Casino Game Craps – How to play!

Craps stands out as one of the most exhilarating and dynamic casino games available, captivating players across Canada and worldwide. Its unique blend of strategy, chance, and a highly interactive atmosphere makes it a perennial favourite, whether you're at a bustling land-based casino or enjoying the action from the comfort of your home through an online casino.

For many, Craps is more than just a game; it's an experience. The energy around a Craps table is infectious, with players often cheering together as the dice roll. Fortunately, the transition of Craps to the online realm, particularly in live casino games formats, has been seamless. The online version faithfully replicates the excitement and rules of its physical counterpart, ensuring Canadian players get an authentic experience.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Unlike card games such as Blackjack where the dealer initiates the action, in Craps, a designated player, known as the “shooter,” takes centre stage. This player rolls the dice, and the outcome determines the fate of all bets placed on the table. Even in live online Craps, the role of the shooter is simulated, with players placing their wagers before the virtual dice roll.

The game begins with players placing their bets on the table. Online, this is done by simply selecting your desired chip value and clicking on the betting areas. Once all bets are placed and the betting window closes, the shooter performs the “Come-Out Roll.” This initial roll is crucial as it sets the stage for the rest of the round.

The Come-Out Roll and Game Progression

After the Come-Out Roll, the total of the two dice is calculated. Online live Craps tables often feature multiple camera angles, zooming in on the dice to ensure transparency and excitement for all participants. The outcome of this roll dictates the next steps:

• Instant Win/Loss: If the Come-Out Roll results in a 7 or 11, players who bet on the “Pass Line” win. If it's a 2, 3, or 12 (known as “Craps”), Pass Line bets lose.
• Establishing a Point: If the roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “Point.” The round then continues, and the shooter must roll the dice again.

Once a Point is established, the shooter continues to roll the dice until one of two things happens: either the Point number is rolled again, or a 7 is rolled. If the Point number is rolled before a 7, Pass Line bets win. If a 7 is rolled before the Point number, Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends.

The beauty of Craps lies in its vast array of betting options, offering excitement for both the shooter and the spectators. For newcomers, understanding the primary bets is the best starting point:

• Pass Line Bet: This is one of the most fundamental bets in Craps. You place your chips on the “Pass Line” before the Come-Out Roll.
  • You win if the Come-Out Roll is a 7 or 11.
  • You lose if the Come-Out Roll is a 2, 3, or 12.
  • If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) is rolled, that number becomes the “Point.” To win, the shooter must roll the Point number again before rolling a 7.
• Don't Pass Line Bet: This is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet, often favoured by players who prefer to bet against the shooter. You place your chips on the “Don't Pass Line” before the Come-Out Roll.
  • You win if the Come-Out Roll is a 2 or 3.
  • You lose if the Come-Out Roll is a 7 or 11.
  • If the Come-Out Roll is a 12, it's a “push” (a tie), and your bet is returned.
  • If a Point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the Point number is rolled again. You lose if the Point number is rolled before a 7.

While Craps offers many more complex bets, mastering the Pass Line and Don't Pass Line bets provides a solid foundation for enjoying the game. As you become more comfortable, you can explore other options like Come bets, Don't Come bets, Place bets, and Proposition bets, each adding another layer of strategy and excitement.

Craps is a game that truly comes alive with every roll of the dice, offering endless possibilities and a thrilling experience for Canadian players. Whether you're new to the game or looking to refine your strategy, understanding these core rules and bets is your first step towards joining the action.

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