If you’ve ever rolled the dice at a casino table, you know how exciting craps can be. But what are the odds of winning at online craps, and how can you make smart decisions when playing? This guide explains the probabilities behind every roll, the house edge, and the bets that give you the best chance to win. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the math behind craps is essential for managing your bankroll and enjoying the game responsibly.
The Basics of Online Craps Odds
At its core, craps is a game of dice probability. The two dice have 36 possible outcomes every roll, which determine the likelihood of each bet succeeding. The most common totals are 7 (appearing in six combinations), followed by 6 and 8. This means some bets naturally have better odds than others.
Unlike slots or roulette, craps lets players choose from multiple wagers, each with its own return. That’s why knowing the odds of winning at online craps can make the difference between an exciting session and a costly one.
House Edge and Why It Matters
Every casino game is built with a house edge, and craps is no exception. The house edge is the built-in advantage the casino holds over players. For example:
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Pass Line bet – House edge of about 1.41%
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Don’t Pass bet – House edge of about 1.36%
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Come bet – Similar to Pass Line at 1.41%
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Proposition bets – Some carry house edges as high as 16%
Understanding this is critical: the lower the house edge, the better your long-term odds of walking away a winner. Many gambling experts recommend avoiding high-risk proposition bets altogether because they drain your bankroll quickly.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass: Your Best Bets
Pass Line Bet
The most common bet in craps is the Pass Line. You win immediately if the first roll (the come-out roll) is 7 or 11. You lose instantly if it’s 2, 3, or 12. Any other number establishes a point, and you win if the point is rolled again before a 7. With a 1.41% house edge, this bet is considered one of the fairest in the casino.
Don’t Pass Bet
The Don’t Pass bet flips the odds, favoring the house slightly less at 1.36% edge. Here, you’re essentially betting against the shooter. While some players dislike its “negative” nature, it’s technically the better long-term option.
Craps Odds Bets: Zero House Edge
One of the most unique features in craps is the odds bet. After a point is established, you can place an additional wager behind your Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet. These odds bets have no house edge—they pay true odds. For example:
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2-to-1 on a point of 4 or 10
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3-to-2 on a point of 5 or 9
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6-to-5 on a point of 6 or 8
This makes them some of the best bets in any casino game. However, casinos limit the maximum odds you can bet, usually ranging from 2x to 5x your original stake.
Proposition Bets: The Worst Odds
While craps offers some of the fairest bets in the casino, it also tempts players with the worst ones. Proposition bets like “Any 7” or “Hard 8” often look exciting but come with sky-high house edges:
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Any 7 – Pays 4 to 1, but real odds are 5 to 1 (16.67% house edge).
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Hard 8 – Pays 9 to 1, but real odds are 10 to 1 (9% house edge).
If your goal is to maximize your bankroll and extend your playtime, experts agree: avoid proposition bets.
The True Odds of Winning at Online Craps
So what are your chances overall? Let’s break it down:
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Pass Line: Roughly 49.3% win rate.
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Don’t Pass: Roughly 50.7% win rate.
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Come/Don’t Come: Nearly identical to Pass Line and Don’t Pass.
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Proposition bets: Odds range from 8% to 20% in favor of the house.
This shows that craps is one of the fairest games when you stick to the main bets, but one of the harshest if you chase high-risk options.
Bankroll Management in Online Craps
Understanding the odds is only half the battle—you also need to manage your bankroll. Setting strict deposit limits at online casinos ensures you never overspend. Many licensed platforms include responsible gambling tools to help you stay in control.
For advice on setting these limits, check out BeGambleAware —a trusted authority on responsible play.
Comparing Craps to Other Casino Games
Craps is often considered a “player’s game” because of its relatively low house edge compared to other casino staples:
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American Roulette: House edge of 5.26%
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Slots: RTP varies widely, but often between 90% and 96%
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Blackjack (basic strategy): As low as 0.5%
This makes craps an excellent choice for players who want a fair shot while enjoying a social and fast-paced experience.
Strategies to Improve Your Odds
While craps is primarily a game of chance, smart betting choices can keep you in the game longer:
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Stick to Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets.
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Always back your main bet with the maximum odds bet allowed.
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Avoid high-house-edge proposition bets.
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Manage your bankroll carefully and never chase losses.
For additional insights into casino fairness and game odds, see the UK Gambling Commission guidelines.
Online vs. Live Craps: Do Odds Change?
One common question is whether the odds differ between online craps and live games. The short answer: they don’t. Licensed online casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to replicate dice rolls, ensuring fairness. The only difference is speed—online craps moves faster, which means your bankroll might be tested more quickly.
Common Myths About Craps Odds
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Myth 1: Dice are “hot” or “cold.” Reality: Every roll is independent.
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Myth 2: Betting big after a losing streak increases chances of winning. Reality: Past rolls don’t influence future ones.
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Myth 3: Online craps is rigged. Reality: Licensed casinos use audited RNGs to guarantee fairness.
Conclusion: Playing Craps With Knowledge and Control
So, what are the odds of winning at online craps? If you stick to smart bets like the Pass Line or Don’t Pass, you’re close to a 50/50 chance, making craps one of the fairest games in the casino. Combine that knowledge with bankroll management and responsible gambling tools, and you’ll maximize both your chances and your enjoyment.
Craps is fast, fun, and fair when approached with strategy. By understanding the odds and playing responsibly, you can keep the game exciting while protecting your bankroll.