How to Play Craps in Las Vegas
Craps is one of the most popular table games in Las Vegas.
It’s a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll, or a series of rolls of two dice.
Just look at the interest in Craps, it’s now above pre-pandemic levels and it’s still growing.
Along with slots, roulette and blackjack craps is firmly one of the most popular casino games.
Compared to other table games on the casino floor, craps is full of energy. It often draws a crowd thanks to cheering and high-fives that come with a hot streak, but we’ll get to more of that later.
The game might look complex at first, but it’s built around a simple idea: if the shooter rolls certain numbers, you win. If they roll others, you lose. Most players stick to a few key bets and take it from there.
What makes craps unique is that everyone at the table is usually betting with the shooter, not against them. When the table’s hot, the excitement builds quickly, and that’s part of what makes craps so fun to play in Vegas.
In this explainer, we probably just mentioned a lot of terms that seem alien to you. In the rest of the article we’ll explain what the terms mean, and show you how to play craps in one of many Las Vegas casinos.
Table Layout of Craps & Understanding the Basics
The best place to start is the table.
Now, the craps table may look overwhelming at first, but it’s easy to follow once you know where to focus.
Most of the action starts on the Pass Line, which runs along the outer edge of the table. The pass line is where new players usually place their first bet.
Right behind the Pass Line is the Don’t Pass Bar. This area is for players betting against the shooter. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, the bet wins. A 7 or 11 loses, and 12 is a push (tie). Once a point is established, you’re hoping the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting that point again.
Located in the middle of the table, the Come and Don’t Come areas work like the Pass/Don’t Pass bets but can only be used after a point is already set. These bets essentially create a “new game” for the player placing them.
The Field is a one-roll bet, covering the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. If one of those numbers is rolled next, you win. Some casinos offer double payouts on 2 and 12, as marked on the table.
Place Bets (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) can be made at any time, and are located in boxes at the top of the layout. You can bet that a specific number will be rolled before a 7. For example, if you bet on the 6, you win if the shooter rolls a 6 before rolling a 7.
Propoisition bets are located in the center-right section of the table and include one-roll bets like Any Craps (2, 3, or 12), specific dice combinations, and rolling a 7. They offer high payouts but much worse odds, so most beginners avoid them.
The small circles with “C” and “E” are for chips and specific bets handled by the dealers, like Hardways or multi-roll proposition bets. As a new player, you don’t need to worry about these right away.
Once you’ve seen a few rounds and understand where the dice are headed, the layout becomes easier to read. You don’t need to memorize every section to enjoy the game, most players stick to just a few areas when getting started.
Craps Table Etiquette
Before you start playing, it’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with table etiquette.
Craps tables have a rhythm, and following a few basic etiquette rules will help you fit right in, especially if it’s your first time playing.
Use one hand to handle the dice.
When it’s your turn to shoot, pick up the dice with one hand and make a clean throw. The dice should bounce off the back wall of the table. Don’t throw them too high, and don’t slide them.
Don’t say “seven” once a point is set.
It’s considered bad luck. Even if you’re betting against the shooter, most players avoid saying it out loud. Just call it “the number that ends the game” or don’t mention it at all.
Wait for the right moment to bet.
Don’t toss chips onto the table while the dice are in the air. Wait until the dealers call “no more bets” or until the next roll is about to begin.
Don’t touch other players’ chips.
If you’re not sure where to place your bet, ask the dealer. They’ll help you put your chips in the right spot without disrupting the game.
Be respectful of the table vibe.
Craps is a team-spirited game. If the table’s on a roll, let players enjoy the momentum. If someone’s having a rough streak, no need to point it out. And if you’re winning, a small tip for the dealer is always appreciated.
How to Play Craps
Now that you know the table layout and understand craps table etiquette, it’s time to see how the game actually works.
Every round of craps begins with one player rolling the dice. This player is called the shooter. If you’re at the table and have a Pass Line bet placed, you’re eligible to shoot. The stickman will offer a selection of dice, and you’ll choose two to roll. If you’d rather not shoot, you can pass. The dice will go to the next player.
The first roll of the round is called the Come Out Roll. Here’s what happens:
- Rolling a 7 or 11 means Pass Line bets win.
- Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 is called “craps”. Pass Line bets lose.
- Any other number, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 becomes the point.
Once a point is set, the shooter keeps rolling. The goal is to roll the point again before a 7 shows up. If the point hits, Pass Line bets win. If a 7 comes up first, that’s called sevening out, and the round ends. The dice move to the next shooter.
You don’t need to be the shooter to bet.
Most players place their chips on the Pass Line and ride the wave, which is what creates the team-like energy at the table.
Best Craps Bets for Beginners (And What to Avoid)
As you can see from the table layout, there are lots of betting options available but you don’t need to use them all.
Most players stick to a few smart bets and ignore the rest. Here is a breakdown of the best bets to start with if you’re a beginner to the game.
Start With These Bets
Pass Line
This is the most straightforward way to play. You’re betting that the shooter will win—either by rolling a 7 or 11 on the Come Out Roll, or by hitting the point before a 7 shows up.
Take the Odds
Once a point is set, ask the dealer to “take the odds” behind your Pass Line bet. This is one of the only bets in the casino with no house edge. It pays true odds and gives you better long-term value.
Place Bets on 6 or 8
These numbers show up often and have decent payouts. You can place a bet directly on 6 or 8 at any time, and if it rolls before a 7, you win.
Come Bets
Once you’re comfortable, you may want to try a Come bet. Come bets give you more action mid-round.
They work like Pass Line bets but can be placed after the Come Out Roll.
Avoid These (For Now)
Proposition Bets
They’re flashy, with high payouts—but they come with a steep house edge. Most of them are long shots.
Field Bets
It looks like you’re covering a lot of numbers, but the odds don’t work in your favor over time.
Don’t Pass / Don’t Come
They’re technically smart bets, but betting against the shooter at a lively table isn’t always fun—and might earn you some side-eye from other players.
Where to Play Craps in Las Vegas
You’ll find craps tables in almost every casino on the Strip and downtown, but not all craps experiences are the same. Some spots are better for beginners, while others are known for high-energy crowds, higher limits, or lower odds payouts.
If you’re looking for low minimums and a more casual vibe, you will want to head to downtown Las Vegas.
Casinos like Golden Nugget, El Cortez, and Main Street Station often have lower minimums, making them perfect for learning without breaking the bank. Even in 2025, Golden Nugget states on their website that they take bets with limits starting at $5.
If you’re looking for something on the Strip, then you can find cheap tables if you decide to play before noon. However, tables with lower minimums are hard to find, especially during peak time. It’s common to find a $25 minimum at casinos like MGM Grand, The Cromwell and Bellagio.
Craps Doesn’t Have To Be Intimidating
Craps might seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the basic flow and stick to a few smart bets, it’s one of the most exciting games you can play in Las Vegas.
Start with the Pass Line, learn how the point works, and take advantage of the odds bet when it’s available. Watch a few rounds, ask questions if you’re unsure, and don’t feel pressured to bet every roll.
Most of all, enjoy the energy of the table. When the dice are hot and the crowd’s behind the shooter, there’s nothing else on the casino floor quite like it.
As with any casino game, one of the most important rules to follow is “when the fun stops, stop”.
There’s lots of other things to do in Vegas, everything from outdoor activities, feeling a different type of adrenaline rush with a roller coaster ride, watching a show, to savouring brunch. We can even help you get discounted tickets for shows, tours, and Las Vegas attractions.
