Mastering the Art of Craps Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you feeling hesitant about making a bet on craps? You are not alone. The game can seem intimidating and confusing, especially for beginners. However, with the right knowledge and strategies, you can learn how to bet on craps like a pro.

Craps is a popular dice game played in casinos worldwide. The objective of the game is to predict the outcomes of the roll or a series of rolls of a pair of dice. While it may seem like a sheer luck-based game, it requires skill and a good understanding of the rules and strategies to make a profitable bet.

In this article, we will provide you with essential tips and insights to help you up your craps game. Whether you are just starting or seeking to improve your betting strategies, we’ve got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of craps betting like a pro.

What is Craps?

Overview

Craps is a popular and exciting dice game that is played in casinos around the world. The game is played with a pair of dice and involves multiple players betting on the outcome of each roll. Players can win or lose a significant amount of money in a short period of time, making it a thrilling and high-risk game.

The Rules

The game of craps is simple to understand, but it can take some time to master. At the start of the game, players place their bets on the outcome of the roll of the dice. The shooter then rolls the dice, and the outcome of the roll determines whether the player wins or loses their bet. There are several different bets that can be made during a game of craps, each with its odds of winning LeoVegas.

The History

The origins of craps are unclear, but the game is believed to have been derived from an ancient dice game known as Hazard. The modern version of the game was developed in the United States in the 1800s and quickly gained popularity in the country's casinos. Today, craps is enjoyed by players all over the world and remains one of the most popular casino games.

The Basic Rules of Craps

The Objective of the Game

Craps is a popular casino game where players bet on the outcome of a roll of two dice. The objective of the game is to correctly predict the number that will appear on the dice.

The Come-Out Roll

Before each round of play, the shooter, or the player who rolls the dice, must make the come-out roll. The come-out roll is the first roll of the round and sets the point for the game. A pass line bet wins if the come-out roll is a 7 or an 11, while a don't pass bet wins if the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12.

Point Rolls

If the come-out roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. The shooter must then roll that same number again before rolling a 7 in order for pass line bets to win. If a 7 is rolled before the point number, pass line bets lose.

Other Bets

There are many other bets that can be made in craps, such as place bets, field bets, and hard-way bets. These bets have different payouts and different rules, so it's important to understand them before placing them.

The House Edge

Craps is a game with a relatively low house edge, making it popular among casino players. However, the house edge can vary depending on the bets made, so it's important to choose bets with the lowest house edge in order to maximize winnings.

Conclusion

Learning the basic rules of craps is essential for anyone looking to bet on this popular casino game. While there are many different bets that can be made, understanding the come-out roll, point rolls, and other bets is a good starting point.

Pass Line Bet in Craps: How to Place Your Bet Like a Pro

What is a Pass Line Bet?

A Pass Line Bet is the most basic bet in craps and is a great starting point for beginner players. The Pass Line Bet is made before the come-out roll and is based on the shooter rolling a 7 or 11. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point and the goal is to roll that number again before rolling a 7.

How to Place a Pass Line Bet

To place a Pass Line Bet, you need to find the Pass Line area on the craps table. The Pass Line is marked with a long, rectangular box that runs the length of the table. Place your chips in this area before the come-out roll and wait for the shooter to roll the dice. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point.

Strategies for the Pass Line Bet

One common strategy for the Pass Line Bet is to make an additional bet, known as the odds bet, after the point has been established. The odds bet is a bet that the shooter will roll the point before rolling a 7. This bet has no house edge, so it's a great way to increase your winnings. Another strategy is to only make Pass Line Bets and avoid other bets on the table, as they have higher house edges and lower odds of winning.

  • Place your Pass Line Bet before the come-out roll
  • If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win
  • If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose
  • If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point
  • Beware of the house edge on other bets and consider making an odds bet after the point has been established

Don't Pass Line Bet

Overview

The Don't Pass Line Bet is one of the most popular bets in Craps, and it is often chosen by experienced players. This bet is the opposite of the Pass Line Bet, and it involves betting against the shooter. Instead of betting on the shooter to win, you bet on the shooter to lose. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win, while if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you lose. A roll of 12 results in a tie, and a point is established if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.

Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of the Don't Pass Line Bet is that it has a lower house edge than the Pass Line Bet. Another advantage is that you can make this bet after a point has been established, which means that you can take advantage of the favorable odds when the shooter is less likely to roll a winning number.

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of the Don't Pass Line Bet is that it can be unpopular among other players. This is because it is a bet against the shooter, and many people prefer to bet with the shooter. Another disadvantage is that the bet can be confusing for beginners, as it involves betting against the outcome that most people want to happen.

Conclusion

The Don't Pass Line Bet is a great option for experienced players who are looking for a bet with favorable odds. While it may be unpopular among other players, it is still a valid strategy that can lead to big payouts. As with any bet in Craps, it is important to have a solid understanding of the game and to make bets based on your own strategy and risk tolerance.

Come Bet

Come Bet is a wager that can only be made after the point has been established. It is similar to the Pass Line bet, but can be placed at any time during the game, unlike the Pass Line bet which can only be placed before the come-out roll.

To place a Come Bet, simply move your chips to the area of the layout marked "Come."

If the next roll is a 7 or 11, the bet wins. If the next roll is a 2, 3 or 12, the bet loses. If any other number is rolled, the Come Bet moves to that number and becomes the point for that bet. The bet remains on the table until either the point is rolled again, in which case the bet wins, or a 7 is rolled, in which case the bet loses.

It is important to note that a Come Bet cannot be removed or reduced once it has been placed, so it is advisable to only make this bet after establishing a Pass Line bet.

Overall, the Come Bet is a popular and easy way to get in on the action of the game once the point has been established.

Don't Come Bets in Craps

If you're looking to play craps like a pro, you're going to want to learn about the "Don't Come" bet. This is a type of bet that is considered to be the opposite of the "Come" bet, which you may already be familiar with. The "Don't Come" bet is essentially a bet against the shooter, which means that you're betting that the shooter will roll a seven before they roll the point number.

One of the benefits of the "Don't Come" bet is that it has a much lower house edge than many other bets in craps. This means that you'll have a better chance of winning in the long run if you make this bet consistently. In fact, the house edge on a "Don't Come" bet is just 1.36%, which is lower than the house edge on a Pass Line bet.

When you make a "Don't Come" bet, you'll place your chips in the section of the layout that says "Don't Come." After the shooter rolls the come-out roll, if they roll a 2 or 3, you'll win even money. If they roll a 12, it's a push. But if they roll a 7 or 11, you'll lose.

If the shooter rolls a point number, the "Don't Come" bet will move to that number. From this point on, you're betting that the shooter will roll a seven before they roll the point number again. If they do, you'll win even money. If they roll the point number again before rolling a seven, you'll lose.

Overall, the "Don't Come" bet is a valuable tool for any craps player looking to improve their game. Just be sure to understand the rules and strategy associated with this bet before you start using it at the craps table.

Learn How to Place a Bet in Craps

What is a Place Bet?

A place bet in craps is a wager on a specific number to be rolled before a 7 is rolled. The bet can be placed on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, and the payout odds vary depending on the number chosen.

How to Place a Bet

To place a bet, place your chips on the designated area on the craps table. Make sure to inform the dealer which number you are betting on. The dealer will then place your chips on the corresponding number box on the table.

Payout Odds

The payout odds for a place bet will differ depending on which number is chosen. The payout odds are as follows:

  • 4 or 10: payout odds of 9 to 5
  • 5 or 9: payout odds of 7 to 5
  • 6 or 8: payout odds of 7 to 6

If the chosen number is rolled before a 7, the player wins. If a 7 is rolled before the chosen number, the bet is lost. The player can choose to remove their bet at any time before a roll.

Buy Bet: A Smart Way to Play Craps Like a Pro

If you want to enhance your craps betting strategy, consider making a Buy Bet. This type of bet is similar to a Place Bet in that you are betting on a number to be rolled before a 7. However, a Buy Bet comes with better odds and payouts, making it a smart option for experienced players.

To make a Buy Bet, you must specify the number you want to bet on, such as 4 or 10. You then place your chips in the designated area on the craps table while stating "Buy the (number)." The house will charge you a 5% commission on your bet, but you'll receive better odds than with a Place Bet, improving your chances of winning.

  • A Buy Bet on 4 or 10 has a house edge of 4.76%, compared to a Place Bet with a 6.67% house edge.
  • A Buy Bet on 5 or 9 has a house edge of 4%, compared to a Place Bet with a 4.00% house edge.
  • A Buy Bet on 6 or 8 has a house edge of 2.27%, compared to a Place Bet with a 1.52% house edge.

In addition to better odds, a Buy Bet also has higher payouts for a winning roll. A winning Buy Bet on 4 or 10 pays out at 2:1, while a winning Buy Bet on 5 or 9 pays out at 3:2. A winning Buy Bet on 6 or 8 pays out at 6:5.

Overall, a Buy Bet can be a great way to enhance your craps betting strategy. Just remember to always keep your bankroll in mind and only make bets that you're comfortable with. With the right approach, you can bet on craps like a pro and potentially increase your winnings.

Lay Bet: A Smart Way to Bet on Craps

What is a Lay Bet?

A lay bet is a bet against the shooter, in which the player is wagering that a 7 will be rolled before the point number is rolled. It is essentially the opposite of a buy bet.

How to Place a Lay Bet?

To place a lay bet, the player must place their chips in the designated “Lay” area of the craps table. The player must then inform the dealer that they want to lay a specific number. For example, if the point number is 4, the player can lay the 4. The dealer will then take the player’s chips and place them in the appropriate spot on the table.

Why You Should Consider a Lay Bet?

A lay bet is a smart bet for players because it has a lower house edge compared to other bets on craps table. The house edge for a lay bet on a 4 or 10 is only 2.44%, while a lay bet on a 5 or 9 has a house edge of 3.23%. Additionally, a lay bet is a good option if a player feels that the shooter is on a hot streak and is likely to roll a 7 before hitting the point number.

Conclusion

A lay bet is a smart and affordable way to bet on craps. It offers players a lower house edge and can be a good option in certain situations. However, as with all bets on the craps table, players should always gamble responsibly and within their means.

Field Bet

A field bet is a one-roll bet that can be placed during any turn in a craps game. You win the bet if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. You lose the bet if the next roll is a 5, 6, 7, or 8.

Field bets usually pay even money if the roll is a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11. If the roll is a 2 or 12, the payout is usually 2:1 or 3:1, depending on the casino. Some casinos also offer a triple payout on 12 in the field.

The house edge on a field bet is around 5.56%, which is a bit higher than many other bets in craps. However, some players still like to place field bets because they offer a chance for a big win with a small bet.

  • To make a field bet, place your chips on the "Field" area of the table.
  • Make sure the dealer sees your bet before the next roll.
  • Don't leave your chips on the field after the roll, as they won't carry over to the next turn.
  • Keep in mind that field bets are risky and should be used sparingly in your craps strategy.

Big 6 and Big 8 Bet

What is Big 6 and Big 8 Bet?

Big 6 and Big 8 Bet is one of the simplest bets in the game of craps. It is a bet on whether the shooter will roll a 6 or 8 before a 7 is rolled.

This bet is placed in the area labeled "Big 6" or "Big 8" on the craps table. The bet pays even money, meaning that if the shooter rolls a 6 or 8 before a 7, the bettor will win the same amount as they bet.

When to Make a Big 6 and Big 8 Bet?

It is important to note that this bet is not recommended by many craps experts. Although it may seem like an easy way to make some money, the house edge on a Big 6 and Big 8 bet is quite high - about 9.09% to be exact. This makes it one of the worst bets you can make in craps.

If you do decide to make a Big 6 and Big 8 bet, it is generally recommended to make it in small amounts and only occasionally. It is not a bet you should rely on or make frequently during a craps game.

Conclusion

While Big 6 and Big 8 bet may seem like an easy way to make a profit, the high house edge makes it an unwise bet in the long run. It is important for craps players to understand the risks and rewards associated with each type of bet and make informed decisions based on their own strategies and preferences.

Prop Bet in Craps

What Is a Prop Bet?

A prop bet is a bet made on specific outcomes that are not directly related to the shooter's success in rolling the dice. These types of bets usually have much higher payouts but also have a much lower probability of winning. It is important to understand that prop bets are considered high-risk bets, and it is recommended that beginner craps players stick to the simpler bets until they become more familiar with the game.

Types of Prop Bets in Craps

There are many different types of prop bets in craps, including bets on the outcome of a single roll or multiple rolls. Some of the most popular prop bets include bets on the hardways, aces, twos, and twelves. Other bets include the any craps bet, the yo, or the horn bet. Each bet has its own rules and payout, so it is important to research and understand each type of bet before placing any money on the table.

How to Place a Prop Bet

Prop bets can be made at any time during the game, but they are usually made after the come-out roll. To place a prop bet, simply inform the dealer of the bet you would like to make and place your chips on the designated area of the craps table. It is important to remember that while prop bets may offer higher payouts, they also have a lower chance of winning, so it is important to bet responsibly and within your budget.

Conclusion

Prop bets can be a fun addition to your craps gameplay, but should be approached with caution. Doing research on the types of prop bets available and understanding the odds and payout for each type of bet is crucial for success. As with any form of gambling, it is important to bet responsibly and within your limits.

Hardways Bet

The Hardways Bet is a type of craps bet where you wager that the shooter will roll a specific pair of numbers (4, 6, 8, or 10) before rolling a "soft" pair (a pair made up of different numbers, such as 2-2, 3-3, 5-5, 9-9, or 11-11) or a seven.

This bet can only be made on the come-out roll, and it can be placed by placing your chips on the appropriate area of the craps table layout and telling the dealer which numbers you want to bet on.

If the shooter rolls the hard pair (for example, a 4-4) before rolling a seven or a soft pair, you win your bet and receive a payout of 7:1 or 9:1 (depending on the casino). However, if the shooter rolls a seven or a soft pair before rolling the hard pair, you lose your bet.

The Hardways Bet is considered a high-risk bet since it has a relatively low probability of winning and a high house edge. It is recommended to use this bet sparingly and to only place it when you feel confident in the shooter's ability to roll a hard pair.

  • Key points:
  • - The Hardways Bet is a bet on a specific pair of numbers (4, 6, 8, or 10) being rolled before a soft pair or a seven.
  • - The bet can only be made on the come-out roll.
  • - The payout for this bet is 7:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino.
  • - The Hardways Bet has a high house edge and is considered a high-risk bet.

How to Bet on Craps: Understanding "Any Seven Bet"

In Craps, "Any Seven Bet" is a type of proposition bet that is made on the next roll of the dice. This bet is placed on the outcome of the roll, whereby the result will be a seven. The Any Seven Bet is a one-roll bet, meaning it will either win or lose in a single roll, and does not affect subsequent rolls.

The Any Seven Bet has the highest house edge of all Craps bets, at 16.67%. This is because there are six ways to roll a seven out of 36 possible dice combinations. While the payout for this bet is typically 4:1, the high house edge makes it one of the riskiest bets in the game.

To place an Any Seven Bet, simply inform the dealer by saying "Any Seven" or placing your chips in the designated Any Seven area on the Craps table. If the next roll of the dice is a seven, you win. If any other number is rolled, you lose. It is important to note that this bet should only be made occasionally and with small amounts, as it has a high risk of losing.

Overall, the Any Seven Bet may seem tempting due to its high payout, but it is important for players to understand the high risk associated with this bet. Experienced Craps players recommend avoiding this bet altogether or limiting its use to occasional small bets when playing for fun.

Horn Bet in Craps

The Horn Bet is a combination bet in craps that covers four different numbers: 2, 3, 11 and 12. This is a one-roll bet, meaning that it wins or loses on the very next roll of the dice. It is typically placed as a proposition bet in the center of the craps table layout.

The Horn Bet can be approached in two different ways: as a single bet that covers all four numbers equally, or as a more specific bet that allocates different amounts to each individual number. The latter approach is known as a "Horn High" bet.

A Horn High bet typically involves placing an extra amount on one of the numbers in the Horn Bet, such as $1 on 12 and $2 each on 2, 3 and 11. This creates a higher payout if the designated number is rolled, but a lower payout if one of the other three numbers in the Horn Bet is rolled.

While the Horn Bet can be an exciting and potentially rewarding bet in craps, it is important to remember that it is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. It is best to approach it with caution and only place it occasionally as part of a broader craps betting strategy.

The Odds Bet

One of the best bets you can make in craps is the odds bet. This bet is made after the point has been established and it pays out at true odds. This means that the casino has no house edge on this bet, making it one of the best opportunities for you to win.

To make an odds bet, you need to make a pass line or come bet first. Once the point has been established, you can then place an odds bet. This bet is placed behind your original bet and will pay out at true odds if the original bet wins.

One important thing to note is that the amount you can bet on the odds bet will depend on the point that has been established. Some casinos allow you to bet 2x, 3x, or even 5x your original bet on the odds bet. This means that you should always check with the table rules before making this bet.

Overall, the odds bet is a great way to increase your chances of winning at craps. This bet has no house edge, which means that you have a better chance of walking away with a profit. So, the next time you're playing craps, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity.

Tips and Tricks for Betting on Craps

1. Stick to Pass Line bets

If you're new to Craps, stick to the Pass Line bet. This is the most basic and popular bet in Craps. It's also one of the best bets with a low house edge of 1.41%.

2. Avoid proposition bets

Proposition bets may look tempting with their high payouts, but they have a high house edge, sometimes as high as 16.67%. These bets are typically placed in the middle of the table and include Hardways bets, Any 7, and Any Craps.

3. Take advantage of free odds

After a Pass Line bet is made, you can place a free odds bet. This is a bet that has no house edge and pays true odds. The amount you can bet depends on the point established on the Pass Line bet.

4. Manage your bankroll

As with any gambling game, it's important to manage your bankroll. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Don't chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer.

5. Learn the terminology

Craps has a lot of unique terminology, so it's important to familiarize yourself with it. This includes terms like "shooter," "come-out roll," and "point." Knowing the terminology will help you understand the game and make informed bets.

6. Practice with free online games

Before you start betting with real money, practice with free online games. This will help you learn the game and the different bets without risking any money. It's also a great way to test out different betting strategies.

7. Watch for cheating

Unfortunately, cheating can occur in any casino game, including Craps. Watch for players who may be trying to cheat or dealers who are not following proper procedures. If you suspect cheating, notify the casino staff immediately.