Bank Craps is one of the most thrilling dice games you’ll find in any casino. Known for its electric atmosphere, fast-paced gameplay, and wide range of betting options, Bank Craps offers players both excitement and strategic depth. Whether you’ve seen it played on the bustling floors of Las Vegas or are curious after hearing craps terminology like snake eyes or pass line bet, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what Bank Craps is, how it differs from other forms like street craps, the rules and phases of play, bet types, payout odds, and strategies to improve your winning chances. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to step up to the craps table and play like you belong there.
What is the Bank Craps Game?
Bank Craps is a form of casino craps played against the house — meaning all bets are made against the house rather than other players. This is the version you’ll see in gambling houses, commercial casinos, and online platforms like EnergyCasino.
Unlike informal street craps, where players bet directly against each other, bank craps is structured, with a distinctive table layout, regulated table minimum and maximum bets, and a professional crew — usually two dealers and a stickman — to manage the action. The shooter rolls two dice with the goal of hitting specific numbers depending on the phase of the game.
At a standard craps table, the layout is mirrored so players on the opposite side can see the same betting areas. This allows for a full table of action and keeps the game moving fast.
Understanding the Basics of Bank Craps
In Bank Craps, craps is played in two phases: the come-out phase and the point phase.
- Come Out Phase
The come-out roll (also called the come-out roll) begins a new game. The shooter’s first dice roll decides whether the round ends immediately or moves to the next stage.- Rolling a 7 or 11 is an instant win for pass line bets.
- Rolling a 2 (“snake eyes”), 3 (“ace deuce”), or 12 (“boxcars” or “moose head”) results in losing bets for pass line players.
- Any other roll becomes the point number and moves the game to the point phase.
- Point Phase
Once the point is set, the shooter continues rolling until either:- They roll the point number again (winning bets for pass line players).
- They roll a 7, which ends the round (“sevens out”), resulting in losing bets for the pass line.
Players may join in by placing pass bets, come bets, or other wagers at the start of a new game or during the action. The flow is continuous, with a new shooter taking over if the current shooter “sevens out.”
Types of Bets in Bank Craps
The variety of bets is what makes the craps game so engaging. Here are the most common in Bank Craps:
- Pass Line Bet – A basic bet that the shooter will win in the current round. It has the lowest house edge in the game (around 1.41%).
- Come Bet – Similar to the pass line but made after the come-out phase.
- Place Bet – Betting a specific number will be rolled before a seven.
- Line Bet – General term for pass line and come bets.
- Side Bets – Optional wagers like double action field traction, puppy paws (double fives), square pair (double fours), little joe (4), or little phoebe (5).
- Single Roll Bets – Wagers that resolve in one roll, e.g., snake eyes or beady eyes (double twos).
- Combined Bet – Multiple wagers covering different outcomes in one actual play.
Many bets may seem tempting due to high payouts, but they often carry a higher house edge, especially in centre table bets like the horn bet.
Bank Craps Bet Odds and Payouts
In Bank Craps, knowing bet odds and payouts is crucial.
- Pass Line Bet – Pays even money (1:1) when the bet wins, meaning that if you bet $/€10 you will win $/€20 total, your bet back and another $/€10.
- Come Bet – Same as pass line; pays 1:1.
- Place Bets – Payouts vary based on number: e.g., 6 or 8 pays 7:6, 5 or 9 pays 7:5, 4 or 10 pays 9:5.
- Single Roll Bets – Can pay anywhere from 2:1 to 30:1 depending on the specific bet and combination rolled.
- Lay Odds – Optional wagers placed behind your pass/come bets to match the actual odds of the dice outcome, with no house edge.
Because craps is a dice game of pure chance, payout rates are based on mathematical probability. The lowest house edge bets — like the pass line, come bets, and odds bets — are the most favourable in the long run.
Strategies for Winning in Bank Craps
While there’s no way to control the two dice (outside of debated dice setting techniques), there are strategic approaches that can maximise your chances:
- Stick to Low House Edge Bets – Pass line, come bets, and odds bets give you the best return over time. This will help the player prolong the time at the table and enable better bankroll management.
- Avoid Proposition Bets – Tempting payouts but high house edge make them risky.
- Manage Your Bankroll – Set a budget before you play craps and adjust bet sizes accordingly.
- Watch the Table Minimum – Higher minimums in Las Vegas or high-end venues can eat into your bankroll faster.
- Understand the Flow – Knowing when the shooter rolls in the first phase or mid-roll helps with timing your wagers.
Some players enjoy tracking trends like hot shooters, avoiding bad luck spots, or betting against the table (dark sideplay). While fun, remember — every roll is independent.
Final Thoughts
Bank Craps combines casino excitement, player camaraderie, and strategic betting into one of the most dynamic table games around. From understanding the two phases of play to choosing the right wagers, you now have a strong grasp of how casino craps works and how to approach it smartly.
Whether you’re in Las Vegas, visiting smaller casinos, or playing online at EnergyCasino, always remember that wagers should be placed with a clear head and a plan. Start with low table minimum bets, stick to the lowest house edge options, and enjoy the social side of the game.
Bank Craps isn’t just about chasing winnings — it’s about the thrill of the roll, the shared cheers when a point number hits, and the electric tension before the next roll. Step up, place your chips, and see if the shooter makes your night.