How Do You Play Craps?

This fast-paced, action-packed game is all about the dice roll

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Sixteen players, two dice, one shooter

There’s always excitement and action around the Craps table, which helps explain the game’s phenomenal and growing popularity. Craps is available at Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, WI. 

How to Play Craps

The puck is the most important piece of equipment on the table—you’ll see it immediately. When in the OFF position, it indicates the next round is ready to begin. The next shooter takes the dice and rolls.

If a 2, 3, 7, 11 or 12 is rolled, the round is over immediately. If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the point. The puck is then turned to ON and placed on the point. The shooter then continues to roll until a 7 is rolled. The round is then over, and a new shooter takes the dice.

We also offer 10X odds! This pass line true odds wager is one of the best bets you can make.

What are the betting options?

Field Bet
One of the most popular in the Casino, this is a one-time bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. The 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 pay even money, and the 2 and 12 pay 2 to 1.

Betting the Pass Line
Betting with the dice. This bet should only be made when the puck is OFF. When the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the first throw (come-out roll), it is considered a natural and you win. When the shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12 on the come-out roll, it is craps and you lose. Any other number becomes the point. You win if the point repeats before a 7 is rolled, and your bet is removed if a 7 is rolled before you make your point. Place these bets in the area marked Pass Line on the layout.

Betting the Don't-Pass Line
Betting against the dice. This wager can only be made when the puck is OFF. You lose on a natural 7 or 11 and win on a 2 or 3. The number 12 is a push: nobody wins, nobody loses. Any other number becomes the point, and you win if 7 is rolled before the point is repeated. Your bet is removed if the point is made before a 7 is rolled. Place these bets in the area marked "Don't Pass Line."

Bonus Craps Side Wager™
Sometimes known as “All Tall–All Small.” This side bet cannot be used to achieve table minimum.

  • All Small (2,3,4,5 and 6) Hit all five numbers prior to the roll of any Seven (7) and get paid 34 to 1.
  • All Tall (8,9,10,11 and 12) Hit all five numbers prior to the roll of any Seven (7) and get paid 34 to 1.
  • Make ’Em All (2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10,11 and 12) Hit all ten numbers prior to the roll of any Seven (7) and get paid 175 to 1.

Side bet wagers are made in $1–$25 increments of $1 and must be made prior to the original Come Out roll.

Come Bets
Again, this is betting with the dice, like Betting the Don’t-Pass Line, except that Come Bets are made after the puck is ON. You win on a natural 7 or 11, and your bet is removed on craps—2, 3 or 12. Any other number becomes the come-point and you win if your come-point is made before a 7 is rolled. Place these bets in the area marked "Come."

Don't Come Bets
This is the reverse of betting the Come. You lose on a 7 or 11, and win on a 2 or 3; 12 is a push. If a 7 is rolled before your don’t come-point is made, you win. If the don’t come-point is made before a 7 is rolled, you lose. Place these bets in the area marked "Don’t Come."

Betting the True Odds
Once the puck is ON, you may bet true odds—up to 10 times your original bet—in addition to your flat (original) bet. The odds win if your flat bet wins, and your bet is removed if your flat bet loses. Payouts are determined by the number combinations on the dice. You are betting on the number of ways on the dice to win versus the number of ways on the dice to lose; the house will pay out the difference:

  • 4 and 10 pay 2 to 1
  • 5 and 9 pay 3 to 2
  • 6 and 8 pay 6 to 5

Place Bets
You may take a Place Bet any time on any or all of the following numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10. If the number on which you have made a Place Bet rolls before a 7, you win and are paid as follows:

  • 4 and 10 pay 9 to 5
  • 5 and 9 pay 7 to 5
  • 6 and 8 pay 7 to 6

Other Bets
Take note of the other possible bets on the table layout: proposition, horn, world and hard way. Payouts are included on the layout itself; Casino staff can provide you with further information.

What Craps etiquette should I know?

  • Roll so both dice hit the opposite back wall.

  • The shooter may handle the dice with only one hand.
  • The dice should stay in plain sight of casino staff.