An ancient dice-based game of chance, craps has always been popular in Atlantic City’s retail casinos and is now available online. Several of the state’s licensed online casinos now spread craps, providing customers with the opportunity to conveniently play in a regulated environment from anywhere in New Jersey.
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Licensed New Jersey Online Craps Operators
Currently, the following seven licensed New Jersey online gambling operators offer craps games:
While you can find craps in just about every casino in Atlantic City, it takes a little more effort to locate a game on the internet. Each of the above NJ online casinos currently spreads just one version of the game, but generally the rules and payouts are pretty consistent throughout the state. Across the board you’ll find craps sorted under the ‘Table Games’ section of the chosen casino.
New Jersey Mobile Craps
Although craps would theoretically work just as well on mobile, unfortunately, none of the above online casinos have included the option in their NJ casino mobile apps. Stay tuned though, we will update accordingly once craps makes the jump.
Online Craps: Safe, Legal, and Licensed in New Jersey
The Garden State legalized online casino gambling in 2013, passing bill A2578 which permits all common casino games including poker, blackjack, slots, roulette, and of course… craps. New Jersey accepted its first online wagers in November 2013.
All casino operations are conducted under the watchful eye of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which monitors each online casino closely and ensures that its games are conducted fairly, adhering to state laws. All New Jersey Online Craps games and software providers have been put to the test and come out on the other side with a stamp of approval. They are fair, balanced, and safe.
Who Can Play New Jersey Online Craps?
All persons that are at least 21 years old and inside the state of New Jersey are allowed to engage in online casino games, craps included. To clarify, you don’t need to live in New Jersey to play online craps, you just need to be inside the state. If you’re visiting the Jersey Shore for a summer vacation, you can play. If you’re at a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike, you can play. If you live in NYC but are attending a meeting across the river in Hoboken, you can play, too.
Why Choose Online Craps?
While you will miss out on the social component, officially licensed and regulated online craps do offer a number of rather significant advantages over their live, brick-and-mortar counterparts.
To begin, the game offers perfect top-down visibility. Players don’t have to push and shove their way around the table to have their bets placed or to see what’s going on.
In the same vein, in a live setting craps can appear confusing and chaotic. If you’ve never played before, a lively game inside the casino may not seem like the best place to learn. While playing online it’s easy to digest the rules and prepare for your next trip to Atlantic City.
Speed and Web Features
The fact that online craps is web-based provides operators the opportunity to offer some features which live casinos cannot. For example, some online craps tables allow players to adjust the table settings to speed up the action or to slow it down. What’s more, some versions let players skip the simulated roll of the dice altogether, jumping straight to the result of the roll. It’s a faster, more efficient way to play the game.
Making heads and tails of player bets and payouts is a non-factor online, too. The software completes every calculation, right down to the last decimal, in the blink of an eye. There’s no lengthy delay after a roll as the dealer pays everyone out, the stickman collects the dice, and players contemplate new wagers. While online you bet, then roll. Rinse, repeat.
The ability to play faster also provides novice players with the opportunity to place more bets and see more rolls. Thus, while playing online you can gain a familiarity with the game far faster than when playing in-person.
Affordable Wager Limits
The biggest advantage of the online version of the game, however, lies in its affordability. Due to additional costs incurred on personnel and on the physical equipment needed to play the game – not to mention the valuable space taken up on the casino floor – live craps operators have to feature larger minimums on their games. In an online casino on the other hand, the minimum can be as low as $0.50 – as it is at Virgin/Tropicana’s online craps tables.
Bet Against the Shooter
As we’ve touched on before, in-person craps is a social game. When the shooter gets hot and everyone is winning, there are few better times to be had in the casino pit. However, you can bet against the shooter. It won’t be a popular choice with your tablemates, but it is an option that all players have.
When playing online, you can feel free to bet whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want. You don’t have to worry about a room full of disapproving glances for placing a specific bet that counters the vibe of the table. With online craps you’re the only one that’s playing, so wager on anything – judgement free.
Online Craps Basics
While the many betting options available in craps may seem intimidating at first glance, the rules by which the game is played are rather simple. First and foremost, the course of action during a roll is determined by the bet-type one chooses.
Pass Line Bets
The Pass Line bet is the most popular in New Jersey Online Craps. It can be placed when the game is “off”, before the come out roll. If the come out roll is 7 or 11, the Pass Line pays even money. If craps is rolled (2, 3 or 12), the bet is a loser. If any other number comes up, it becomes the point and the game is “on”. From here on out, the player wins if the point comes up before a 7, and loses if a 7 comes up before the point. If another result comes up, the game remains “on” and another roll follows, until the bet gets settled.
Don’t Pass Bets
The Don’t Pass bet is more or less the opposite of the Pass Line. It too can be placed when the game is “off”, and on the come out roll, it wins if the result is 2 or 3. It loses on 7 and 11, and on 12, it pushes.
After a point is rolled, the player wins if a 7 comes up before the point and loses if the point comes up first.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
The Come and Don’t Come bets are the same as the Pass Line/Don’t Pass bets, with the difference that they can be placed when the game is “on”.
Odds Bets
The Odds bets are based on the Pass Line/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come bets too, though they can only be placed once the point has been set. These bets can be removed after every roll.
Hard Ways
4, 6, 8, and 10. Those are the Hard Ways, and any bets placed on them must be won… the hard way. If you wager on one of the hard ways it will only pay out if the shooter rolls doubles adding up to your number. 2-2 (4), 3-3 (6), 4-4 (8), or 5-5 (10).
Field Bets
With a field bet you’re wagering that the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. It’s a single roll bet, meaning everything is riding on the next roll only.
Place Bets
With a place bet you’re wagering that your chosen number will be rolled before a 7 – that’s it. Since 7 is the most commonly rolled number, you’ll get odds based on the number you pick. Generally speaking place bets have a reasonably high house edge, though, if you’re going to make one, stick to 6 or 8.
Buy Bets
Buy bets and place bets are closely related. They operate on the same general concept, you’re picking a number to come up before a 7, however, the payouts are different. Buy bets offer true odds, meaning a 2:1 will payout at 2:1… except for the vig/rake. Generally speaking your buy bets will cost you around 5% with the added operator commission.
Lay Bets
Essentially the inverse of a buy bet. With a lay bet, you get to basically swap places with the house – you are the one laying the odds. Payouts are adjusted accordingly though, and the vig is still a factor.
Any 7
Any 7 is pretty simple – you’re betting that the shooter rolls a 7. The available odds typically aren’t great though, paying just 4-1. We’d recommend steering clear.
Craps Bets
You’re betting on any 2, 3, or 12. If the next roll hits one, you’re golden.
Horn Bet
2, 3, 11, or 12 are your targets when playing the horn with New Jersey Online Craps. Your bet is divided evenly amongst each of the 4 numbers. For example, a $20 wager would in effect put $5 on each number. 2 and 12 will pay out at 30-1, while 3 and 11 pay 15-1. With a double digit house edge, its another wager that we don’t typically recommend, but it can be fun.
Ace Deuce / Yo Eleven Bets
Rolling a 1 and a 2 completes the ole’ Ace-Deuce. Hit a 6 and a 5 and you’ve got 11. Both bets pay out at either 15 or 16-1 (Virgin/Tropicana), though your chances of actually winning are just 18-1.
Snake Eyes and Boxcars
It’s also possible to bet on both snake eyes (two 1s) or boxcars (two sixes). Pay tables vary within the state, but they’ll typically fall somewhere between 30 and 33-1 (Virgin/Trop) for a win. In reality the actual odds are 36-1, so again, not the most profitable wager.
… and these bets are just the tip of the iceberg. There are scores of other options available at the New Jersey craps tables.
Gameplay
Playing the game is as simple as buying credits, and then clicking on the chip denominations you want to use as your wager. Clicking on the table, in the section corresponding to the bet-type one intends to make, will essentially launch the wager. The game is played with two dice, the sum of which makes up the result which players attempt to predict. Clicking the “Roll” button will effectively launch the roll and get the action underway.
Variations
While the game’s rules are mostly the same across New Jersey’s online craps tables, there are a few different craps software providers operating in the state. We have the Gamesys variant (Tropicana and Virgin), NYX (Pala and Scores), and then Borgata, BetMGM, and Party Casino utilize the WINstudios software for their craps needs.
Demo Play
Some of the aforementioned casinos feature handy demo versions for their craps games as well, through which would-be players can gain a peek into exactly how the game works and what they can expect once they register a real money account.
One such operator is Virgin Casino, whose online craps demo lets players access every feature of the full game, without needing to create an account. While the software does actually allow players to use chip denominations as small as $0.10, the minimum bet is $0.50.
Tropicana Online Casino also offers a handy craps demo game that’s available without logging-in.
Graphics and Special Features
From a visual perspective, all the featured games are smooth, easy on the eyes and easy to understand. Virgin’s version comes with an “Instant” button, which eliminates the simulated rolls, a “Remove” button, which makes it possible for players to take chips back from the table (whenever allowed by the rules), as well as a “Game Rules” section, where all the possible bets and rules are described in detail. The Settings panel allows the on/off toggling of Music, Voice Over and Sound Effects.
Borgata, BetMGM, and Party’s version of the game looks slightly different, but the table layout is essentially the same, as are the rules by which the game is played.
Simple Tips for Winning Online Craps
Generally speaking, new players would do well to follow these simple tips for winning, and enjoying their time at the New Jersey Craps tables.
Learn the Rules
First and foremost, make sure you know all of the rules. Knowing the ins and outs of the game will ultimately help you to be successful while playing craps. Read about the game, watch videos, and most importantly – play. Online casinos offer free demo versions of their craps titles.
You can load the game, try out different bets, roll the dice, and generally get the full craps experience before you bring your cash to the table. There’s no reason not to be prepared.
Know the Odds
To most effectively engage with the game, learn the odds for each potential roll. It helps build a general understanding of craps:
| Roll Total | Potential Combos | Odds of Rolling |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2.78% |
| 3 | 2 | 5.56% |
| 4 | 3 | 8.33% |
| 5 | 4 | 11.11% |
| 6 | 5 | 13.89% |
| 7 | 6 | 16.67% |
| 8 | 5 | 13.89% |
| 9 | 4 | 11.11% |
| 10 | 3 | 8.33% |
| 11 | 2 | 5.56% |
| 12 | 1 | 2.78% |
| 36 | 100% |
Avoid Bets With a High House Edge
While there aren’t any specific strategies that players can employ to actively influence the craps odds in their favor, they can put themselves in the best spot possible by sticking to bets with the smallest house edge.
The Pass Line and the Don’t Pass Line are the wagers with the highest return to player, and are actually some of the best bets you’ll find in the casino – period. They’re a good place to start.
‘Generally speaking it’s a good idea to avoid props. They’ll have glamorous payouts in excess fo 30-1, but trust us – they won’t make you money over the long haul. Think of them like betting a single number on the roulette wheel. They’ll hit on occasion, but more often then not you’ll be left disappointed.
Look for Bonuses
Another measure players can take to maximize their payouts is to take advantage of the bonuses offered by regulated NJ online casino operators. The bad news here is that most New Jersey online casinos place qualified games restrictions on their bonuses, and craps is typically left off due to the high RTP on Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets. If you do find a bonus that supports craps, be sure to snap it up. They don’t come along often.
Know Your Limits
Last, but certainly not least, know your limits. Don’t let yourself get sucked down a tunnel where you’re stuck and chasing losses. Craps has a large assortment of enticing bets, some with long odds and attractive payouts. A few unsuccessful bets can put you in the hole, which can effect decision making. Craps is meant to be fun – bet responsibly.
If you’re having trouble setting limits, help is available. Within your online casino account it’s possible to set time limits, loss limits, deposit limits, etc. In addition, New Jersey has a wealth of resources available including Gamblers Anonymous NJ and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ – both of which offer aid to local bettors. Plus, the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement offers a self exclusion program where it’s possible to restrict your access for a set amount of time, or evenly permanently. Read more on responsible gambling in New Jersey.
