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Craps Table Layout Explained - Learn Easy Betting Layouts

Go into any casino, and you’ll know exactly where the craps tables are — just follow the noise. Craps is the loudest casino game you’ll ever come across. Besides players and dealers, numerous spectators stand on the side and watch, cheering you on and hoping you’ve placed the right bet.

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Image of Craps Table Layouts

However, the first time you see a craps table, you’ll probably be confused and overwhelmed by the various fields, sections, and numbers.

Once you get the hang of it and understand how the table works, you’ll easily blend into the crowd. Let’s start.

Craps Table Layout Explained

Take one look at the craps table, and you’ll be ready to leave the game before it even starts. Everyone feels the same before learning the rules and understanding the craps table layout.

In the following sections, we’ll break it down and show you how simple the game is.

Craps Table Sections

Image of Craps Table LayoutA standard craps table has two sides that mirror each other and a center section reserved for proposition bets.  Most players avoid the center because these wagers have terrible odds.

If you’re a beginner, you should stick to one of the two sides and place standard bets.

Center Section

Image of Craps Center Section Table Layout

As mentioned, the center section of the craps table is reserved for the longshot prop bets, also known as “sucker bets.” While these wagers don’t have favorable odds, they are exciting and can generate neat payouts.

For starters, it’s worth mentioning that all bets in the center have a house edge of over 9%, which is a good indicator you should stay away from them. However, unlike in other sections, these bets don’t require you to meet the table minimum — you can place a wager for only $1.

Two main types of prop bets exist:

  • One-roll bets — these win or lose on the next dice roll
  • Hardways (multi-roll) — these stay active for several rolls, and you can remain in the game for quite a while

You can bet on various combinations, including any craps (2, 3, or 12), a boxcar (12), or the Big Red (7).

Side Section

Image of Craps Side Section Table Layout
The two side sections have the same fields:

  • Pass line — The most basic bet is one in which you win with a 7 and lose if a 7 appears before the point number.
  • Don’t pass line — This is the exact opposite; you bet against the shooter. It has better odds than the “pass line” bet, but not many players use it.
  • Big 6 and Big 8 — You’ll win at even money if the number you wagered on appears before 7.
  • Field bets — This is a one-roll wager where betting on any of the presented numbers (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12) will yield a win if rolled. The 2 and 12 wagers pay double.
  • Come bet — This is similar to a pass wager, but you can only place it once the point is set.
  • Don’t come wager — The wager works like the Don’t Pass bet, meaning it’s the opposite of the Come bet.   
  • Place numbers —  Here, you bet that one of these numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10) will appear before a 7. The odds vary, so the payouts are 9:5 for a 4 or 10, 7:5 for a 5 or 9, and 7:6 for a 6 or 8.

Craps Table Layout Differences: Online vs. Live Craps

After learning how craps tables work in land-based casinos, playing the game online will be even easier. The main difference between a live and an online craps table is the size. The main purpose of two identical side sections is to let more players participate, so the online variant eliminates one side. 

That way, you’ll get a less-cluttered layout and peace of mind, as you won’t be surrounded by heaps of people screaming on top of one another. If you opt for a live dealer variant, you’ll notice that only one dealer operates the entire table, unlike the four needed to run a craps game in a brick-and-mortar casino. 

Lastly, some online and land-based casinos eliminate the “Big 6/8” field. It’s considered an unnecessary bet because you can pick the exact wager for each of the two numbers (Place bet) and collect better payouts. 

Conclusion

When you first approach a craps table, you might be overwhelmed by the number of betting options. Hopefully, this simple guide helped you understand how the game and betting options work.

If you need more practice, find an online casino and play craps for free. That way, you won’t be intimidated when you walk up to a craps table in your favorite brick-and-mortar casino and place the first bet. 

FAQ

What is the basic layout of a craps table? The basic layout of craps is a large, rectangular table with a dealer at one end and a "boxman" at the other. The table is divided into three main sections, with two identical ones on either side and the third one in the center. The dealer mans the two side sections while the stickman runs the middle one.
How many casino workers tend a craps table? At least four people man the craps table — two dealers, a stickman, and a boxman. The dealers are on the base, accepting wagers and placing them on the table, while the stickman operates the center section and uses a stick to collect the dice. The boxman looks after the money and ensures players don’t cheat.
How many bets can you make on the craps table? Players can make over 40 bets categorized into two categories — single-roll and multi-roll. Players place single-roll wagers when they think a gaming session will end in one dice roll. The other category is for players who believe the session will take more than one roll.

About the Author

Author Hi all! My name is Jayson Peter, and I am the Chief Editor here at Casino USA. I have always been a huge fan of casinos, but I noticed that there are not a lot of websites out there that discuss the gambling industry in enough detail, so that’s how the idea for CasinoUSA.com was born. With my extensive knowledge of the industry and the help of my team, I am ready to give you an insight into the exciting world of casino gambling in the United States.