Craps Table Markers: Navigating the Visual Language of the Dice

In the world of craps, markers are the silent communicators that keep the game moving and ensure all players understand the current state of play. In the 2026 New Zealand market, where transparency is mandated by the DIA, licensed platforms are required to provide intuitive, high-definition interfaces where these markers are clearly visible. Whether you are playing a digital RNG game or a live-streamed 5G session, these visual cues are your roadmap to making informed, strategic decisions.

Under the new regulatory framework, game designs must be clear and not misleading. This means that markers—whether they are digital “pucks,” “buttons,” or highlighted “boxes”—must function consistently across all licensed platforms. Understanding these icons is the difference between a seamless session and a confusing one.

The Craps Puck: Tracking the Point

The most iconic marker in the casino is the Craps Puck. In the 2026 digital lobby, this circular marker is your primary guide to the phase of the game. It ensures that every Kiwi player knows exactly what the shooter is trying to achieve.

The OFF Puck

Typically black with white lettering, the “OFF” puck is placed in the Don’t Come area when a new round is starting. It signals that the table is in the Come-Out phase.

• Significance: This is the time to place your fundamental Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets.
• 2026 Interface: On licensed NZ apps, the “OFF” puck is often highlighted or pulsates to indicate that new bets are being accepted before the first roll.

The ON Puck

Typically white with black lettering, the “ON” puck is moved to a specific box number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) once a Point has been established.

• Significance: It serves as a constant reminder of the target number the shooter must roll before a 7 appears.
• Live Dealer Integration: In 5G-enabled live dealer games, the dealer will physically move a plastic puck on the table, while the digital overlay on your screen will mirror this position to ensure you never miss a beat.

Buy, Lay, and Place Buttons

Beyond the puck, small circular markers known as Buttons are used to identify specific types of wagers on the box numbers. In the 2026 regulated market, these are automated to prevent any “dealer error” or player confusion.

• The BUY Button: When you choose to “Buy” a number (paying a 5% commission for true odds), a “BUY” marker is placed on your chips. In 2026 play, the software calculates the commission automatically and displays it clearly.
• The LAY Button: For “Wrong Way” bettors wagering that a 7 will roll before a specific number, the “LAY” button identifies this inverse bet.
• The PLACE Marker: While often implied by the position of the chips, some 2026 interfaces use a “PLACE” highlight to distinguish these from Come bets that have “traveled” to the same number.

Contract and Working Markers

Under DIA fair-play guidelines, certain bets have different statuses during the Come-Out roll. Markers help you track which of your wagers are currently “in action.”

The “OFF” Marker on Odds

By default, “Odds” bets behind your Place or Come wagers are considered “OFF” during a new Come-Out roll. Licensed 2026 platforms will display a small “OFF” button over these chips. If you want them to be active, you can toggle a switch in the UI, and the marker will change to “ON” (or disappear).

The Contract Bet (Pass Line)

While not a physical marker you can move, the Pass Line is a “Contract Bet.” Once the puck moves to “ON,” you cannot take this bet down. The 2026 software will “lock” these chips visually, preventing you from accidentally removing a bet that is legally required to stay on the table until resolved.

Navigating 2026 Regulatory Protections

The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 has redefined how table markers and interfaces are designed to protect the consumer. As we move through this transition period, several key protections are now standard:

1. The Credit Card Ban (May 1): From May 1, 2026, credit card deposits are strictly prohibited. The markers on your screen will only reflect funds deposited via debit or POLi. This prevents players from “chasing” a marker (like a Hardway) using borrowed money.
2. Clear User Interfaces (UI): Licensed operators must ensure that markers like the Craps Puck are large, legible, and color-blind accessible. The DIA audits these interfaces to ensure they are not designed to induce “continuous or impulsive play.”
3. Mandatory Reality Checks: Every 30 minutes, a “Time Marker” (a pop-up) will appear over your game. It will display your total session time and net position. This is a mandatory safety feature of the 2026 Act.
4. Registration Icons: All licensed platforms will be required to display a specific “NZ Licensed” registration icon on the game table. If you don’t see this marker after December 1, 2026, you are likely playing on an unlicensed site.

The WinnerOnline Pro Tip

The most successful players in the 2026 lobby use table markers to their advantage. In craps, never place an “Odds” bet unless the Puck says “ON.” Similarly, keep an eye on your Buy buttons; if the commission (Vig) is only charged on wins (a common rule in the 2026 high-limit rooms), that “BUY” marker represents one of the best value bets on the table.

By mastering the visual language of the table, you transform from a casual observer into a disciplined player who knows exactly where the action stands. As New Zealand’s regulated future unfolds, these markers are no longer just pixels—they are your guide to a fairer, more transparent game.