Craps Bets
Here’s a rundown of all the various bets in craps…
- Craps Bets $15 Table
- Craps Dice Game Bets
- Best Bets In Craps And Why
- Craps Bets House Advantage
- Craps Bets Lingo
- Come Bet Craps
(A) Pass Line
This is the basic bet that most players make, and it’s actually one of the bestbets on the layout, with a house edge of only 1.41%. Ifyou want an easy game then you can simply stick to this bet and ignore all the otherbets. (Though to get the best chances of winning, you should really learn the Free Odds bet too.)
- Craps system reviews will tell out that inside 22 consists of four place bets – $5 on the 5 and 9, and $6 on the 6 and 8. If one of the inside 22 bets wins, take down the remaining place bets, so only your pass + don’t pass + lay odds remain. Here, you’re hoping for a 7.
- The craps “Free Odds” bet is unusual because it’s the only bet on the table that doesn’t have a house advantage. Yes, you read that correctlyzero house advantage.
- Here’s a recap of some of our favorite bets to get you started: Pass Bets: paying 1/1 with just a 1.41% house edge, this is a staple of all good craps strategies. Place Bet: 6 or 8, paying just over 1/1 at 7/6. The house edge is just 1.52%. Pass Line: 4 or 10, pays 2/1 with a house edge of 4.76%.
(B) Field Bet
This wager good for ANY single roll of the dice at ANY time. The player wins evenmoney if a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 is rolled. On most tables a 2 pays double and 12 paystriple. The player loses if a 5, 6, 7, or 8 is thrown. The house edge is a modest2.77% — there are better and worse bets.
(C) Come Bet
A “virtual” Pass Line bet. It’s just like the Pass Line but can be made at any time,almost ALWAYS in the middle of a round when a point has already been established.
(D) Place Bets:
The Place Bet is basically an “on-demand Point”. The player is betting that thePlaced number will roll before a 7 rolls. This bet can be made at any time, butis usually made after a point number is already established. It’s paid as follows:
Normal Craps Bets and Payout Odds As you can see from the payout table, there are many bets that sound exotic and arcane but they really aren't that good, even though they may sound like the 'secret' bets that no one knows about. Really the only good ones are the pass line or don't pass in conjunction with the free odds bets.
Number bet on | Pays | Example | House Edge |
4 or 10 | 9 to 5 | a $5 bet is paid $9 | 6.7% |
5 or 9 | 7 to 5 | a $5 bet is paid $7 | 4% |
6 or 8 | 7 to 6 | a $6 bet is paid $7 | 1.5% |
A “Buy” bet is the same as the place bet, only with a different payoff. When youBuy a point you pay a 5% commission and are paid true odds if the bet wins (2:1on the 4 and 10, 3:2 on the 5 and 9, and 6:5 on the 6 and 8). The house edge onBuy bets is 4.76%, making the Buy a better deal than thePlace bet on the 4 or 10, and a worse deal on any other numbers.
Some casinos take the 5% commission only on a win In such cases the houseedge for Buying the 4 or 10 is only 1.67%.
(E) Proposition Bets:
These bets can be made on any roll of the dice.
Any Craps – 2, 3, or 12 | – | Pays 8 for 1 |
Any Seven | – | Pays 5 for 1 |
Eleven | – | Pays 16 for 1* |
Ace-Deuce | – | Pays 16 for 1* |
Aces | – | Pays 31 for 1* |
Twelve | – | Pays 31 for 1* |
These bets pay LESS on “Strip” table layouts. Downtown casinos pay better. |
The house edge on prop bets ranges between 11.1% and
(F) Free Odds on the Pass Line:
After a point has been established, the player can increase a pass line bet by “takingodds”. Free Odds bets are paid according to the TRUE ODDS of the dice, meaning thatthese bets carry NO HOUSE EDGE, which is why they’re called”Free” Odds. This is the only bet in the casino where the odds aren’t against you.For any given amount of money that you intend to bet on Craps, you want the highestpercentage possible on the Free Odds. Herein lies the reasonwhy you should shop for a casino that offers 5X, 10X, 20X or 100X table odds!
The Free Odds bet is placed behind the pass line or original “Flat” bet. Each pointnumber pays different odds.
The Point | Payout | Example |
4 and 10 | 2 to 1 | a $5 wager is paid $10 |
5 and 9 | 3 to 2 | a $5 wager is paid $7* |
6 and 8 | 6 to 5 | a $5 wager is paid $6 |
* Rounded DOWN from $7.50 on a Strip table layout. “Downtown” layout might pay actualratio of a full $7.50. Strip table layouts do not handle 50-cent pieces. |
We have a whole separate article dedicated to the Free Oddsbet.
(G) Free Odds on Come Bets:
Odds on come bets can be made exactly the same way as odds on pass line bets, exceptthat the player hands the Odds bet to the dealer who will place it on the numberrolled and on TOP of the original Flat bet. Just like the regular Odds bet, theOdds on the Come Bet also carries no house edge.
(H) Don’t Pass Line:
This bet is the same as a pass line bet only in reverse. If the first roll is 7or 11, the player loses, 2 or 3 wins and 12 is a push or what is called a “Bar”(neither wins or loses). Most people bet the Pass instead of the Don’t Pass, soif you bet the Don’t you may be viewed as an enemy by the other players. The houseedge is 1.36%.
Don’t Come Bet:
Same as a Come bet only in reverse. Just as with the Don’t Pass Line, dealer willplace bet behind the Don’t Come number as it is rolled. If a 7 is rolled beforethe number the player wins. This player is betting with that a point number willNOT roll before a 7 does.
Hardways
These bets win if 4, 6, 8, or 10 are thrown in pairs as pictured on the table layout.They lose when the number rolls “Easy” (not in pairs or as pictured on the tablelayout) OR if a 7 rolls first.
Number bet on | Pays | Example | House Edge |
4 or 10 | 8 for 1 | a $5 bet wins $40, and you don’t get your original bet back | 11.1% |
6 or 8 | 10 for 1 | a $5 bet pays $50, and you don’t get your original bet back | 9.09% |
Understanding the Craps odds and bets that you can place is vital to ensuring you don’t lose all your money or embarrass yourself in a live game.
You might hear people shouting all types of lingo and vernacular terms such as “Horn Bets” or “Lay 10” which often confuse or put off even the biggest casino degenerates.
Thankfully, the rules of Craps are actually quite simple even if it takes time to learn the jargon. Make sure to read all information on this page, before You play craps for money.
We can predict the odds of any particular number coming up on a roll and why the craps rules are made how you will see.
For example: the odds for you to roll a 4 on your next roll are 11 to 1.
You can figure this out by taking the number of ways a four can be made with two dice (with a one and a three, a pair of twos, or a three and a 1) compared to the number of combinations that two dice can make, which is 36.
So we have a 3 in 36 chance, or 1 in 12 chance that a 4 will come up on any given roll. To express these odds as ‘against’, you would say the odds against rolling a four are 11 to 1 (think of it as 11 non 4’s to one 4 for a total of 12 rolls). The calculation we’ve just done determines the ‘true odds’ of rolling a 4.
As many of you may know, the casino doesn’t like to pay back its players with ‘true odds’, it prefers to alter them.
Craps rules, like so many other casino game rules, pay back odds which guarantee the house a profit in the long run. Say for instance you were to place a bet on ‘any sevens’, meaning you’re betting that the next roll will be a seven.
The odds against hitting a seven on the next roll are 5 to 1 (you can calculate that out the same way we did for 4), which means that if you bet one dollar and win, you deserve to win 5 bucks, but the casinos only pay you 4.
Most bets in most games at the casino have been altered in this way. In fact, this is exactly the phenomenon that gives the casino a house edge in many situations.
We’ve covered all the major types of bets and odds you receive here.
Understanding Craps Odds
For instance, odds can be related either as 2-1 or 2 to 1, where a 1 credit bet returns 2 credits. In other words, 2 to 1 odds returns the original 1 credit bet and a 1 credit profit.
The Best Craps Bets
The best bets in craps are the pass line bet, taking the odds, the don’t pass bar, the come bet, and placing the 6 or the 8. Let’s look at each:
Pass Line
This is the most basic and popular of bets when playing Craps. It has one of the lowest house edges (1.41%) and it is very simple to place. Betting on the pass line bet or betting “with the dice” is the most common bet in craps and you will see many players or shooters choosing it.
A pass line bet requires you to place chips on the “Pass Line” section of the table. If the shooter’s come out roll is a 7 or 11, you win even money (1:1). However, if the come out roll is 2,3 or 12 (craps) you lose.
If any other number is rolled (4,5,6,8,9 or 10) it’s called the point. The shooter continues to throw the dice until he/she roles a 7 or the Point. If the point is rolled first, you win even money. If the 7 is rolled first you lose your bet.
Interestingly, in a game of Crapless Craps, the ability to lose a Pass Line bet to craps on a come out roll is removed – hence the name “crapless” craps. This improves your odds of winning by removing the house edge and increasing your expected value.
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Don’t Pass Line
You can also bet on the “Don’t Pass” line, which is basically when you are betting or laying the shooter on his first roll. This is simply the opposite of the pass line bet and is also known as betting against the dice.
To make this bet place your chips in the narrower section just beyond the pass line labelled don’t pass.
If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 (Craps) than you win straight away (1:1 even money). If a 7 or 11 is rolled before the Point is scored you lose. A 12 is considered a Push (draw) and normally you can relinquish this bet.
If any other number is rolled (4,5,6,7,8,9 or 10) this is established on the point number. After this happens you’ll win your money back if a 7 is rolled before the Point number, and lose if a 7 comes first.
Taking the Odds
After the point has been established, you can make an additional bet known as Taking the Odds or Pass Odds. You are betting on the Point number being rolled before a 7. The pay out odds are normally displayed on the Casino craps table.
The odds vary for different numbers based on the likelihood of them being rolled.
Normally, the payouts are as follows:
- 4 pays 2:1
- 5 pays 3:2
- 6 pays 8 pays 6:5
- 9 pays 3:2
- 10 pays 2:1
The odds bet is the best bet you can make in the game of craps, because the house has no built-in advantage. Free odds bets are paid back at true odds, so when you’re making these bets the casino has no house edge whatsoever, it’s an even game!
Come Bet
This is similar to a Pass Line bet, but it is made after the point has been established (dealer button is ON). The next roll then becomes the Come Out roll for your bet and establishes your Point. The payout depends on the Point:
- 7 or 11 pays 1:1 (also known as a Natural)
- 2, 3, or 12 you lose your money (also known as Craps)
- If neither of the above is rolled then (4,5,6,8,9 or 10) becomes the point for your bet. If a 7 comes before your point is rolled again you lose. If your point is won however your payout depends on the Point.
Come Bet Payouts:
Number | Payout |
4 | 2:1 |
5 | 3:2 |
6 | 6:5 |
8 | 6:5 |
9 | 3:2 |
10 | 2:1 |
Taking the Odds
This is similar to the Come Bet and has the same odds above (Come Odds). You can place this bet only after the point has been established. If the 7 is rolled before the point, you lose.
Laying the Odds
Opposite of Taking the Odds. This is a Don’t Pass Line bet which can be made only after the point has been established. If a 7 is rolled before the point, you win.
Laying the Odds Payout:
Number | Payout |
4 | 1:2 |
5 | 2:3 |
6 | 5:6 |
8 | 5:6 |
9 | 2:3 |
10 | 1:2 |
Don’t Come Bet
Oppose of Come Bet. This is similar to a Don’t Pass Line bet, but it is made after the Come Out roll. To make this bet all you need to do is to put your chips in the area labeled “Don’t Come” on the layout. You lose on a 7 or 11, and win on a 2 or 3. 12 is a “stand-off.”
Here you win if 7 rolls before your “come-point” is repeated, and lose if the “come-point” is made before a 7 is rolled.
Place Bets
You can bet on specific point numbers. If your number is rolled before a 7, you win. If a 7 comes before your point number, you lose. You’re paid out according to the table below.
Place Bets Payout:
Number | Payout |
4 | 9:5 |
5 | 7:5 |
6 | 7:6 |
8 | 7:6 |
9 | 7:5 |
10 | 9:5 |
Placing the 6 or 8
When you make a place bet you bet that one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 will be hit before a 7 is hit. You can make a place bet any time by throwing your chips on the table while telling the dealer ‘I want to place the 6’ or whatever number you want to place your bet for.
So, if the number you bet on is rolled before a 7 you win and you are paid as follows: 4 or 10 placed – 9:5 odds, 5 or 9 placed – 7:5 odds, 6 or 8 placed – 7:6 odds.
As you can see the best for you is to place a bet on 6 or 8, because these bets have the best odds and also they have a good chance of hitting.
If you get the feeling like you want to place the 4 or 10, you should buy them instead, because although there is a Vig (a fee for winning bets) on these numbers, the edge comes out in your favor, however slightly.
However, the pass line bet is still the best one with the best odds and in the long run you should stick with it.
Although you can technically place a place bet at any time, it is impossible for it to come into effect until the shooters point is set, therefore it is more acceptable to ask for this bet after the come out roll is over.
Craps table
Bets with Poor Craps Odds
Big 6/Big 8 Bet
This is a Bet on a Big 6 or Big 8, put down after the point has been established. If a 6 or 8 is rolled before a 7, you win (1:1). This is a bet that you should not play because you can Place a bet on 6 or 8 and receive better odds.
Field Bets
Kind of what the name suggests, field bets are open to everyone who bets on the next number rolled. To place one you simple throw your chips into the table (as little chips as possible) and tell the stick man what you want. The payout for field bets:
- 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 all payout 1:1
- 2 pays 2:1
- 12 pays out either 2:1 or 3:1 (depending on the casino)
Proposition Bets
Placed before any throw. The house edge on all of these bets are over 11%. Therefore, you should not bet these very often or you should hedge your bets when you do so.
Craps Bets $15 Table
You can bet on any number as follows:
- Betting on the next throwbeing a 2, 3 or 12 (Craps)
- Any Seven: Betting on the next throw being a 7
- Eleven: Betting on the next throw being an 11
- Horn Bet: Betting on the next number being a 2, 3, 11, or 12. The payout is determined by the number rolled
Proposition bets are those placed in the middle of the table layout, and those bets never have a good house edge. You should make these bets only for fun and to make your game more exciting.
So, here they are:
- With the “any seven” bet you’re betting the shooter will hit a 7 on the next roll. It has a horrible house edge of 16.67%. Never make this bet.
- With the “snake eyes” bet you’re betting the shooter will throw a two on the next roll.
- With the “yo eleven” bet you’re betting the shooter will hit an 11 on the next roll.
- With the “any craps” bet you’re betting the shooter will throw a 2, 3, or 12 on the next roll. It holds a house edge of over 11%
- With the “any three” bet you’re betting the shooter will throw a 3 on the next roll.
- With the “midnight” bet you’re betting the shooter will throw a 12 on the next roll.
- With the “horn” bet you’re combining the snake eyes, 3, yo 11, and midnight bets.
Hardway Bets
A Hardway Bet is also made regarding the outcome of the next die throw. A Hardway roll occurs when doubles are thrown with an outcome of 4, 6, 8 or 10.
For example: rolling a pair of threes would produce a “hard 6”. An Easy roll is produced when the same outcome is achieved, but without rolling doubles.
For the previous example, rolling a 4 and a 2 would produce an “easy 6”. For a Hardway Bet to win, the shooter must roll a double with an outcome of 4, 6, 8 or 10. The wager loses if either a 7 or any Easy number is rolled.
The Lay Bet
The lay bet is almost similar with the don’t pass and don’t come bets, because with this bet your are playing against the dice. You can make this bet at any time in the game and it can be placed on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10. A lay bet wins when 7 rolls before the number.
Craps Dice Game Bets
7 is more likely to come up than any other number so the casino requires you to wager more than you could win. This bet also requires a commission of 5% on average. If the bet is on 4 or 10 you get 1:2 odds, on 5 or 9 2:3 odds, on six or 8 5:6 odds.
The Buy Bet
Best Bets In Craps And Why
When you choose this bet it means that you will buy numbers instead of placing them.
The numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 can all be bought but there are only two numbers that really make buy bets worthwhile and those numbers are 4 and 10 because they pay off better than the other numbers. You win if the buy number comes up before a 7 is rolled.
Craps Bets House Advantage
The odds are higher for a buy bet. 2:1 on a 4 or 10 buy, 3:2 for a 5 or 9, or 6:5 for a 6 or 8. Player pays 5% “vigorish” to get true odds on all numbers.
Craps Bets Lingo
Depending on how much you bet, buying a bet can make you more money in the end even after accounting for the ‘vig’. The odds are only in your favor on a buy bet for a 4 or 10, so stick with the place bet on any others.
Come Bet Craps
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