A Comprehensive Guide to Craps for Canadians

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Article by Andy Potts
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Last Updated: Feb 19th, 2024 Share On Your Network:

Today, craps is the most popular casino dice game, widely enjoyed across Canada. The game we all know and love today emerged from a 1700s game known as “Krabs,” which itself was a variation of a commonly played English game called “Hazard.” In North America, craps was first played between 1800 and 1810 in New Orleans, and it was brought to the continent by a family of wealthy landowners in colonial Louisiana. Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville is credited with bringing it to North America. When he introduced Hazard to Louisiana, he made some changes that simplified the game somewhat. Though the high society in Louisiana originally rejected craps in the early nineteenth century, the local working class took to the game, and deckhands and fieldhands played it throughout the state. The unusual name is a derivative of the French word “crapaud,” which means “toad” in English. The name was given to the game because of the way that players would crouch over the floor or sidewalk when throwing the dice. When de Marigny realized the game’s popularity, he christened a road in his native New Orleans, “Rue de Craps,” which is why many people regard this dice game as a casino title that emerged from the streets. By the mid-nineteenth century, many casinos offered craps as a table game, which saw it increase in popularity with the middle and upper classes.

When the Second World War broke out in Europe, craps was widely played by American and Canadian servicemen who enjoyed the street version of the game that had been so popular in New Orleans before their deployment. In the post-war years, craps became one of the most popular table games in North America and Canadian casinos, particularly in Las Vegas, Nevada. Craps has retained its popularity in brick-and-mortar casinos. With the launch of online casinos, it is now available as a live dealer and RNG table game. Whether you’re playing online or in a brick-and-mortar casino in Canada, the chances are that you have come across craps. But how does the game work? And what rules do you need to know to enjoy this casino classic? This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know to play craps online or at a real-life casino. We also introduce some handy craps strategies that you can employ to improve your winning chances and run through some tips and tricks that will help you as you play this brilliant casino dice game. 

Basic Rules & Gameplay

Before placing a bet at the craps table, you must understand the basic rules and know how the game works. In this section, we run through the basic rules of craps and the table layout before looking at the different types of craps bets you can place at online casinos.

Basic rules of craps

  • Craps is played with two dice, one table, and chips of various denominations.
  • The aim of the game is to predict the combined value of the dice thrown by the shooter. 
  • Each craps round consists of several betting rounds; up to 20 players can play anytime. 
  • Every game must begin with a pass line bet. You have to bet on whether the dice will pass the line (7 or 11) or not pass the line (2, 3, 12). 
  • The “come out roll” begins the game, which sees the first shooter roll the dice.
  • Following the first roll, pass line bets instantly win if the total is 7 or 11. Don’t pass bets payout if the dice equals 2, 3, or 12. 
  • Should the dice total any other number, your pass or don’t pass bets remain active for subsequent betting rounds. Also, this number becomes “the point” for the remainder of the game. 
  • You can adjust your bets to place wagers on different numbers when the point has been set.
  • The dice are rolled until the point number lands or a seven is rolled. 
  • The game then resets, and another shooter takes the dice.

Craps table layout

Now that we’ve run through the basic rules of craps, it’s time to look at the table layout in more detail. There are two sides to a standard craps table, and both sides are identical, allowing more players to join the game in a brick-and-mortar casino. As a result, you will see the following segments when you look at a craps table for the first time:

1

Pass & Don’t Pass

The pass & don’t pass section is placed in the bottom left corner of most craps tables. This is one of the most popular craps bets and is a good one for beginners. A pass line bet is a wager on a 7 or 11 being rolled, while a don’t pass bet is a wager on a 2, 3, or 12 being rolled.
2

Big 6 & Big 8

The Big 6 and Big 8 options are the next segment on the craps table and can be found next to the pass and don’t pass lines. You can place your chips on this segment if you think a six or eight will be rolled before a seven.
3

The field

The section in the middle of the craps table is the field. This section lets you bet on specific numbers appearing, including 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11. You can double or triple your payouts if you bet on 2 or 12 in the field.
4

Come & Don’t Come

The come and don’t come sections become active after the point has been established. The come box invites you to place a bet on a 7 or 11 being the next roll, while the don’t come box is a bet on a 2, 3, or 12 on the next roll. If any other number is rolled, your come or don’t come bet becomes your personal point alongside the game’s point, increasing your chances of winning.
5

The Place

The place sits at the top of the craps table where you place chips to win bets on specific numbers - 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. For a place bet to win, the shooter must land one of these numbers before rolling a 7. You can bet on the place at any time, and the bet is then tied to the next roll of the dice only.
6

Center Section

The center section of a craps table is where you can place proposition bets. In other words, these are single-roll bets on the dice landing in a specific pattern, including double one or double six.

Types of Bets

As you may have guessed, the types of bets you can place in craps correspond to the segments we’ve introduced above. Below, we run through these bet types in more detail and introduce you to the odds and potential payouts of each outcome.

Pass Line Bet

Type of bet  Numbers  House edge  Payout 
Multi-roll 7 or 11  1.41%  1:1

A pass line bet is a wager on the shooter rolling a 7 or 11 on the come out roll. If the come out roll is a 7 or 11, a pass line bet pays out 1:1. If any number other than a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the pass line bet rolls over to the next betting round.

Don’t Pass Line Bet

Type of bet Numbers House edge Payout
Multi-roll 2, 3, 12 1.36% 1:1

When the total number of the dice is two or three on the come out roll, the don’t pass bet pays out 1:1. If a 12 is rolled, a push bet is recorded, and any other numbers must not show before a seven if the bet is to payout. 

Come Bet

Type of bet Numbers House edge Payout
Multi-roll 7 or 11 1.41% 1:1

You can only place a come bet after the point has been determined. As soon as the point has been set, you can place a come bet on a 7 or 11 being rolled, as in an initial pass line bet.

Don’t Come Bet

Type of bet Numbers House edge Payout 
Multi-roll 2, 3, 12 1.36% 1:1

A don’t come bet is the inverse of a come bet. After the point has been set, you can bet on the next number being a 2 or 3. A roll of 12 results in a push bet.

Field Bets

Type of bet Numbers House edge Payout
Single roll 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 (2, 12) 5.5% 1:1 (2:1 for 2, 12)

Field bets are a good option because they enable you to bet on specific numbers showing when the dice are rolled. Standard field bets payout 1:1, but you can earn a payout of 2:1 if you bet on 2 or 12. 

Laying the odds

Type of bet Numbers House edge Payout 
Multi-roll 4/10, 5/9, 6/8 0% 4/10 (1:2), 5/9 (2:3), 6/8 (5:6)

You can lay the odds at the craps table after a pass or come bet. This is a bet on the shooter landing a seven before a specific point number. There is no house edge on free odds bets in craps, making it a popular option.

Place Bets

Type of bet Numbers House edge Payout 
Multi-roll 6/8, 5/9, 4/10 6/8 (1.52%), 5/9 (4%), 4/10 (6.67%) 6/8 (7:6), 5/9 (7:5), 4:10 (9:5)

Though you can place bets at any time at the craps table, they’re most popular after the point has been established. A place bet is essentially a bet on a number that must be rolled before a 7, and each option has a different house edge, as shown above. 

Buy Bets

Type of bet Numbers House edge Payout 
Multi-roll 4/10, 6/8, 5/9 4.76% 4/10 (2:1), 6/8 (6:5), 5/9 (3:2)

Like place bets, buy bets are placed on the shooter hitting a specific number before a 7. One thing to be mindful of with buy bets is that some casinos add a 5% commission when they payout. 

Big Six, Big Eight Bets

Type of bet Numbers  House edge  Payout 
Multi-roll 6, 8 9% 1:1

You can bet on a six or eight being thrown before a seven, known as a big six or big eight bet in craps. This bet type pays out 1:1. 

Hardways Bets

Type of bet Numbers  House edge Payout 
Multi-roll 6/8, 4/10 6/8 (9.09%), 4/10 (11.11%) 6/8 (9:1), 4/10 (7:1)

In craps, hardways bets are double rolls. So, you can bet on the dice, resulting in a hard 6, 8, 4, or 10. The number must be rolled before the shooter rolls a 7 for the bet to payout.

2 or 12 Bets

Type of bet Numbers  House edge Payout 
Single roll 2, 12 13.89% 30:1

The most difficult numbers to roll in craps are 2 and 12, as so few combinations can total these numbers. As a result, 2 and 12 bets deliver eye-catching odds of 30:1. 

3 or 11 Bets

Type of bet Numbers House edge Payout 
Single roll 3, 11 11.11% 15:1

This is a craps bet that allows you to bet on numbers 3 or 11, and though it’s more likely to occur than a 2 or 12 bet, the payout of 15:1 is still impressive and worth playing for. 

Any 7 Bet

Type of bet Numbers House edge  Payout 
Single roll 7 16.67% 4:1

While 2 and 12 and 3 and 11 have very few combinations, 7 is the number with the most possible combinations, and you can bet on any seven landing on the craps table, with odds of 4:1.

Any Craps Bets

Type of bet Numbers  House edge Payout 
Single roll 2, 3, 12 11.11% 7:1

“Any craps bets” is a term that refers to 2, 3, or 12 landing on the next roll so that you can bet on this outcome with a payout of 7:1. 

Craps bet types overview

Though we’ve provided a breakdown of each of the different bets that you can place in craps, the table below provides a helpful overview of the house edge and payouts of each bet to help you inform your craps strategy: 

Bet Type House Edge Potential Payout
Pass line  1.41% 1:1
Don’t pass line  1.36% 1:1
Come  1.41% 1:1
Don’t come 1.36% 1:1
Field  5.50% 1:1 / 2:1
Laying the odds 0.00% 1:2 / 2:3 / 5:6
Place 1.52% – 6.67% 7:6 / 7:5 / 9:5
Buy 4.76% 2:1 / 6:5 / 3:2
Big Six, Big Eight  9.00% 1:1
Hardways 9.09% – 11.11% 7:1 / 9:1
2/12 13.89% 30:1
3/11 11.11% 15:1
Any 7 16.67% 4:1
Any craps  11.11% 7:1

Craps Strategies

As craps is a casino game based on chance, no strategy is foolproof. After all, you can win or lose each time you bet at an online or real-money casino on any game. But thinking carefully about how to approach craps can improve your enjoyment of the game and may even result in more frequent payouts. Below, we introduce some simple craps strategies that you can employ and explain precisely how they can work to your advantage. 

The pass line craps strategy

If you’re about to play craps for the first time, betting on the pass line is a great strategy. All you need to do is place a bet on the pass line each time you play, which means you will earn a payout of 1:1 if a 7 or 11 is rolled. This is a viable beginner’s strategy because the house edge is low (just 1.41%), and you don’t need to pay attention to various possibilities as the game progresses. You win if the come-out roll results in a 7 or 11. It’s as simple as that. Also, if the come out roll avoids the don’t pass line numbers, your initial pass line bet rolls over into subsequent rolls of the dice. 

The don’t pass craps strategy

We should say from the off that the don’t pass craps strategy is best avoided in brick-and-mortar casinos, as it requires you to bet against the shooter. In other words, you might fall out with your friends pretty quickly! As such, it’s a great option if you’re playing craps online and aren’t concerned with making any friends. As you might have guessed from the name of this strategy, you’re betting on the don’t pass bet coming in. Your first bet at the table should be a don’t pass bet, which delivers a 1:1 payout if a 2 or 3 is rolled. You get your money back if a 12 is rolled. Now, if a point is thrown, you should make a don’t come bet. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on subsequent bets, this pays out and returns your stake if a 12 is rolled. If you want to bet against the shooter in craps, this is a fun strategy and offers something slightly different. It’s also viable because don’t pass line bets have a house edge of just 1.36%, marginally lower than pass line bets at 1.41%. 

The six and eight craps strategy

The six and eight craps strategy is a progression strategy and is the craps version of roulette strategies like the Martingale. Other than the number seven, values of six and eight are most likely to appear at the craps table, as they have the second-highest number of possible combinations. This strategy calls for you to place a $6 bet on the big six or big eight segment of the craps table. If you win, you take the profit and bet again. However, if you lose, you place the wager again, increasing your stake to $7 or doubling it to $12 if your bankroll allows. Knowing when to leave the table is the key to the six and eight craps strategy. We recommend setting yourself a target you will be happy with and calling it a day when you hit that amount. 

The iron cross craps strategy

If you want to dive deeper into the craps table, you can employ the iron cross craps strategy. This requires you to place a combination wager on two lots of numbers. So, you need to bet on the field (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12) and a place bet (5, 6, or 8) to land before a number 7.  Therefore, you have covered practically every number with the iron cross strategy, meaning you’re guaranteed a win when the shooter rolls the dice. The risk, of course, is if a shooter lands a 7. The risk with this strategy is amplified because a 7 is the most common outcome at the craps table, so you need to factor this in before placing a bet. If you’re planning a one-off craps wager, the iron cross is a good option. But if you’re looking for a long-term strategy, the fact that sevens land so frequently means that the iron cross isn’t necessarily a good long-term option.

Managing your bankroll

Though not a strategy that is unique to craps, managing your bankroll while playing any casino game is essential, it’s so important that you don’t get caught up in the pace of the game, which can lead you to spend what you can’t afford to lose. The best way to approach craps is to decide how much you would like to spend while playing the game, be it $10, $100, or $1,000. If you’re in a casino, you can buy chips to that amount, or if you’re playing online, simply add the balance to your online casino account. You can then play craps for however long your balance lasts. This takes a lot of the stress and pressure away from the game and means you’re playing for fun and having a good time. Another good tip for managing your bankroll is to set a walk-away target. For instance, if you have $10 to spend at the craps table, you might decide that $50 in wins is enough to walk away from the table with a tidy profit. 

Odds and Probabilities

As you will know, the dice roll during a craps game is down to chance, and you can’t do anything to control the outcome of each betting round. However, understanding the probability and odds associated with each number on the dice can help you to develop a solid craps strategy. The table below indicates the probability (as a percentage) of rolling any number from two dice at the craps table:

Dice roll Combination required  Probability (%)
2 1+1 2.78%
3 2+1 5.56%
4 2+2 / 3+1 8.33%
5 2+3 / 4+1 11.11%
6 1+5 / 2+4 / 3+3 13.89%
7 1+6 / 2+5 / 3+4 16.66%
8 2+6 / 3+5 / 4+4 13.89%
9 3+6 / 4+5  11.11%
10 4+6 / 5+5 8.33%
11 5+6 5.56%
12 6+6  2.78%

As you can see, seven is the number most likely to be rolled at the craps table, with a probability of 16.66%. This is why a pass line bet is a good option in craps, as you cover the most likely number to appear alongside the number eleven with a probability of 5.56%, giving you just over a one in five chance of winning each time you play (22.22%). If you want to employ a craps strategy based on probability alone, it makes sense to place bets on numbers between five and nine each time you play, as they are the most likely numbers to appear. But of course, if you want to land the highest payouts in craps, you need to take more of a risk and go for the numbers with fewer possible combinations. This highlights the importance of balance in your craps betting strategy, and you need to think carefully about which numbers to bet on based on your tolerance for risk. 

Point number probability

You can also use probability stats to help you predict the probability of the point number in craps, as exemplified by the table below: 

Point number  The probability of a point number being rolled first  The likelihood of seven being rolled first 
4 33.34% 66.66%
5 40.00% 60.00%
6 45.45% 54.55%
8 45.45% 54.55%
9 40.00% 60.00%
10 33.34% 66.66%

The key thing that this table shows is that the probability of rolling any point number is lower than rolling a seven. But you can use the probabilities to your advantage when placing pass, and don’t pass bets in craps.

How to use craps probability to your advantage

We’ve already mentioned that craps is a game of chance, but you can use probability to your advantage. While there’s no way of knowing beforehand which number will be rolled, you can refer to probability to make an educated guess. Let’s just take a pass and don’t pass bet as an example to illustrate how this looks. The probability of rolling a 7 or 11 for a pass line bet is 22.22% in craps. Conversely, the probability of rolling a 2, 3, or 12 for a don’t pass line bet is 11.12%. So, if you wanted to bet on the most probable outcome, you would opt for the pass line bet. You don’t necessarily have to base all of your craps bets on probability, but understanding which numbers are most likely to appear can undoubtedly help you as you make your selections each betting round. 

Etiquette and Casino Tips

If you’re planning to play craps in a Canadian brick-and-mortar casino for the first time, there are some basic etiquette tips that you need to be aware of as you settle into the action. The following guidelines will help you play craps without attracting unwanted attention from the dealer or other players:

Don’t hide the dice

When your turn as the shooter comes around, ensure you always keep the dice visible. If you hide the dice from the dealer, even if you do it unintentionally, you might be asked to leave the game. When you receive the dice, keep them in the palm of your hand until you’re ready to roll so the dealer and all other players can see them at all times. 

Play at a good pace

It’s really frustrating when one or two shooters take an eternity to roll the dice. Some people like to make an announcement while all eyes are on them, while others are keen to build up the suspense as they prepare to shoot. Don’t be one of these people. Make sure you keep the game moving at a good pace and roll the dice as soon as the dealer instructs you to.

Don’t blow on the dice

Even if you think blowing on the dice might bring luck, don’t do it. It’s an unnecessary way of spreading germs to other players and the casino.

Show respect to other players

One of the most important things to remember when playing craps is that you’re not the only one invested in the game, and the people around you have probably placed different bets. Therefore, avoid wild celebrations when your numbers come in and don’t gloat if the shooter doesn’t pass the line. Keep things polite and friendly, and you can all have a good time.

Drinks don’t belong on the table

We shouldn’t have to tell you this, but your Bud or Long Island, Ice Tea bottle has no place at the craps table. The same is true of snacks, wallets, keys, and phones. Keep the playing area free and accessible at all times to avoid the ire of the dealer.

Look to the dealer for cues

If you’ve never played a game of craps in your life, look to the dealer for cues. They instruct you when and how to place your bets and are generally very friendly. You can also ask the dealer for advice if you’re not sure of something. 

Watch some games before betting

While beginners are welcome at the craps table, standing back and watching some games for a few minutes might be a good idea before jumping in. This gives you a great feel for how the game plays out, and you can even learn about the different bets you can place. Craps games generate a great atmosphere and are a great spectacle on casino floors, so don’t be shy about watching the action unfold. 

Practice by playing online craps

You can play craps online for free before playing for real money. This is the best way to prepare yourself for the casino floor. You can then opt to play craps for real money at an online casino to prepare you well for your debut at the craps table in a brick-and-mortar casino. We explain in detail how to get started at an online casino in one of the following sections. 

Craps bankroll and responsible gambling tips

Further to our casino etiquette tips, here are some bankroll and responsible gambling tips to bear in mind while playing craps online or in a brick-and-mortar casino: 

  • Always set your limits and establish a bankroll based on what you can afford to lose. 
  • Don’t chase your losses; commit in advance when it’s time to walk away. 
  • Set yourself a target amount of winnings and stop playing if and when you win that amount.
  • If you’re playing craps online, use responsible gambling tools like deposit and time limits to help you manage your bankroll.
  • Playing craps should be fun – if you think you have a gambling problem, contact a family member or friend for help. You can also turn to problem gambling resources in Canada, such as the Responsible Gambling Council.

Playing Craps Online

Few things can beat playing craps in a brick-and-mortar venue as far as enjoyment is concerned. Huddling around the table with your friends and other players is exhilarating and provides a sociable and potentially profitable experience. But if you can’t make it to an actual casino, you can enjoy craps at an online casino in Canada without leaving the comfort of your home. Let’s look at how to choose an online craps casino in Canada and the variety of games you can play on these sites.

How to choose a licensed online casino in Canada

There are lots of different things to look for in an online casino, but the following five are non-negotiables when looking for a craps casino to play at in Canada:

License and regulation

First and foremost, the site in question must be licensed and regulated by a reputable body. The best online casinos in Canada are regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. You can also check for offshore licenses from the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. Licensing is crucial because regulatory bodies hold online casinos to account and ensure they provide you with safe and secure online gaming opportunities. 

Game variety

Naturally, the best online casinos in Canada offer various games. As far as craps are concerned, you can play RNG and live dealer craps (more on this below), depending on the type of online gaming environment you’re looking for. You should also consider the other games the casino offers and make sure there is a decent selection of slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game show titles to enjoy.

Bonuses and promotions

The best way to boost your bankroll while playing online craps is by unlocking online casinos’ various bonuses and promotions. Leading craps casinos in Canada offer welcome packages that provide matched bonus funds for you to use as soon as you have created an account. You can also access a range of ongoing promotions like cashback offers and reload bonuses as you play. If you’re a high roller, play craps at an online casino with a VIP Club or loyalty program to unlock even better rewards as you place your bets. 

Banking methods & payout terms

To play craps online for real money in Canada, you must consider the banking and payment methods supported at the casino. Practically all casinos in Canada allow you to deposit funds via Visa, Mastercard, or bank transfer. But the best casinos also offer a host of e-wallets like Jeton and, PayPal and Interac services for you to take advantage of. Some craps casinos even offer crypto deposits if you want to bet with Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and other currencies. You should also check the speed of payouts at an online casino before signing up. We recommend playing at sites that process most withdrawals in 1-3 days, as anything longer than this is far from ideal.

Mobile compatibility

Our favourite online craps casinos in Canada offer native mobile apps on iOS and Android. This enables you to play craps and other casino games on the go, no matter where you are in Canada. You should check the casino’s rating on the Google and Apple stores for an idea of how good their products are. If a casino doesn’t have a native mobile app, double-check that you can play their games on a mobile browser before signing up. The best mobile-friendly casinos have been created with HTML5 technology, meaning that their games are optimized for play on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Online craps game variety

Though you’re unlikely to find as many craps games at online casinos as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, you should still be able to play a handful of games at your chosen site in Canada. There are two main types of online craps games – RNG games and live dealer titles. RNG craps games are casino titles that are computer generated. RNG means random number generator, and each game’s outcome is determined by a mathematical program built into the game. These games are fun and can be enjoyed at your own pace. They are also ideal for mobile gaming, requiring very little mobile data to run. 

Alternatively, you can play live dealer craps games online. As the name suggests, these games are hosted by a real-life dealer in a purpose-built studio. The action is then live-streamed via the online casino, and you can place your bets in real-time. Evolution Gaming’s First Person Craps is one of the most popular live craps games available online and provides a fun, engaging, and immersive online gaming experience. The most significant advantage of playing live dealer craps is that the game tries to mimic the experience of playing craps in a brick-and-mortar casino. You can interact with the dealer in real-time, providing an immersive and sociable online casino experience. 

Online craps bet limits, payouts, and RTP

Read the game description and associated rules before betting at an online craps casino. There, you will find three key aspects of the game that will inform your betting strategy:

Bet limits

The bet limits indicate how much and how little you can bet each time you play craps. Some games have bet limits as low as $0.20, while others allow you to bet up to or even more than $1,000 per game. It makes sense to pick a craps game with bet limits that align with your available bankroll.

Payouts

Helpfully, online craps games provide paytables that show you how much each bet pays out. It’s always important to check each game’s payouts, as they may vary slightly, mainly if you’re playing a particular format of craps online.

RTP

RTP stands for return to player and is given as a percentage. It’s a crucial metric when considering which online casino game to play, as it indicates how much, on average, the game pays out. So, if a craps game has an RTP of 98%, it means that, on average, $0.98 of every $1.00 is paid out, while $0.02 is kept by the casino. The higher the game’s RTP, the better it is for players.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Craps can be so much fun, but some common mistakes we often see at the craps table make us cringe. So, to prepare you for this lively and sociable casino game, here are some common craps mistakes to be aware of that we implore you to avoid:

Handing cash to the dealer

The dealer isn’t permitted to take cash from your hand, so you must place money on the table if you want to play. They will then give you chips that you can place on specific segments of the craps table. To cash in your winnings, head to the cashier’s desk – don’t look to the dealer to pay your winnings.

Betting too late

The best time to make your bets is when the dice are in the middle of the table before passing them to the shooter. Don’t leave things until the very last minute to place your bets, as you can cause delays to the game. Equally, if you wait too late and miss the betting window, you risk losing out if your selection comes home. 

Betting too much

This is subjective, but everyone has their limits. Whether you’re playing with $10 or $1,000 in your pocket, you should always bet within your means. Make sure you understand the chip denominations and know precisely how much you’re betting each game. If you don’t, things will get expensive very quickly. 

Misunderstanding your bets

As we have shown in this comprehensive guide, there are many elements to craps that you need to understand, and there are so many different types of bets that you can place. Therefore, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about the different craps bets so you know exactly what you’re doing. Don’t just arrive at the craps table and hope for the best; it won’t stand you in good stead in the long run.

Relying too much on strategy

Employing a craps strategy can be beneficial, but remember, it will only take you so far. This is because craps is a game of chance, and you can’t control the roll of the dice. Remember that you can win or lose each time you play craps, and don’t get caught up in thinking your strategy is foolproof.

Handling the dice improperly

When your turn as the shooter comes around, how you handle the dice is key. Keep them visible in one hand when they are pushed towards you, and don’t blow on them. We also recommend rolling the dice as quickly as possible to prevent unnecessary delays. Then, to roll them, don’t just drop the dice on the table – roll them firmly and towards the back wall so you’re not accused of trying to engineer the outcome. 

Causing a scene

Even if you have never played craps in a casino, you’re probably aware that the craps tables generate the best atmosphere on the casino floor. However, some people cause a scene with their antics by wildly celebrating or losing their temper when things don’t go their way. It’s so important to keep your cool while playing craps and keep celebrations to a minimum – remember, not everyone wins at the same time as you! 

Drinking or eating at the table

We touched upon this in our etiquette tips, but don’t bring your drinks or snacks to the craps table. Some tables in casinos have drinks shelves underneath where you can store your drinks while playing, but don’t under any circumstances place your drinks or snacks on the felt. If you break this unwritten rule, you will almost certainly be asked to leave! 

Conclusion

Craps is one of our favourite casino games. It offers brilliant value and excellent payouts and is so much fun to play in brick-and-mortar casinos and online. That being said, understanding craps takes some time, as there are so many different bets you can place and many components of the game that you need to understand. Thanks to this comprehensive guide to craps, you now know everything about the game’s history and why it is so popular in Canada today. You also know about the different bets you can place and each bet’s odds, probability, and payouts. So, all that’s left is to head to a casino (online or in person), buy some chips, and head to a craps table to enjoy one of the most iconic casino games available to Canadians. 

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