The Absolute Basics: Dice, Pass Line and Come-Out Rolls
Craps has a reputation for being intimidating, largely because of the crowded table layout and the constant shouting. Strip that away and the game rests on a simple idea: you are betting on the outcome of two six-sided dice. In UK online casinos the table is usually a clean digital version of the American classic, with the same bets and the same odds, played in pounds sterling. For more details, visit read more.
Every round begins with a come-out roll. The shooter , the player rolling, which in an online game means you , throws the dice. A total of 7 or 11 wins instantly on the Pass Line. A 2, 3 or 12 loses. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) becomes the “point”, and the game moves into a second phase where the shooter keeps rolling until that point repeats or a 7 appears.
The Pass Line is the best starting bet for a beginner and carries a house edge of just 1.41%. The alternative Don’t Pass Line sits at 1.36%. Those figures are among the lowest you will find on any casino floor, which explains why craps attracts players who care about value.
One practical note: many UK-licensed sites let you try a table in demo mode before staking real money. Use that option. Ten minutes of free practice removes most of the confusion.
Which Bets Are Worth Your Money , and Which to Avoid
Craps pays out on dozens of wagers, but only a handful deserve your attention. The table below compares the main options by house edge, the single most useful number for judging any bet.
| Bet | House Edge | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1.41% | Excellent starting bet |
| Don’t Pass | 1.36% | Marginally better, less popular |
| Odds bet | 0% | Zero house edge , always take it |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% | Reasonable |
| Proposition bets | 2% to 16.7% | Steer clear |
The Odds bet is the standout. Once a point is set, most tables allow you to back it with additional stakes at true mathematical odds, meaning the casino takes no cut. Many platforms permit single odds, while some offer double or even 3-4-5 odds. Taking the maximum allowed is the smartest move in the game.
By contrast, the centre-table proposition bets , snake eyes, boxcars, any craps , look exciting and pay handsomely, but a wager such as a 2 or 12 carries a 13.89% house edge. Over a session those percentages grind away at your balance.
The 7 on the come-out roll wins even money, and it arrives with a probability of 16.67% on any single throw. Knowing the true frequency of each total helps you appreciate why 6, 7 and 8 dominate results.
The Pros and Cons Every Beginner Should Weigh
The case for craps is strong. It offers some of the lowest house edges in the building, with the combined Pass Line plus full odds reducing the overall edge to below 1%. It is also social and fast-moving, with decisions required in seconds rather than minutes. For UK players who enjoy a lively table without baccarat’s silence or roulette’s waiting game, craps delivers.
There is a genuine skill element too. Bankroll discipline and knowing which bets to ignore are learnable, and the Odds bet rewards players who understand the maths. You can start small: many tables open at £1 or £5 per unit, which suits cautious beginners.
The drawbacks are real, however. The layout is the most complex of any casino game, and the range of bets tempts newcomers into high-edge wagers. Variance is also sharper than it looks , losing streaks on the Pass Line happen, and a session can swing quickly. It is worth setting a loss limit in pounds before you begin, and treating every session as entertainment spend rather than a route to income.
The verdict? Learn three bets , Pass Line, Odds and Place 6/8 , ignore everything else, and craps becomes one of the most rewarding tables in any UK online casino.