Craps is one of the world’s most popular dice games – but it’s also one of the most underrated stars of the online gaming world for reasons that we will be discussing right here in this article.
Before we take a look at some of the most common perceptions about this classic table game and discuss what to look for when searching for a safe site to play craps, let’s start by taking a quick look at the basic rules.
How to play craps for beginners
Craps is a game of chance where players must bet on the outcome of two six-sided dice rolls. The aim is to try to predict the total value of the dice after they have finished rolling.
At first glance, the complex betting table and numerous betting options can sometimes be off-putting, especially for new players, but once you have quickly mastered the fundamentals, you can start to enjoy everything this game has to offer.
Some wagers/rounds will be resolved after just one roll, whereas others could take several rolls. In craps, there are essentially two different phases, including the Come Out roll phase and the Point roll phase. It’s possible to place wagers during both phases.
Each new round starts with a Come Out roll for the initial Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, and if the total value combined for those first two dice is 7 or 11, Pass Line bets will win. If the sum total is 2 or 3, Don’t Pass Line bets will win. If the Don’t Pass Line bet dice total 12, you will push on your bet (i.e., you will receive your initial stake back and no extra winnings).
If the total value of the roll’s first two dice equals 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the ‘Point’ number is established. The game will now remain in the Point roll phase until another 7 is rolled or if the same point number is rolled.
During the Come Out roll phase, you can only place wagers on the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line betting options. If the game enters the next phase of betting, more bet types become available. So, before playing, take your time to learn the different bet types and their associated odds and implied probability rates to help you place more strategic bets.
Although it’s a game of chance, placing sensible bets with realistic odds and high implied probability rates instead of outsider bets with high odds and low implied probability rates will hopefully lead to you losing fewer hands and holding onto your bankroll for much longer periods.
Why is craps so underrated?
Unlike other popular classic table & card games, such as blackjack and poker, where certain gameplay strategies can be used to reduce the house edge and improve your chances of winning, there are no gameplay strategies available in craps.
One of the main reasons this game is so underrated is that many see it as just a game of chance, which is true to some extent. However, as mentioned, players can improve their chances of winning by placing strategic bets that are more likely to occur because of their odds.
Another reason this game is so underrated is that it’s not ideal for beginners. The complex layout of the betting table and the somewhat confusing rules make it take time to learn how to play, and many people simply don’t have the time to learn.
There are also many different slang terms to learn. All of these factors combined can make the game seem intimidating, especially to beginners. It’s the most difficult casino game to learn how to play, which often leads many new players to overlook its overall value.
Many casino games like slot machines, blackjack, scratchcards, video poker, and many other table & card games and bingo & lottery-style games are relatively easy for beginners. However, getting to grips with craps requires patience and time.
Playing craps at land-based casinos involves the lively social environment around the table. For some players, this can be overwhelming, which is why so many new players prefer playing online on a legally permitted casino site from a Wi-Fi/internet-connected PC, smartphone, or tablet instead of in person.
What to look for in a good craps website
If you want to play craps online in the real money mode, it’s important that you find a safe site. The best thing to do when looking for an iGaming site with top online craps games from award-winning providers like Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and Games Global is to trust the experts.
For example, you can find a complete database of fully licensed and regulated US and UK online casinos on globally renowned iGaming review sites such as the official AskGamblers website.
All of their featured brands have a decent selection of computer-generated and live dealer craps games for players to choose from – but you must be at least 18 (if you live in the UK) or 21 (if you live in the US) to join any of their carefully handpicked online casinos.
When deciding which site to join to play craps, look for sites that are fully licensed and regulated by one or more mid to top-tier licensing authorities/gaming commissions, and make sure that the casino has the Certificate of Trust seal of approval and at least a score of 6.00 on the CasinoRank rating system.
All of their top-rated craps casino sites are free to join, use various cutting-edge cybersecurity measures to protect players, and have plenty of safer gambling tools for players to use to ensure they always remain well within their budgets.
Conclusion
If you sign up to any of these trusted brands, one of the hottest trending craps games to keep an eye out for is Live Dealer Craps from Evolution Gaming. If you enjoy playing this one, then you may also like to try Live First-Person Craps.
Where possible, practice playing craps in the free-play demo mode using your fun balance if your chosen website allows you to play in this risk-free mode. If not, at least start betting with low stakes until you familiarise yourself with the basic rules, whether you decide to use your hard-earned cryptocurrency or local fiat currency.
When your confidence levels in playing craps have grown, you can either switch to playing in the real money mode or, if you were already playing in this mode, you could try increasing your stake a little and exploring other bet types. Just remember to bet within your means and gamble responsibly whenever you play craps.
