Although your performance at the craps table mostly boils down to luck, players often do make mistakes that hinder their chance of winning. In this post, we’re going to help you iron out some potential mistakes to help you secure more wins, or at the very least, save you unnecessary losses.
Introduction to Craps
Craps is one of the most exciting games found on the casino floor and has been a longtime favourite for many players thanks to its fast pace, social atmosphere, and potential for a big payday.
The game revolves around a dice roll, which determines the outcome of every bet on the craps table. Whether you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with other craps players in Vegas or playing online craps from the comfort of home, the thrill remains the same.
For new players, the pass line bet is often the best way to start. This line bet is placed before the come out roll, which is the first roll of the dice in a betting round. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win right away.
Roll a 2, 3, or 12, and you lose—this is called “crapping out.” Any other number becomes the point, and the shooter continues rolling until they either hit the point again (you win) or roll a 7 (you lose). This simple structure makes pass line bets ideal for first time players looking to learn the basics.
What makes craps especially appealing is its low house edge on certain bets. For example, odds bets placed behind a pass line bet carry no house edge at all, offering fair odds. In contrast, proposition bets and some place bets may carry a higher house edge, which can quickly eat into your bankroll.
Despite the excitement, new players often make common mistakes, such as chasing losses during a losing streak or spreading their funds too thin across different types of bets without knowing the rules. It’s important to manage your bankroll, know when to withdraw, and avoid letting the fast pace of the game lead to reckless decisions. Let’s move on to the common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them.
Most Common Mistakes To Avoid When Playing Online Craps
Making mistakes means losing precious funds that you could extend your playing time with. So, in a measure to conserve your funds and prolong the entertainment at the craps table, here are the most common mistakes players make.
- Not knowing the rules
- Ignoring the house edge
- Making high-risk proposition bets
- Chasing losses
- Playing without a bankroll strategy
- Betting on every roll
- Misunderstanding odds bets
- Getting distracted during play
- Using unverified online casinos
- Playing too fast
- Mismanaging winnings
- Overusing the field bet
- Failing to practice in demo mode first
- Not taking advantage of bonuses
Not knowing the rules
Many first time players jump into online craps without learning the rules, which can quickly turn a fun game into confusion and frustration. Unlike blackjack, craps involves multiple bets, such as the pass line, odds bets, and place bets, each with unique timing and purpose.
Failing to understand the basics, like when to place a bet during the come out roll or how the shooter affects the flow, can and will lead to costly mistakes. If you want to play craps successfully, take time to understand the game and how the dice determine outcomes.
Ignoring the house edge
Craps players often overlook the importance of the house edge, especially when choosing their craps bet. While some bets like the pass bet and odds bets offer a low house edge, others, such as proposition bets, give the casino a big advantage.
To win consistently, it’s essential to build a betting strategy around bets with a lower edge, helping you keep more of your money. Ignoring this concept can lead to poor strategy and frequent losses, even if you’re playing with the same amount of chips as other players.
Making high-risk proposition bets
Although proposition bets may seem exciting, especially to new players, they come with a steep house advantage. These craps bets, such as betting on a single roll to hit a specific number, might look tempting due to the high payouts, but most players end up losing more often than they win. Unlike safer options like the pass line or odds bets, proposition bets aren’t based on strong strategy or informed decisions. If you want to truly enjoy the absolute blast of playing craps, it’s better to avoid these risky plays.
Chasing losses
When you lose, it’s natural to want to win back your money, but chasing losses in online craps is one of the fastest ways to bust your bankroll. This emotional approach often leads to placing bigger bets or abandoning your betting strategy altogether. Smart craps players know when to wait, reassess, and stick to the plan instead of letting frustration dictate their play. Remember, every roll is independent; increasing your craps bet out of desperation won’t change your luck with the dice.
Playing without a bankroll strategy
A well-planned bankroll strategy is essential for long-term success in online craps. Without managing how much money you’re willing to spend—or setting clear limits on bet sizes—you’re likely to run out of chips quickly. Successful players know how to adjust their bets, maybe by betting the same amount on the pass line and using odds bets effectively. A good strategy allows you to enjoy the game, increase your winnings, and avoid making impulsive decisions under pressure.
Betting on every roll
It might feel exciting to place a craps bet on every roll, but this is often a mistake that drains your bankroll fast. Not all rolls are created equal; the come out roll and subsequent points offer different strategic opportunities.
Savvy craps players know when to place smart bets—such as the pass bet—and when to simply wait and watch the table. Betting too often without regard to the game flow increases your risk and gives the casino a better chance of taking your money.
Misunderstanding odds bets
Odds bets are one of the few bets in any casino game with no house edge, yet many players don’t fully understand how or when to use them. After placing a pass line bet and the point is established, you have the option to place additional money behind your original bet—this is the odds bet, and it’s key to maximizing your potential winnings.
Ignoring or misusing this opportunity means you’re missing out on one of the most advantageous bets in craps. Learn when to take the odds, and always factor them into your overall strategy.
Getting distracted during play
Distractions are a common issue in online craps, especially when playing from home or on mobile devices. Losing focus can cause you to miss the come out roll, misplace your craps bet, or even skip the chance to take favourable odds bets. Unlike a physical Vegas table, online games move quickly, and the dice won’t wait. Make sure you’re in a quiet, distraction-free environment so you can make thoughtful, informed decisions and enjoy the game to its fullest.
Using unverified online casinos
Not all online craps platforms are created equal. Some unverified or sketchy casinos may rig outcomes, withhold winnings, or offer unfair bonus terms. Before you play craps, always check for proper licensing, secure payment options, and user reviews. A reliable casino ensures a fair game, protects your money, and allows you to focus on your strategy rather than worrying about being scammed. Only trust platforms that treat craps players with transparency and fairness.
Playing too fast
Craps can be an absolute blast, but speeding through the game often leads to careless bets and missed opportunities. Rushing can cause you to place the wrong craps bet, forget to add odds bets, or fail to track your bankroll. Just like blackjack, craps rewards patience and discipline. Take your time, assess the table, and wait for smart moments to bet. Playing at a measured pace allows you to make better decisions and enjoy each roll of the dice.
Mismanaging winnings
One of the most common pitfalls in online craps is failing to manage your winnings wisely. After a few successful bets, it’s easy to feel invincible and start increasing wager sizes without any real strategy. This overconfidence can quickly erase your profits and dip into your original bankroll. Smart players know when to pocket a portion of their winnings and continue playing conservatively. Treating winnings as expendable chips instead of real money often leads to reckless decisions and unnecessary losses.
Overusing the field bet
The field bet in craps may seem attractive due to its simplicity and the chance for quick payouts, but relying on it too often is a losing strategy over time. While it occasionally pays double or even triple on certain numbers, it’s still a high-risk bet with a relatively poor return compared to more strategic options. Players who continually use the field bet without understanding its long-term disadvantage are likely to see their bankroll dwindle faster than they expect. It’s best used sparingly, not as a go-to wager.
Failing to practice in demo mode first
Jumping straight into real-money games without first trying demo mode is a mistake that can cost beginners dearly. Online craps has a rhythm and structure that takes time to grasp, and demo games provide a safe space to learn without financial pressure. Skipping this step often leads to placing incorrect bets, misunderstanding the rules, or missing out on strategic opportunities. Practicing in demo mode helps build confidence and familiarity with the game’s flow, setting players up for a more successful real-money experience.
Not taking advantage of bonuses
Overlooking available bonuses is a missed opportunity that can really impact your success at online craps. Many players jump into real-money games without checking for welcome offers, reload bonuses, or ongoing promotions that could stretch their bankroll. For example, claiming bonuses at EnergyCasino gives you extra funds to explore different betting strategies and extend your playtime without additional deposits. These bonuses can provide a valuable cushion, especially for new players learning the ropes. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, since understanding wagering requirements and eligible games ensures you’re using the bonus to its full potential rather than wasting it unknowingly.
Final Thoughts
Craps is one of the most thrilling and fast-paced casino games available, especially online, where the action is constant and the stakes can change in an instant. But with that excitement comes the potential for costly mistakes—many of which are entirely avoidable with the right mindset and preparation.
The first step to avoiding these mistakes is education. Take the time to learn the fundamentals of the game, including the structure of a typical round, the types of bets available, and the house edge associated with each one. Don’t just rely on intuition or what looks exciting—do your research and develop a basic strategy before placing any real-money bets.
Finally, take advantage of the tools and resources available to you. Most reputable online casinos offer demo modes where you can practice without risk, and many also provide tutorials, guides, or strategy tips. Practicing in a no-pressure environment helps build familiarity and confidence, so that when you do play for real money, you’re doing so with purpose and control.
In the end, playing online craps should be fun – an experience that blends luck, strategy, and excitement. So although you should keep the aforementioned potential mistakes in mind, make sure to avoid eliminating the fun factor. Enjoy the game and have fun playing, but don’t let craps be the source of your financial woes.