A Comprehensive Guide to Craps Bets – Maximize Your Winning Strategy

Craps is one of the most exciting games you can play at the casino, thanks to its fast-paced action and social atmosphere. Here at Mega Dice, we’re all about enhancing your gaming experience, so understanding the basics of craps and learning how to place the right bets is key to getting the most out of your time at the craps table.

The game offers a variety of common craps bets that make it beginner-friendly, such as the Pass Line bet, as well as high-stakes, single-roll bets that keep even seasoned players engaged. Knowing how to bet craps and when can help you enjoy the thrill of craps while also playing strategically.

This is craps bets explained by Mega Dice:

What are Bets in Craps?

At Mega Dice, we know that craps is one of the most exhilarating games on the casino floor. Learning how to play craps is quite straightforward – regardless of whether you want to play in a casino or online.  Its popularity stems from the unique combination of chance, strategy, and social interaction, making it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned players alike. Craps has a range of bets, each with different odds and levels of risk, which allows players to choose the style that suits them best.

Understanding the various craps bets is crucial. Some bets, like the Pass Line, offer lower risk and are ideal for those new to the game, while more advanced, high-stakes options appeal to players looking for bigger thrills. Familiarizing yourself with how to bet in craps also helps you make smarter choices at the table, extending your playtime and increasing your enjoyment. So, whether you’re aiming for frequent, smaller wins or going for that single high-stakes payout, knowing your way around a craps table can make all the difference.

Basic Craps Bets

Craps offers a range of betting options, but four fundamental bets are particularly beginner-friendly. Each of these has simple mechanics and reasonable odds, making them ideal for new players learning the game.

Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line bet is the most popular and straightforward wager in craps, perfect for beginners. To place this bet, players wager that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. If the dice show 7 or 11, the Pass Line bet wins, paying even money. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the bet loses. Any other number sets the “point,” and if the shooter rolls the point number again before a 7, the bet wins. With a house edge of just 1.41%, this bet is among the best in terms of player-friendly odds.

Don’t Pass Bet

The Don’t Pass bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Here, players are betting against the shooter, wagering that a 7 will be rolled before the point is hit. If the come-out roll is 2 or 3, Don’t Pass bets win; if it’s 7 or 11, they lose. A roll of 12 results in a push. Once the point is set, players win the Don’t Pass bet if a 7 is rolled before the point. This bet has a slightly lower house edge of 1.36%, making it a strategic choice for players.

Come Bet

The Come bet operates similarly to the Pass Line bet but is placed after the point has been established. After the point is set, players can place a Come bet, essentially wagering that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 before the new “come point.” If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled immediately, the bet loses. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the come point. The Come bet wins if the shooter rolls the come point again before a 7.

Don’t Come Bet

Much like the Don’t Pass bet, the Don’t Come bet is a reverse option of the Come bet, placed after the point is set. Players wager that a 7 will be rolled before the come point, losing if the next roll is a 7 or 11. If a 2 or 3 is rolled, Don’t Come bets win, while a 12 results in a push. Once the come point is set, players win the Don’t Come bet if a 7 appears before the come point is rolled again.

Field Bets

Field Bets are single-roll bets that cover multiple numbers, providing players with a quick outcome on the roll of the dice. When a player places a Field Bet, they’re wagering that the shooter will roll a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11, each paying even money (1:1).

Rolling a 2 or 12 typically offers higher payouts—often 2:1 for a 2 and 3:1 for a 12—making this an appealing option for players looking for instant results. However, the house edge on Field Bets is generally higher than on other bets in craps, standing around 5.5%. While this makes it riskier, it also appeals to players looking for a quick, high-reward option.

Odds Bets (Free Odds)

Odds Bets, or “Free Odds,” are unique in craps because they come with no house edge. Players can place an Odds Bet behind their Pass Line Bet, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets once a point has been established. Here’s how it works: if you have a Pass Line bet, for example, you can back it up with an Odds Bet, betting that the point number will be rolled again before a 7. The payout on Odds Bets depends on the point number:

• 2:1 for 4 or 10
• 3:2 for 5 or 9
• 6:5 for 6 or 8

Since the Odds Bet payout reflects true odds, there is no house advantage, making this strategy highly favorable for serious players aiming to maximize their chances.

Place Bets

Place Bets are a type of wager made after the point has been set. It allows players to bet on specific numbers like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. In this strategy, players choose a number and win if that number appears before a 7 is rolled. Each number has its own payout odds:

• 9:5 for 4 or 10
• 7:5 for 5 or 9
• 7:6 for 6 or 8

While these payouts vary, they tend to offer a relatively low house edge, especially on numbers like 6 or 8. Place Bets are versatile in that they aren’t dependent on line bets like the Pass Line, allowing players to choose their target number directly. This flexibility makes them especially useful once the game’s point has been established.

Advanced and Proposition Bets

In craps, advanced and proposition bets offer a range of higher-risk betting options for players looking to try different approaches beyond the standard Pass Line Bet. These bets, while exciting, come with varying degrees of house edge and payout potential, and they’re often best suited for more experienced players.

Hardways Bets

Hardways Bets focus on achieving a specific total by rolling doubles, such as a “hard 4” (two 2’s), “hard 6” (two 3’s), “hard 8” (two 4’s), or “hard 10” (two 5’s). To win a Hardways Bet, the dice must land on the selected pair before a 7 or the number’s “easy” alternative (any combination other than doubles that makes the same total). These bets are high-risk but have enticing payouts if successful.

Big 6 and Big 8 Bets

Big 6 and Big 8 bets focus on betting that a 6 or an 8 will be rolled before a 7. Although simple, these bets carry a high house edge, making them less favorable than other bets. Most players looking to play craps with lower risks opt for Place Bets on the numbers 6 and 8 instead, as they offer slightly better payouts and a lower house advantage.

Any Craps Bet

The Any Craps Bet is a single-roll wager that predicts the dice will land on a 2, 3, or 12 in the next roll. This high-risk bet comes with a high house edge and is generally best used for players feeling particularly lucky. With quick resolutions and relatively high payouts, it’s a common choice among those willing to risk more for a fast reward.

Any Seven Bet 

Betting on an Any Seven means wagering that the next roll will result in a 7. While this is one of the simplest proposition bets, it has one of the highest house edges in the game. Winning an Any Seven Bet pays well, but players should use it sparingly, given the high odds against it.

Buy Bets

Buy Bets allow players to wager on specific numbers with payouts based on true odds, which is a unique advantage in craps. Buy Bets are similar to Place Bets, but the money casino charges a 5% commission on the winnings. Players can choose numbers like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, betting the selected number will be rolled before a 7. With true odds payouts, Buy Bets can offer a decent return but are generally favored by experienced players due to the commission.

Single-Roll Bets

Single-roll bets in craps, also known as proposition bets, are resolved on the next roll of the dice. These bets offer high payouts but come with substantial house edges, making them popular among players seeking high-risk, high-reward bets. It’s crucial for players to understand the odds when considering these bets, as they tend to favor the casino more than other craps bets.

2, 3, 11, 12 Bets

In craps, players can bet on specific single numbers: 2, 3, 11, or 12. Each of these one-roll bets is high-risk, as the dice must land on the exact number chosen for the player to win. For example, betting on 2 or 12 has a very low probability but offers high payouts of 30 to 1 if successful. Similarly, betting on 3 or 11 has slightly better odds, with a payout of 15 to 1, though the house edge remains considerable.

Single-roll bets, such as those on 2, 3, 11, or 12, are enticing for players who enjoy fast action and large potential rewards. However, the house edge for these bets is high compared to other options like a Place Bet or even a Lay Bet. Experienced players often approach single-roll bets cautiously, balancing them with lower-risk options like the Horn Bet, which combines bets on 2, 3, 11, and 12 into one wager.

For players interested in exploring riskier bets, single-roll bets can be an exciting addition to their game, but understanding the odds and managing expectations is essential.

How to Place Bets in Craps

For beginners, placing bets in craps can be straightforward with a few basics. Start by choosing your bet type and placing your chips on the designated area of the craps table. Pass Line Bets, for instance, must be placed before the come-out roll, while Lay Bets can be added at other times.

Dealers oversee bet placements, distribute winnings, and guide players on etiquette. Managing chips and collecting winnings promptly are also important aspects of playing craps. Ready to try your skills? Visit Mega Dice for an exciting craps experience.

Best Bets to Minimize the House Edge

For players aiming to reduce risk, a few key bets help maximize your bankroll’s longevity. Pass Line Bets and Don’t Pass Bets offer a lower house edge, while the Odds Bet stands out with no house advantage at all. The Iron Cross craps strategy is a straightforward and popular approach for players who enjoy frequent, small wins.

These options extend your time at the table while lowering risk—a smart choice if you’re focused on stretching your gameplay. Dive into Mega Dice to explore these bets and improve your strategy with lower-risk options.

Craps Betting Strategy

Developing a solid craps strategy can greatly enhance your gameplay experience by helping you manage your bankroll, reduce risk, and make informed betting choices.

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management in craps means setting a budget and sticking to it. Dividing your bankroll into smaller units helps avoid the temptation to chase losses, especially after a Lay Bet win or loss. Consistency is key to maintaining a longer gaming session.

Low-Risk Strategies

Low-risk strategies, like placing Pass Line Bets or Odds Bets, are ideal for longer sessions with less volatility.

High-Risk Strategies

For those comfortable with higher stakes, Hardways or certain proposition bets offer bigger payouts but come with a greater house edge. High-risk strategies can yield higher rewards but should be approached with caution.

Top Betting Tips for Beginners

Learning how to win at craps every time starts with understanding the basics of the game and mastering a variety of betting strategies. Start with a small bankroll, learn which bets have lower house edges, and practice free online games to build confidence. When you’re ready, head over to Mega Dice for real play and take advantage of low-edge bets to enhance your experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common missteps include over-betting, chasing losses after a Lay Bet, and using high-risk bets without understanding the odds. Avoid these by sticking to a pre-set budget and focusing on safer, low-edge bets.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is what other players like to know about craps bets:

What is the best bet in craps?

Odds Bets, with zero house edge, offer the best potential returns.

Can I make multiple bets in one game?

Yes, it’s possible to combine bets, like Pass Line Bets and Odds Bets, to broaden your options.

What is the worst bet in craps?

The Any 7 Bet has one of the highest house edges, making it riskier for beginners.

Is Crapless Craps easier or more difficult than traditional craps?

Crapless Craps can feel easier because you don’t lose on the come-out roll, but the higher house edge makes it more challenging over time.

Why are Odds bets considered the best in craps?

With no house edge, these bets let players play with better odds overall.

How do I place a Come bet and what is its advantage?

Come Bets, placed after the point is set, offer a similar low edge to Pass Line Bets.