Best Craps Strategies Canada 2024

Understanding Craps Basics

A key aspect of poker strategy is understanding the hierarchy of poker hand rankings. Lacking a solid grasp of hand rankings before you play poker can put you at a major disadvantage. If you haven’t memorized the order or sometimes need a refresher, feel free to keep this page handy whenever you play poker online — especially live dealer poker. The poker hands below are ranked from strongest to weakest, with a ‘royal flush’ (technically a ‘royal straight flush’) being the strongest possible winning hand.

Before exploring advanced craps betting strategies, it’s important to understand the basics. Playing craps involves not only knowing the rules but also understanding various betting techniques and strategies. Craps is a game where players wager on the outcome of the roll, or a series of rolls, of a pair of dice. Each round consists of two distinct phases: the come-out roll and the point phase.

How Rounds Work in Craps

The primary objective of craps is to win money by betting on what numbers are rolled on a pair of dice. With the initial role that starts the game, you either win, get craps, or establish a starting point. This first roll is typically referred to as the ‘come out roll,’ the goal of which is to win by either getting a 7 or an 11, which results in an immediate win or “natural role.” When you make the first or “come out” role, and you get 2, 3, or 12, those are, unfortunately, losing numbers or “craps.” If you don’t get any of those numbers on that first roll, then the numbers on the rolled dice establish a “point” number that you have to roll again to win.

Phases of a Round

A round of craps is divided into two primary phases: the come-out roll and the point phase. As established, the goal of the come-out roll is to either get a 7 or an 11 for an immediate win. So when you are placing bets in this opening phase, generally, your bet is with the table in the hopes that the player rolls a number they need. However, there are other betting options where you can bet against the table or an individual.

In the second or ‘points’ phase, the numbers that signify winning and losing vary depending on the roll as you make it to the point space and didn’t roll a 2, 3, or 12. In this stage, depending on the role of the dice, if you don’t achieve the point number (4,5,6,8,9 or 10) or you roll a 7, you lose.

How to Place a Craps Bet

The primary objective in craps is straightforward: players bet on the outcome of dice rolls. The most basic bet, and often the starting point for many, is the Pass Line bet, which is part of the simplest craps strategy due to its low house edge of 1.41%. A come-out roll of 7 or 11 results in an immediate win, known as a ‘natural’ roll. Conversely, a 2, 3, or 12 roll results in a loss for Pass Line bets. Other types of craps bets can be found in the table below.

🎲 Type of Craps Bet	📖 Definition
👉 2 or 12	This single-shot bet type may be one of the most challenging rolls in craps as you are betting on in the second phase, the dice either rolling a 2 or a 12 with no other numbers before the 7.
👉 3 or 11	Similar to the 2 OR 12, this roll combination bets that in the second phase, a 3 or an 11 will be thrown before the 7. If any other number lands on, this bet loses.
👉 Big Six and Big Eight	This bet can be made during any phase of gaming but usually only holds significance during the second phase, in which you bet on the dice landing a 6 or an 8 before the number 7 is thrown.
👉 Buy Bets	These are similar to place bets but are the riskier option because the likelihood of this number being rolled is usually less than the place numbers. So, while it does pay out more if you win, the chances are not as likely, and the casino may take a commission on this win. As opposed to place bets, which have a more favourable house edge but may be less valuable on the table.
👉 Come and Don’t Come	This type of betting can only be triggered in the second gaming phase, after the past line has been crossed, but the rules are the same. If you initiate the ‘come’ bet, you hope the shooter lands on a 7 or 11. If you are initiating the ‘don’t come’, you hope they land on a 2 or a 3. If the dice lands on 12t then the same push rules apply, so you’re hoping for a 7 roll after that 12.
👉 Craps Bets and 7 Bets	These are the “anti bets” in which you are opposing the shooter in a certain phase, e.g. you want the shooter to roll craps, or in the second phase, you want them to roll a 7 and lose.
👉 Field Bets	Field bets cover the wide range for a single bet, so if you utilize this bar, you can win if a  3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 is thrown. You also have the potential for a double payout on a 2, and a triple if a 12 is called. To counter these wins, however, your bet is a loss on the opposite side of the field, AKA if the dice lands on a 5, 6, 7, or 8.
👉 Hardways Bets	This rare multi-bet type also occurs in the second phase, with the bet being that both dice will land on the same number before a 7 is rolled. So if you’re looking at a hard 4, that means both dice rolled a 2, or a hard 8, means both dice landed on a roll of 4. The payouts for this bet type are usually quite high, but this outcome is even riskier than other betting options.
👉 Odds Bets	This is a statistics-based bet that can only be placed after the come and pass bets are thrown. To “lay the odds,” you are trying to decide when the dice will roll a 7 in that second phase round. Because this type of bet is based on gameplay statistics, there’s no house edge, but the odds can only be laid once that game is in motion.
👉 Pass the Line and Don’t Pass	The initial bet that can be placed on the past line during the first round of gameplay. To stay on the ‘Pass line,’ you will bet on either a 7 or 11 to get a natural win, with any other number besides getting craps (2, 3, or 12) resulting in a ‘Pass’; If you are playing to get across the ‘don’t pass bar’ that means you are betting a player will get craps (2, 3, or 12) and YOU will win on that 2, or 3 roll while the 7 or 11 will lose. If a 12 is thrown and a don’t pass bet is in place, it results in a ‘push’ with the next phase initiated, and the don’t pass will only then win on a 7.
👉 Place Bets	This bet type refers to placing a bet on any number that isn’t craps or natural win. While these bets can occur at any point during the game, they mostly occur after a point number has already been determined, so the bet is decided based on what number must be thrown before a 7 is hit.

In the next section, we’ll discuss how to utilize these types of bets and which ones will help build your overall craps strategy. This is dependent on your level of experience with the game and what the other players are doing, so make sure to be aware of what strategy might be best for each situation, as not all bets or rounds are going to play out the same.

Essential Craps Betting Strategies

Mastering key craps betting strategies is vital for reducing the house edge and boosting your chances of winning. Choosing bets with lower house edges, like the ‘Pass Line’ and ‘Come’ bets, can significantly boost your winning potential. The pass line bet is often considered the simplest craps strategy due to its low house edge and straightforward mechanics, making it ideal for beginners. In this breakdown of different strategies, we will explore ways to play craps that are suitable for all levels and go over basic fundamentals so that the next time you play, you’ll know the ideal way to get your game started.

Beginner Craps Strategies

These strategies are best suited for those just learning the basics of the game. Don’t be afraid to test these out on a free demo version of your craps game of choice to master the nuances of using them before betting real money.

Pass Line Bet Strategy

The Pass Line bet is popular due to its low house edge of 1.41% and straightforward rules. Players win on a Pass Line bet when a 7 or 11 is rolled on the come-out roll and lose on a 2, 3, or 12. Any number rolled other than 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 becomes the point number in the pass-line and when the point is made, the pass-line bet wins. So if you make it to the second bet phase, the players win if the point number is rolled before a 7. This is an ideal choice for those new to the game as the win potential is high without much effort.

Don’t Pass

On the opposite end of opening bets, you win on a Don’t Pass bet if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3; rolling a 12 results in a push, and rolling a 7 or 11 results in a loss. Don’t Pass bets offer more consistent, smaller winnings, appealing to players seeking low-risk options and also boasting a favourable 1.36% house edge, lower than many other bets.

Come Bet and Don’t Come Bet Strategies

Come and Don’t Come bets function similarly to Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets but are placed after the point is set. These bets offer flexibility, allowing players to continue placing them during the game. Come bets win if the next roll is 7 or 11 and lose on a 2, 3, or 12. Don’t Come bets win if the next roll is a 2 or 3 and lose on a 7 or 11, with a push on 12.

Intermediate Craps Strategies for Better Odds

For players ready to step up their game, intermediate craps strategies can offer better odds and more consistent winnings. Knowing the relationship between payout and the house edge is crucial for determining how favourable a bet is, and this can also help if you’re trying to choose a more statistical strategy method to increase your RTP chances.

Free Odds Bets

Odds bets, or ‘laying the odds,’ must be placed after a point number is established and are based on the true statistical odds with no house edge. These bets do not contribute to the house edge, allowing players to increase their potential payouts without adding to the house’s advantage.

Place Bets on 6 and 8

Betting on numbers 6 and 8 is advantageous due to their lower house edges, making them top bets in craps. These bets offer favourable odds and are a solid strategy for intermediate players aiming to improve their chances of winning this strategy also has a low house edge because of how frequently these numbers occur before a 7.

Advanced Craps Strategies

For those aiming to maximize winnings, advanced craps strategies involve larger, bolder bets and a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics. Experienced players often use aggressive bets or quick one-roll strategies, including the craps press strategy, or the Iron Cross, to maximize their outcomes.

Iron Cross Strategy

The Iron Cross strategy targets advanced players seeking small, frequent wins. It involves placing a combination bet of a Field Bet and Place Bets, covering nearly all outcomes except for 7. This strategy usually results in a win on most rolls except for 7, the most commonly rolled number.

3 Point Molly Strategy

The 3 Point Molly strategy seeks to make multiple low-house edge bets while maximizing payout odds. Players place a Pass Line Bet, a Come Bet, and a Place Bet on the number 5. This strategy continues until Point 7 or 11 is thrown, offering a structured approach for consistent, low-risk wins.

The 3-4-5 Betting Strategy

The 3-4-5 betting strategy leverages the specifics of winning based on the point number, enabling players to adjust their odds bets to favour their chances. For a point of 4 or 10, players typically bet a multiple of 1; for 5 or 9, a multiple of 2 is recommended; and for 6 or 8, a multiple of 3 is the strategy’s best practice.

Top Craps Terms to Know

Navigating the craps table requires familiarity with the key terminologies you may hear around the table or when you are trying to perform a wager. It’s important to remember what language is being used so that you can perform actions and place bets correctly, as while we’ve discussed many different strategies, putting them on the table may require usage of the correct terminology.

🎲 Craps Terms	📖 Definition
👉 Big 6/8	Bets that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. Pays even money.
👉 Buy Bet	Similar to a place bet, but pays true odds with a commission taken by the house.
👉 Come Bet	Similar to a pass line bet, but can be placed at any time after the come-out roll. Wins if the next roll is a 7 or 11, loses on a 2, 3, or 12, and establishes a new point otherwise.
👉 Come Out Roll	The initial roll of the dice in a new round.
👉 Don’t Come Bet	Similar to a don’t pass line bet, but placed after the come-out roll. Wins if the next roll is a 2 or 3, loses on a 7 or 11, and pushes on a 12.
👉 Don’t Pass Line Bet	A bet against the shooter, winning if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll or rolls a 7 before the point is made.
👉 Easy Way	A bet on a specific number (4, 6, 8, or 10) being rolled in any combination that is not a double.
👉 Field Bet	A one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Loses if the next roll is 5, 6, 7, or 8.
👉 Hardway	A bet that a specific double (e.g., 4-4 for an 8) will be rolled before a 7 or the equivalent easy way (e.g., 5-3 for an 8).
👉 Hi-Lo Bet	A one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 2 or 12.
👉 Horn Bet	A one-roll bet on 2, 3, 11, or 12.
👉 Lay Bet	A bet that a 7 will be rolled before a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). True odds are paid with a house commission.
👉 Odds Bet	An additional bet that can be made after a point is established, which pays true odds if the point is rolled before a 7.
👉 Pass Line Bet	A bet that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll or by making the point before rolling a 7.
👉 Place Bet	A bet that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. It can be placed at any time.
👉 Point	The number established by the come-out roll if it’s a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, which the shooter must roll again before rolling a 7 to win the pass line bet.
👉 Proposition Bets	One-roll bets on specific outcomes like any 7, any craps (2, 3, 12), or 2 and 12.
👉 Seven Out	When a shooter rolls a 7 before making the point, ending their turn.
👉 Shooter	The player who is currently rolling the dice.
👉 Yo (Yo-leven)	A bet on 11.

Table and Casino Etiquette

If you are playing craps during a live venue tournament or at a land-based casino, it’s important to be aware of the etiquette surrounding entering a table, placing your bets, and even how you interact with dealers (or croupiers). These etiquette tips can be useful in online tournaments when you visit a casino in person, so be sure to use them during active play and be kind to your dealers and other patrons.

• Play with Intention: Make sure there is space at the table, and don’t sit if you don’t intend to play. If a game hasn’t started yet, feel free to talk to the dealer if you have opening questions.
• Check for the Dealer’s Puck: When the dealer’s puck/chip is on the table, it indicates that this table is accepting bets for the opening phase of the game. You can bet on either the pass line or point numbers at this stage.
• Beginning Properly: Make sure to hand your pass/don’t pass bet to the dealer and wait for the first roll.
• Second-Phase Betting: Don’t break in during a shooter’s roll, and make sure to hand any additional multi-bets or second-phase Prop Bets to the dealer for them to place on the table.
• Be Respectful: When you’re the shooter, don’t pause your own roll (to check your phone, grab a drink, etc.), and don’t disturb the other players when it’s not your turn.
• Wait for your winnings: After the rounds have concluded, the dealers will distribute your winnings, so please don’t touch the casino staff or other players.

These tips help keep the pace of a game either in a live setting or online, but in-person venues may have specific rules regarding hand signaling, dress codes, etc., so be sure to research beforehand and remember to be courteous no matter the venue.

Best Online Casinos for Craps

Selecting the right online casino is essential for effectively implementing your craps betting strategies. The top online casinos provide varied features, positive reviews, and an extensive gaming library, ensuring players can find a suitable platform for their betting strategies. Here, we highlight some of the top online casinos for craps players:

Best New Games – Sports Interaction Casino

Sports Interaction (SIA) Casino offers a diverse selection of games, including slots, poker, table games, and bingo, making finding your favorite game option a breeze. It also includes an extensive range of standout and custom features that are easy to utilize on the platform. Whether you’re a fan of classic slots or looking for something more modern, SIA Casino has got you covered with its range of top-of-the-line slot machines, a bevy of table games, and even poker tournaments.

Best App Quality – Casumo Casino

The Casumo Casino mobile app is perfect for casino enthusiasts on the go; it features the latest games and security technology, along with being suited to any mobile device, Android or Apple, making it easier than ever to join live tournaments or play table game favorites from the comfort of any of your devices. The platform has received multiple Customer Service Awards as well and significantly enhances Apple Pay users’ experience, ensuring that players receive top-notch care when needed.

Largest Game Selection – bet365 Casino

bet365 Casino is a giant in both the casino and sports betting markets, renowned for its extensive game library, offering a diverse game selection, including over 2000 slots, 100+ live table games, and a number of jackpot options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The casino has also received multiple positive reviews and carries a range of FAQ and support options if issues arise.

Why Choose Craps?

In craps, all the action comes from the roll of the dice, making it a fun and intriguing game that combines stylistic choices and excitement with mathematical strategy while being random, so you never know what’s coming next. This thrill appeals to a lot of casino players, both new and old, because there are limitless outcomes at play, but if you don’t want to spend real money to play craps, you don’t have to. Practicing craps online lets players experience the game without the financial risk associated with real money bets.

It helps build foundational skills and gain confidence before they play craps for real money, and there are many venues and free sites available that let you play the game with all its randomized thrills from the comfort of your own home. Craps can be fun for anyone and is a great way to introduce yourself to the casino world. So whether you’re playing in person or online, there are many ways to have fun playing the game without pressure or financial risk. Experiencing the game in different ways may help you find a gameplay style that suits your needs, but if you are looking for “the perfect” craps strategy, there really isn’t one. The best thing you can do is make moves with a lower house edge and keep a closer eye on your bankroll, as the game’s purpose should be fun.

What to Look for When Selecting a Craps Strategy

The most effective gameplay strategy, whether you’re playing craps or another casino game, is to make sure the strategy being taught to you is something that’s going to help you play your best game and not one that fuels unsafe gaming behaviors or would quietly separate you from your money. Here are some things to look out for when selecting casino game strategies:

• If the moves advised are to wager big bets every time in the hopes of gaining a win or covering a loss
• If the strategy encourages just one more roll or hand “to turn the game around.”
• If the strategy encourages any harmful practices, like staying at a table for a long time or keeping playing even if you don’t feel up to it.

Effective and helpful casino game tips should encourage bets in small measured increments and advise knowing your limits. A strategy that advises bankroll limiting and math-based outcomes is going to be more effective in the long term than any strategy marketed as producing a ‘big win’ instantly, as there’s no way to win every time as these are games of chance, keeping this in mind is important even if you find yourself up after a few betting sessions, as there’s no way to know what a new roll will bring.

Alternative Casino Games

While Craps may be a fun and exciting casino classic, many other classic casino gaming options can provide the same level of strategy and excitement. Below are some similar gaming options available either online or around the casino floor.

🎰 Casino Game	📖 Description
👉 Roulette	Classic roulette is one of the most accessible games in the online casino market because it’s fun and easy to play. Most online casinos, including the ones mentioned above, offer several different versions of it, and it’s even easier to play than craps! The betting structure is simple enough as you choose a color or column, a square of numbers, or a specific number, and then after you make your selection, just wait for the spin of the wheel to claim your victory.
👉 Baccarat	If you’re enjoying the mathematical challenges of trying to beat the house in craps, you might find similar joy in baccarat as it’s one of the classic casino games recognized for having the best odds and involves all the same calculating for mathematical advantage. Since the game has a similar range of multiple outcomes: the player wins, the banker wins, or a tie—the player has a 44.6% chance of winning most of the time while the banker’s hand has 45.8%, meaning that if you apply some of the same strategy concepts that you use in craps to baccarat, you can achieve similar RTP levels.
👉 Bingo/Keno	If you are drawn to craps for the idea and the excitement of randomly chosen numbers, you might enjoy lottery classics such as Bingo or Keno, where your goal is to cover five of the squares in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row while the dealer or banker chooses an assortment of numbers. These games also provide big wins and are offered at most online casinos and social venues, some of which also offer scratchers and instant win games so you can keep the thrills coming.
👉 Blackjack	Blackjack is another casino classic that you might be interested in if the strategy you use in craps is what excites you. It’s another casino game that improves the more you play it and has several mathematical strategy points that can help you calculate a big win. Lots of blackjack experts recommend starting off at the beginning by making a blackjack card, which, depending on the number of decks in play, can help you better calculate your win.

Tips for Choosing the Right Casino

Make sure your online casino of choice has these key factors before you decide to fork over any real money playing craps or any other casino games. The first thing to look for is a valid license in your province, or for social outlets, that they meet the certain sweepstakes and contest requirements to classify them and that they encourage free play. No matter the institution, confirm that security and safe gaming measures are in place, and offer a variety of slots, table games, mobile, and live dealer options to enhance your experience. Positive reviews from experts, confirming a solid reputation endorsed by reliable sources, can also give you confidence in the casino’s reliability.

Customer support is also crucial. Assess the responsiveness of the casino’s support team to ensure any issues are resolved promptly. Lastly, seek out casinos with appealing bonuses and promotional offers to enhance gameplay and add a cushion of support when you begin playing.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are paramount for in-person and online transactions, so make sure you’re engaging in craps or any other casino game in a valid, legitimate, licensed, and safe environment that has sufficient security software protections and keeps your money and personal information safe, especially when transmitting said information online.

Responsible Gaming

Always set a predetermined limit for how much you’re willing to spend at any given table as well, as you should have a financial strategy for both craps and for any time betting occurs in your life. By managing your funds wisely, you can sustain your craps journey and increase your chances of success. If you find yourself struggling to stick to bankroll limits, it may be a symptom of something larger. Never be afraid to reach out for help if you think you or someone you know might have a gambling problem. Here are some valuable tools and resources that can provide help to Canadians:

• Gambling Therapy: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
• Responsible Gambling Council: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/problem-gambling-help/help-for-canadians/
• Gamblers Anonymous: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Summary

In summary, mastering the best craps strategy involves understanding the basics, employing essential and advanced betting strategies, and managing your bankroll effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, the strategies discussed in this guide can help you improve your game and increase your chances of winning. Remember, craps is a game of both skill and chance. You can enjoy the game while minimizing risks by applying the right strategies and managing your bankroll wisely. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insight!

Best Craps Strategies Canada FAQs

Review our FAQs below for key information regarding the best craps strategies in Canada.