We reveal our favorite craps game, but there are others worth playing too. We show you how to choose the best one by explaining the rules of the craps don’t pass bet, the odds of winning it, and where to find the highest payouts online.
You will also learn about other popular craps bets such as don’t come and their differences from don’t pass. Discover which of these wagers has the lowest house edge in both land-based and online casinos.
What is the Best Craps Bet? – Our Top Pick
Many different craps betting options offer relatively low house edges. Still, some boast significantly better odds than others, making them more appealing to most players. As a result, choosing the right bet can mean the difference between losing money quickly and enjoying long sessions with reasonable chances of ending up in the black.
After looking through all available wagers, our experts agreed that the don’t pass is the best bet in craps, offering a reasonably low house edge of just 1.36%. The don’t come bet is another strong candidate (1.36%), but we’ll get into more detail on both later.
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Ranking the Top 7 Craps Casino Games Online
The don’t pass wager is the clear winner when it comes to overall risk vs. reward ratio. However, several other bets come close and might be more suited to your playstyle. Check out our list of top craps bets ranked from best to worst below:
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How to Choose the Best Craps Casino Games
Choosing the best craps game starts with learning the ins and outs of this classic casino game. This guide covers everything from basic rules and common terms to advanced strategies and the latest payout percentages. By the end, you’ll have all the tools you need to make informed bets and maximize your chances of walking away a winner.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, read on to discover the secrets of mastering craps.
Step 1 – Understanding the Basic Rules
Understanding the rules is essential before trying any of the top craps bets. While the details can vary depending on the specific version of the game, here is a general overview of what you need to know:
- – A player makes this bet to begin the round. They roll two dice, and if they land on 7 or 11, bettors who placed the pass line win.
- – If the first roll results in a 2, 3, or 12, this is called “crip” (or cr@pshoot). In this case, bettors who wagered the pass line lose.
- – If neither point is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the point is established. The player then continues rolling the dice until they land on the point again or 7.
- – If the dice show the point value before 7, pass line bets win.
- – If the dice show 7 before the point is rolled, pass line bets lose.
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Step 2 – Exploring Popular Bets
While the pass line bet is the most fundamental wager in craps, many other options are worth exploring. Some of the most popular include:
- Don’t Pass – This bet is the opposite of the pass line and wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll and loses on a 7 or 11. It will win again if a point is established and a 7 is rolled before the point is repeated.
- Don’t Come – Similar to the don’t pass bet, this wager comes into play once the point is established. The dealer puts this bet on the table alongside the original pass line wager. Players must request this side bet.
- Place – In this bet, players predict whether the next roll will be a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 before it appears. Place bettors can remove their wager whenever they want.
- Field – If the shooter lands a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11, field bettors win (on a 2 and 3, the payout is usually doubled). A 5, 6, 7, and 8 result in a loss. Hitting a 12 is a push, resulting in a refund of the stake.
- Big 6 & Big 8 – Bettors wager that the shooter will roll a 6 or an 8 before a 7. Unlike place bets, these wagers cannot be withdrawn.
- Any Seven/Aces – This bet predicts that the next roll will show a 7 (any combination of numbers adding up to 7) or a sum of 33 (also known as “aces”).
- Horn High/Horn Low/Horn – Divided into three parts, this bet assumes that the shooter’s next throw will be one of the following: 2, 3, 11, and 12. The payouts are as follows: 2 and 12 yield a 30-for-1 return, while 3 and 11 result in a 15-to-1 prize.
- Hardways – Players wager that the shooter will roll a 4, 6, 8, or 10 before hitting a 7 or sticking the hardway number. Note that a 2+2 or 3+3 counts as a lose, as does a 4+4 or 6+6 (hitting the number, but it becomes an easy way). Hardways bets must state which number they are wagering on.
- One Roll Bets – These wagers work precisely as described, with payouts based on the outcome of a single roll, e.g., “field” or “any seven.”
- Prop Bets – Short for “proposition,” prop bets are unique wagers specific to each round. Examples include guessing the exact point of rise or prediction the shooter’s next roll to within a single point. Prop bets are often the preserve of experienced players and should be avoided by beginners.
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56+ US Online Casinos (Sortered by State) [Legal & Safe in '23]Step 3 – Understanding Odds Bets
All the above bets are classified as “pass line” wagers and typically have a house edge of around 1.41%. However, players can lower the casino’s advantage even further by placing “odds bets.” Available only after making a pass line, don’t pass, come, or don’t come wager, odds bets let you predict whether the next roll will match the current point without counting as a separate bet.
For instance, let’s say you wager $5 on a pass line and the shooter rolls a 6 as the point. You may then back this up by placing an odds bet of, say, $20 (four times the initial stake). If the shooter hits the point before seven, you will win $20 instead of $5, reducing the house advantage from 1.41% to 0.63%.
Note that not all casinos allow odds bets or provide the same odds ratios. Nevada regulations cap this figure at 2x for pass line and don’t pass bets and 3x for come and don’t come wagers. In contrast, offshore gaming sites offer up to 100x odds on craps, effectively reducing the house edge to zero on pass line and donline bets.
Step 4 – Learning Payout Structures
The payout structures differ based on the type of bet. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types:
best casino bonus offers- Pass Line and Don’t Pass: Pass line bets win at even money (1:1) unless a 12 is rolled on the come-out, in which case the wager is a push. Conversely, don’t pass bettors also win at even money, except on a 2 or 3, where the prize is paid at 2:1. Both wagers receive a 14.4% bonus when backed up by odds bets.
- Come and Don’t Come: These bets work similarly to the pass line and don’t pass wagers, but they occur after the point has been established. If the shooter lands the come before seven and sticks it on a point, come and don’t come bettors will win when the dice show 7, while don’t come wagers assume a loss on a 2 or 3.
- Big Six and Big Eight: These wagers are the least generous, paying at 1:1. Essentially, big six and big eight bets are the equivalent of betting on a 6 or an 8 before a 7, with no bonus offered.
- Any Seven / Aces: Any seven bettors win at odds of 4:1, while aces wagers yield a prize of 35:1.
- Field: Apart from a push on a 2 and 12, field bets yield winnings of 1:1 on a 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11. Some casinos double the prize on a 2 and 12, resulting in a payout of 2:1.
- Hardways: Players who correctly predict that the shooter will roll the same difficult number (4, 6, 8, or 10) before sticking it or hitting a 7 are rewarded at 1:36. As mentioned earlier, hitting the easy way of a 2+2, 3+3, 4+4, or 6+6 results in a loss.
- Place: Depending on the place number, bettors can win between 7:6 and 30:36. For example, successfully calling a 4 before 7 yields a 9:5 prize, while a 10 will earn you a whopping 30:1 payout.
- Horn High/Horn Low/Horn: All horn high, horn low, and horn bets yield a 30:1 payout for a 2 or 12 result and a 15:1 prize for a 3 or 11. Many casinos offer enhanced returns on the horn high and low wagers by doubling the payout on a 3 and 11, resulting in a reward of 30:1 and 15:1, respectively. The horn bet is split between 2, 3, 11, and 12.
- One Roll Bets: These wagers generally offer even money payouts, although some casinos increase the prize on field, any seven, and ace bets, as explained above.
- Prop Bets: Prop wagers have widely variable payouts, reflecting the varied difficulty and probability of each proposition.
It is important to note that these payout structures can vary slightly between different casinos, both online and in-person, so it is always a good idea to check the specific rules before placing your bet.
Step 5 – Determining the House Edge
The house edge is the percentage chance the casino has of winning a particular game. Knowing this statistic is crucial for choosing the best craps bet, as some options are more favorable to players than others. Here is an overview of the house edge for some of the most popular craps wagers:
As you can see, some bets are much more advantageous to players than others. Pass line and don’t pass bets have the lowest house edge at 1.41%, making them excellent choices for those looking to minimize their losses. Odds bets on these wagers further reduce the casino’s advantage, potentially making craps one of the most player-friendly casino games.
By contrast, several one-roll wagers, such as horn high, horn low, and horn, have shockingly high house edges of over 16%. Prop bets also tend to have unfavorable odds, ranging from 9.1% (guessing the point exactly, e.g., predicted 6 point, shooter rolls a 6) to 16.7% (predicting the exact stick, e.g., came out at 4, shooter rolls a 4).
It is essential to remember that the house edge is calculated over a vast number of rolls and may not necessarily reflect your individual experience. However, choosing wagers with lower house edges can certainly tip the odds more in your favor.
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Step 6 – Analyzing Betting Limits
Before settling on a craps bet, it is vital to consider the minimum and maximum stakes involved. This factor is especially important for players with limited bankrolls, as some wagers have exceptionally high minimum bets.
Here is an overview of the minimum and maximum betting limits for some of the most popular craps wagers:
Pass line, don’t pass, come, and don’t come bets have no upper limit, allowing players to wager as much as they like. In contrast, place, place without push, buy, lay, big six, big eight, field, any seven, horn high, horn low, and horn wagers typically have lower maximums, depending on the casino and the stakes on the pass line and don’t pass bets. A general rule of thumb is that the higher the payout, the lower the maximum allowed stake.
Prop bets may have unique minimum and maximum limits, depending on the nature of the proposition. Horn high, horn low, and horn wagers typically have the lowest minimum bets, while any seven and ace bets sometimes require a higher stake.
It is essential to note that online craps games often have smaller minimum bets than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, making them an attractive option for budget players. Additionally, some online casinos offer mini or specialty craps variations with even lower limits.
In conclusion, understanding betting limits is crucial for finding craps games that suit your playing style and bankroll. Whether you’re a high roller or a casual player, taking the time to explore various wagers and tables can help you find the perfect fit for an enjoyable and profitable gaming experience.
casino promo codes for existing customersStep 7 – Comparing Strategies
Different craps bets require varying strategies. Here are some tips for maximizing your chances of winning on popular wagers:
- Pass Line and Don’t Pass: As these are the best bets in craps, no major strategy changes are needed. Simply place your chips down and enjoy the game! However, many players choose to back up their pass line or don’t pass bets with odds wagers to further reduce the house edge.
- Come and Don’t Come: Since these bets work similarly to pass line and don’t pass after the point has been established, backing them up with odds bets is an intelligent move. Many experienced players also use come and don’t come wagers to cover multiple points simultaneously, increasing their chances of winning.
- Big Six and Big Eight: As these bets have such high house edges, we do not recommend them. Instead, some players choose to turn them into place bets without a push, waiving the possibility of a 6 or 8 sticking and a subsequent push if that number is rolled. For instance, a big six bet becomes a place bet on 6 without a push, meaning you only win if the shooter lands a 6 before 7. Several players find this modified wager preferable, as it reduces the likelihood of pushes, which can eat into your profits.
- Place: To win place bets, you must predict the exact point before sticking or hitting a 7. Since this outcome is unlikely, many players use a place bet as part of a larger strategy, such as Maximum Odds Bets.
- Field: Guessing a field wager requires a keen eye and a bit of luck. Some players choose to modify this bet by doubling down on 2, 3, 4, 11, and 12, resulting in a 16.7% house edge instead of 15.6%. Alternatively, you could forego wagering on 5 and 9, creating a four-number bet (2, 3, 11, and 12) with a house advantage of just 3.5%.
- Any Seven / Aces: With odds of 35-1 (acces) or 4-1 (any seven), these wagers are considered longshots. Some players choose to max out their odds bets on any seven, increasing their chances of winning albeit with a substantially higher house edge.
- Hardways: Predicting that the shooter will roll the same difficult number (4, 6, 8, or 10) before sticking it or hitting a 7 is no easy feat. Some hardways bettors double their stake with each roll on a hardway number, providing opportunities for substantial payouts.
- Place: To succeed with place bets, many players employ a Maximum Odds strategy, backing up their place wagers with the maximum possible odds bet. This approach increases your chances of winning while reducing the house edge.
- Horn High, Horn Low, Horn: Due to their high house edges, we strongly advise against horn high, horn low, and horn wagers. These one-roll bets rely on predicting rare outcomes, such as a 2 or a 12 result, and are generally not recommended for players seeking long-term success.
- Prop Bets: Given the wide variance in prop wagers, it is challenging to provide universal strategies. Some players use probability calculations to assess the potential outcomes of propositions, while others rely on gut instinct and a deep understanding of the game.
Remember that no strategy can guarantee a win in craps, as the game inherently involves a significant element of chance. However, implementing smart tactics and understanding the odds of different bets can certainly improve your chances of coming out ahead.
Other Noteworthy Craps Casino Games
While craps offers several great wagers, some alternate games provide similar experiences. Here are brief descriptions of five such titles:
# Game — 1 Open Face Chinese
This three-dice variation allows bets on the total, under/over, and certain combinations. Like craps, it features a low house edge on under/over and total bets but has a considerably higher advantage on individual die totals.
# Game — 2 Siege de Trois
Translated from French as “Assault on Three,” this game uses three dice and wagers on totals, under/over, and specific die combinations. Siege de Trois has a lower house edge than craps on most bets, making it a popular choice among experienced players.
# Game — 3 Street Dice
Featuring three dice and wagers on totals, under/over, and individual die results, street dice shares some similarities with craps and Siege de Trois. However, its lower house edge on all bets makes it a top choice for players seeking the best odds.
# Game — 4 Yourzrock Dice Twister
Using three dice, this game allows bets on totals, under/over, individual die values, and specific combinations. Like street dice, Yourzock Dice Twister has a lower house edge than craps on all wagers, making it a popular alternative.
# Game — 5 Scratch Card Dice
Combining elements of craps and scratch cards, this game lets players scratch off various die results to reveal a total. While lacking the social aspect of table craps, scratch card dice provides a fun and unique twist on the genre.
The Best Craps Wager – A Closer Look
At this point, you know how to pick the , but which one is best? As we mentioned earlier, the don’t pass and pass line bets offer the best odds in craps, with a low house edge of 1.41%.
Maximizing odds bets can further decrease the casino’s advantage. For instance, betting $5 on the pass line and backing it up with a 10x odds wager would give you effective odds of 15:16, resulting in a house edge of less than 0.6%. This calculation is derived as follows:
- 5 (initial pass line bet) = 1/16th of total stake.
- 0.5 (5 x 10% commission) = 1/32nd of total stake.
- 5 – 0.5 = 4/32nds of total stake with a positive value.
- Odds bet of 10 x 5 = 50 units.
- 5 + 50 = 55 total units.
- 55 : 32 (total stake) = 17/32nds or 4:7 effective odds.
- 4:7 minus the house edge of 3:7 (16.7%) = net effective odds of almost 4:7 or roughly 1.49%.
Compared to other casino games, craps offers some of the best odds for players. Slot machines generally have much higher house edges, typically ranging from 5% to 15%. Table games like roulette and baccarat also have varying house edges, with options like blackjack offering better odds for skilled players.
Borgata Poker Open Schedule | Events & ResultsCarnival games and instant win titles usually have fixed house edges, making it important to choose wagers with lower statistics. However, craps remains a top choice for gamblers seeking a balance between excitement, socialization, and decent odds.
Tips for Maximizing Profits
Whether you’re a seasoned craps player or a newcomer to the game, these tips can help you maximize your profits:
- Learn the Rules: Make sure you understand the intricacies of craps, including the different bets, odds calculations, and payout structures. Familiarity with the game will help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
- Set a Budget: Before hitting the table, decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Never chase your losses or bet more than you can afford.
- Take Advantage of Odds Bets: Many craps tables allow players to back up their pass line, don’t pass, come, or don’t come wagers with odds bets. These supplementary stakes have no house edge, drastically reducing your overall casino advantage.
- Avoid High House Edge Bets: One-roll wagers, proprietary bets, and some place bets often come with unfavorable odds, ranging from 9.1% for guessing the exact stick to 16.7% for predicting the exact point. It’s best to steer clear of these high house edge bets.
- Play at Tables with Low Minimum Bets: If you have a small bankroll, look for craps tables with low minimum bets. This way, your funds will last longer, giving you more opportunities to win.
- Consider Online Craps: Many online casinos offer lower minimum bets than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, making it easier for budget players to enjoy the game. Plus, you can usually find detailed payout charts and practice free craps games online.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses: Some online casinos offer bonuses and promotions for playing craps. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and choose offers that align with your playing style.
- Practice Good Bankroll Management: As with any casino game, it’s crucial to manage your bankroll effectively. Set limits on your bets, avoid chasing losses, and know when to walk away.
- Have Fun: Above all, remember that craps is a game meant to be enjoyed. Embrace the camaraderie, try new bets, and celebrate your wins.
Following these tips can help you make the most of your craps-playing experience, whether you’re aiming for long-term profitability or simply looking to have fun.
