Craps Terms – An Essential Glossary for Understanding the Game

Last Updated July. 25. 2025 8:36 AM PDT

Craps terms are essential for understanding how the game is played and what each bet or outcome means. This page breaks down key terminology used at the craps table, offering clear, concise definitions for new and experienced players alike.

From betting types to common slang, every entry helps demystify the fast-paced language of the game. Whether you’re preparing to play online or in person, this comprehensive craps terms glossary serves as a reliable reference to improve your knowledge and confidence.

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What Are Craps Terms?

Craps terms are the essential vocabulary used by dealers, players, and casinos during a game of craps. Understanding the language of craps is a vital step toward learning how the game works and finding more success at craps casinos online.

10 Most Important Craps Terms for New Players

  1. Pass Line Bet – The core bet most players use.
  2. Come-Out Roll – Determines whether the round continues.
  3. Point – The target number after the come-out roll.
  4. Shooter – The active roller.
  5. Seven Out – Ends the round, results in losses.
  6. Craps – A losing come-out roll (2, 3, 12).
  7. Natural – A winning come-out roll (7 or 11).
  8. Place Bet – Bet on specific numbers.
  9. Hard Way – A special type of bet with higher risk.
  10. Stickman – Dealer announcing rolls.

1. Pass Line Bet

A fundamental bet placed before the come-out roll. It wins on a 7 or 11, and loses on a 2, 3, or 12.

  • Wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
  • Loses if a 7 is rolled after the point is established.
  • House edge: ~1.41%.
  • Allows for an odds bet with zero house edge.

 

2. Come-Out Roll

The first roll of a round, determining whether the player wins, loses, or establishes a point.

  • Winning roll: 7 or 11.
  • Losing roll: 2, 3, or 12.
  • Establishes point if 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled.
  • Signals shift to point phase of the round.

 

3. Point

The number rolled on the come-out (if not a win/loss), which becomes the target for the shooter.

  • Possible values: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.
  • Shooter aims to re-roll this number before a 7.
  • Determines ongoing state of several bets.
  • Odds bets are typically added after point is set.

 

4. Shooter

The active player rolling the dice until a seven out occurs.

  • Must place a Pass/Don’t Pass bet to become shooter.
  • Continues rolling until a Seven Out.
  • Shooter role moves clockwise.
  • Affects pace and flow of the game.

 

5. Seven Out

Occurs when a 7 is rolled after a point has been established, ending the shooter’s turn.

  • Ends the current round.
  • Pass Line, Come, and Place bets lose.
  • Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets win.
  • Table is cleared of many active bets.

 

6. Craps

A come-out roll result of 2, 3, or 12, causing an automatic loss for Pass Line bets.

  • Pass Line loses on 2, 3, or 12.
  • Don’t Pass wins on 2 or 3, pushes on 12.
  • Often part of side bets for higher payouts.
  • Indicates immediate round outcome.

 

7. Natural

A come-out roll of 7 or 11, which results in an immediate win for Pass Line bets.

  • Pass Line wins on 7 or 11.
  • Don’t Pass loses.
  • Ends round immediately.
  • Considered the most favorable come-out result.

 

8. Place Bet

A bet made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.

  • Can be placed anytime after come-out.
  • Wins if chosen number is rolled before a 7.
  • Pays variable odds depending on number.
  • Popular mid-round betting option.

 

9. Hard Way

A wager that a number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled as a pair before a 7 or the number in another form.

  • Wins only with matching doubles (e.g., 3+3 for 6).
  • Loses if the number is rolled “easy” or a 7 appears.
  • Hard 6/8 pays 9:1; Hard 4/10 pays 7:1.
  • High-risk, high-reward bet.

 

10. Stickman

The dealer who uses a stick to manage the dice and announces roll outcomes.

  • Directs dice to the shooter.
  • Calls results of each roll aloud.
  • Manages pace and flow of the game.
  • Often assists with side bets and etiquette enforcement.

 

Craps Terms Glossary

This glossary is divided into categories to help you find what you need quickly. You can explore terms by type, such as betting phrases, table roles, or dice outcomes. We already touched on the top 10 craps terms you need to know, so here is a breakdown of some additional terms worth noting.

Icon of craps

Dice & Roll Outcomes

  • Snake Eyes – A roll of two 1s, or a total of 2. This is the lowest possible dice roll.
  • Yo-leven – A slang term for a roll of 11, used to avoid confusion with the number 7.
Icon of craps

Betting Terms

  • Don’t Pass Bet – A bet against the shooter, winning on 2 or 3 and losing on 7 or 11 during the come-out roll.
  • Come Bet – A bet made after the point is set, with similar rules to the Pass Line.
  • Field Bet – A one-roll bet that wins if 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 appears.
Icon of craps

Table Roles

  • Boxman – The casino staff member who supervises the game, manages chips, and resolves disputes.
  • Dealer – The staff member who handles bets, chips, and payouts.
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Common Slang and Jargon

  • The Boys – Refers to the casino staff running the table, especially dealers and boxman.
  • Bones – Slang for the dice used in the game.
  • Big Red – A nickname for the number 7, often avoided to prevent jinxing a roll.

FAQs About Craps Terms

What are common craps terms used at the table?

Common terms include Pass Line, Craps, Natural, Point, Shooter, and Seven Out. These are essential to understanding gameplay flow.

What is the shooter in craps?

The shooter is the player currently rolling the dice. The role rotates clockwise around the table.

What does “snake eyes” mean in craps?

Snake eyes refers to a roll of 2, achieved by rolling two 1s.

What is the most important bet in craps?

The Pass Line bet is considered the most fundamental wager. It offers favorable odds and is the standard starting point for new players.

Is craps hard to learn?

Craps can seem complex at first, but understanding key terms and basic rules helps simplify the game quickly.

Final Thoughts: Learn the Lingo, Master the Game

Familiarity with craps terms builds confidence and leads to better decisions at the table. By mastering the vocabulary, players can follow the action, place smarter bets, and enjoy the fast-paced excitement of the game. 

Just as important as understanding terms in craps is choosing a good site to play at. If you’re looking for a good online casino to play craps at, look no further than Las Atlantis Casino, where you’ll find strong craps offerings and alluring bonuses.

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Kevin
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Kevin Roberts, previously published under the pseudonym Noah Davis, is one of the more diverse writers at GamblingSites.com. Like many of his colleagues, he’s a huge fan of both football and basketball. But he also writes about box office records, TV show prop bets, DFS, and all kinds of other subjects. When it comes to the NFL, Kevin’s favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. He enjoys cheering them on with his wife and daughter.