by Sir William of Tyre and his knights during the Crusades in the early 12th century while plotting castle sieges. Fast forward to the 18th century, when the game gained popularity among French gamblers, who nicknamed it Craps — a nickname referring to the worst roll possible.
By the 19th century, craps crossed the Atlantic and got a modern makeover with John H. Winn's 1907 rules, like Don't Pass bet. Then, the digital age kicked in, and the game went from casino tables to online screens, becoming ubiquitous in most online casinos' gambling libraries. Online craps emerged in the 1990s with RNG versions, followed by live dealer variants that appeared in the 2010s.
So, how is the game faring out today? It’s the dice game everyone loves, streamed online with a real human dealer rolling dice in a sleek casino studio. Unlike RNG-based craps, which rely on random number generators (RNG) to provide transparent and unbiased outcomes, live dealer games replicate the atmosphere of a land-based casino, as players can interact with the dealer and each other. High-definition cameras stream the action in real-time while players place bets on the digital interface. It’s the best of both worlds: the authentic casino feel without needing to leave your bed to enjoy a live craps game.
Why You’ll Love Live Craps: Main Benefits
Live dealer craps come with some serious perks, from a slew of bonuses and promotions to enhanced security measures. Here's why it’s worth giving this game a shot:
Convenience
Regarding convenience, land-based casinos are no match for digital ones. Play from the comfort of your home, on the go, or while travelling regardless of time; live craps is accessible round-the-clock, allowing you to enjoy the game whenever it strikes your fancy.
Social Interactions
Although RNG-based games have advantages, they are a solitary experience. Live games reign supreme if you appreciate interaction with other players and dealers. Use chats to communicate with other users and recreate the communal camaraderie of a brick-and-mortar establishment.
Choose Your Dealer
Like traditional casinos, many platforms offer multiple tables with different dealers, allowing users to choose their favourite ones. This variety is an excellent feature if you want to customize and diversify your background. Interaction with others creates a more immersive and engaging experience that no computer-generated program can reproduce.
Lower Minimum Bets
Unlike land-based casinos, live dealer craps online offer lower minimum bets (e.g., $1 vs. $5-10 in land-based casinos), which is a boon to players with a lower bankroll. Lower craps bets also provide an excellent opportunity for players who want to test-drive new strategies, betting patterns, and tactics without risking losing a significant amount of money.
Exclusive Bonuses
Online casinos are renowned for generous welcome bonuses and seasonal promotions. These offers may come in many forms, including cashback, free bets, or other bankroll-boosting perks. If you're a regular at a casino, VIP and loyalty programs come with perks that will further enhance the experience.
Easy Access to Rules
Wagering requirements and rules can be overwhelming, especially to newbies. When playing online craps, you have momentary access to rules and strategies on your device, which is a great perk, especially for newbies who prefer to learn at their own pace.
No Distractions
Craps tables can get loud — cheers, high-fives, and ceaseless banter. The online version should be your go-to if you prefer to dial down the noise and focus solely on the game. A less hectic experience also renders better control over the game, as you can take your time, check your strategies, and not feel hurried by others to make a bet.
No experience is without a hitch, and craps live online is no exception. If you have spotty internet, playing online can quickly turn sour, as the game will lag and disconnect. Another potential issue is the safety of your private data and financial transactions, so be sure to always play in established and licensed casinos with many positive reviews from real players. Many games can be restricted in your country, but it's typically easy to solve with a reliable VPN. Still, perhaps the biggest bummer is the absence of a traditional casino atmosphere: it may be a perk if you prefer gambling from home, but it's also a drawback because craps is a highly social game that builds a sense of camaraderie with other players.
From choosing a reliable establishment to enjoying craps live online, there are a couple of steps you must take to start gambling. Here's a brief guide to get you started:
Step 1: Opt for a Trustworthy Online Casino
It all starts with finding a reliable casino. A couple of essential parameters signify that a casino is legit, including licensing from established gambling authorities (Curaçao, Malta), advanced SSL encryption to secure your personal and financial data, and positive reviews from other players. Of course, there are many other things to keep an eye on, including gaming selection, decent UX/UI, mobile optimization or apps, etc. Suppose you want to skip the internet sleuthing part. In that case, platforms like Casinos Analyzer feature many reviews on everything from long-established best online casinos to newly minted ones, which will help you save time and nerves.
Step 2: Create an Account
A typically straightforward process that requires the user to click on the 'Sign Up' button (either on the upper left or right of the site) enter personal data (username, password, address, currency), and confirm via email or phone. Another step that may take more time is verification. It's not a requirement at all the casinos, but good ones adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) rules and require users to provide a scan or photo of their ID (passport, driving license), credit card, and last utility bill. Without verifying your account, you cannot withdraw your winnings.
Step 3: Select the Game
With dozens of crap titles, choosing one may be challenging. One of the best ways to weed through the numerous titles is to choose the games from the best software providers. Some of the industry's heavyweights you should give a try are Evolution Gaming, Vivo Gaming, and CreedRoomz. If you're more interested in RNG table games, Pragmatic Play, and NetEnt should be your go-to. Most casinos also allow browsing by category so that you can filter games by 'Hot' or 'Popular.'
Step 4: Join the Live Table and Start Betting
After picking a crap table that suits your betting limits, it's time to choose your wager amount and place it on the betting layout. Put the chip on any of the offered bet types, including Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, Horn, etc.
Step 5: Interact with Others and Enjoy the Game
As you play live craps online, don't forget to chat with other players and dealers. Interaction with others makes this game so fun. The dealer will provide the necessary guidance, help you navigate the game, and ensure a smooth live casino gaming experience. Watch the live action unfold and see if your bets pay off. As in a traditional casino, the dice roll determines the outcome and whether you will win. That's it!
What makes live craps so exciting? Although we've already briefly covered some of the main components that transform live dealer craps into an interactive experience, here's a more detailed look at the role the game's interface and its standout features play in boosting overall engagement:
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Live Chat Functionality
Live chats bring the excitement of traditional casinos to your home: communicate with the dealer, discuss the game with other gamblers, and recreate the social atmosphere by talking about strategies, exchanging quips, and celebrating wins. Friendly banter is part of the game's appeal, and chats foster a sense of close-knit community and make interactions more dynamic and fun.
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Multiple Camera Angles
High-definition streams from different perspectives are another key factor contributing to games' overall realism. From a wide-angle view of the table to a close-up of rolling dice, the multicamera views ensure players don't miss a crucial moment.
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Betting Option Display
Live craps dealer games have similar layouts and are made with a beginner player in mind: they are simple to navigate for new and seasoned players, guaranteeing a seamless betting process. The interface clearly outlines available wagers, like Pass Line, Don't Come, Come, and Proposition bets, and succinctly provides additional information on minimum and maximum bet limits.
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Game History and Stats
The history and statistical tracking feature can be a game changer if you want to make data-driven decisions. Review everything from the past roll to betting performance, identifying overall trends and gaining new insights into improving future outcomes. The stats feature is an excellent way to polish off your performance and bring your game to the next level.
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Customizable Settings
What to fine-tune the game to your exact demand? Live craps come with a range of customizable settings that help tailor the gaming experience to your personal preference. Adjust video quality for smooth streaming, modify audio levels, and even personalize certain interface elements.
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Advanced interface features are often part of a parcel of live dealer craps experience, although not all titles may feature top-tier customization. As a rule of thumb, the more niche studios may offer a more curtailed feature set, while the industry's top software providers tend to offer more customizable gameplay.
Whether you`re playing craps in land-based casinos, enjoying standard online craps, or trying your luck with live dealer games, each version of the game comes with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Below, we`ll analyse the main pros and cons of these different formats based on several factors:
- Privacy and Convenience. Traditional casinos require physical presence, while online platforms are a boon to players who prefer to stay home or gamble on the go.
- Bonuses and Betting Limits. Both live and online casinos offer a treasure trove of perks, including free bets, cashbacks, and loyalty rewards. Another perk is that online craps come with much lower betting limits, making them accessible for players with strict bankrolls.
- Expense and Payment Options. Land-based casinos require additional spending on travel, tipping, and even lodging. Online casinos not only eliminate these expenses but also offer a wider range of payment options, like credit cards, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets.
- Interaction and Realism. If you like bantering with dealers and fellow players and prefer the full sensory experience of a traditional casino, land-based establishments should be a no-brainer. In contrast, if you`re fine without the cheery crowds and don`t mind a more solitary experience, online titles without interaction sound like a good idea.
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Although the game may look complicated (the overload of different bet types certainly makes the gameplay overwhelming for an absolute beginner), it's a relatively simple game where you must bet on the outcome of two dice. It is important to know basic rules to maximize your winning probabilities.
Craps kicks off with a shooter (the player) making the first roll of the dice, known as the 'Come Out' roll. The resulting numbers can have one of three outcomes:
- Natural. Roll results in a 7 or 11 — the shooter wins and can roll the dice again.
- Crapping Out. The roll results in a 2, 3, or 12 — the shooter loses the roll but can throw the dice again.
- Point. The roll results in a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, also known as 'Point.' On the table next to the figure appears a small button labelled 'On.'
If the shooter rolls the point, they must continue rolling the dice to land the same total. (It doesn't have to be the same combination of dice. For instance, if you establish a point of 4 by throwing 1 and 3, you can roll 2 and 2 to make the 4.) But if the shooter rolls 7 ('seven out') before getting the point, they lose, and the round ends.
Table Layout
Each section of the craps table indicates a unique wager. If the black 'OFF' puck signifies that the next roll of dice is the Come Out Roll, if it's the white 'ON' puck, the next roll is a Point Roll.
The Come Out Roll objective is to determine the initial outcome (win, lose, or set a point). Key bets available during this phase are:
- Pass Line. A fundamental bet is placed before the come-out roll. Win on 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, this wager wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
- Don't Pass Line. The opposite of the Pass Line bet. Players win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 (12 results in a push — neither win nor lose, bet returned) and lose if it's 7 or 11. If a point is established, this bet wins if 7 is rolled before the point number.
Once a point number has been rolled — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 — the white 'ON' puck migrates to the new number. The shooter continues rolling the dice until they roll the Point Number (a win for Pass Line Bettors and a loss for Don't Pass Bettors) or hit a number 7 (Don't Pass Line Bettors win), and the round ends. Unless you have placed other bets, any other numbers rolled during the point roll are unimportant.
Other bets placed on the table for a series of rolls until the losing roll is made are called Multi-Roll Bets. They come in many shapes and forms, including:
- Come Bet. Win if the first roll is 7 or 11, lose if it's 2, 3, or 12. If the result is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, it becomes another point number, and the bets are moved to the new number.
- Don't Come. The counterpart to the Come bet is placed after the point is established. Win if the next roll is 2 or 3 (12 results in a push) and lose if it's 7 or 11.
- Odds Bet. An additional bet can be placed after an established point, backing up Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come bets. This wager has true odds with no house edge; the number determines the payout rolled.
- Place Bets. Wagers on specific numbers — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 — being rolled before a 7. These bets can be placed at any time.
- Proposition Bets: Single-roll bets on specific outcomes, such as rolling a particular double (e.g., two 3s) or a total of 7. These bets have higher payouts but come with increased risk.
With the basics out of the way, here's a brief guide on how the game typically progresses.
Depending on the number of players, rolls, and outcomes, craps sessions can vary widely in length. A typical game lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, although it's not a strict standard, and some rounds can end in mere minutes. Craps typically progress in a couple of main stages:
Step 1: Jump In and Place a Bet
Before the game begins, players place their initial bets. The most common bets include Pass Line Bet, where you wager that the shooter (the player who rolls the dice) will win, or Don't Pass Line Bet, where you wager against the shooter.
Step 2: Come-Out Roll
The game starts with the Come-Out Roll, the first dice roll of a new round. The shooter rolls two dice:
- If the total is 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win, and the round ends.
- If the total is 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose (this is called 'craps'), and the round ends.
- If the total is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number sets the point, and the game continues.
Step 3: Rolling to Hit the Point or Seven-Out
The shooter continues rolling the dice:
- If they roll the point number again before rolling a 7, Pass Line bets win.
- If they roll 7 before the point, they 'seven out,' losing the round.
Step 4: Additional Betting Options
During gameplay, players can place different bets, such as:
- Come Bet (similar to Pass Line but placed after a Point is set).
- Odds Bet(an extra bet on an existing Pass Line or Come Bet with true odds).
- Place Bets (betting on specific numbers like 6 or 8 to appear before 7).
Step 5: Wrap It Up
If the shooter wins by rolling the point, they continue rolling. If they 'seven out,' the dice move to a new shooter and the next round starts. After the round concludes, the dice are passed to the next shooter, and the Come-Out roll begins. Players can adjust their bets or stick to their strategy before the next roll.
Live craps stick close to the classic game — no wild variations like you'd see in blackjack. Although live craps online casino games rarely differ from land-based casino games, some unique variations offer minor changes to established rules and interfaces. Some of the notable variants include:
- Evolution Live Craps. Launched in 2020, this title became one of the most prominent and widely available variants. The game uses a mechanical arm to roll the dice, offers a user-friendly interface, and has an optional 'Easy Mode' tailor-made for complete beginners.
- Vivo Gaming's Live Dealer Craps. A less common version, Vivo Gaming's game features two dealers (a host managing the table and a shooter rolling the dice) and standard betting options.
- Simplified Craps. Tailor-made for absolute beginners, some live dealer games provide basic bets and reduce the complexity of multi-roll ones.
Overall, unlike traditional craps with multiple variants (Die Rich Craps, Crapless Craps, and New York Craps), live dealer games mostly stick to a standardized version, which may be a drawback if you prefer a unique experience.
While craps is largely a game of chance, players can maximize their winnings, improve their long-term success, and boost their overall experience by adhering to a couple of simple strategies and effective bankroll management. Below is a more detailed look at the top tips and approaches that will come in handy when playing live dealer games.
Manage Your Bankroll
Although this simple advice may sound self-evident, the truth is that not all players have a bankroll or know how to manage one effectively. If you want to avoid significant losses, consider the following:
- Set a Budget. Before you start playing, set aside a fixed amount you're willing to spend on gambling. Make sure that you don't exceed it.
- Never Chase Losses. There is a reason why it's one of the most persistent gambling fallacies: after all, who wouldn't want to believe that the elusive luck is just around the corner? In reality, the urge to recoup your losses will only lead to larger financial setbacks, so resist the temptation to catch Lady Luck.
Understand the Odds and House Edge
Some bets come with a higher house edge, making them risky, while others boast a low house edge, providing better long-term winning chances. Here's a quick overview of major bets:
- Pass Line/Come Bets (1.41% house edge) — a safe and beginner-friendly choice;
- Don't Pass/Don't Come Bets (1.36% house edge) — even a more favourable bet for newbies;
- Odds Bets (no house edge) — the best bets in the game;
- Place Bets (1.52% house edge) — offer a decent payout;
- Proposition Bets (around 10% house edge) — offer great payouts but are extremely risky.
Choose a Reputable Casino
Not all casinos are created equal. To avoid potential issues, stick to licensed platforms that use random number generators (and third-party audits to prove it), boast predominantly positive reviews, responsive customer support, and robust security measures.
Use Demo Versions
Although live online craps casino games don't have a demo version, RNG-based craps do. Use this to your advantage to get a grasp of the game, rules, and strategies without risking real funds. Gain confidence and understanding of the game before upgrading to real-money titles.
If you prefer to gamble on the go, most mobile casinos that offer live dealer craps have optimized their platforms for mobile compatibility. This allows users to access games from smartphones and tablets, including Android and iOS devices. Most commonly, players can access games via mobile browsers, although more prominent platforms boast separate mobile apps. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can enjoy a responsive betting interface and high-quality video streaming from multiple camera angles.
Live dealer titles are one of the most exciting ways to experience the classic craps game and the atmosphere of a land-based casino without leaving the comfort of your home. Although the game may sound overwhelming for an absolute beginner, basic wagers are pretty straightforward, but multi-roll bets require more time to grasp fully. If you're only starting to play craps, be sure to use the RNG-based demo version of the game: it's a perfect ground for learning rules, understanding odds, and test-driving strategies without risking real money.
