January 27, 2025 5 min read

Casino night events have become a go-to choice for parties, fundraisers, and corporate gatherings due to their engaging and interactive nature. Incorporating classic games elevates the experience, transforming a simple gathering into an unforgettable affair.

Among these, craps often stand out as a dynamic and highly social centerpiece for your casino night. This guide will help you get the dice rolling on how to add craps to your casino night event, from understanding the basics of the game to creating an authentic casino atmosphere.

What Is Craps?

Craps is a fast-paced dice game that is one of the most popular attractions in real casinos. It typically involves players gathered around a long rectangular table, passionately participating in the dice rolls, making bets, and celebrating wins.

Craps has deep roots in gambling culture and continues to draw more attention for its simplicity and thrill factor. Adding this iconic game to your casino night will introduce an authentic touch that resonates with seasoned players and newcomers.

A woman at the edge of a craps table throwing a pair of red dice with a stack of gambling chips at her side.

Why Include Craps in Your Casino Night?

Craps stands out from other casino games because of its high-energy gameplay and the strong sense of camaraderie it fosters. Unlike solitary games like slot machines or competitive card games like poker, craps often bring a group of players together around a shared experience.

The game’s pace and excitement create a lively atmosphere that keeps the spotlight on your event. It’s an excellent choice for fundraisers as its interactive nature encourages donations, while at parties, it ensures guests have a memorable time.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Before incorporating craps into your event, you’ll need an understanding of the game’s fundamentals. At its core, the objective is straightforward—players bet on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls of a pair of dice.

Craps Terms

Like any casino game, there are certain terms unique to the game of craps. Key terms you should familiarize yourself with include:

  • Shooter: The player who rolls the dice and on whom everyone bets to win.
  • Pass Line: The main betting area on the table—players often bet here for the shooter to win.
  • Don’t Pass Bar: Another area where players place their bets for the shooter to win.
  • Come Bet: A bet made after the shooter rolls the dice once.
  • Don’t Come Bet: Similar to the Come Bet but with opposite values of what is considered a win.
  • Crap Out: Refers to a roll of 2, 3, or 12, which immediately ends certain rounds.

Though the process may appear complex at first, breaking the game down into its basic components will help introduce it to players and make your event more welcoming.

Craps Rules and Gameplay

When your guests take up the dice and place their bets, the rules may feel a little overwhelming, but with a simplified explanation, even beginners enjoy the game. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

  1. Players place their bets on the table on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line.
  2. The shooter rolls two dice called the “come-out roll.”
  3. If the roll is a 7 or 11, “pass line” bets win. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, they lose. For bets placed on the don’t pass line, the opposite occurs, where 7 or 11 loses and 2 or 3 wins, while 12 is a tie.
  4. Any other number (e.g., 5, 6, or 8) establishes a “point,” and the shooter will continue rolling to match the point. Rolling a 7 before matching the point is known as a “sevens out,” causing them to lose and end the round.
  5. After establishing a point on the come-out roll, players have the option of making a come bet, where 7 or 11 wins on the next roll, and a 2, 3, or 12 means a loss. Similar to the come-out roll, any other number creates another point called the “come point,” and the shooter may match to win provided they roll it before a 7.
  6. Alternatively, players may make a don’t come bet, which is the opposite of a come bet. A 7 or 11 results in a loss on the roll after the come-out roll, and a 2 or 3 wins with a 12 as a tie. If the shooter rolls any other number, this becomes the come point, and repeating the number causes a loss with a 7, resulting in a win.

Make sure all players have an understanding of the types of bets and how to win or lose each. Providing printed rules or a quick tutorial can help make the game accessible to everyone.

Tips for Teaching Beginners

Craps is a social game, but some beginners may not feel confident at first. Ensure your hired dealers explain popular bets like the pass line and avoid overwhelming guests with all the betting options at once.

Offer practice rounds for beginners to get a feel for the game without pressure. Using visual aids or guides on the table also helps reinforce key concepts.

A little guidance makes your guests feel confident and encourages more participation. Providing clear guidance ensures every guest feels included and engaged.

Rolling the Dice: How To Add Craps to a Casino Night Event

Essential Accessories for a Craps Table

Your craps table isn’t complete without the essentials! A complete craps experience requires the right accessories, including high-quality dice and chips. The table layout should be clearly marked with betting areas to avoid confusion.

Use Casino Supply’s custom-made felt for a unique casino craps table layout to bring the real casino experience. Optional extras like a stick, used by dealers to move dice, or specialized racks for chips, add a professional touch. Ensure your accessories match the aesthetic of your event while being functional for gameplay.

Hiring Professional Dealers vs. DIY Hosting

Deciding between professional dealers or running the table yourself depends on your budget and goals. Professional dealers bring expertise and a realistic casino experience, which is great for fundraisers and large events.

However, for a smaller, more intimate event, you may want a DIY approach, using clear instructions and enthusiastic volunteers to ensure a fun game flow. If you go this route, make sure your volunteers are well-prepared beforehand.

Planning for Space and Layout

Craps tables draw a crowd, so plan your venue layout carefully. Position the table to allow foot traffic to flow easily and maintain enough space around spectators to observe the game. If space is limited, consider using a smaller table or alternative layouts to accommodate guests comfortably.

Creating the Casino Atmosphere

Beyond the games, the right atmosphere transports your guests to the vibrant casino floors of Las Vegas. Use themed decorations like playing cards, faux casino signage, and velvet ropes.

Lighting sets the mood—dim the lights and add spotlights to the tables for a dramatic effect. Background music makes the experience even more immersive.

Adding craps to a casino night event makes a big difference in entertainment and memorable moments. It’s important to keep gameplay flowing smoothly while ensuring fairness for everyone. Establish clear rules and enforce them consistently. With careful planning and attention to detail, your casino night will become a standout memory for all who attend.

Cassie Conner
Cassie Conner



Also in News

A table with bingo cards and numerous miniature blue barrels on it. Each barrel has a white sticker with a number on top.
12 Popular Themes for Bingo Night Parties

February 10, 2025 5 min read

Bingo night is a blast for everyone who wants to fill out their cards, but for an exciting twist, try using these themes to spice up the party night.
A blackjack table with pairs of cards, such as an Ace and a Jack or a King and a 9, with stacks of chips nearby.
How To Set Up a Blackjack Table Like a Pro

January 24, 2025 5 min read

Many people flock to the blackjack table for quick games of fun. But for the best experience, you’ll need to create a professional setup that guests appreciate.
Multiple stacks of black and white poker chips lined up on a green felt surface with red dice in the foreground.
Key Tips for a Profitable Casino-Themed Fundraiser

January 09, 2025 5 min read

One of the best themes for a fundraiser is a casino-themed night full of games. Here are some key tips for ensuring your event is profitable.