Craps Betting Explained: A Beginner's Guide (With Pictures)

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Dec 09, 2024 16 min read

Two dice, one table—how complicated could it be, right?

Well, here’s the thing: even as a self-proclaimed casino aficionado, I sometimes find the multitude of betting options in Craps a bit overwhelming.

That’s why we’re simplifying it for you. We're breaking down the key bets in Craps—complete with visuals (because, let’s face it, a picture really is worth a thousand words).

By the end, you’ll know your Pass Bets from your Come Bets, and your Any 7 from your Big 6 like a pro.

What Are the Different Types of Craps Bets?

While different casinos may offer variations in the craps bets available, there are several staple bets you'll find at virtually every table.

Here's a quick overview of these core bets in the table below. For more details on how they work and how to place them, simply click the link or scroll down for a full explanation:

While payouts may vary depending on the casino or craps variant, these are the most common bets along with their typical odds, payouts, and house edge. While we’re not here to suggest specific bets—it all comes down to your play style—we aim to equip you with all the essential facts so you can make the most of your craps experience.

Detailed information and graphics for each bet are provided below.

1. Pass Line Bet

When you place a Pass Line Bet before the come-out roll (the first roll of a new round), you have three possible outcomes:

1. Immediate Win: If the first roll is a 7 or 11, you immediately win your bet, the payout is 1:1 (even money).
2. Immediate Loss: If the first roll is a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your bet.
3. Point Phase: If the first roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number becomes the point. The shooter continues rolling until either the point number is rolled again (you win) or a 7 is rolled (you lose).

The Pass Line bet is considered one of the best bets in the casino due to its low house edge of approximately 1.41%.

How to Place: Put your chips on the Pass Line section of the table.

2. Don't Pass Line Bet

A Don't Pass Line Bet is essentially the opposite of a Pass Line bet, offering players a way to bet against the shooter. Here's how it works:

1. Immediate Win: If the first roll is a 2 or 3, you immediately win your bet. If the first roll is a 12, it's a push (tie), and you get your bet back.
2. Immediate Loss: If the first roll is a 7 or 11, you lose your bet.
3. Point Phase: If the first roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number becomes the point. The shooter continues rolling until either a 7 is rolled (you win) or the point number is rolled again (you lose).

The Don't Pass Line bet is slightly more favorable to the player, with a house edge of approximately 1.36%, making it marginally better than the Pass Line bet.

How to Place: Place chips on the Don’t Pass section of the table.

3. Come Bet

A Come bet is similar to the Pass Line bet, but can be placed after the point has been established in a craps game. Here's how it works:

1. Immediate Win: If the next roll is a 7 or 11, you immediately win your bet. The payout is 1:1 (even money).
2. Immediate Loss: If the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your bet.
3. Point Phase: If the next roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number becomes your personal point. The shooter continues rolling until either your specific point number is rolled again (you win) or a 7 is rolled (you lose).

The Come bet works similarly to the Pass Line bet but can be made at any time after a point is established, offering flexible betting during a craps round.

How to Place: Put your chips in the Come area after the point is set.

4. Don't Come Bet

A Don't Come bet is the counterpart to the Come bet, offering a way to bet against the shooter after the point has been established. Here's how it works:

1. Immediate Win: If the next roll is a 2 or 3, you immediately win your bet. If the next roll is a 12, it's a "push" (tie), and you get your bet back.
2. Immediate Loss: If the next roll is a 7 or 11, you lose your bet.
3. Point Phase: If the next roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number becomes your personal "point". The shooter continues rolling until either a 7 is rolled (you win) or your specific point number is rolled again (you lose).

The Don't Come bet provides a strategic alternative to the Come bet, with a slightly lower house edge of approximately 1.36%.

How to Place: Place your chips in the Don’t Come area after the point is set.

5. Free Odds Bet

A Free Odds bet is a supplemental wager that can only be placed after a Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come bet has been made. It has no house edge, making it the most favorable bet in a casino. Here's how it works:

1. Zero House Edge: This bet pays true odds, meaning the casino has no built-in advantage. The payout varies depending on the point number.
2. Payout Rates: Point of 4 or 10: Pays 2:1, Point of 5 or 9: Pays 3:2, Point of 6 or 8: Pays 6:5
3. Betting Limitations: The amount you can bet in Free Odds is typically limited to a multiple of your original bet (often 3x to 5x, depending on the casino). You must have an active Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come bet to place a Free Odds bet.

The Free Odds bet is considered the best bet in the casino because it literally has no house advantage.

6. Place Bets

A Place bet allows you to wager on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. Here's how it works:

1. Immediate Win: If your chosen number is rolled before a 7, you win your bet. Payouts vary and you can see the list in the table above.
2. Immediate Loss: If a 7 is rolled before your chosen number, you lose your bet.
3. Betting Details: Can be placed or removed at any time during the game, does not require placement on the come-out roll, offers flexibility in choosing specific numbers to bet on.

Place bets are slightly less favorable than Pass Line bets, with a higher house edge depending on the chosen number.

How to Place: Put your chips directly on the number you want to bet on.

7. Big 6/Big 8 Bets

A Big 6 and Big 8 bet is a simple wager that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. Here's how it works:

1. Immediate Win: If your chosen number (6 or 8) is rolled before a 7, you win your bet. Pays even money (1:1)
2. Immediate Loss: If a 7 is rolled before the 6 or 8, you lose your bet.
3. Betting Details: Located in the corner of the craps table. Considered one of the worst bets in the casino. Has a high house edge of 9.09%.

Most experienced craps players avoid Big 6 and Big 8 bets because Place bets on 6 and 8 offer better odds and a lower house edge.

8. Hardways Bets

A Hardways bet is a wager that a specific even number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled as a hard combination before a 7 or easy version is rolled. Here's how it works:

1. Immediate Win: If the chosen number is rolled as a hard combination (matching pairs) before a 7 or easy version. Payout rates vary and they can be seen in the table above.
2. Immediate Loss: If a 7 is rolled you lose your bet. If the number is rolled in an easy combination (non-matching pairs)
3. Betting Details: A hard way means the number is rolled with matching dice (e.g., 2-2 for 4, 3-3 for 6). An easy way is any other combination that totals the same number. Typically considered a more exciting, high-risk bet.

Hardways bets are popular among players looking for higher payouts and more dramatic betting options.

9. Any 7 Bet

An Any 7 bet is a single-roll wager predicting that the next roll will be a 7. Here's how it works:

1. Immediate Win: If the next roll is a 7, you win your bet. Pays 4:1.
2. Immediate Loss: If any other number is rolled, you lose your bet.

The Any 7 bet is considered a sucker bet by experienced players due to its poor odds and significant house advantage.

10. Any Craps Bet

An Any Craps bet is a single-roll wager predicting that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12. When you place an Any Craps bet, you have two possible outcomes:

1. Immediate Win: If the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12, you win your bet. Pays 7:1.
2. Immediate Loss: If any other number is rolled, you lose your bet.

Like many prop bets, Any Craps is considered a high-risk wager with unfavorable odds for the player.

How Do I Place Bets in Craps?

Craps can feel intimidating at first, but once you grasp the basics, placing bets becomes a lot simpler. Now that we've covered some of the key bets, here's everything else you need to know about betting at the craps table, whether you're playing online or at a land-based casino.

Buy-in Process

In a land casino, approach the craps table during a break between rolls and place your cash on the table. Tell the dealer you want to exchange money for chips. Remember, it's not correct etiquette to hand cash directly to the dealer; always place it on the table for them to exchange.

In online craps, start by creating an account on a reputable casino website. Verify your identity and deposit funds using available payment methods like credit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers. Your balance will be clearly displayed on the online casino site or app.

Betting Locations

We have already covered this in the section above, but it's worth a little reminder of where craps bets are typically placed. The craps table has specific marked areas for different types of bets. Pass Line and Don't Pass Line bets are located along the table's outer edges. Come and Don't Come bets have similar marked areas nearby. Proposition bets are typically found in the center of the table.

In online craps, the betting interface features a digital table with clickable betting areas. Virtual chips can be selected and placed by clicking on different bet types. Most platforms offer a clear, intuitive interface with highlighted betting zones.

Betting Procedure & Ettiquette

In a land casino, wait for the dice to stop rolling before placing your bets, and avoid reaching across the table while the dice are in motion. You can place multiple bets, and the dealer is available for assistance.

In online craps, use your mouse or touchscreen to select chip denominations and place them on the betting areas. Quick bet options and the ability to repeat previous bets are common. Regardless of the setting, always manage your bankroll responsibly, understand the rules, and be respectful to others, whether it's through chat features online or in person.

Game Mechanics

In a land casino, a shooter physically rolls the dice across the table. In online craps, a random number generator simulates dice rolls, with the digital interface showing dice roll animations and immediately calculating winnings or losses. Or, in live craps online, a randomized mechanical arm will throw and collect the dice from the table.

5 Top Tips For Craps Betting

Here are 5 essential tips to keep in mind the next time you're placing bets at the craps table. Whether you're a rookie or an expert player, these tips are valuable for everyone:

1. Learn the Table Layout:

   Understanding the layout of the craps table is essential for smooth gameplay. Familiarize yourself with where each bet is placed, especially key ones like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets. Knowing your way around the table will boost your confidence and help you make quicker, more informed decisions.

2. Avoid Prop Bets, or Adjust Stakes Accordingly:

   Prop bets might seem exciting with their large payouts, but they come with a high house edge. If you do choose to place them, make sure to adjust your stakes to minimize potential losses. It's often better to focus on the more straightforward bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass.

3. Never Chase Losses:

   Craps can be fast-paced, and it's easy to get caught up in the excitement. If you experience a losing streak, resist the urge to chase your losses with bigger bets. Stick to your planned betting strategy and know when to take a break. This will help you maintain control and avoid making impulsive decisions.

4. Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses:

   Many online casinos offer bonuses like deposit matches, which can be a great way to stretch your bankroll. Be sure to read the terms and conditions, but use these offers to give yourself more chances to play and learn without risking as much of your own money.

5. Try Demo Modes & Free Craps to Practice:

   Most online casinos offer demo modes where you can play craps for free. This is a fantastic way to practice and understand the flow of the game without risking real money. Use these free games to test out different betting strategies and get comfortable before you move to real-money play.

What is the Best Craps Strategy?

While craps is ultimately a game of chance, with the outcome determined by the roll of the dice, there are still ways to improve your chances of success through smart betting strategies.

While there's no foolproof strategy to guarantee a win, understanding the odds and focusing on bets with a lower house edge, like the Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets, can significantly improve your overall odds. Additionally, employing effective bankroll management is crucial to ensure you can play longer and manage your losses when they occur.

By sticking to a strategy that involves low-risk bets and being mindful of your spending, you can maximize your chances of success. For a deeper dive into craps strategies and tips, check out our dedicated craps strategy page, where we break down the best approaches to elevate your game.

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For those ready to dive into the action, our guide to playing real money craps online will walk you through everything you need to know. From choosing the right casino to tips on maximizing your gameplay, check out our detailed page for all the information you need to get started.

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