Before you delve into the different craps game types, you need to understand the basics of the standard game. As for a starter, the board is divided into sections for each type of bet - Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come, Field, and Big-6/8. Furthermore, the centre section is reserved for Proposition Bets which are handled by the stickman.
When it’s your turn to be the shooter, you win by hitting a sum of 7 or 11 (called a Natural), and you get the chance to roll the dice again. If you end up with a 2 (Snake Eyes), 3 or 12 (Craps) you lose your bet, however, you’re entitled to roll the dice again. If you roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 (Point Number), you must roll those numbers again to win before a 7 shows up (Sevens Out).
Crapless Craps
In crapless craps, the 2, 3, 11, and 12 are treated as point numbers which are traditionally 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, meaning you can’t win with a sum of 11. The rules for crapless craps are the same as the conventional game, except all the totals, apart from 7 counts as a point. Therefore, on the outcome of the dice roll you would need to establish another point to win before a 7 is rolled. Essentially there is no “crapping out” in this version.
You also need to bear in mind that don’t pass line and don’t come bets aren’t available in crapless craps. In comparison to other craps types, this variation carries a 5.38% house edge which is less favourable to you than the regular pass line bets (1.41%). On the other hand, placing a 1x free odds bet behind 2, 3 and 12 can reduce this to 2.94%.
High Point Craps
One of the most exhilarating online craps types, high point craps only deviate slightly from the standard version and it’s easy to grasp. If you make an initial roll of 2 or 3, it’s completely disregarded. You would need to continue rolling until another total is made. Yet, if you roll 11 or 12 it will result in a win and pays out at even money craps odds (1:1). Any other total becomes the point.
If you roll again, you need to throw a total higher than the point in order to win. The house advantage is 2.35% in this game, which is still higher than the standard craps version, but the benefit is you don’t lose on a roll of 2 or 3.
Simplified Craps
As the name suggests, this craps type is a simplified version of the standard game. You’ll still play at a regular craps table and you win or lose based on the results of one roll. However, the main difference is that you are not able to make any pass or don't pass line bets.
The payouts in simplified craps vary from 1:1 – 5:1. The best paying number is 12, which is 5:1, and the second highest is 2 paying you 3:1. If you roll a 10 or 11 the payout is 2:1 meanwhile the worst dice roll is 3 and 4, which gives you craps odds of 1:1. You will lose the wager if the total thrown is 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. The house edge for simplified craps comes in at 2.8%.
Die Rich Craps
Unlike most craps types, if you are the shooter in Die Rich Craps, you will only roll one die. To get started, you must first place a wager on the pass line. From there, you then will throw the die. If you roll a 6, you win instantly, but if you roll a 1 it will result in a loss.
If you land the remaining numbers: 2,3,4, or 5 it will become your point number. In this instance, you’ll have three extra chances to roll the die to reach the point number again.
If you manage to succeed, you will start over and roll the die again, but if you lose, it will be the next shooter's turn. Notably, in Die Rich Craps the house edge is 3.7%.
New York Craps
One of the more simple online craps types, New York craps, involves you betting on box numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 to win. The principles are similar to when you play standard craps. However, you must take into account the specific rules and a different table layout when playing this craps dice game. When you play, it doesn't have a come or don't come betting section and you’re also not able to make place bets.
As well as dealers on both ends of the table, you have your stickman in the centre plus a lookman observing the game. When you play New York craps, it has a higher house edge as casinos take a 5% commission from each winning bet.
Bank Craps
Also known as Las Vegas Craps, all your bets are placed against the house at the table, which has a particular arrangement. Before any roll, you can indicate your wager by placing chips on the area of the layout you want to bet on.
There are two betting options available in bank craps, you either back or bet against the shooter. You can also play as the shooter, the principles are the same. When you back, you place your bet on the section marked: does pass, line or win. On the other hand, if you are betting against the shooter, you wager in the don't pass section. On average the house edge is favourable being 1.4%.
Diceless Craps
A version unique from other online craps types because it involves no dice! Instead, you play with a deck of cards that features two groups of 44 decks using cards ace through to 6 only. Drawing a card from each group represents a roll of dice.
Besides giving you the option to draw your card in each deck, other variations use a shuffling machine. This approach keeps it random and gives you the upper hand as there’s a limited number of combinations you are able to make.
Craps With Both Cards and Dice
One of the most unique online craps types for you to try. You use both cards and dice to generate a number combination that you are able to bet on. Two dice and two decks of cards are used to play . The non-standard card decks have 36 cards with dice combinations ranging from 1-1 to 6-6. When you play, you have to select two cards chosen at random from the decks.
To begin the game, you roll dice to the opposite ends of the craps table. Your round's card winning combination is chosen based on the outcome of the dice. If you roll the same number on both dice, one card will be pushed forward and then doubled to determine the roll. The odds are the same as conventional craps.
Live Craps
You’re able to experience the fun and intensity of live craps at Betfair directly from your computer or even on your smartphone on the go. Although a virtual set-up, live craps will offer you different perks such as live dealers and players streamed directly from a live studio with a live dealer. In addition it lets you set camera angles to your liking so you’ll feel as if you’re in a land-based casino!
The rules and layout are the same as in standard craps, so they’re easy to grasp. In live craps you’re able to place a pass, don't pass, come and don’t come bets. If you roll a 7 or 11 you will win. But if you roll a 2, 3 or 12, you’ll lose. The other numbers except 7 serve as the point for the next roll.
Low Limit Craps
If you’re a beginner, and you want to play the thrilling game of craps, you’ll feel more at ease with a lower bet size. Low limit craps allows you to participate in standard craps for the least amount of money. The minimum wagering requirements varies, but it’s common you find tables as low as between £3 and £5.
You should stay away from the exotic bets, and opt for simple ones, like pass and don't pass, which have a lower house edge of around 1.5%. However, if you’re still not comfortable, you can always play a demo version of craps online for practice before actually wagering any real money.
Real Money Craps
Real money craps, which is also known as open/fade craps, is the exact same as the standard version but with an added twist. In this variant you are able to place bets for or against other players at the table, known as proposition bets. The only lines on the craps table in this version are the lose line, the win line, and the box numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
If you opt to make proposition bets, there is no house edge because you are not betting against the house but one another. Nonetheless, the casino will take a 5% commission on any winning bets.
Sic Bo - An alternative Craps Type with similar mechanics
Hailing from Ancient China, Sic Bo is similar to other craps game types online. But with the noticeable difference being you playing with three dice instead of two. To win, you place bets on any of the possible outcomes that you think the result of the three dice will be.
You’re able to place small bets (4-10) or big bets (11-17), both paying 1:1 if you win. Other bet types in Sic Bo are odd, even which pays 1:1. The highest paying bet you can make is specific triples where the same number shows on all three dice. The payout for this is 215:1. Another popular bet you can make is a specific double, where you guess the correct number on at least two dice, which gives you odds of 25:2.