Shooting Dice At Irish Online Casinos

Quick Answer: How Does Shooting Dice Work Online?

In short, craps is played by one individual acting as the shooter, who throws two dice. The rest of the players bet on the outcome of that roll. At online casinos, Irish players can enjoy two main versions of craps:

Live Craps: Played with a real dealer in real time via live stream
Digital Craps: Fully animted and run by RNG (random number generator) software

💡 In both versions, you'll get the same betting options. It's just a matter of choosing whether you prefer the human touch or fast-paced virtual action.

Types of Bets Available in Craps

Understanding the different types of bets is key to mastering this game. Here's a breakdown of the most common wagers:

Pass Line Bet

This is the most basic and popular bet. Here, you win if the come-out roll (first roll) is a 7 or 11. You lose on 2,3, or 12. Any other number becomes the "point", and the shooter keeps rolling until they hit the point again (win) or roll a 7 (lose).

Don't Pass Line Bet

As the opposite of the pass line bet, the don’t pass line bet wins when the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, ties if it’s a 12, and loses if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. If a point is established, the player wins only if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting that point again.

Come Bet

A come bet is similar to a pass line bet, but is placed after the point has already been established. You win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and lose if they roll a 2, 3, or 12. If another number is rolled, that becomes your “come point,” and you’ll need that number to be rolled again before a 7 to win.

Don't Come Bet

The don’t come bet is the opposite of the come bet. It wins on a 2 or 3, ties on 12, and loses on a 7 or 11. Once a come point is established, you win only if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting your come point again.

Place Bet

A place bet allows you to wager on specific numbers — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 — after the point has been established. You win if the number you selected is rolled before a 7. The payout varies based on the number: 9 to 5 for 4 or 10, 7 to 5 for 5 or 9, and 7 to 6 for 6 or 8.

Odds Bet

An odds bet is a side wager that can be added to a pass line, don’t pass line, come or don’t come bet. It pays true odds, with no house edge, making it one of the most favourable bets in craps. Payouts depend on the point number: 2 to 1 for 4 or 10, 3 to 2 for 5 or 9, and 6 to 5 for 6 or 8.

Field Bet

The field bet is a one-roll wager where you win if the next number is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. You lose on 5, 6, 7 or 8. Most numbers pay even money, but 2 and 12 often offer higher payouts, sometimes up to 3 to 1, depending on the casino.

Hardway Bet

A hardway bet involves wagering on a specific pair of identical numbers being rolled, such as two 2s (for 4) or two 3s (for 6). To win, your chosen pair must be rolled exactly before either a 7 or a non-pair version of the same total. Hard 4 or 10 pays 8 to 1, while hard 6 or 8 pays 10 to 1.

Hops Bet

A hops bet is a one-roll wager on a specific dice combination. For example, you might bet on a 2 and 3 being rolled. Payouts vary based on whether the combo is a hard (pair) or easy (non-matching) roll, typically paying 15 to 1 or 30 to 1.

Proposition Bet

Proposition bets are also one-roll wagers placed on specific outcomes. You can bet on totals like 2 or 12 for a 30 to 1 payout, 3 or 11 for 15 to 1, any 7 for 4 to 1, or any craps number (2, 3, or 12) for 7 to 1. These bets are high-risk but can offer high rewards.

Handy Tips to Help You Enjoy Craps and Play Smart

Whether you're playing craps online or at a land-based casino, it pays to know how shooting dice works. Being the shooter puts you at the centre of the action, so it’s worth getting comfortable with the basics first.

Make sure you understand the core bets, Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come, as they shape how the game flows. Once you’ve got a grip on those, you can explore more advanced bets like Hardways, Field, and Proposition Bets. The better you understand the game, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s your turn to shoot.

Now, let’s walk through some tips to help you shoot smart and have fun.

Start Simple

The most popular craps bets are pass line and don't pass and they are also easy to learn.

Don’t Chase High Payouts

Bets with the biggest potential wins (like hardways or hops) come with the highest house edge. Use them sparingly.

Use Odds Bets

These offer true odds and no house edge, which is a rare perk in casino games.

Bankroll Management is Key

Bet small amounts to make your bankroll last longer. Craps is fast-paced, so your balance can disappear quickly if you’re not careful.

Is There a Special Way to Shoot Dice?

You might be wondering if there’s a secret technique or ritual to shooting dice, and while there’s no magic formula, there are some common practices and bits of shooter etiquette that experienced players swear by. One method we came across suggests that for the best chance of a favourable number, you should position the dice in a specific way before throwing. The idea is to hold the dice gently with three fingertips on top and your thumb at the back. Then, with a smooth motion and a slight backward roll, toss them so they stay low and don’t bounce wildly. Another tip we picked up from seasoned players: use one hand only when shooting. Not only is this standard etiquette at most tables (live or online live dealer), but it helps maintain control and keeps the throw clean and consistent. It might not guarantee a win, but it helps you play the part of a confident shooter, and that’s half the battle.

trust irishluck

We can't guarantee these will work. However, these players we spoke with know what they're talking about and we thought we'd share here!

Expert Verdict: Should You Play Craps at Online Casinos?

Absolutely, if you enjoy fast action and strategy, craps is one of the most rewarding casino games out there. But it’s important to remember that no bet is a guaranteed win. The bigger the payout, the slimmer the odds. Always gamble responsibly, set a limit, and never wager more than you’re prepared to lose.

Is there a betting strategy for shooters that actually works?

There’s no foolproof system, but some players stick to low house edge bets like Pass Line with odds. Others use money management systems (like the 1-3-2-6 strategy) to stretch their bankroll. Just remember, strategies help with pacing, not outcomes.

Can I use superstitions or rituals when I shoot dice online?

You can, and many do for fun! Some players tap their screen, blow on their hands before clicking "roll," or follow personal routines. It doesn’t affect the result, but if it adds to your experience, roll with it!

Is there any skill involved in shooting dice, or is it all luck?

Craps is primarily a game of chance, especially online where dice rolls are randomised. But understanding the rhythm of the game, knowing your bets, and having solid etiquette definitely helps you feel more in control.

Can I be the shooter in an online craps game?

Yes, but it depends on the version you're playing. In live dealer craps, a real person (usually a dealer) acts as the shooter. In virtual craps games, the shooter role is often automated, but you’re still considered the "shooter" when you initiate a roll.

Casino Mentor

Seánie O'Brien

Casino Adviser

Seánie has plenty of experience in the casino world and enjoys sharing this accumulated knowledge. He offers great tips and tricks for players to enjoy casinos safely.

Expert on:

Casino TipsMyth BusterGambling Insights

Fact Checked By Rebecca Mackay