Article: Regular street craps is played with two dice, which are used by a single player in each game, though the game can be played by any number of onlookers.  Players will first roll the dice to determine who will roll for that particular game, and then all the participants will place bets on whether or not the person rolling will "pass" on the first roll (by rolling a 7 or 11), or "crap out" (by rolling a 2, 3, or a 12). If one of those values is reached on the first roll, the game is over and the bets are distributed accordingly. The player shooting the dice is the first to bet and the other players must at least match his bet before the game can continue. If the bet cannot be matched, the shooter can either lower the bet to accommodate the other players, or handicap the odds. Once the shooter's bet has been matched, the other players may place side bets. You'll make the learning curve a lot shorter if you don't have to ask for clarification every time someone says something about the "come-out" or the point. Learn the basic vocab and you'll be rolling soon enough:   The shooter is the player who rolls the dice, and will be a different player for each game  The come out is the initial roll To pass is to roll a 7 or 11 on the come out roll To crap is to roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come out roll  The point is any value between 4 and 10 rolled on the come out To seven out is to roll a seven before rolling the point In casino craps, obviously, the biggest difference is that you've got an elaborate table on which to place bets, as well as a banker controlling both the money and the action, and James Bond lookalikes are wandering around ordering elaborate drinks. In street craps, the betting is less formalized, and you're probably rolling dice against a brick wall, though the principles of the game are basically the same. Because no one is watching the action, make sure that the piles stay even throughout the game and the tokens or money are distributed fairly. Tempers can flare if you don't take the game seriously and keep it clean. Unregulated gambling like street craps is illegal in every state in the US and in many places elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with playing for fun, and it's unlikely anyone would hassle you over a low-stakes penny game among friends, but it's still important to know that gambling for money outside of a licensed and regulated casino is always illegal.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Learn the basics. Learn the lingo. Learn the difference between street craps and casino craps. Understand the legal issues.