Craps Bets Explained: How Do You Bet in Craps?

Table of Contents

Learning about the different craps bets can add a new perspective to your gameplay.

I will cover multiple-roll and one-roll bets, so you can choose the best option for your betting strategy. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to bet in craps.

Craps Betting: Key Highlights

  1. Understanding Bet Types: Grasp the difference between multiple-roll and one-roll bets. Multiple-roll bets offer the chance for larger payouts over time, while one-roll bets provide instant results but with higher risk.
  2. Starting with the Basics: Beginners should lean towards the Pass Line and Come Bets due to their simplicity and lower house edge, providing a gentle introduction to craps betting strategies.
  3. Exploring Advanced Options: As you gain confidence, explore more complex bets like Don’t Pass and Don’t Come Bets for a contrarian approach, or venture into Place Bets and Field Bets to diversify your betting strategy.
  4. Leveraging Side Bets: Utilize Free Odds bets alongside your primary wagers to take advantage of the best odds in the game, enhancing potential payouts without increasing house edge.
  5. Bankroll Management: Develop a bankroll management strategy informed by understanding the payouts and odds of different bets, ensuring sustained gameplay and maximizing enjoyment.
  6. Practical Experience: Remember, the theoretical knowledge of betting options needs to be complemented by hands-on experience. Practice makes perfect, and familiarity with the rhythm of the game will refine your betting strategy over time.
craps bets, how do you bet in craps

Multiple-Roll Craps Bets Explained

Multiple-roll bets are craps bets that can be placed on any dice roll, but the bet won’t be resolved until a certain number of rolls have been made.

These bets can be a bit more complex, but they offer the opportunity for bigger payouts. Pro players often consider the multiple-rolls to be the best craps bets.

Here are some of the most popular multiple-roll bets:

The Pass Line Bet

This is one of the most popular bets in craps, and it’s a good choice for beginners. 

To place a pass line bet, you’ll need to put your chips on the pass line area of the craps table before the come-out roll. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, you’ll win even money on your bet. You’ll lose your bet if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. 

Any other number becomes the “point,” and the game will continue. You’ll win the bet if you roll the point again before rolling a 7. You’ll lose the bet if you roll a 7 before the point.

The Don’t Pass Line Bet

This bet is the opposite of the pass line bet. If you place a don’t pass line bet, you’re betting against the shooter (the person rolling the dice). If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, you’ll win even money on your bet.

If it’s a 7 or 11, you’ll lose your bet. If it’s a 12, the bet is a push (neither the shooter nor the bettor wins). If any other number becomes the point, the game will continue.

You’ll win the bet if you roll a 7 before the point. If you roll the point before rolling a 7, you’ll lose the bet.

The Come Bet 

This bet is similar to the pass line bet but can be placed on any dice roll, not just the come-out roll. 

To place a come bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the come area of the craps table. The bet works the same way as the pass line bet, with a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll winning the bet and a 2, 3, or 12 losing the bet. 

Any other number becomes the “come point,” and the game will continue. If you roll the come point again before rolling a 7, you’ll win the bet. 

You’ll lose the bet if you roll a 7 before rolling the come point.

The Don’t Come Bet

This bet is similar to the don’t pass line bet but can be placed on any dice roll. You’ll need to put your chips in the don’t come area of the craps table to place a don’t come bet. 

The bet works the same way as the don’t pass line bet, with a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll winning the bet and a 7 or 11 losing the bet. 

If any other number becomes the “don’t come point,” the game will continue. 

If you roll a 7 before rolling the don’t come point, you’ll win the bet. You’ll lose the bet if you roll the don’t come point before rolling a 7.

Free Odds Bets

Free odds bets are a type of side bet that can be placed in addition to a pass line bet or a come bet. These bets offer the highest odds in craps and can significantly increase your potential payout. 

To place a free odds bet, you’ll need to put your chips behind your original pass line or come bet. The amount of your free odds bet can be any multiple of your original bet, up to the table maximum. 

The bet pays out based on the true odds of rolling the point. 

For example, if the point is a 4, the true odds of rolling it are 2:1, so a free odds bet of $5 would pay out $10 if the point is rolled before a 7.

Place Bets

Place bets are bets on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. To place a place bet, you’ll need to put your chips on the number you want to bet on in the place bet area of the craps table. 

You’ll win the bet if the number is rolled before a 7. The payouts for place bets vary depending on the number you bet on. 

For example, a place bet on the 4 or 10 pays out 9:5, while a place bet on the 6 or 8 pays out 7:6.

Place Bets to Lose 

Place bets to lose are the opposite of place bets. To place a place bet to lose, you’ll need to put your chips in the place bet to lose area of the craps table. 

If a 7 is rolled before the number you bet on, you’ll win the bet. You’ll lose the bet if the number is rolled before a 7. 

The payouts for place bets to lose are the same as for place bets.

Buy Bets

Buy bets are similar to place bets but offer slightly better odds in exchange for a commission. 

To place a buy bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the buy bet area of the craps table and pay a commission to the house. If the number you bet on is rolled before a 7, you’ll win the bet. 

The payouts for buy bets are the same as place bets, but the odds are slightly better because the commission is factored in.

Lay Bets 

Lay bets are the opposite of buy bets. To place a lay bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the lay bet area of the craps table and pay a commission to the house. 

If a 7 is rolled before the number you bet on, you’ll win the bet. 

The payouts for lay bets are the same as for place bets to lose, but the odds are slightly better because the commission is factored in.

Big 6 and Big 8 Bets

Big 6 and big 8 bets are bets on the numbers 6 and 8, respectively. 

To place a big 6 or 8 bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the appropriate area of the craps table. If the number you bet on is rolled before a 7, you’ll win the bet. The payouts for big 6 and big 8 bets are even money.

One-Roll Craps Bets Explained

One-roll bets are resolved in a single roll of the dice. These bets offer quick payouts, but they also come with a higher level of risk. 

Here are the most popular one-roll bets:

Field Bets

The Field bet is on numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. 

To place a field bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the field bet area of the craps table. If the number you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. 

The payouts for field bets vary depending on the number rolled. For example, a field bet on the 2 or 12 pays out 2:1, while a field bet on the 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 pays out even money.

Any Craps Bets

The Any Craps bet is on numbers 2(or “Snake Eyes“), 3, and 12. To place an any craps bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the any craps area of the craps table. 

If any of the numbers you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. The payout for an any craps bet is 7:1.

Yo-Leven

Yo-leven bets are bets on the number 11. To place a yo-leven bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the yo-leven area of the craps table. 

If the number you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. The payout for a yo-leven bet is even money.

Ace-Deuce 

Ace-deuce bets are bets on the number 3. To place an ace-deuce bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the ace-deuce area of the craps table. If the number you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. The payout for an ace-deuce bet is 15:1.

Seven or Big Red Bets 

Seven or big red bets are bets on the number 7. To place a seven or big red bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the seven or big red area of the craps table. If the number you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. The payout for a seven or big red bet is 4:1.

Ace Bets 

Ace bets are bets on the number 1. To place an ace bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the ace area of the craps table. If the number you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. The payout for an ace bet is 30:1.

Boxcars/Twelve Bets 

Boxcars or twelve bets are bets on the number 12. To place a boxcars or twelve bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the boxcars or twelve area of the craps table. If the number you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. The payout for a boxcars or twelve bet is 30:1.

Hard 6 and Hard 8 Bets

Hard 6 and hard 8 bets are bets on the numbers 6 and 8, respectively, with the numbers rolled as a pair (for example, a 5 and a 1 for a hard 6). 

To place a hard 6 or hard 8 bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the appropriate area of the craps table. If the number you bet on is rolled as a pair, you’ll win the bet. 

The payouts for hard 6 and hard 8 bets are 9:1.

Hard 4 and Hard 10 Bets 

Hard 4 and hard 10 bets are bets on the numbers 4 and 10, respectively, with the numbers rolled as a pair. 

To place a hard 4 or 10 bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the appropriate area of the craps table. If the number you bet on is rolled as a pair, you’ll win the bet. 

The payouts for hard 4 and hard 10 bets are 7:1.

Combination Bets 

Combination bets are bets on two or more numbers rolled in a specific combination. To place a combination bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the combination area of the craps table and specify the combination you’re betting on. 

The payouts for combination bets vary depending on the combination.

Horn Bets

Horn bets are bets on the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12.

To place a horn bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the horn bet area of the craps table. If any of the numbers you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet.

The payouts for horn bets vary depending on the number rolled. For example, a horn bet on the 2 or 12 pays out 30:1, while a horn bet on the 3 or 11 pays out 15:1.

World/Whirl Bets

World or whirl bets are bets on the numbers 2, 3, 7, 11, and 12. To place a world or whirl bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the world or whirl area of the craps table. 

If any of the numbers you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. The payouts for world or whirl bets vary depending on the number rolled. 

For example, a world or whirl bet on the 2 or 12 pays out 30:1, while a world or whirl bet on the 3, 7, or 11 pays out 15:1.

High-Low Bets

High-low bets are bets on the numbers 2 and 12. To place a high-low bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the high-low area of the craps table. If either of the numbers you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. 

The payouts for high-low bets are 15:1.

Three-Way Craps Bets

Three-way craps bets are bets on the numbers 2, 3, and 12. To place a three-way craps bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the three-way craps area of the craps table. If any of the numbers you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. 

The payouts for three-way craps bets are 7:1 for the 2 and 12 and 11:1 for the 3.

Three-Way Red Bets

Three-way red bets are bets on the numbers 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11. To place a three-way red bet, you’ll need to put your chips in the three-way red area of the craps table. 

If any of the numbers you bet on is rolled, you’ll win the bet. The payouts for three-way red bets are even money.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Craps Betting

Jumping into the craps table without a strategy is akin to diving into a pool without knowing how to swim. Here’s a lifeline – a list of common blunders to steer clear of, ensuring your craps adventure doesn’t sink before it even starts:

  1. Ignoring the Basics: It’s tempting to dive headfirst into the sea of bets available in craps, but not starting with the basics such as the Pass Line Bet can leave you floundering. These bets not only offer a lower house edge but also help you get your bearings before you explore deeper waters.
  2. Chasing Losses: A classic blunder is trying to recoup losses by doubling down on riskier bets. This often leads to a vicious cycle that can deplete your bankroll quicker than you can say “snake eyes.” Stick to your strategy and remember that craps, like the ocean, ebbs and flows.
  3. Overlooking the Odds Bet: This bet is the hidden treasure of craps, offering zero house edge. Not taking advantage of this bet is like finding a map to buried treasure and using it as a napkin. If you’ve placed a Pass or Come bet, anchoring it with an Odds Bet can significantly enhance potential payouts.
  4. Falling for Betting Systems: Many a sailor has been lost chasing the mirage of a foolproof betting system. The allure of beating the game can be enticing, but craps is governed by chance. Systems that promise guaranteed wins are the sirens of gambling, leading unwary players onto the rocks.
  5. Not Managing Your Bankroll: Without a compass in the form of a bankroll management plan, it’s easy to drift off course. Betting more than you can afford or not setting limits can quickly turn an enjoyable session into a distress signal. Decide on your budget ahead of time and stick to it as if it’s your North Star.
  6. Getting Swept Away by the Crowd: Craps tables are known for their camaraderie and excitement, but betting with the crowd or against it based on cheers can capsize your strategy. Stick to your plan, even if it means rowing against the current occasionally.
  7. Neglecting Table Etiquette: While not a direct impact on your betting, forgetting table manners can make waves in the wrong way. Keeping the game enjoyable for everyone includes respecting the dealer and fellow players.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there are plenty of craps bets to choose from, based on your personal preferences. 

From multiple-roll bets that offer the chance for big payouts to one-roll bets that provide quick thrills, there’s something for everyone at the craps table.

Knowing how to bet and the craps payouts and odds can help you develop your bankroll management strategy and make the most of your experience, especially if you’re just getting started with craps.

Happy rolling!

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