How to Make the Place Bet in Craps: Step-by-Step Guide

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If you’re new to the game, the Place bet in craps might seem a little intimidating initially, but don’t worry – we’re here to break it down and help you understand how it works. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of place bets and how to use them to your advantage. 

We’ll cover everything you need to know about this popular bet, including how it works, how to play it, and some tips and tricks to help you succeed. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Key Takeaways on Place Bets

  1. Understanding Place Bets: Place bets in craps allow you to wager on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. They are a core component of craps strategy, offering a blend of risk and potential reward.
  2. Exploring Place to Lose Bets: Available in some craps variations, Place to Lose bets win if a 7 is rolled before your chosen number. It’s a flip side to the Place bet, broadening your betting options.
  3. Execution Is Key: Communication with the dealer is crucial. Clearly indicate your chosen number and bet amount to avoid misunderstandings.
  4. Strategy Matters: Adopting a strategic approach to Place bets—such as leaving bets active until a hit or pressing bets after wins—can amplify your potential returns.
  5. Payouts and Odds Insight: Familiarize yourself with the payouts and house edge for different numbers. It’s fundamental for informed betting decisions.
  6. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Understand why some bets, like Big 6 and 8, offer less value than Place bets on the same numbers due to inferior payouts and odds.
place bet in craps

What is the Place Bet in Craps?

A place bet in craps is a bet that you will roll a certain number before a seven is rolled. 

When you make a place bet, you can bet on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.

place to win bet in craps wins and losses

If the number you bet on is rolled before a seven, then you win the bet.

It’s important to note that place bets are not self-service, which means you need to tell the dealer which number you want to bet on and how much you want to bet.

Place to Lose Bet in Craps

Place to Lose bets are available in some versions of the game in European and Australian casinos, as well as newer craps table variants.

These bets are the opposite of Place to Win bets. Basically, you place your bets on specific numbers, and they win if the shooter rolls a 7 before the number that was bet.

place to lose bet in craps showing the win and loss outcomes

If the shooter rolls a 7 on the final roll of their turn, all Place to Lose bets win. However, if the shooter rolls any other number, you lose your bet.

The payouts for Place to Lose bets vary based on the number that you bet on:

  • on the 4 or 10 pays out at 11 to 5
  • on the 5 or 9 pays out at 5 to 8
  • on the 6 or 8 pays out at 4 to 5.

Players can adjust the size of their Place to Lose bets, call off or remove the bet at any time, just as they can with regular Place bets.

How Do You Play the Place Bet

place bet on the craps table with place to win and lose

Now that we have covered the basics of the Place bet let’s go through a specific example:

  1. As the new shooter gets ready to roll the dice, you place a $5 bet on the 4.
  2. Let’s say that the place number for this round is 5. Once you indicate your bet, the dealer will move your chips to the designated 4-point box on the craps table.
  3. The first roll lands on a 2, which is not a place number. The game continues.
  4. You decide to make a Place bet on the remaining inside numbers, including the 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. The next roll is a 4, and your bet wins.
  5. You choose to leave your bet on the 4 for the next roll. The dice land on a 12, which does not impact the game.
Important Notice about the Place Bet

When your Place bet wins, you can leave it in play or remove it. If you decide to keep it, your bet will continue to win every time the place number is rolled before a 7 appears. 

If a 7 appears before the place number, you lose the bet.

Playing the place bet is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, ensure that you have the dealer’s attention before putting your chips on the table. 

What to Do While Playing the Place Bet

It would help to keep a few key things in mind while playing the place bet. 

One of the most important is not to put your chips on the table before you have the dealer’s attention. 

This tip is essential for bets that are not self-serviced, like the place bet. In a land-based casino, you should avoid tossing or throwing your chips and instead place them in the come box and tell the dealer which number you want to bet on.

Another important thing to remember is that you should be ready to tell the dealer your next move after making a winning bet. 

This is because bets are paid off in a fixed sequence, and if you remain silent after winning, the dealer may assume that you want to place the same bet again. 

So, let the dealer know if you want to increase, decrease, or remove your place bet.

Place Bets Payouts, House Edge and Odds

The Place bet in craps is a popular option for players because it has a relatively low house edge, making it a favorable bet for players. The payouts for place bets vary depending on the number you bet on.

Here are the payouts, odds and house edge for the place bet:

Bet onPayoutHouse Edge
4 or 109:54%
5 or 97:54%
6 or 87:61.52%

It’s important to keep in mind that these payouts are lower than the true odds of winning, which is esentially the built-in house advantage of the game.

Place Bet Strategy to Maximize Your Odds

There are a few different strategies you can use when making place bets. 

One approach is to leave your place bet on until the first hit occurs and remove it from the table or turn it off for the next roll

This strategy works well in a cold table, where the shooter is not making their point very often.

On a choppy table, where the shooter is making their point but not consistently, you may leave your place bet working for the first six rolls or until the first hit occurs. 

On a hot table, where the shooter is making their point consistently, you may leave your place bet working throughout the entire life of the roll.

Another strategy is pressing your place bets when they become winning bets

For example, let’s say you’ve made a place bet on the 6, and the shooter rolls a 6. You could press your bet, meaning you increase it by the same amount as your original bet. 

If the shooter rolls another 6, you’ll win both your original bet and your pressed bet for a total payout of twice your original bet. 

This can be an excellent way to maximize your winnings on hot tables.

Pro Tip: Big 6 and 8 Bets – Are They Better Than the Place Bets?

Some craps players might consider making big 6 and 8 bets instead of place bets on the same numbers. 

However, it’s important to note that these bets have lower payouts and worse odds than place bets. 

For example, a big 6 bet pays even money, while a place bet on the 6 pays 7:6. Similarly, a big 8 bet pays even money, while a place bet on the 8 pays 7:6. 

As such, it’s generally not a good idea to make big 6 and 8 bets instead of placing bets on the same numbers.

Conclusion

Now you know how the place bet in craps can significantly add variety to your strategy and increase your chances of winning. 

Knowing how to make place bets in craps is essential whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. 

Just remember to pay attention to the payouts and odds, and consider using strategies like leaving your bet on until the first hit or pressing your bets when they become winning bets. 

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of betting in craps.

See you at the tables!

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