As one of the most popular online casino games in the world, it’s understandable that many people are looking for winning craps strategies.
In this article, you’ll take a closer look at the game of craps, including its history and some important bet types. But more importantly, this piece also covers some of the most popular strategies employed by craps players.
About Craps
Before diving into the various playing strategies for this popular casino dice game, you first need to learn a little more about it. The craps table is usually one of the most vibrant and noisy areas of the casino. Since players are actively involved in shooting the dice in craps, it’s far more interactive than many games. Coupled with craps terminology, this helps to create a unique atmosphere.
The history of craps is a long one, thought to be inspired by a 12th-century dice game called Hazard. Europe’s ruling classes discovered this in the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to a surge in popularity. During this time, rule variations were introduced that helped make it look a little more like the game of craps as it exists today.
After its arrival in the USA and its growing popularity, particularly in the Mississippi steamboat casinos, further betting options and simplification of the rules took place. John H. Winn played a particularly pivotal role in the evolution of craps. He introduced the concept of betting with or against the shooter, for instance, which helped to reduce cheating.
Key Craps Bet Types and Their Odds
There are many types of craps bets, each with its own individual payouts and respective craps game odds. But the main bets to focus on are as follows:
| Bet | Probability | Odds | House Edge |
| Pass | +103 | +100 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass | +103 | +100 | 1.36% |
| Come | +103 | +100 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come | +103 | +100 | 1.36% |
Pass and Don’t Pass bets are available on the come-out roll in craps, while Come and Don’t Come are available during the point phase. These specific betting opportunities play a vital role in successful, simple craps strategies due to their low house edge. After all, the greater the casino’s advantage, the more likely you are, in theory, to deplete your bankroll.
The Pass and Come bets both have an edge of just 1.41%, while Don’t Come and Don’t Pass are even lower at 1.36%. Not only are they the most player-friendly wagers in craps, but they’re actually among the best bets in the whole casino.
Beginner-Friendly Craps Strategies
Now that you’re up to speed on the various craps bets and payouts, take a look at how to play the game. The most obvious starting point is a basic craps strategy based on the Pass line, and craps come betting strategy due to the aforementioned low house edge. It’s perfect for craps beginners, thanks to its simplicity.
Just place your bet, and whenever the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you’ll receive an even money payout. The casino has a built-in advantage of just 1.41%, close enough to break even that you can employ the strategy for a long time.
Adopting this basic playing method means you don’t have to worry about anything too complex. It gives you the freedom to socialize and learn more about the game’s mechanics. A comparable tactic is to use a Don’t Come or Don’t Pass instead.
This idea is basically the same: it’s an easy bet to manage and has a 1:1 payout. However, there are two subtle differences. Firstly, the house edge is even more favorable at just 1.36%. Secondly, you’re actually betting against the shooter, which might not be popular when playing at a land-based casino.
Exploring Advanced Craps Approaches
If you’re looking for a more advanced craps strategy, there are several options available. Some are riskier while others involve hedging bets in craps. Check out the following tactics.
The Press and Pull Approach
This popular playing style involves placing bets. The idea is to bet until you win four times, at which point you remove your profits. For instance, say you make a place bet on 8, which pays 6:5 odds. If you bet $5, your returns will be $11, giving you a $6 profit.
The idea here is to press on and try to capitalize on a potential winning streak. Remove $1, leaving a new bet of $10. If this also wins, your returns will be $22. Remove the $2 and press on. Pull everything after four consecutive wins and bank the profits.
The 6/8 Strategy Explained
Another playing style commonly found in craps is the 6/8 progressive betting strategy. After 7, these two numbers are the next most likely to be thrown. So the idea is to exploit this fact.
Continuing with the $5 example, you’ll start by placing a bet of one unit. If you win, remove only the profits and leave the original $5 in play. If it loses, double the bet size and repeat the wager. With all such progressive systems, it’s absolutely vital that you set an upper value that you’re happy to lose. If you reach this limit, walk away from the table. Otherwise, the doubled bets can quickly get out of control on a losing streak. Never chase losses.
Understanding the Three-Point Molly
This strategy requires a considerable bankroll and isn’t for beginners. But if successful, the three-point molly swings the craps odds greatly in your favor, with a casino edge of less than 0.5%. Here’s what to do:
- Bet the Pass line with one unit. You’ll win with a 7 or 11, so take the profit and start again. You’ll lose with 2, 3, or 12, but you can try again. If there’s any other result, move on.
- Once the point is set, bet that number at maximum odds. That’s 3x for 4 and 10, 4x for 5 and 9, as well as 5x for 6 and 8.
- Look for another point by betting the Pass line. After a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, your bet switches to a Come bet. You can bet the number again at max odds.
- Repeat the above, looking for a third point, eventually betting it at max odds. Once you have your three points, you’re all set.
- If you make it this far, you’re set for a big payout if any of your numbers come in. However, if the shooter craps out with a 7, you’ll lose the lot. But a three-point molly sets you up for the best possible chance of success thanks to the greatly reduced house edge.
How to Use a Craps Odds Calculator
Trying to calculate craps odds in the moment can get messy. Even with a robust strategy for craps, the many combinations of bets are difficult to keep straight. That’s where a craps odds calculator comes in handy to let you immediately plug in a few numbers and list your potential payout.
Odds calculators are separate from craps online casino games, but you can open one on your computer or phone. First, select which phase of the game you’re in: come out or point phase. This will display the possible bets during these phases.
Next, choose a bet that looks appealing to you. Enter how much money you’d like to wager, and the calculator will display the probability of winning, the house edge, your payout odds, and your payout scaled to your wager.
What Else Should Craps Players Know?
Casino bankroll management is vital when playing craps (or, indeed, any other online casino games). Keep your gambling bankroll separate from the cash you need for groceries, bills, and everyday life.
What’s more, you should break your bankroll into units of equal size to avoid chasing losses and to track your profitable and losing sessions more easily.
Playing Craps Responsibly
Casino games are meant to be fun, not stressful. Practice responsible gambling to avoid spoiling your fun. When you register at BetMGM, you get access to some of the best responsible gambling resources available. You can also dive into many different online dice games like craps, including live dealer craps variants. Put your craps skills to the test at BetMGM Casino.
