Craps Bet Types and Odds
Craps offers a wide array of bets, each with its own odds and payout structure. Some bets are riskier with higher potential rewards, while others are more conservative. Understanding the different craps bets is crucial for developing a successful strategy.
Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line Bet is the most fundamental bet in craps, often considered the backbone of the game. Here’s how it works⁚
- Come Out Roll⁚ You place your bet on the “Pass Line” before the shooter’s first roll (the Come Out roll).
- Winning Numbers (Come Out Roll)⁚ If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win even money (1⁚1 payout).
- Losing Numbers (Come Out Roll)⁚ If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (“craps”), you lose your bet.
- The Point⁚ If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), that number becomes the “Point.”
- Winning After the Point is Established⁚ Once the Point is established, you win if the shooter rolls the Point again before rolling a 7. You lose if a 7 is rolled before the Point.
The Pass Line Bet is relatively simple, offering nearly 50/50 odds and is a great way for beginners to get started with craps.
Don’t Pass Bet
The Don’t Pass Bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line Bet. You’re betting against the shooter, hoping they don’t roll the Point. Here’s a breakdown⁚
- Come Out Roll⁚ Place your bet on the “Don’t Pass Bar” before the shooter’s Come Out roll.
- Winning Numbers (Come Out Roll)⁚ If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win even money (1⁚1 payout). A 12 typically results in a “push” (tie), meaning you get your bet back.
- Losing Numbers (Come Out Roll)⁚ If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you lose your bet.
- The Point⁚ If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), that number becomes the Point.
- Winning After the Point is Established⁚ Once the Point is established, you win if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the Point again. You lose if the Point is rolled before a 7.
While it might seem counterintuitive to bet against the shooter, the Don’t Pass Bet offers a slightly lower house edge than the Pass Line Bet, making it a popular choice for more strategic players.
Come Bet
A Come Bet is essentially a Pass Line Bet that you can make after the Point has been established. It acts like its own mini-Pass Line Bet within the current round⁚
- Placing a Come Bet⁚ You can place a Come Bet anytime after the Point has been established; Place your chips on the “Come” area of the table.
- Establishing a Come Point⁚ The first roll after you make a Come Bet determines your “Come Point.”
- If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you win even money (1⁚1 payout).
- If a 2٫ 3٫ or 12 is rolled٫ you lose your bet.
- Any other number (4٫ 5٫ 6٫ 8٫ 9٫ 10) becomes your Come Point.
- Winning After the Come Point is Established⁚ Once your Come Point is established, you win if the shooter rolls your Come Point again before rolling a 7. You lose if a 7 is rolled before your Come Point.
Come Bets offer the same odds and payouts as Pass Line Bets, making them a versatile option for players who want to jump into the action after a Point is already set.
Odds Bet
An Odds Bet is a unique wager in craps because it offers true odds, meaning the house has no edge. You can place an Odds Bet after establishing a Point on the Pass Line or a Come Point. It’s essentially a way to back up your initial bet with a wager that pays out fairly based on the actual probability of the outcome.
- Placing an Odds Bet⁚ To make an Odds Bet, place your chips directly behind your Pass Line bet or Come bet (depending on which one you’re backing). The amount you can bet is usually limited based on the casino’s odds offerings.
- Odds Bet Payouts⁚
- 4 or 10 (Point/Come Point)⁚ Pays 2⁚1 on your Odds Bet (e.g., if you bet $10, you win $20).
- 5 or 9⁚ Pays 3⁚2 (e.g., a $10 bet wins $15).
- 6 or 8⁚ Pays 6⁚5 (e.g., a $10 bet wins $12).
- Why Odds Bets are Favored⁚ Because Odds Bets have no house edge, they’re considered the best bet in craps. Strategically, players often maximize their Odds Bet to take advantage of the true odds.
Remember, you cannot place an Odds Bet without first making a Pass Line Bet or a Come Bet.
Place Bet
A Place Bet allows you to bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. Unlike Pass Line bets, you can place this bet anytime after the Point has been established. It’s a popular choice for players who want action on specific numbers without waiting for a Come-Out roll.
- Placing a Place Bet⁚ Place your chips in the designated area for the number you want to bet on within the “Place Bet” section of the craps table.
- Place Bet Payouts⁚ The payouts vary slightly depending on the number you choose⁚
- 4 or 10⁚ Pays 9⁚5 (e.g.٫ a $10 bet wins $18٫ plus your original bet back).
- 5 or 9⁚ Pays 7⁚5 (e.g., a $10 bet wins $14).
- 6 or 8⁚ Pays 7⁚6 (e.g., a $12 bet wins $14).
- House Edge⁚ Place Bets have a higher house edge compared to Pass Line or Odds Bets. This is the trade-off for the flexibility of betting on specific numbers at any time during the round.
Place Bets can be lowered or taken down at any time after a roll, giving you some flexibility during the game.