craps bets and odds explained

Craps is a popular dice game often played in casinos, and it's well-known for its variety of betting options. Understanding the different types of bets, their odds, and the associated house edges can significantly enhance your playing experience. Here’s an overview of the main bets you can make in craps: ### Basic Structure of the Game Craps is played with two six-sided dice. The game begins with a “come-out roll.” Bets can be placed before this roll, and the objective varies depending on the shooter’s point. ### Main Types of Bets 1. **Pass Line Bet** - **Objective:** Win if the come-out roll is 7 or 11. Lose if the roll is 2, 3, or 12. If a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is established, you win if that number is rolled again before a 7. - **Odds:** This bet has a low house edge (about 1.41%). 2. **Don't Pass Line Bet** - **Objective:** Opposes the Pass Line. You win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and push on 12. If the shooter establishes a point, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number. - **Odds:** Slightly better than the Pass Line with a house edge of about 1.36%. 3. **Come Bet** - **Objective:** Similar to the Pass Line bet but can be made after the come-out roll. You win on 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, you win if that point is rolled again before a 7. - **Odds:** House edge is also about 1.41%. 4. **Don't Come Bet** - **Objective:** Similar to the Don't Pass Line but can be made after the come-out roll. You win with a 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and push on 12. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before that point. - **Odds:** House edge is about 1.36%. ### Odds Bets Once a point is established with either a Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come, or Don't Come bet, players can make an additional bet known as the “Odds Bet.” - **Odds on Pass Line or Come Bet:** - These bets can be made in multiples (up to the casino's maximum limit) of your original bet. The payout is based on the point established: - Point of 4 or 10: 2 to 1 - Point of 5 or 9: 3 to 2 - Point of 6 or 8: 6 to 5 - **Odds:** These bets have no house edge. - **Odds on Don't Pass Line or Don't Come Bet:** - You can also make an odds bet here, but the payouts will mirror those of the Pass Line: - Point of 4 or 10: 1 to 2 - Point of 5 or 9: 2 to 3 - Point of 6 or 8: 5 to 6 - **Odds:** No house edge. ### Proposition Bets These are one-roll bets and have a high house edge. Popular prop bets include: - **Any 7:** Betting that a 7 will be rolled on the next turn (pays 4 to 1; house edge about 16.67%). - **Any Craps:** Betting that 2, 3, or 12 will be rolled (pays 7 to 1; house edge about 11.11%). - **Hardways:** Betting on pairs (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, or 5-5) before a 7 or their easy-way counterparts are rolled (specific payouts vary; house edges can range from 9.09% to 11.11%). ### Field Bet A one-roll bet where you win if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Payouts vary based on the number, with 2 and 12 usually paying double. ### Final Thoughts Understanding the various bets and their odds can greatly influence your success in craps. Favoring bets with lower house edges (like the Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come, along with Odds) can increase your chances of winning in the long run. Always play responsibly, and remember that while craps can be a game of strategy, it is still a game of chance. Update (2025-12-21): Craps is a popular casino dice game where players bet on the outcomes of the roll of two six-sided dice. The game offers a variety of betting options with different odds and payouts. Here’s a breakdown of the main bets and their associated odds. ### 1. **Pass Line Bet** - **Description:** This is the most common bet in craps. You win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. You lose if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. If a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is established, you continue betting that the shooter will roll that point again before rolling a 7. - **Payouts:** Even money (1:1). - **Odds:** You can take "odds" after a point is established, which is an additional bet that pays based on the true odds of rolling that point before a 7: - 4 or 10: 2:1 - 5 or 9: 3:2 - 6 or 8: 6:5 ### 2. **Don't Pass Line Bet** - **Description:** This is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line Bet. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 (a push on 12), and lose if they roll a 7 or 11. If a point is made, you want the shooter to roll a 7 before making that point. - **Payouts:** Even money (1:1). - **Odds:** Similar to the Pass Line, you can take "odds" which pay out: - 4 or 10: 1:2 - 5 or 9: 2:3 - 6 or 8: 5:6 ### 3. **Come Bet** - **Description:** This bet is similar to the Pass Line Bet but can be placed after the come-out roll. Once you place a Come Bet, the next roll by the shooter establishes a new point for you (just like with the Pass Line). - **Payouts:** Even money (1:1). - **Odds:** After the point is set, you can also take odds on a Come Bet with the same odds as the Pass Line. ### 4. **Don't Come Bet** - **Description:** Similar to the Don't Pass Line, this bet is placed after the come-out roll and wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, and loses on 7 or 11. If a point is set, you want a 7 to roll before that point. - **Payouts:** Even money (1:1). - **Odds:** The same odds apply as with the Don't Pass. ### 5. **Field Bet** - **Description:** A one-roll bet that winning on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. However, 2 and 12 typically come with higher payoffs (2:1 on 12, for example, depending on the casino). - **Payouts:** Usually pays 1:1, 2:1 on 2 and 12. ### 6. **Proposition Bets** - **Description:** These are one-roll bets made on specific outcomes like rolling a specific number (e.g., a specific double or total). They tend to have high payouts but low odds of winning. - **Payouts:** Various, depending on the specific bet. ### 7. **Big 6 and Big 8 Bets** - **Description:** You bet on a 6 or 8 to be rolled before a 7. These bets pay even money. - **Payouts:** 1:1. ### Key Strategy Tips: - **Odds Bets:** Always take full advantage of the odds bets because they have no house edge, unlike the main bets. - **Stick to Pass/Don't Pass and Come/Don't Come:** These bets generally offer the best odds. - **Avoid Proposition Bets:** While they offer high payouts, the house edge is significantly higher. ### Conclusion Understanding craps and the odds associated with each bet can enhance your gaming experience and help you make informed decisions at the table. As with any casino game, remember to play responsibly and have fun!