Quick Answer: What’s The Biggest Difference?
The biggest difference is pace and pressure.
- Online craps: you control the speed, no crowd, no social pressure
- Live craps: faster table rhythm, real etiquette, and decision pressure between rolls
If you’re a beginner, those two differences matter more than anything else.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Difference 1: Dice Are Real Vs Virtual
Online Craps
Most online craps uses:
- a random number generator (RNG) to simulate dice
Some sites also offer live dealer dice games, but standard online craps is RNG-based.
Live Craps
The dice are physically rolled by the shooter, and the casino enforces rules for:
- bounce off the back wall
- no sliding
- one hand toss
- clean dice changes
This makes live craps feel more “real,” even though the math is still the same.
Difference 2: Betting Is Click-Based Vs Chip-Based
Online
You tap or click the exact bet spot.
That means:
- no “wrong placement” mistakes
- no late-bet arguments
- no chips bouncing into the wrong box
Online is clean and controlled.
Live
You use chips and verbal calls.
That means you need to know:
- where bets go
- how to call them clearly
- when betting is allowed
If you’re still learning the layout, read How To Read The Craps Table Like A Pro.
Difference 3: Online Usually Feels Less Intimidating
Online
You can:
- learn quietly
- take your time
- pause and check rules
- practice without a crowd watching
Live
Live craps is social and fast.
Even if nobody is judging you, it can feel like they are.
That pressure is what causes beginner mistakes like:
- betting late
- calling unclear bets
- copying bets you don’t understand
Difference 4: Pace And Rolls Per Hour
Online Craps Is Often Faster
Online can be extremely fast, especially if:
- you play rapid mode
- you repeat bets automatically
- you don’t pause between rolls
That speed increases how often you risk money per hour.
If you want to learn more about the pace impact, read Why Craps Is Faster Than Most Casino Games.
Live Craps Can Be Fast Or Slow
Live pace depends on:
- dealer team efficiency
- crowd size
- shooter rhythm
- how many players are making complex bets
Live can still be very fast, but it’s usually less “machine-fast” than online.
Difference 5: Minimum Bets And Bankroll Pressure
Online
Online tables often offer:
- smaller minimums
- clearer bet sizing
- easy unit control
That can be great for beginners.
Live
Live casinos often have higher mins, especially at busy times.
A “$15 table” can turn expensive quickly once you add:
- odds
- place bets
- “just one prop bet”
If you want to know more about limits, read How Table Minimums & Maximums Work In Craps.
Difference 6: Etiquette Matters More Live
Online doesn’t care if you:
- tap late
- think slowly
- change bets constantly
Live craps does.
Common Live Etiquette Rules
- don’t place bets while the dice are flying
- don’t reach into the layout during a roll
- don’t touch chips once the roll starts
- call bets clearly
- don’t blame the shooter after seven out
Even if you don’t follow etiquette perfectly, knowing it helps you fit in and avoid friction.
Difference 7: The Social Energy Is Totally Different
Online is solo.
Live is social.
Live craps has:
- cheering
- groans
- high-fives
- people shouting “yo” or “hard eight”
- group momentum
That social energy can be fun, but it can also push you into:
- pressing too much
- adding bets you didn’t plan
- chasing after a bad seven out
Difference 8: Tracking And Recording Is Easier Online
Online often gives you:
- bet history
- session history
- clearer win/loss tracking
- sometimes stats
Live requires you to track manually if you care about accuracy.
If you want a clean tracking method later, we’ll cover that in the bankroll and session management article.
Difference 9: Side Bets And Variants
Online craps sometimes offers:
- simplified layouts
- extra side bets
- bonus variants
Live craps varies by casino too, but the classic table is more standardized.
Either way, don’t assume every table plays exactly the same. Always check:
- odds limits
- field payout on 2/12
- prop bet rules
- bonus features (if offered)
How To Switch From Online To Live Without Making Mistakes
If you learned online and want to try live, do this:
Step 1: Start With A Simple Plan
- Pass Line only
- or Pass Line + small odds
- skip center bets at first
Step 2: Learn Two Dealer Calls
- “Pass Line for $X.”
- “Place the six and eight for $X each.”
That’s enough to play confidently without chaos.
Step 3: Watch One Shooter Before You Bet Big
Use that time to understand pace and etiquette.
Step 4: Don’t Copy Random Bets
The loudest table player is not always the smartest bettor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Craps Fair?
Reputable sites use RNG testing and auditing, but you should stick to licensed platforms.
Is Live Craps Better Than Online?
Not objectively. Live is more social and exciting. Online is more controlled and beginner-friendly.
Is Online Craps Faster Than Live?
Usually yes, especially with rapid modes and auto re-bets. Faster pace means more exposure per hour.
Do Online And Live Craps Have The Same Rules?
Most core rules are the same, but minimums, odds limits, and side bet rules can vary by casino or site.
What’s The Best Option For Beginners?
Many beginners start online to learn the layout and bet types, then switch to live once they’re comfortable with pace and etiquette.
Where To Go Next
You now know how online craps differs from live craps: the big shifts in pace, pressure, etiquette, and bankroll cost.
Next, we’ll talk about live etiquette in detail, because craps etiquette matters more than almost any other table game, and it’s the easiest way to avoid awkward moments at a real table.
Continue with Why Craps Etiquette Is So Important At Live Tables.
