July 11, 2024 5 min read

Step into any casino, and you'll enter into a symphony of sounds—ringing slot machines, shuffling cards, and the buzz of excited chatter. Amidst this sensory overload, one game stands out for its electric energy and communal spirit: craps.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, craps offers a level of excitement that's hard to match. Keep reading to learn why craps is the most exciting game in the casino! We explain the game in detail.

Craps 101: What It Is and How To Play

For craps beginners, the scene at a craps table might seem overwhelming. However, the game is more accessible than it appears.

Five red gambling dice in a wooden half-bowl on a green craps table felt next to a rattan dice stick and stack of chips.

The Craps Game, Explained

Craps is a game where players wager on the results of the roll, or a series of rolls, of a pair of dice. The game begins with a “come-out” roll, which is to establish the “point” number. However, if the shooter hits a 7 or 11, it’s an automatic “Pass Line” bet win for those players. If the player rolls a “craps” on the “come-out roll” (2, 3, or 12) the “Pass Line” bets lose and “Don’t Pass” bets are winners.

If the come-out roll is any number besides 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12, that number is now the point, which the dealer will mark with an ON button, so betters always know which is the point. The shooter keeps rolling until they hit the point or roll a craps, which ends their turn; the dice are then passed to the next shooter. These are the basic rules of craps—once you understand this, you can branch out into the many different bets and ways to play.

How To Place Craps Bets

Craps has the distinction of offering the largest repertoire of bets for players to make on the table, providing a multitude of chances to win. The table layout might look complicated initially, but once you understand how it works, it’s quite simple to follow.

The Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets each feature unique odds and payouts. Players will bet on the Pass Line or the Don’t Pass before the shooter rolls for the point—this is a blind bet of whether the shooter will or won’t pass (roll the point before a 7). The Come and Don’t Come bets operate the same way after the shooter establishes the point—a Come bet means the shooter will roll the point before a 7, and in Don’t Come, the shooter will roll a 7 before the point.

Other Types of Bets in Craps

Beyond the basic Pass Line and Come bets, craps offers a variety of other betting options that add depth and complexity to the game. “Place” bets allow players to wager on the shooter rolling a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) before a 7. “Hardways” bets involve betting that the shooter will roll a specific double (such as two 2s for a hard 4) before a 7 or before the corresponding “easy” combination (a 3 and a 1 for a 4).

Proposition bets offer higher payouts but come with higher risk and are single-roll outcomes. For those seeking even more nuanced strategies, “field” bets are one-roll results involving a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. With such a wide array of betting options, craps provides an engaging and versatile gaming experience, catering to both risk-takers and more conservative players alike.

Why Craps Is So Fun

Winning Together

One of the main reasons craps is so exhilarating is the communal atmosphere it fosters. Unlike other casino games where players battle each other, craps encourages collective joy. When the shooter wins, everyone who had bet on the pass line wins, too, creating a wave of shared excitement.

Fast-Paced Gaming Action

The fast pace of the game also contributes to its excitement. Each roll of the dice brings new possibilities, keeping players on the edge of their seats. The adrenaline rush that comes with anticipating the outcome of each roll is unparalleled. The variety of betting options allows players to diversify their strategies, adding another layer of excitement to the game.

Requires Strategy (and Some Luck)

Winning in craps isn’t just about luck; it involves a mix of strategy and risk-taking. The thrill of making a well-placed bet and watching it pay off adds to the overall excitement. The game’s dynamic nature ensures that no two rounds are the same, keeping players engaged and coming back for more.

Two red clear gambling dice, showing three and four, resting on a green craps game table felt over the come bar bet space.

Why Craps Is the Perfect Game for Your Event

If you’re looking to add some gaming events to your event, whether it’s a corporate event, wedding, fundraiser, or just a social get-together, craps is a great choice! Craps is an excellent game for events because it naturally fosters interaction and engagement among participants. The communal nature of the game means that players cheer for each other, which helps to break the ice and build camaraderie.

The high-energy atmosphere and shared experiences, like winning together on the pass line, create a sense of unity and collective excitement. Moreover, the game's straightforward rules make it accessible to newcomers, ensuring everyone, regardless of their experience level, can join in on the fun. Its dynamic pace keeps the mood lively, making craps an ideal centerpiece for any social gathering.

Why You Should Get a Craps Table Felt for Home Use

While craps is the most exciting game in the casino, you can’t always organize an outing, so your next best bet is to bring that fun to your home! Adding a craps table layout to your home gaming setup offers unparalleled entertainment value, combining the thrill of casino gaming with the convenience and comfort of your home.

A craps felt layout allows you to host exciting game nights with friends and family, fostering a social and interactive atmosphere. The setup is not only perfect for parties and gatherings but also serves as a great way to develop your craps skills and strategies in a relaxed setting. All you need is a long, rectangular table, some barriers (for stopping the dice), a layout, and some dice, and you’re all set for fun!

Bring Casino Fun To Your Home and Events With Casino Supply

We hope you’ve learned something from our breakdown of the legendary game of craps, and you’ll consider it the next time you’re in the casino or ready to host casino night at your next event or home gathering. If you want to invest in a craps felt layout, Casino Supply is here to help!

Our inventory of craps layouts includes a wide selection of colors and styles to choose from and even custom felts to design as you please! View our craps layouts and other casino supplies online today.

Jay Simon
Jay Simon



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