How to Play Craps Online
Playing craps at casino sites in Canada are straightforward. First off, note that you can play for real money and for free in demo mode. The latter option helps as a new player if you are looking to get familiar with the rules of craps game.
When you’re well-informed about the mechanics, you can then switch to real money. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play craps.
Step 1: Choose a Licensed Online Casino
You begin by registering at a licensed online casino that offers craps in Canada. There are many such platforms, and we’ve highlighted the best ones to consider on this page. You can pick any that suits your interests.
Creating your account won’t take more than a few minutes, after which you can proceed to deposit and claim the welcome bonus. If you want to play for free in demo mode, you can hold on and deposit later.
Step 2: Select the Craps Game
From your casino dashboard, browse to the table games section and look for craps. The top casinos offer multiple versions, such as classic craps or live craps hosted by a dealer. It’s up to you to select the best online craps game for you. When you find the variant you prefer, click it to launch it.
Step 3: Review the Game Layout
This is where you take in the game and its setup. As experts, we understand that the craps table may look complicated at first, but it’s essentially a betting layout — like you’d see in a land-based casino.
The good news is that most online versions include visual guides to help you bet. You’ll see areas marked for the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come, and various other bets like Field, Place, and Proposition bets.
Step 4: Place Your Bets
After reviewing the table, select your chip size and place your bet on the relevant section. You simply drag the chips from where they are to the table area that matches your prediction. Take note of the size as it equals your wager.
In most games, you start by placing either a Pass Line or a Don’t Pass bet. This kicks off the first roll, known as the come-out roll. Subsequently, you can also place other side bets, but they’re optional and depend on your strategy.
Step 5: Roll the Dice (Come-Out Roll)
When you’re ready, click the Roll or Shoot button to perform the come-out roll. This is the first roll of a new round. Note that if you’re playing live casino craps, the dealer is the one to roll or shoot.
If the result of the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the Pass Line bets win. Meanwhile, if it’s a 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose. Any other number — like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 — becomes the point.
Step 6: Establishing the Point
Suppose that the come-out roll results in a point number. In that case, that number will be highlighted on the table. The objective now is to roll that number again before rolling a 7. This part of the game continues automatically once the point is established. You can place additional bets like Come or Place bets during this phase if you want.
Step 7: Continue Playing or Adjust Your Bets
After each round, you’ll receive winnings automatically if your predictions are correct. You’ll also have the option to place new bets or repeat your previous ones. You can continue playing for as many rounds as you want, or cash out and change games.
Types of Craps Bets
One of the main reasons the craps casino game is so interesting is the unique betting options. You get more ways to bet than with other dice titles at Canadian gaming sites. In the previous section, we touched on some of these wagering types. Here’s a more comprehensive explanation of the different craps bets.
Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line bet is one of the most fundamental and widely placed wagers in craps. If you’re a beginner, it’s also an ideal option to consider. It’s the bet that starts the game and sets the pace for the rest of what happens on the table.
You place a Pass Line bet before the come-out roll, which is the first roll in a round. To win, the shooter must roll a 7 or 11. If that happens, your payout is even money (1:1). In other words, if you stake CAD 50, you can win CAD 50 on a Pass Line bet.
However, if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line loses. This is called crapping out. If the roll results in 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. From that moment on, the goal is for the shooter to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.
Any time the point is hit, the Pass Line bet wins. Meanwhile, if a 7 comes first, which is known as a seven out, the bet loses.
Pass Line Odds
From our findings, the odds of winning a Pass Line bet are relatively favourable compared with other casino games. The house edge stands at approximately 1.41%, which equals a 98.59% RTP.
Only a few games, like blackjack with a 99.5% RTP using basic strategy, beat craps odds on a Pass Line bet. If you’re interested in the card game of 21, you can check out our guide on blackjack online casinos in Canada.
Don’t Pass Bet
As the name says, a Don’t Pass bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line. Jokingly, some players refer to it as the dark side of craps. We must say that it’s a less popular pick among craps online Canada players, but this option is still straightforward and offers slightly better odds.
Typically, you also place a Don’t Pass bet before the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, the Don’t Pass bet wins immediately. A roll of 7 or 11 results in a loss.
If the shooter rolls a 12, the bet is pushed — it’s a tie, and you get back your stake. Some casinos treat 12 as a loss, so you have to check the house rules before playing.
Just like we explained for a Pass Line bet, the point is established if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. However, a Don’t Pass bet will win if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point again. If the point shows up before a 7, the bet loses.
The Don’t Pass bet comes with a house edge of about 1.36%. In other words, the RTP is 98.64%, which is slightly higher than that of the Pass Line. The key reason this option is less common among craps players is that it’s a wager against the shooter.
Come Bet
This bet is similar to the Pass Line bet. The key difference is that it can only be placed after the point is established on the come-out roll. In a way, the wager creates a new game within the initial round, as it allows you to bet on the shooter’s next roll, regardless of the current point.
Once the point is set, you can choose to make a Come Bet. If the next roll is a 7 or 11, you win right away. However, your wager will lose if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the Come Point, and the bet moves to that number on the table.
Now, for the Come Bet to win, the shooter must roll that Come Point again before a 7. The bet pays even money. If a 7 is rolled first, it loses. Like the Pass Line, the house edge of a Come Bet is around 1.41%.
Craps Strategies for Winning
At this point, you know how to play craps at casino sites in Canada and the various bet types. While craps is a game of chance with no specific system that guarantees winning, you can still follow the strategies mentioned below for potentially better results in the long term.
Focus on Low House Edge Bets
One of the simplest and most effective strategies in craps is to place bets with the lowest house edge. As we initially highlighted, these include Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, and Come Bet.
You can also consider the Don’t Come bet with a 1.36% house edge and Odds Bets (backing your Pass/Don’t Pass) with 0%. These wagers are preferable because they offer the best possible chances without requiring any complex predictions.
If you’re wondering what Odds Bets with zero house edge are, it’s quite straightforward. They’re available in some craps versions and let you bet on odds at 1x, 2x, or higher, depending on the table rules.
Avoid Proposition Bets
In online casino craps, you’ll usually find several prop bets like Any Seven, Yo (11), or Snake Eyes (2). These can be appealing to wager on due to their high payouts.
However, they come with a significantly higher house edge of up to 16% or more. If your goal is to maximize your odds and not necessarily chase big wins, it’s best to avoid the props.
Consider the 3-Point Molly System
A popular strategy that most experienced craps players use is the 3-Point Molly System. In our opinion, the approach is conservative, but it still helps manage risks. Here’s how it works:
- Place a Pass Line bet.
- Once a point is set, take odds behind your Pass Line.
- Then place a Come Bet.
- When a Come Point is established, back it with Odds.
- Repeat until you have three active points (the original point and two Come Points).
With this technique, you cover three numbers and reduce the urge to place riskier bets elsewhere.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Just like in any game, it’s vital to have a bankroll limit before playing craps online. We always advise this in our online casino tips for responsible gambling. Craps is fast-paced, so it’s easy to lose track of your wagers. That won’t happen if you specify how much you’re willing to bet from the get-go and don’t chase losses.
Most pro craps casino game players also use win/loss limits. For example, you can choose to walk away after doubling your bankroll or after losing 50%. When you’re this disciplined, your gaming session stays enjoyable and responsible.
Free Casino Craps Games
At Canadian online casinos, you can find free casino craps games that let you play without using real money. This option is specifically available in demo mode and highlighted on the game title.
While the setup and everything look and work exactly like the real-money versions, you only play using virtual chips that have no actual value. You can learn more about how demo craps functions below.
How Demo Mode Works
When you launch a free casino craps game, the software loads the full table layout and betting interface. The main difference is that you get a virtual bankroll, which you can use to place bets and everything else.
You can’t withdraw or redeem these credits. Instead, they allow you to test every feature without risk.
We played some demo craps during our review and were able to place Pass Line bets, Don’t Pass bets, Come bets, and other options. Like in the real game, the dice rolls are determined by a random number generator (RNG).
Therefore, outcomes are fair and unpredictable. In some demo versions, you can even get in-game tutorials or hints as guides.
Why Free Craps is Ideal for Beginners
If you’re new to casino craps, we suggest starting with the free version. Here are the main reasons:
- Learn the rules of craps game at your own pace: Craps can seem complicated at first, especially with the various bet types and table layout. By playing for free, you get a chance to study the rules without pressure.
- Experiment with bet types and payouts: You can use demo mode to test different bet types and see how they pay out. This way, you can understand which options carry a high or low house edge. It’s a hands-on learning approach that’s much more effective than simply reading a rulebook.
- Build confidence: Practicing free craps makes you familiar with the game format. Over time, you can develop confidence in your decision-making. When you switch to real-money play, you won’t be overwhelmed or surprised by anything.
- Try out new strategies: Free games can also help if you’re a pro player who wants to test new betting systems or techniques. One example is the 3-Point Molly System we explained earlier. You can see if it suits your playing style without the risk of losing actual funds.
How to Play Free Craps
You can play free craps at the best Canadian online casinos highlighted on this page. On these platforms, the demo version of craps-rolling is featured directly in their game lobbies or the table games section.
Notably, you don’t have to deposit to play free craps. In most cases, you may not need registration either. We do recommend signing up, though, so you can easily switch to online craps real money when you’re ready.
How to Choose the Best Online Craps Sites in Canada
For an optimal gaming experience, you’ll want to ensure that you’re playing at a quality craps casino in Canada. We’ve highlighted the best ones to consider below:
- Jackpot City;
- Spin Casino;
- 888 Casino;
- PlayOJO;
- Duelz Casino;
- Casumo;
- The Clubhouse Casino;
- Just Casino;
- Rooli;
- Bitkingz.
You can easily pick any site that suits your interests and sign up. If you’re curious, these are the criteria we consider when choosing the top craps casinos:
Licensing and Regulation
The first step is to verify that the casino is licensed by a recognized regulatory body. In Canada, legitimate gaming sites can be licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
Top international regulators, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), are also ideal. With a license from any of these, you can trust that the casino meets standards for fair gaming, responsible conduct, and player protection. You can then play your best online craps game with peace of mind.
Secure Payment Methods
The best online craps sites feature reliable payment methods that suit Canadian players. Common options include Interac, Visa, Mastercard, iDebit, and e-wallets.
You shouldn’t pick the best craps casino by simply looking at the listed payment channels. Confirm that it supports fast deposits and quick withdrawals with no hidden fees. SSL encryption is critical, too, ensuring that your banking details are protected and your funds are safe.
Game Variety
We’re sure that you won’t enjoy your gaming sessions if you have to play one craps title all the time. So, look for Canadian casino platforms that offer different versions of craps — ideally, these should be RNG-based games and live dealer craps.
Some sites also host unique variations like Crapless Craps or High Point Craps. These unique variants may appeal to your strategy, so consider checking them out.
Customer Support
Dependable customer support is essential, particularly when playing craps with real money. When reviewing, we prioritize platforms with 24/7 help via live chat and email. If phone support is available, it’s a big plus. It’s also crucial that the casino features a help centre or FAQ section for getting answers on your own.
Bonuses and Promotions
Based on our experience, craps gambling games usually contribute less toward wagering requirements than other titles. Nevertheless, it’s still worth considering the available bonuses.
A rewarding welcome package, ongoing promotions, or a loyalty program can provide added value. Ensure that you don’t claim bonuses just by looking at their values.
Instead, read the promotional terms and confirm if craps is eligible for the bonus. Also, verify that the playthrough, validity period, and minimum bets work for you.
Online Craps for Real Money
In real money online craps, you wager actual funds on the dice outcomes. If you win, you can withdraw cash to your bank account, e-wallet, or other available payment method. The rules remain the same, starting with a come-out roll and allowing various bet types like the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and more.
To play, you’ll need to create an account with your preferred online casino. Next, you deposit funds using any of the supported payment methods. With money in your account, visit the craps lobby and choose your game. You can then place real money wagers and wait for the results to know if you won or lost.
Benefits of Playing Online Craps Real Money Games
These are the upsides you can leverage when playing craps with actual money at Canadian casinos:
Real Payouts | Wins are actual money that you can withdraw to your bank account or e-wallet. |
More Engagement | Playing with real stakes adds more excitement and strategic thinking compared to free modes. |
Access to Bigger Tables | Real money games usually feature high-roller tables with larger betting limits and potential payouts. |
Live Dealer Options | Unlike RNG-based versions, live casino craps is real-time, so you can only play for real money. |
Bonuses and Promotions | You can only claim bonuses when you play with real money, as promotions aren’t available in demo mode. |
Why Play Online Casino Craps in Canada?
You may wonder whether playing the craps casino game online is worth it in Canada. Our answer is yes, and these are the main reasons:
Convenience of Playing from Home
With online craps in Canada, you can play from the comfort of your own home. You won’t have to travel to a physical casino, dress up, or wait for a table.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a few spare minutes or want to play for longer sessions. The game is available 24/7 on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Variety of Game Options
Online casinos give you access to different versions of craps far more than any land-based gambling floor in Canada. You’ll find RNG-based games for quicker sessions and live dealer craps for more realistic rounds. Additionally, expect varying table limits and rules, so you can pick the craps gambling setup that suits your skill level and budget.
Secure Transactions
The best licensed online casinos in Canada support safe and reliable banking options. You can deposit and withdraw using Interac, Visa, Mastercard, and e-wallets like Skrill or PayPal. Sometimes, even cryptocurrency is available. This method of betting is much safer than moving around with cash or credit cards on gambling floors.
Practice and Bonus Features
Online craps casino games often include demo modes, as explained earlier. You can explore them as a beginner and understand the rules before betting real money.
While at it, you still get the real gameplay, which won’t be the case at land-based venues. Furthermore, you can claim bonuses, such as deposit matches or cashback, that aren’t available in physical casinos.
Stress-Free Environment
Unlike a land-based casino, the best online craps game allows you to play at your own pace. There’s no crowd noise, pressure from other players, or time constraints. This makes learning smoother as a new player. For expert gamblers, it also helps keep the atmosphere relaxed and not tense.