Liana Crawford | May 10, 2023 | Updated on: May 31st, 2023
If you’re looking to maximize your winnings at craps, it’s essential to understand craps odds. In the game of craps, players bet on the outcome of a dice roll. The odds of each bet can vary greatly, with some offering higher payouts and others carrying a higher house edge. Understanding the different types of craps bets and their associated odds is important to make informed decisions at the table. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about craps odds and provide tips and strategies to help you increase your chances of winning big.
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Understanding Craps Odds
First, look at craps’ odds and how they work. When you bet in craps, you are essentially wagering on the roll’s outcome. The two dice used in the game can produce 36 possible combinations, each with its own probability of occurring. Some combinations are more likely than others, which is where the craps odds come into play.
Generally, the craps odds can be divided into two categories: the pass line and the come odds. The pass line bet is the most common in craps and offers a relatively low house edge of around 1.41%. On the other hand, the come bet is like the pass-line bet but can be made at any point during the game. Both types of bets have different odds depending on the point established by the shooter.
Guide to Betting Strategies
To help you make the most of your craps experience, it’s important to understand the odds associated with each type of bet. In this section, we’ve compiled a table with the payout, true odds, and house edge for all the types of craps bets, from the Pass Line to Hardways.
| Bet Type | Payout | True Odds | House Edge |
| Pass Line | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass Line | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% |
| Come | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% |
| Place 6 or 8 | 7:6 | 6:5 | 1.52% |
| Place 5 or 9 | 7:5 | 3:2 | 4.00% |
| Place 4 or 10 | 9:5 | 2:1 | 6.67% |
| Field | 1:1 | 5:4 | 5.56% |
| Any Craps | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% |
| Any 7 | 4:1 | 5:1 | 16.67% |
| Hardways | Varies | Varies | 9.09% – 11.11% |
Tips for Maximizing Your Craps Odds
Now that we have a basic understanding of craps odds let’s explore some tips and strategies for improving your chances of winning.
Stick to the Pass Line Bet
As mentioned earlier, the pass line bet has a relatively low house edge and is one of the best options for maximizing your craps odds. This bet is also relatively simple to understand and can be an excellent starting point for new players.
Place Bets Strategically
Another key aspect of maximizing your craps odds is placing your bets strategically. This involves considering the point established by the shooter and the probability of certain outcomes. For example, if the point is 4 or 10, placing a buy bet can be an effective strategy since these numbers have a higher probability of being rolled than others.
It’s also important to consider the house edge of each bet. The house edge represents the percentage of each bet the casino expects to win over the long run. The lower the house edge, the better your craps odds. Generally, the pass-line and come bets have the lowest house edges in craps.
Avoid Certain Bets
While some bets may seem tempting, it’s important to avoid those with high house edges that can significantly reduce your craps odds.
Here are some examples of bets that you should avoid:
- Big 6 or 8: Placing a bet on the 6 or 8 means wagering that the shooter will roll either of these numbers before a 7 appears. Though this bet offers a decent payout, the house edge is relatively high at approximately 9%, making it a riskier bet than others.
- Hardways: This bet involves betting that a specific number will be rolled with matching numbers before a 7 or an easy-way combination of the same number. For example, betting on a hard 8 means betting that a pair of 4s will be rolled before a 7 or an easy 8 (a 6 and 2 or 5 and 3). The house edge for way bets can be as high as 11%.
- Any 7: This bet involves betting that a 7 will be rolled on the next roll. While this bet may seem attractive due to its high payout, the house edge is also high at around 16.67%.
Take Advantage of Free Odds Bets
One of the best ways to maximize your craps odds is to take advantage of free odds bets. These bets are placed behind the pass line or come bet and have no house edge, meaning you can win the full amount of your bet. Free odds bets are typically limited to a certain amount, usually up to three times the original bet, but this can vary depending on the casino.
Practice Bankroll Management
Finally, practising good bankroll management is essential for maximizing your craps odds. This involves setting a budget for your gameplay, sticking to it, and avoiding chasing losses or making impulsive bets. By managing your bankroll effectively, you can avoid losing more money than you can afford and ensure that you can continue playing craps for longer.
Craps Odds – Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding craps odds is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning in this exciting casino game. By sticking to low house edge bets like the pass line and come bets, placing your bets strategically, avoiding high house edge bets, taking advantage of free odds bets, and practising good bankroll management, you can improve your craps odds and have a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. So, next time you hit the casino, keep these tips and strategies in mind and see if you can increase your craps odds and win!
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