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Craps Terms to Know Before Playing in a Live Dealer Format

Last updated: 23.11.2025
Nathan Williams
Published by:Nathan Williams
Craps Terms to Know Before Playing in a Live Dealer Format image

Craps is one of the most player-friendly live online casino games available to South African players. It’s straightforward to play, and the even-money bets give players almost a 50% chance of winning. But it’s a fallacy to think you can become a successful live craps player without understanding the phrases and terminologies in this table game. With that in mind, this article presents a glossary of craps terms and lingo to master before you start playing. Get your notebook ready!

Common Terms Used in Online Live Craps for SA Players

TermExplanation
2-wayA wager made on a single roll for both the player and the dealer. Often used in live dealer games.
3-wayA bet placed on numbers 2, 3, and 12 in a single roll.
5-countA craps strategy that protects players from losing money on shorter rolls.
AceBetting on the next roll resulting in a hard 2 (1+1), also known as Snake Eyes. Very unlucky!
Ace DeuceBetting on the next roll resulting in a 3 (2+1).
Any 7Placing a bet predicting the outcome will be a 7. This is a common bet, but has a significant house edge.
ArmA person with exceptional skills at throwing dice. More common in land-based casinos.
Big RedPlacing a wager on any 7 to appear. Similar to 'Any 7', often used as a nickname.
Betting RightPlacing bets on the Come and Pass Line, betting with the shooter.
Betting WrongPlacing bets on the Don't Come and Don't Pass Line, betting against the shooter.
BoxmanThe casino employee who supervises a craps table.
Box numbersPlace numbers including 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
BoxcarsA craps roll or bet of 12. Also known as 'Deuce the Deuce'.
Big 6Betting on a 6 coming up before a 7. This wager has a higher house edge than place bets on 6 or 8.
Big 8Betting on an 8 coming up before a 7. Similar downside to Big 6 betting.
Center fieldBetting that the next roll will be a 9. Often a prop bet.
Cold tableA term used when players aren't hitting the established craps point. A losing streak at the table.
Come outThe first roll by the shooter, made before establishing a point.
Crap outRolling 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll. This results in a loss for Pass Line bettors.
Don't ComeWagering that the shooter will roll a 7 before a chosen point number is established or rolled again.
Don't PassBetting against the come-out roll, predicting a 2, 3, or 12 (excluding 12 in some variants).
End of the RaceA bet that the next outcome will be a 7. Also known as 'Any 7' or 'Big Red'.
Even MoneyBets with a 1:1 payout, such as Pass Line and Come bets.
Fever FiveRolling a 5 in craps.
Front LineAnother term for Pass Line bets, a fundamental bet in craps.
GeorgeA player who often tips the live dealers, sometimes called a 'whale' if they bet big.
Hard NumberAn outcome of a pair of dice that results in a specific total, e.g., a hard 2 is 1+1, a hard 8 is 4+4.
Hi-LoA single-roll wager on 12 and 2. Often a prop bet with high payouts.
Hot TableA craps table where players are winning frequently. Also known as hot dice.
HighBetting that the outcome will be a 12. This is a prop bet.
Inside BetsBets on place numbers like 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. These are some of the most common bets.
Insurance BetsA wager to protect players from losing by placing multiple bets. Often refers to betting on a 7 when a point is established.
LowA single-roll wager for a 2.
NaturalPredicting that the come-out roll will be a 7 or 11.
NinaBetting or rolling a 9. Also known as 'center field'.
OffHaving a wager that is not in play, or referring to a come-out roll without an established point.
OnReferring to a wager already in play, or an already established point.
Pass LineBetting that the come-out roll will be a 7 or 11. This is the most fundamental bet in craps.
PointAn established number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after the come-out roll. The game continues until this number or a 7 is rolled.
Proposition BetsWagers made at the center of the craps table providing quick, single-roll payouts. These often have a higher house edge.
Right PlayerPlayers who wager on Come and Pass Line bets, essentially betting with the shooter.
Scared MoneyA player who has lost too much and is playing with money needed elsewhere, often leading to desperate bets.
ShooterThe player who rolls the dice. In live dealer games, this is a role taken by casino staff or a player.
Six AcePredicting that the next throw will result in a 7 (e.g., 5+2).
Square PairA hard 8 (4+4).
StrokerA player who makes complicated wagers that give live dealers more work to manage.
TokeTipping the live craps dealer. A common practice in South African casinos.
True OddsThe actual mathematical odds for a payout where the house advantage is 0%. Often referred to when taking odds bets.
Two AcesWhen the outcome of a throw is a hard 2 (1+1).
Up Pops the DevilReferring to the next bet being a 7 (e.g., 5+2).
Wrong BettorA player who bets against the shooter, often betting on Don't Come and Don't Pass Line outcomes.
Yo ElevenPredicting that the next roll will result in an 11 (6+5).

Mastering Live Craps Lingo: A South African Player's Guide

Understanding the most common Live Craps game terms can greatly enhance your online live casino experience and make you feel more confident at the virtual craps table. Let's break down a few tips on how to easily remember and grasp these terms.

  • First, focus on the essential terms like "Pass Line," "Come Out," and "Point." The "Pass Line" is a fundamental bet, predicting a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, and "Come Out" refers to the shooter's initial roll. If the shooter establishes a number, that's the "Point."
  • Next, familiarize yourself with the basic numbers, such as 2, 3, 7, and 12, as they come up frequently in craps. "Crap Out" happens when the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, while 7 is a significant number in various bets.
  • Learn the terms for wagering styles like "Betting Right" and "Betting Wrong." Betting Right includes bets on the Pass Line, while Betting Wrong involves Don't Come and Don't Pass Line bets.
  • Don't forget "Hard Numbers" like "Hard 2" (1+1) or "Hard 8" (4+4). These refer to outcomes when both dice show the same number.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Many live online casinos offer free-play modes, allowing you to practice without risking real money. And, while you play, pay attention to the terms used by the live dealers; it can help reinforce your understanding.

Lastly, take it one step at a time. Trying to learn all the terms at once can be overwhelming. Start with the basics, gradually incorporating more advanced terms as you become more comfortable with the game. Soon enough, you'll be confidently navigating the exciting world of Live Craps in online casinos.

FAQ

What is the "Pass Line" in Live Craps?

The "Pass Line" is a basic bet in live craps. It means you're betting that the first roll (the "come-out" roll) will be a 7 or 11, which wins you even money. If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, that's called "crapping out," and you lose your bet.

What does "Betting Wrong" mean in Live Craps?

"Betting Wrong" in live craps means you're betting on the Don't Pass and Don't Come lines. You're essentially wagering that the shooter won't make their point. It's betting against the shooter.

What are "Hard Numbers" in Live Craps?

"Hard Numbers" in live craps are when the dice show the same number on both. For example, "Hard 4" is when both dice show a 2, and "Hard 10" is when both show a 5. These bets usually have higher payouts.

How does the "Come Out" roll work in Live Craps?

The "Come Out" roll is the first roll of the dice in a live craps round. It sets the stage for the game. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12 (craps), Pass Line bets lose.

What is the significance of the number 7 in Live Craps?

The number 7 is very important in live craps. It shows up often and affects many bets. If a 7 is rolled after a point has been established, the shooter's turn usually ends, and it can change the outcome of several bets on the table. Remember to gamble responsibly.

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