Ask your everyday craps player where the name “craps” actually comes from and they might tell you that it is what you would probably say if you have a losing bet. However, the term “craps” actually comes from the French word for toad, “crapaud.”

Craps is a game that is played with 2 dice and – in a casino at least – against the house, which covers all bets placed on the table. House rules vary depending on where you go, but the basic rules are the same. Bets are placed on the craps table and the house pays winnings at various odds depending on what bet was placed.

There are different ways of betting and playing such as playing the “pass line”, “don’t pass line” and other single bets on individual throws. On “pass line” bets, players bet on a winning throw. If a 7 or 11 is rolled then all bets on the pass line win. Players lose if a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled (these are called “craps”). However, “don’t pass line” reverse the fortunes of the 2 and 3 above, but a tie is called for a 12 on the “don’t pass line” – maintaining the house advantage.

If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) , then that number is classed as “on” and the dealer places a marker on the relevant number. The thrower then continues to roll until either they roll the “on” number again, in which case everyone wins or until they roll a 7, in which case everyone loses.

There are many other possible bets to play, and since the take-off of online betting craps as well as many other games that were previously only available in the casino. The main appeal of craps (apart from winning all of the money obviously) is probably the fact that everyone on the table can win, leading to a great atmosphere. The fact however that it is played online, just proves its fun playability.

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