Street Craps Rules: How to Play & Win the Game

Rolling dice and placing some craps bets can be a fun part of any visit to a casino. The table can be a bustling center of energy and playing online on platforms like Lucky Block Casino also packs a punch when it comes to entertainment value.

However, craps doesn’t have to just be played in a live casino or online. Street craps is also an option for betting on dice and this version of the game can be found in many parts of the world.

Keep reading to learn more about street craps including the rules, gameplay, and other key aspects of this popular dice game.

Street Craps Rules & How the Game is Played

The game known as craps today dates back to 18th century France. The French brought the game to North America and it became particularly popular in New Orleans. The game became popular with everyday workers, many eager to roll some dice when time permitted.

“African-Americans were among the first players, and likely the inventors of American Craps,” author David Schwartz notes Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling. “Black roustabouts and other river workers up and down the Mississippi were for years the most eager players of ‘American dominoes,’ which was played as a social game.”

Many of these games featured street craps, which was a bit different than the game you may see in a live casino today. Instead of rolling dice on a table, these games may feature players rolling dice and betting right on the street. Other home games may feature players gambling on a kitchen table or in some other location.

Street craps is a much more stripped-down version of the game – without many of the bets a player might find in a live casino. However, this can be a fun game that many still enjoy today.

Differences Between Street Craps and Casino Craps

Obviously in a game of street craps there won’t be any dealers to take care of all the action. Instead, players spread and run the game themselves. Most games stick to the more simple bets – that includes players generally wagering like they would on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass.

When wagering on the Pass Line, you are betting with the shooter. On the come-out roll, you’ll win even money on 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3 , or 12. If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, that becomes the point number. The player is then hoping that the shooter rolls that number again before rolling a 7, which then makes the bet a loser.

Some players may also bet against the shooter as they would on the Don’t Pass Line at a casino. These players win when the shooter sevens out. Thes bettors may need to find other players in the game to accept their action in street craps.

Unlike in a casino, players generally don’t use casino chips and instead make due with cash or coins. Players serve various roles worked out among themselves – acting as the house, the shooter, and other players may just be bettors.

More sophisticated street craps games may actually include more advanced wagering options, but this probably isn’t the norm and more likely found in home games. Some street games may be for smaller amounts found in casinos, but that’s not always the case and some of these may play much higher.

One added difference between street craps and casino craps? Playing the game outside a casino may be illegal in some jurisdictions.

Street Craps Game: Rules and Gameplay

So how does a game of street craps actually play out? Here’s a quick look at what to expect when hitting the streets to roll some dice.

Players decide who will back the game as the house and who will be the shooter.
Players make bets for (Pass Line) or against (Don’t Pass) the shooter with the house or with other players.
The shooter makes a come-out roll.
Players betting with the shooter win on 7 or 11 and win on 2, 3, or 12. Those against the shooter lose on 7 or 11, win on 2 or 3, and push on 12.
If the shooter rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, that becomes the point number. For example, the shooter might roll and 6 and that would be the point.
The shooter is trying to then roll the point number before rolling a 7. If the shooter rolls the point, such as the 6 in the example above, those betting with the shooter are winners. Those betting against the shooter are losers.
If the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point number, those betting against the shooter are winners. Bettors with the shooter have losing bets.
Winning bets are generally paid off at even money.
Once all bets are paid and losing bets collected, a new come-out roll can begin.

Streets Craps Advantages and Disadvantages

There are some definite pros and cons when it comes to playing street craps and here’s a quick look at some of those.

Pros

Can be played anywhere at any time – no casino needed.
Stakes are left completely up to the players.
Still the same low house edge as betting the Pass Line and Don’t Pass, at around 1.41% and 1.36%, respectively.
Can be a fun, social game for those involved.
Players manage the game themselves.

Cons

Could be illegal in some jurisdictions.
Not all wagers are available like in a casino.
Watch out for shady operators.
No oversight by regulatory bodies (although some may view this as a positive).

Conclusion

Street craps allows players to bet on rolling dice from anywhere. The games are managed by players themselves and the name derives from action that has actually played out on the streets, with players betting on dice using real cash and coins.

These games generally feature players betting with the shooter (as on the Pass Line) or against the shooter (as on the Don’t Pass Line). Games generally pay out even money with more exotic wagering usually not usually part of the mix. However, street craps may be illegal in some jurisdictions.

Those who can’t make it to a live casino or have no street craps available, may want to head to Lucky Block Casino to roll some dice online. There are many options available, including live dealer games like you might find on the Strip in Las Vegas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is street craps?

This is a version of the game played on the street and in other locations. Players manage the game themselves, placing bets for and against the shooter with a player acting as the house or against other players.

How do you play street craps?

Players are generally betting with or against the shooter. The shooter rolls the dice as they would in a traditional craps game. Players settle bets among themselves.

Where can you play street craps?

You can play craps anywhere as long as you have dice and players, including on a street corner, at home, in a hotel room, and other locations. However, the game may be illegal in some locations, depending on gaming law.

What are some differences between street craps and craps in a casino?

There are no dealers and often no table. Players have fewer betting options and the players decide on the stakes themselves. Players also wager among themselves or with another player acting as the house. Betting uses cash or coins instead of casino chips.

What are the basic street craps rules?

The basic street craps rules involve betting on whether the shooter will roll a winning number before rolling a 7. Players bet on either the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line, and the game follows a simplified version of casino craps rules.