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The 5 Smartest Craps Bets You Can Make (And the 5 Dumbest)

Craps Basics

At its core, craps is a dice-shooting game. The goal is to match or avoid certain numbers. Boiled down to the essentials, the rules of the game are:

• In the first roll of the dice, if you shoot a 7 or 11, you automatically win.
• In the first roll of the dice, if you shoot a 2, 3, or 12, you automatically lose.
• If you roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, you roll again, this number becomes the “point”.
• You will then keep rolling and each time the point is hit, you win. The game continues until the player retires or a 7 is rolled ending the game

The hard part of the game is understanding the table and the betting. If you understand the essentials, however, the betting becomes easier to understand.

The 5 Smartest Craps Bets

Craps offers an exciting variety of bets, but only a few provide players with favorable odds and manageable risks. These are the wagers that seasoned players focus on to stretch their bankrolls and increase their chances of success. Below, we delve deeper into the smartest bets you can make in craps and why they’re worth your consideration.

Come Bet Craps

The Come Bet is a favorite among experienced craps players because it mirrors the structure of the Pass Line Bet, offering similar advantages even after the game is underway. Once the point has been established, placing a Come Bet gives you the opportunity to wager on the next roll. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you win, while a 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss. Any other number establishes a point, which then must be rolled again before a 7 for your bet to succeed.

What makes the Come Bet especially appealing is its low house edge of 1.41%, ensuring that players get excellent value for their wagers. This bet is ideal for players who want to stay active in the game while maintaining a solid strategy. Combining Come Bets with Odds Bets can further enhance your chances, making this one of the best strategies for consistent returns.

Odds Bet

The Odds Bet is one of the smartest wagers in craps, and for a good reason: it’s the only bet in the game that carries no house edge. This bet is placed in addition to a Pass Line or Come Bet, effectively “backing up” your initial wager. Its payout is based on true odds, meaning the casino has no built-in advantage.

For players aiming to maximize their potential winnings, the Odds Bet is a crucial tool. Many casinos allow players to bet multiple times the value of their original wager as an Odds Bet, amplifying the payout if the point is hit. For example, if you bet $10 on the Pass Line and back it with $50 in Odds, a win pays out based on the true odds of the dice, with no house commission. This bet is especially valuable for those who prioritize efficiency and minimizing risk in their strategy.

Field Bet

The Field Bet can be a smart choice for beginners or players looking for quick action with immediate results. This bet covers a range of numbers: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. If one of these numbers is rolled on the next toss, you win. Numbers like 2 and 12 often pay out higher multipliers, sometimes double or triple your wager.

While the Field Bet is simple and offers a wide spread of winning numbers, it’s not without risk. The house edge varies depending on table rules, but it’s generally higher than other smart bets like the Pass Line. However, for those who enjoy short-term excitement and the chance for quick payouts, the Field Bet can be an attractive option. Be mindful of its limitations, and don’t rely on it as your primary betting strategy.

Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line Bet is a cornerstone of craps strategy and one of the first wagers that new players learn. Placed before the come-out roll, this bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and loses on a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, a point is established, and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win.

With a low house edge of just 1.41%, the Pass Line Bet is both straightforward and efficient, making it an excellent choice for players of all experience levels. This bet also pairs seamlessly with the Odds Bet, creating a robust strategy that leverages low-risk opportunities for higher payouts. If you’re new to craps or looking for a reliable way to play, the Pass Line Bet is the perfect starting point.

Place 6 or Place 8 Bets

Bets on 6 and 8 as Place Bets are some of the most efficient wagers in craps, thanks to their low house edge of just 1.52%. These bets win if the number you choose is rolled before a 7, making them frequent winners since 6 and 8 are two of the most commonly rolled numbers besides 7.

What sets these bets apart is their consistency. They allow players to enjoy steady payouts while minimizing risk, making them a popular choice among those who want to stay at the table longer without depleting their bankroll. Although they require some understanding of the craps table layout, Place Bets on 6 or 8 are well worth the effort for those aiming to play smart.

The 5 Dumbest Craps Bets

While craps offers some great betting opportunities, certain wagers come with a high house edge and low probability of success. These bets may seem exciting or tempting due to their potential payouts, but they can quickly drain your bankroll if relied upon. Below, we’ll explore some of the worst bets in craps and explain why they’re best avoided.

Horn Bet Craps

The Horn Bet is a high-risk wager that combines four separate bets on 2, 3, 11, and 12. Players often find this bet alluring because of its seemingly broad coverage of numbers and the enticing payouts for rolling a 2 or 12. However, the reality is that this bet carries a hefty house edge of over 12%, making it one of the least favorable options at the table.+

The main issue with the Horn Bet is its structure. Your wager is essentially divided among the four numbers, meaning that only one can win at a time, while the other three portions are lost.

Additionally, the numbers involved are among the least likely to appear on any given roll. Although it can be fun to place a Horn Bet occasionally, especially during a hot streak, it’s far from a sustainable strategy for long-term play.

Any 7 Bet

The Any 7 Bet is a single-roll wager that pays out if the next roll results in a 7. While this may seem like a simple and exciting option, the odds are heavily stacked against you. With a house edge of nearly 16.67%, this bet is a poor choice for anyone aiming to preserve their bankroll.

Part of the problem lies in the odds of rolling a 7. While it is the most common number in craps, it still only appears once in every six rolls on average. The payout for the Any 7 Bet (4 to 1) doesn’t come close to compensating for the risk involved. For this reason, seasoned players tend to avoid this bet altogether, leaving it for casual gamblers seeking quick thrills.

Hardways Bets

Hardways Bets focus on rolling a pair (e.g., two 4s for an 8) before a 7 or any other combination of the same total (e.g., 6+2 for an 8). These bets offer appealing payouts—up to 9 to 1 for some combinations—but come with a significant house edge, ranging from 9% to 11%.

The allure of the Hardways Bet lies in its dramatic nature and the chance for a big payoff. However, the likelihood of rolling a hard number is much lower than rolling the same total in an easier combination. For example, there are far more ways to roll an 8 than just two 4s. While Hardways Bets can add excitement to your game, they’re best used sparingly, as the long-term odds work strongly against the player.

Proposition Bets

Proposition Bets, often referred to as “prop bets,” are placed in the center of the craps table and cover various specific outcomes, such as rolling a specific number or combination on the next toss. While these bets can offer massive payouts, they are among the most volatile and high-risk options in the game.

The primary downside of Proposition Bets is their extraordinarily high house edge, which can exceed 13% depending on the specific wager. These bets are designed to appeal to players seeking excitement rather than those employing a strategic approach. While they might be fun as occasional novelty bets, relying on Proposition Bets as a core part of your craps strategy is a recipe for rapid losses.

Lay Bet

Lay Bets allow players to bet against specific numbers (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), wagering that a 7 will be rolled before the chosen number. While this may sound like a safer approach, the high commission or “vig” charged by the house often offsets any potential advantages. For instance, players must risk more money than they stand to win—wagering $41 to win $25 on a 4 or 10 is common.

This unfavorable risk-reward ratio, combined with the house edge of 4% to 5%, makes the Lay Bet less appealing than it might initially seem. While Lay Bets can be useful in very specific situations, they’re generally not a smart choice for most players aiming to maximize their winnings.

Where to Place Bets in Craps

Understanding the physical layout of the craps table is essential for placing your bets correctly. The table may seem overwhelming at first, with its various sections and markings, but learning where to place each type of bet will help you navigate the game like a pro.

Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line Bets

The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line sections are located on the outer edges of the table, directly in front of the players. The Pass Line is for players betting with the shooter, while the Don’t Pass Line is for those betting against the shooter. These areas are the most commonly used, especially during the come-out roll.

Placing your chips here signals your commitment to one of the fundamental bets in craps. The simplicity of these wagers, combined with their low house edge, makes them an excellent starting point for beginners.

Come and Don’t Come Bets

The Come and Don’t Come sections are located just above the Pass and Don’t Pass areas. These bets function similarly but can be placed after the point has been established. For a Come Bet, place your chips in the “Come” section, and for a Don’t Come Bet, use the corresponding area labeled “Don’t Come.”

These bets are versatile and allow players to enter the game mid-roll, making them ideal for those joining a table already in progress.

Field Bets

The Field Bet area is prominently displayed in the center of the table. This section covers the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. To place a Field Bet, simply put your chips in the clearly marked area. This wager is a one-roll bet, so it’s quick and easy to execute.

Place and Buy Bets

The numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are arranged across the top portion of the table. These areas are where you can make Place Bets by instructing the dealer to place your chips directly on a specific number. Similarly, Buy Bets are also placed here, but with a small commission paid to the house in exchange for better odds.

Proposition Bets

Proposition Bets are located in the very center of the table, within a section commonly referred to as the “prop box.” This area is managed by the dealers, and players must verbally instruct them to place these bets. It’s important to note that these wagers, including Horn Bets and Hardways, typically carry a high house edge and should be approached with caution.

Where to Play Craps Online

For players who want to enjoy the thrill of craps from the comfort of their own homes, online casinos offer a variety of options. Here’s a quick look at three popular platforms where you can play craps online:

Bovada Casino

• User-Friendly Interface: Bovada is known for its sleek and intuitive design, making it easy for beginners to navigate.
• Variety of Games: Offers multiple versions of craps, along with other casino games like blackjack and poker.
• Mobile-Friendly: Play craps seamlessly on your phone or tablet.
• Promotions: New players can enjoy generous welcome bonuses to kick-start their gaming experience.

BetOnline Casino

• Trusted Reputation: BetOnline has been a leader in online gambling for years, offering a secure platform for craps enthusiasts.
• Live Dealer Games: Experience live craps games with real dealers for an authentic casino feel.
• Bonuses and Rewards: Take advantage of frequent promotions and rewards tailored for new and returning players.
• Wide Accessibility: Available in most regions, with 24/7 customer support to assist players.

Wild Casino

• Innovative Gameplay: Features unique craps variations to keep the game exciting.
• Generous Bonuses: Offers some of the largest bonuses in the industry, perfect for craps players looking to boost their bankroll.
• High-Quality Graphics: Immersive visuals make online craps engaging and enjoyable.
• Multiple Banking Options: Supports various payment methods, including cryptocurrency.

Tips for Smart Craps Betting Strategy

A winning craps strategy starts with disciplined play and informed choices. By following these tips, you can improve your odds and make the most of your time at the table:

• Stick to Low-House-Edge Bets
  Focus on bets like the Pass Line, Come, and Odds Bets. These wagers offer the best chances of success with a minimal house advantage, making them the backbone of any smart betting strategy.

• Avoid Complex and High-Risk Bets
  Steer clear of wagers like Proposition Bets and Hardways unless you’re looking for an occasional thrill. These bets may have flashy payouts but are ultimately designed to favor the casino.

• Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
  Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Allocate your funds strategically, ensuring that you have enough to sustain your play without chasing losses or making reckless bets.

• Understand the Flow of the Game
  Take time to observe the game and learn its rhythms. Watching the outcomes of a few rolls before placing your bets can help you make more confident decisions.

• Take Advantage of Free Odds Bets
  Whenever possible, back your Pass Line or Come Bets with Odds Bets to maximize your potential payout. This is a surefire way to get the most value out of your wagers.

How to Bet Craps for Beginners

If you’re new to craps, the sheer number of betting options can be intimidating. However, starting with a simple, beginner-friendly strategy will help you ease into the game and enjoy the action without feeling overwhelmed.

• Start with the Pass Line Bet
  This is the simplest and most recommended bet for beginners. Place your chips on the Pass Line before the come-out roll and follow the action as the shooter establishes a point.

• Learn to Use Odds Bets
  Once you’re comfortable with the Pass Line, add an Odds Bet to increase your potential payout. This combination is the foundation of a sound craps strategy.

• Avoid Complex Bets at First
  Stay away from Proposition Bets, Horn Bets, and other high-risk wagers until you’ve gained more experience. These bets can drain your bankroll quickly if you’re not careful.

• Observe and Ask Questions
  Craps is a social game, and most players and dealers are happy to help newcomers. Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance or clarification about the rules or the layout of the table.

• Practice with Low Stakes
  If possible, start at a table with low minimum bets. This will allow you to play longer and gain valuable experience without risking significant amounts of money.

Summary

Craps is an exciting game, but your success depends largely on the bets you choose to make. By focusing on smart bets like the Pass Line, Odds, and Come Bets while avoiding risky options like the Horn Bet or Any 7, you can enjoy the game while keeping the odds in your favor.

Ready to deepen your understanding of craps strategy? Check out our gambling blog for more tips and insights to elevate your game and make every roll count.