Craps is great for a fun downtime at an online casino, and if you’re new to it, the craps table layout can seem a little overwhelming. But honestly, it’s much easier to understand once you know where to look.
Craps is where the high energy buzzes happen and, in this guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know, like how the craps table is laid out, the different betting areas you’ll find, how odds work alongside the main bets, and why this game is so loved for its social vibes at casinos. So let’s get started.
Pros and Cons of Craps table layout
Advantages
- Gameplay is fast-paced and entertaining
- Low house edge on main bets
- Lots of betting options like Pass Line and Field bets
- Impressive social vibes
Disadvantages
- Can feel overwhelming to new bettors
What really is a craps table?
If you’ve ever walked past a craps table in a casino, you probably noticed the energy first like people cheering, dice getting tossed and chips stacked everywhere. But what exactly is a craps table, and why does it look so complicated to a newbie? But trust me, after you get a closer look, you’ll realize it’s actually one of the most fun and straightforward casino games out there with a little know-how.
First things first, the craps table is a large rectangular surface covered with felt, and it’s split into different betting areas. Each section is a different type of bet you can make on the dice rolls. Some bets are simple, like predicting if the shooter wins right away, while others do involve more steps and are riskier but could also result in bigger payouts if done right and chance allows.
Craps is basically a dice game where players wager on the results of one roll, or a series of rolls, using two six-sided dice. What’s more fun about this game comes from the social vibes, when the shooter wins, the whole table usually wins too. It’s one of the most social and fast-paced games you’ll find.
Fast facts: Craps rules every player needs to know
To start with, there are a few rules you need to be aware of when playing scraps. I’ve put together a few handy tips for you:
- Shooter makes the Come-Out Roll
- If the roll is 7 or 11, the Pass Line wins
- If the roll is 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line loses
- Any other number becomes the Point
- Shooter then keeps rolling until they hit the Point for a win or roll a 7 which is a loss
Also remember that you can make Come and Don’t Come bets as soon as the point is established. Odds Bets are placed after a Point is set, while Field Bets, Place Bets, and Proposition Bets can be made at almost any time.
It does seem like there’s a lot going on, but if you stick to the Pass Line and Odds strategy when you’re new, you’ll get comfortable quickly.
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Main betting areas of the Craps table
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to see how it all fits together. In this craps table layout explained section, we’ll walk you through the different betting areas and show you exactly where each type of bet is placed around the table.
🎯 The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line
Right around the outer edge of the table, you’ll see the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line clearly marked. The Pass Line bet means you’re betting the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the first throw or by making their point before a 7 is rolled.
Don’t Pass bet on the other hand is betting the opposite, that the shooter will lose by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, or a 7 before making their point.
This is the simplest part of craps betting and most new players start here.
🌀 The Come and Don’t Come Bets
Slightly inside the table are the Come and Don’t Come sections. They work the same way as the Pass/Don’t Pass bets but are placed after a point has been set. Placing a Come Bet means that you’re betting that the next roll will be a 7 or 11 which is a win, or 2, 3, or 12 (lose), and otherwise sets a new point.
Don’t Come bet is a bet against the shooter after the point is set. Placing these bets is great when you join the game mid-round.
The Field is a big flashy area labeled with the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
If the shooter rolls any of those numbers on the next throw, Field bets win instantly. Keep in mind that 2 and 12 usually pay double and sometimes triple depending on the casino rules.
Above the Field is the Place Bets section. Here, you can bet directly on specific numbers like a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 being rolled before a 7 comes up. You can place a bet on any of these numbers at almost any time during a round and it’s a favorite area for players who like to control their bets without depending on the shooter’s point.
On the Craps table you might notice Big 6 and Big 8 marked separately on the table. Bet here if you believe the shooter will roll a 6 or 8 before rolling a 7. The bets multiply your stake but don’t always have the best odds compared to placing a 6 or 8 through the dealer. Just a point to remember if you choose to bet on these. But we’ll touch more on odds strategy a bit later.
Lastly, you’ll find the proposition bets at the Center of the Craps table. It’s a colorful section with high risk, high rewards bets like Any Craps (2, 3, or 12), any Seven, Horn Bet (2, 3, 11, 12 combined) and Yo (11).
The house edge is steeper here, so most players tend to stay cautious with these, using them for fun rather than a main betting strategy.
How the Craps table layout odds works
By now, you already have an idea of what the craps table layout at casinos looks like. Let’s talk about the odd bets.
After placing a Pass or Come bet and a point is set, you can place an odds bet behind your original wager. Odds Bets are some of the best bets in craps because they have no house edge, so they pay out true odds based on the likelihood of rolling the point number before a 7.
Here’s how a typical craps table odd bets payout looks like:
| Point Number | Pass Line Odds Payout | Don’t Pass Odds Payout |
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 | 1 to 2 |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 | 2 to 3 |
| 6 or 8 | 6 to 5 | 5 to 6 |
You can also place Odds behind Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bets, but the payout works differently because you’re rooting for the 7 to roll before the point. As soon as you come to grips with Odds Bets, craps becomes a game of calculated, strategic stacking.
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The social energy of Craps – Why it’s different
Craps is unlike any other casino game because everyone is often rooting for the same thing, which isn’t always the case, right?
When the shooter is on a streak and hitting points, the whole table lights up with energy. It’s less about playing against others and more about riding the good streak together and this is what makes craps one of the most social, engaging games you can play at a casino, whether you’re at one of the
biggest online casinos
or sitting at a real table in Las Vegas.
Best strategies for new Craps players
When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to place every wild bet the dealers are onto. But it’s better to be more strategic so that you don’t burn through your bankroll too fast. You may find these tips useful.
- Stick with Pass Line + Odds as this has one of the lowest house edges
- Use Place Bets on 6 and 8 for chances of greater payouts and a high hit frequency
- Avoid center table bets at first. Hardways, Any 7, and similar bets have a much higher house edge
- Craps is a fast game so keep your sessions short and celebrate wins and quit while you’re ahead
These are simple but will keep you playing longer and having more fun.
Understanding the craps table layout unlocks more fun
As you’ve seen, the craps table doesn’t look as complicated as it seemed. Especially when you understand where everything is and why it’s there, just like we’ve explained here. It’s one of the most entertaining, social, and rewarding games in the casino. Learning about the craps table layout is totally worth it, because now you can practice the betting strategies, and you’ll not only blend right in but have a blast doing it. So go on and have fun!
And if you’re curious about learning more casino skills, you can check out our
how to play video poker
guide too.
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FAQ: Craps table layout and gameplay
🎲 What is a craps table layout?
The craps table layout is the design of the playing area that shows where players can place bets like the Pass Line, Come Bets, Field Bets, and Place Bets. It’s organized to handle multiple players at once while keeping the game moving.
💸 How does craps betting work?
You place bets predicting the outcome of dice rolls. Most players start with Pass Line bets, then add Odds or Place Bets once a Point is set.
🏆 What is the best bet on the craps table?
The best starting bet is the Pass Line + Odds. It offers a very low house edge and simple gameplay for beginners.
🌐 Can I play craps online?
Yes. You can check out our detailed reviews of the
best new casino sites
that offer craps online, including live dealer options for a more immersive feel.
