Introduction: Mastering the Best Bets in Craps

Craps is a very popular Table Game that can be found at casinos both online and in person. The game is known for its unique social atmosphere, and above all its wide range of betting options.

However, not all Craps bets are created equal. In fact, understanding the best bets in craps can dramatically improve your experience as well as your chances of winning. This can help you grow your bankroll over time, while also allowing you to keep the fun times going for longer.

Some craps bets are far better than others, especially if you want to have a realistic chance of winning. Although there are a variety of bets that can be considered “the best”, they all share some key traits:

• Low house edge
• Straightforward rules
• Strong long-term value

Smart betting reduces risk and keeps you in the game longer. Here are our picks for the best bets in Craps that will grow your bankroll over time.

Pass Line Bet – The Foundation of All Good Craps Bets

The Pass Line Bet is the starting point for most players, and sees players align with the shooter. This gives players an extra incentive to back the shooter that goes beyond the good-natured feel of the game.

As you’re backing the shooter, you’ll win if they roll a 7 or 11, but lose if they roll a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the “Point,” and you win if that number is rolled again before a 7.

This bet comes with a low house edge of around 1.41%, so you’ve got a solid chance of winning. It’s also easy to understand, making it doubly popular with beginner Craps players.

Don’t Pass Line Bet – A Strategic Contrarian Move

If you’re willing to trade the social vibes for slightly increased odds, the Don’t Pass Line bet is a good choice for you. This is the opposite of the Pass Line, so you’re betting against the shooter.

As such, you’ll win if the come-out roll is a 2 or a 3, and lose if the shooter rolls a 7 or a 11. After a Point is set, you’ll win if the shooter rolls a 7 before the Point.

The House edge here is very slightly better than a Pass Line bet at around 1.36%. Just don’t blame me if you get some sideways looks for doing this at a live game. You were warned!

Come and Don’t Come Bets – Smart Mid-Round Bets

Come and Don’t Come bets work in the same way as Pass and Don’t Pass bets, with the exception that they’re made after the come-out roll.

A Come Bet sees bettors back the shooter to roll a Point before a 7, whereas a Don’t Come Bet is the opposite.

The House edge for both types of bets is the same as the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets.

Odds Bets – The Only Zero House Edge Bet in the Casino

Once a Point is established, you can back your Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bet with an Odds Bet.

For example, if you have placed a Pass Line bet and the Point is set at 5, you can then place an Odds bet which will pay out if the shooter rolls a 5 before a 7.

In terms of house edge, this is the best type of bet. This wager pays out at true odds, so the House has no advantage.

The payout rates will depend on the number you pick, with less likely dice rolls paying out at higher rates.

Place Bets on 6 and 8 – Efficient Bets with Solid Returns

After the Point has been established, the best Odds bets to place are on the shooter rolling a 6 or an 8 before a 7. These are two of the most common dice rolls, so they’re more likely to land than other numbers.

Note that if you’re backing either of these numbers, the House has an edge of around 1.52%, which is slightly higher than both backing the shooter outright, as well as hoping that they lose.

Just as there are Craps bets that work in your favor, there are also a range of bets that it makes sense to avoid at all costs.

They may look enticing with promises of high payouts, but in reality they’re just going to drain your bankroll quickly.

Proposition Bets

Proposition bets are one-roll bets that offer higher payouts at the cost of a higher House edge.

Proposition bets are as follows:

• Any 7. Wins if 7 is rolled next.
• Any Craps. Wins on 2, 3, or 12.
• Single-roll bets of 11, 3, and 12. Win if your chosen number is rolled. You can only bet on one of these three numbers in a single roll here.

They can seem tempting, especially to beginners, but they should be avoided as the risk attached is very high.

Big 6 and Big 8

Big 6 and Big 8 bets see the bettor predict that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7.

As 6 and 8 are fairly common rolls, these bets are designed to lure in beginners.

You’re much better off making Place bets on these specific numbers rather than placing a Big 6 and Big 8 bet. You’ll still be betting on the same numbers, but the House edge is much lower at just 1.52%, so you’ll have a better chance of winning.

Hardways

Hardways bets see players predict that one of 4, 6, 8, and 10 will be rolled as a pair before a 7.

This means that if you bet Hardways 4, you’ll win if the shooter rolls 2+2 before a 7. However, you will also lose if the number is rolled easy. This means that other combinations of dice rolls that make up your Hardways bet will see you lose, such as 3+1.

As the odds are stacked against you, Hardways bets are best avoided if you want to build your bankroll over time.

Craps can be overwhelming at first glance, but smart players know the secret lies in betting wisely. The best bets in craps combine low house edge with consistent returns, as it is far better to try and build your bankroll over time rather than win big quickly.

Avoiding high-risk wagers and sticking to proven options like Pass Line, Odds, and Place 6/8 offers better chances of winning in the long run. Still, I would encourage you to practice in demo mode first, as this will allow you to get an understanding of how the game works before you sit at the table.