How to Win at Craps: 34 Insider Craps Tips from a Pro

As a seasoned craps expert and blogger, I’m here to guide you through the exciting and sometimes confusing game of craps. 

While many consider learning how to win at craps a difficult road, don’t worry!

That’s where this guide comes in – by the end of it, you’ll have all the knowledge and expert advice you need to become a pro craps player. 

How to Win at Craps: Key Highlights

1. Craps Fundamentals: Grasping the basic rules is your first step to success. Remember, if the come-out roll lands a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win. Roll a 2, 3, or 12, and they lose. Any other number establishes the “point” that the shooter aims to hit again before a 7 to secure a win.
2. Bet Wisely: Understanding the variety of craps bets is essential. Start with Pass Line and Come Bets for simplicity and favorable odds. As you get comfortable, explore Place Bets and the strategic use of Taking Odds to maximize potential returns.
3. House Edge Awareness: Different bets carry different house edges. Pass Line bets, for example, have a relatively low house edge, making them a safer choice for beginners. Steering clear of high-edge bets like the Any Seven or proposition bets can help preserve your bankroll.
4. Bankroll Management: Setting and sticking to your gambling budget is crucial. Divide your bankroll into manageable portions to ensure you don’t risk it all in one session. This strategy helps sustain your play and keeps you in the game longer.
5. Advanced Strategies: For those looking to level up their game, consider dice setting and betting progression systems like the Martingale or Paroli. While they require practice and discipline, these strategies can offer new ways to approach the game.
6. Stay Positive and Focused: Keeping a level head and maintaining a positive attitude are key. Avoid the temptation to chase losses or get carried away by wins. Enjoy the game for its excitement, not just the potential earnings.
7. Practice Makes Perfect: Utilize online platforms to practice and hone your strategies without financial risk. This preparation can build your confidence and improve your gameplay in real casino settings.
8. Discipline Is Key: No matter the strategy, staying disciplined in your betting choices, bankroll management, and gameplay decisions is essential for long-term enjoyment and success at the craps table.
9. Enjoy the Game: Above all, craps should be fun. Whether you’re playing in a casino or online, remember to enjoy the social and thrilling aspects of the game.

Understanding the Craps Rules

Now that you understand the importance of learning how to play craps and win let’s closely examine the game’s rules. 

In this section, we’ll provide an overview of the basic rules of craps, so you’ll know exactly what’s happening when you step up to the table. 

Craps is played with two dice, and the game’s object is to predict the outcome of each roll correctly. 

On the first roll, called the “come out roll”, if a 7 or 11 is rolled, the player who made a “Pass Line” bet wins. The player loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. 

If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point”. 

The player must roll the point again before rolling a 7 to win. This may sound complicated, but I’ll break down each step in more detail throughout this guide.

Whether playing in a casino or with friends, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of craps to have the most enjoyable experience possible. 

This is one of the best ways to ensure you are always on the right track to learning how to win at craps, but you need to consider the difference between myth and fact.

Craps Bets: Quick Overview

You can make various bets in craps, each with its payout and odds of winning. 

Some bets are straightforward, while others can be a bit more complicated. I’ll break it all down for you in this section and ensure you understand each type of bet. 

Some of the most popular bets include:

• Pass Line Bet: a bet on the shooter’s first dice roll. You win if a 7 or 11 is rolled, but you lose if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled.

• Come Bet: a bet made after the shooter establishes a point. If the next roll is the point number, you win. If a 7 is rolled, you lose.

• Don’t Pass Line Bet: a bet made against the shooter and on the opposite of the Pass Line Bet. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win, but you lose if a 7 or 11 is rolled.

• Taking Odds: a bet made after the shooter establishes a point, intending to bet more money with better odds.

• Place Bet: a bet made on specific numbers to have that number rolled before a 7 is rolled.

By understanding these bets and others, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful craps player. 

Craps Odds and Payouts

Now that you understand the basic rules of craps, it’s important to know the payouts and odds of each bet. In craps, different bets have different odds and payouts, so it’s essential to understand the difference. 

For example, the “Pass Line” bet has a payout of 1:1 and a relatively low house edge, making it a good option for new players. 

On the other hand, the “Any Seven” bet has much higher odds but a lower payout, so it’s a riskier option. 

Understanding the payouts and odds of each bet is crucial in making smart decisions while playing craps, so be sure to keep this information in mind. 

Basic Strategies for Winning at Craps

In this section, we’ll be diving into some basic strategies for winning at craps. Good bankroll management is key to success in any gambling game, and craps is no exception.

Let’s start by talking about the importance of managing your bankroll wisely.

Bankroll Management: The Best Strategy

As a craps expert, I can tell you that one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of winning is to manage your bankroll wisely. 

This means setting a budget for yourself, sticking to it, and avoiding the temptation to chase losses. It’s also good to divide your bankroll into smaller playing sessions so you don’t risk losing it all in one go. 

By taking these steps, you’ll be able to play smarter and increase your chances of winning in the long run.

Betting the Pass Line

The Pass Line bet is one of the most popular bets in craps and is a great option for new players.

This bet is made on the come-out roll, and if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win. 

If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, you lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point, and the shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7 to win. 

The Pass Line bet has a payout of 1:1 and a relatively low house edge, making it a good option for players who want to start with a conservative betting strategy. 

Betting the Come Bet

The Come Bet is another popular bet in craps similar to the Pass Line bet. 

This bet is made after the point has been established, and the next roll of the dice determines the outcome. 

If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you win. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, you lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes your point, and you must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win. 

The Come Bet has a payout of 1:1, making it a good option for players who are looking for a bit more excitement after the point has been established. 

As a craps expert, I recommend the Come Bet to players with a little more game experience, but it’s still a great option for players of all skill levels. 

Taking Odds

Taking Free Odds is a betting option for players who have made a Pass Line or Come bet. 

This bet pays out at true odds, meaning that the payout is directly proportional to the bet’s winning odds. 

The amount you can bet on Taking Odds depends on the casino you’re playing, but it’s usually a multiple of your original Pass Line or Come bet. 

For example, if the maximum odds are 3x, you can bet three times your original bet on Taking Odds. 

As a craps expert, I highly recommend Taking Odds to players who want to increase their chances of winning. 

This bet has no house edge, meaning that you are betting on the fair odds of the bet winning, and it can greatly increase your overall winnings in the long run.

Just be sure to use good bankroll management and only bet what you can afford to lose.

Place Betting

Place Betting is another popular betting option in craps. This bet is made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and is won if that number is rolled before a 7. 

The payout for Place Bets depends on the number you bet on, with higher payouts for betting on less likely numbers and lower payouts for betting on more likely numbers. 

For example, betting on the number 4 or 10 pays out 9:5, while betting on the number 6 or 8 pays out 7:6. 

As a craps expert, I recommend Place Bets to players looking for more variety in their betting strategy. 

Place Bets is a good option for players with more experience with the game, and they offer the chance to win bigger payouts than some of the more basic bets. 

Avoiding the Worst Bets: Props and Single-roll Bets

While there are many exciting betting options in craps, knowing which bets to avoid is important. 

Some of the worst bets in craps include:

• Single Roll Bets (such as the Any Seven bet or Horn bets): These bets are based on the outcome of a single roll of the dice and have a high house edge, making them a poor option for players who want to increase their chances of winning.
• Hardway Bets (such as the Hard 4 or Hard 10 bet): These bets are based on the outcome of a specific combination of numbers being rolled (e.g. a Hard 4 is a 4 rolled with two 2s), and they have a high house edge.
• Big 6 and Big 8 Bets: These bets are based on the shooter rolling a 6 or 8 before rolling a 7, and they have a high house edge compared to other betting options.

As a craps expert, I highly recommend avoiding props bets and focusing on the more favorable betting options, such as Pass Line, Come, and Place Bets. 

By sticking to these bets, you’ll be able to increase your chances of winning and enjoy a more successful craps experience.

Advanced Strategies for Winning at Craps

In this section, we’ll explore some advanced strategies for how to win at craps.

From understanding the house edge to implementing betting progression systems and controlled shooting techniques, these strategies require a deeper understanding of the game and a higher level of skill.

By mastering these advanced strategies, you can increase your chances of success and take your craps game to the next level.

Understanding the House Edge

The house edge is a crucial concept in the game of craps that every player should understand. 

It refers to the casino’s advantage over the player and is expressed as a percentage of each bet. 

In craps, the house edge varies depending on the bet being placed, with some bets having a lower edge than others.

For example, the Pass Line bet has a house edge of 1.41%, which means that for every $100 bet, the casino can expect to make $1.41 in profit. 

On the other hand, the Any 7 bet has a much higher house edge of 16.67%, meaning that the casino can expect to make $16.67 for every $100 bet.

Understanding the house edge is important because it lets you decide which bets to place. Focusing on bets with a lower house edge can increase your chances of winning and minimize your losses. 

In the next sections, you’ll learn about other advanced strategies that can help you further improve your chances of winning in craps.

Using a Dice Setting Technique

Dice setting is an advanced craps strategy that involves setting the dice in a specific way and throwing them in a consistent manner to increase the chances of rolling a desirable outcome.

This technique is controversial, and not all casinos allow it, so it’s important to check the rules before trying it.

The idea behind dice setting is that the way the dice are set before being thrown can impact the outcome of the roll. 

By setting the dice in a certain way, it’s possible to influence the odds in your favor and increase the chances of rolling certain numbers.

There are many different dice-setting techniques, but they all involve carefully arranging the dice to land in a specific way. 

Some players like to use a specific grip or toss to further increase their control over the dice.

The goal is to consistently roll the same numbers or combination of numbers, which can be done through practice and experimentation.

It’s important to note that dice setting is not a foolproof strategy, and there is no guarantee that it will result in a winning outcome. 

However, many experienced craps players swear by this technique and believe it can give them an edge over the casino.

If you want to use a dice-setting technique, practice extensively before attempting it in a casino.

 Additionally, be aware of the rules regarding dice control at the casino where you plan to play, as some may not allow it or may have specific rules in place. 

With practice and some luck, dice setting can be a powerful tool in your craps arsenal.

Implementing a Craps Betting Progression System

Another advanced strategy for winning at craps is implementing a betting progression system. This approach involves increasing or decreasing your bet based on previous outcomes. 

A betting progression system aims to maximize your winnings while minimizing your losses, and there are many different systems to choose from.

One popular betting progression system is the Martingale system. With this system, you start with a small bet and double your bet after each loss. 

The idea is that when you eventually win, you will recoup your losses and make a profit. 

However, the Martingale system can be risky, requiring a large bankroll to sustain multiple losses in a row.

Another betting progression system is the Paroli system, sometimes called the Reverse Martingale. With this system, you start with a small bet and double your bet after each win. 

You can take advantage of winning streaks and make larger profits while limiting your losses when you’re not on a hot streak.

It’s important to note that betting progression systems are not foolproof and are not guaranteed to result in a winning outcome. 

Additionally, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of your bankroll and the odds of the game and the discipline to stick to your strategy even in the face of losses.

If you’re interested in implementing a betting progression system, check out my strategy guide, research, and choose a system that fits your playing style and bankroll. 

With the right system and a little luck, you can increase your chances of winning big at the craps table.

Understanding the Importance of Discipline

Maintaining discipline throughout the game is one of the most crucial elements of succeeding at craps. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and make impulsive bets, but having the discipline to stick to your strategy and manage your bankroll is essential for long-term success.

Discipline involves having a clear plan for your betting strategy and sticking to it, even in the face of losses or winning streaks. 

It also involves managing your bankroll and knowing when to walk away from the table, whether you’re up or down.

One important aspect of discipline is avoiding the temptation to chase losses. It’s easy to become frustrated after a losing streak and make impulsive bets to win back what you’ve lost. 

However, this can be a dangerous strategy and quickly lead to even more losses.

Similarly, avoiding becoming too greedy when you’re on a winning streak is important. While it can be tempting to continue betting larger and larger amounts, it’s important to stick to your betting strategy and avoid getting too carried away.

By maintaining discipline throughout the game, you can make smarter decisions and increase your chances of success. 

Tips and Tricks from a Pro Craps Player

As a craps expert and blogger with the best information, you know that sometimes the best advice comes from those with experience playing the game. 

In this section, you’ll learn valuable craps tips and tricks from a pro player.

6 Craps Tips and Tricks from Pro Player Jake Wilfred

My readers know that I have been playing craps for over 20 years and have developed effective strategies for winning. 

Here are some of my craps pro tips for succeeding:

1. Stay Focused: It’s easy to get distracted by the noise and excitement of the craps table, but it’s important to stay focused on your strategy and the game. Avoid engaging in conversations with other players or getting too caught up in action, and instead, focus on making smart bets and managing your bankroll.
2. Take Advantage of Free Odds Bets: One of the best bets you can make in craps is the Free Odds bet, which has no house edge and can increase your winnings significantly. Jake recommends taking full advantage of this bet whenever possible.
3. Learn the Table Etiquette: Craps has a specific set of rules and etiquette that players must follow. By learning the rules and behaving appropriately at the table, you can avoid making mistakes and earn the respect of other players and dealers.
4. Set a Win Goal and Stick to It: Before you start playing, set a realistic goal for how much you want to win and stick to it. If you reach your goal, walk away from the table and don’t get too greedy.
5. Practice Good Bankroll Management: Effective bankroll management is key to succeeding at craps. Jake recommends setting aside a specific amount for your craps sessions and only betting what you can afford to lose. If you hit a losing streak, don’t chase your losses and avoid increasing your bets to recoup your losses.
6. Avoid illegal tehniques : There are many tempting ways to cheat the craps game, like dice loading or dice sliding. While they are definitely going to bring you some success, it’s best to avoid them, as there may be legal repercussions.

By following these tips and tricks from a pro craps player like Jake Wilfred, you can improve your chances of success at the craps table and take your game to the next level.

How to Read the Table and the Players

Reading the table and the other players is an important skill in craps and can give you valuable insights into the game.

Here are some tips for reading the table and the players:

• Pay Attention to the Action: By observing the other players at the table, you can get a sense of their betting strategies and their level of experience with the game. Pay attention to their reactions to winning or losing bets, and gauge their confidence level.
• Watch the Dealers: The dealers can provide valuable clues about the state of the game, such as whether the table is hot or cold. They can also give you important information about the different bets and payouts.
• Look for Patterns: One effective way to read the table is to look for patterns in the outcomes of the rolls. For example, if a certain number has frequently been rolling, you may want to consider betting on that number.
• Observe Betting Habits: How other players bet can provide insight into their experience and confidence. Watch for players who consistently make the same bets or switch up frequently.
• Be Aware of Tilt: Tilt is a term used to describe a player who has become emotionally upset or frustrated and makes impulsive bets to recoup losses. Watch for signs of tilt in other players and avoid falling into this trap yourself.

By paying attention to the table and the other players, you can gain valuable insights that can help you make smarter bets and improve your chances of winning. 

Maintaining a positive attitude while playing

Maintaining a positive attitude is important when playing craps, as it can help you stay focused, make better decisions, and avoid becoming emotionally attached to the outcome of each roll.

Here are some craps tips for maintaining a positive attitude while playing:

1. Embrace the Randomness: Craps is a game of chance, and there is no way to predict the outcome of each roll. Instead of getting frustrated by losses, embrace the randomness of the game and focus on making smart bets based on the odds.
2. Have Realistic Expectations: It’s important to have realistic expectations when playing craps and to understand that there will be both winning and losing sessions. By keeping your expectations in check, you can avoid becoming too emotionally attached to the outcome of each roll.
3. Focus on the Fun: Craps is a fun and exciting game, and it’s important to focus on the enjoyment of the game rather than the outcome of each roll. By staying positive and enjoying the experience, you can avoid becoming too stressed or frustrated.
4. Avoid Negative Players: Negative players can bring down the energy at the craps table and make it more difficult to maintain a positive attitude. Instead, focus on playing with positive and fun-loving players who can help create a more enjoyable atmosphere.
5. Take Breaks: Taking breaks can help you stay refreshed and focused and prevent you from becoming too emotionally invested in the game. Take a break to stretch, grab a drink, or take a few deep breaths to help maintain a positive attitude.

Maintaining a positive attitude while playing craps can improve your overall experience and increase your chances of success. 

Expert Advice on How to Win at Craps: Becoming a Pro

Becoming a pro craps player takes time, practice, and dedication.

Here are some expert tips for taking your craps game to the next level:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to improve your craps skills is to practice as much as possible. Consider getting your own craps table at home to practice your throwing technique and betting strategies.
2. Read and Study: Many books, articles, and online resources are available to help you improve your craps game. Take the time to read and study these resources to better understand the game and the strategies involved.
3. Join a Craps Group: Joining a craps group can be a great way to practice your skills, learn from others, and improve your game. Look for local groups in your area, or consider joining an online community.
4. Find a Mentor: Finding a mentor who is an experienced and successful craps player can be a valuable resource. They can provide personalized advice and help you identify areas to improve.
5. Stay Disciplined: Maintaining discipline is crucial to succeeding at craps. Stick to your strategy, manage your bankroll, and avoid impulsive bets.
6. Stay Positive: Finally, maintaining a positive attitude and enjoying the game is key to long-term success. Remember to have fun, stay focused, and embrace the game’s randomness.

Following these expert tips can improve your craps skills and become a pro player.

Final Thoughts

With the right mindset and dedication, you can take master the art of how to win at craps and take your skills to the next level and become a successful player.

We’ve discussed the importance of understanding the rules of the game, basic and advanced strategies for winning at craps, and maintaining discipline and a positive attitude while playing.

As a pro craps player, I believe the key to success at craps is a combination of skill, practice, and luck. 

I emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline, staying focused, and enjoying the game, while avoiding becoming too emotionally attached to the outcome of each roll.

If you’re serious about improving your craps game, the most important thing you can do is to practice as much as possible. 

Consider setting up a practice table at home, studying the game and its strategies, and finding a mentor or group to learn from.

Always remember to have fun and enjoy the game. 

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Win at Craps