Finding a craps table in a casino is easy—just follow the sounds of excitement! Among all casino games, few match the energy and thrill of craps. It’s nearly impossible to gain a maths edge over the house. But, you can enjoy the game more and lose less by using smart betting strategies. Here are some steps for players familiar with the game who want to refine their approach.
How to choose the right betting strategy
When playing craps, it’s wise to favour safer bets at the table. If you’re willing to risk losing a lot of money for a bigger win, consider larger, riskier bets. Yet, if you prefer a cautious approach, it’s best to stick to safer bets—those with a lower house edge. This strategy minimises your risk and keeps the casino’s advantage as low as possible.
Craps Odds Chart
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll, or a series of rolls, of a pair of dice. Understanding the odds is key to making better decisions about which bets to place. Below is an explanation of the common bets in craps, along with the house edge and the true odds of each type of bet.
| Bet Type | Payout Odds | True Odds | House Edge (%) |
| Pass Line Bet | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass Line | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% |
| Come Bet | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come Bet | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% |
| Odds on Pass/Come | Depends on Point | True Odds | 0.00% |
| Place Bet (6 or 8) | 7:6 | 6:5 | 1.52% |
| Place Bet (5 or 9) | 7:5 | 3:2 | 4.00% |
| Place Bet (4 or 10) | 9:5 | 2:1 | 6.67% |
| Field Bet | 1:1 or 2:1 | Varies | 5.56% |
| Big 6 or Big 8 | 1:1 | 6:5 | 9.09% |
| Hardways (4 or 10) | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% |
| Hardways (6 or 8) | 9:1 | 10:1 | 9.09% |
| Any 7 | 4:1 | 5:1 | 16.67% |
| Any Craps | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% |
Payout odds refer to how much you win compared to how much you bet if your bet is successful. True odds show the real chances of an event. They are based on the different combinations of dice rolls. The house edge is the casino’s built-in advantage over players, shown as a percentage.
Craps Payout Calculator
A Craps Payout Calculator helps players calculate potential winnings from the game’s bets. The calculator simplifies finding a bet’s returns. It covers many bet types, like Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Place, Field, and Proposition Bets. Each has its own payout odds. For example, Pass Line bets typically pay 1:1. Place bets on 6 or 8 pay 7:6. High-risk Proposition Bets can pay up to 30:1. To use the calculator, players enter their bet amount. It then calculates the payout based on the odds for that wager. It helps players manage their bankroll and weigh the risks and rewards of each bet. They can then make better decisions during the game. The calculator helps new players and those unfamiliar with the bet payouts. It provides quick, accurate info, improving the gameplay experience. Plus, if you’re looking for an excellent place to play, check out Wanted Win Casino. They offer a Wanted win casino no deposit bonus that lets you get started without risking your own money!
Poker Tournament Payout Calculator
A Poker Tournament Payout Calculator helps players estimate their potential earnings in MTTs. It helps distribute the prize pool based on the entrants, buy-ins, and payout structure. A percentage of the total prize pool goes to a fixed number of top finishers. The winner gets the largest share, and the rest is scaled down for lower positions. Players can find their expected payouts for different finishes. They can use the calculator with the tournament details. It helps manage bankroll and assess risk and return. So, it’s essential for any serious poker player’s strategy. Knowing how payouts are calculated is as crucial as knowing when to bet. This applies to both poker and craps tables.
Make Safe Bets
Craps offers a variety of betting options, but the safest ones tend to be the simplest. The most common bet is the pass line bet, which has a relatively low house edge of 1.41%. When you place a pass line bet, you’re betting on the shooter (the person rolling the dice). If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win! If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point.” The dealer will continue to roll the dice. If a 7 is rolled before the point number, you lose. If the point is rolled first, you win.
You can bet after the first roll, but it’s usually not recommended. These bets tend to lose value.
Reduce the house edge with a ‘Don’t Pass Line’ bet.
The don’t pass line bet is the opposite of the pass line bet. With this bet, you win if a 2 or 3 is rolled. You lose if a 7 or 11 is rolled. A roll of 12 is a push, meaning you neither win nor lose. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before that point and lose if the point comes first. This bet has a slightly lower house edge than the pass line bet, at 1.36%.
Keep in mind that most players typically make pass line bets. By betting on the don’t pass line, you’re essentially betting against them. This can create a fun atmosphere. You win when others lose. Some players may enjoy it, while others may find it uncomfortable.
Increase Your Winnings with Odds Bets
Odds bets are unique because they carry no house edge—they’re entirely fair! However, you can only place odds bets in conjunction with either a pass line or don’t pass line bet. An odds bet boosts your initial bet’s value. It does not increase the casino’s edge. The craps payouts for odds bets vary depending on the point:
For pass line bets:
- 2:1 on points 4 and 10
- 3:2 on points 5 and 9
- 6:5 on points 6 and 8
If you’ve placed a don’t pass line bet, you can also bet on odds. This is a wager on the opposite outcome—that a 7 will be rolled before the point. The payouts for this bet are reversed:
For don’t pass line bets:
- 1:2 on points 4 and 10
- 2:3 on points 5 and 9
- 5:6 on points 6 and 8
Consider ‘Come’ and ‘Don’t Come’ Bets
Come bets and don’t come bets work like pass lines and don’t pass line bets. But, they can be placed after the initial roll. When you place a come bet, the next roll acts as the first roll for that bet, and the same rules apply as for the other bets. Just like before, you can also add odds bets to these.
Avoid Risky Bets with High House Edges
Some bets in craps have a high house edge. Experienced players usually avoid them unless they’re just having fun. These include proposition bets. They may tempt with high payouts but are much riskier. The house edge on these bets can range from 5% to 17%, making them poor choices if you want to maximise your winnings.
Particularly, field bets and hardway bets tend to have unfavourable craps odds. A field bet is a one-roll wager where you bet that the next roll will be one of several specified numbers. A hardway bet is a wager. It is that a specific double will be rolled before a 7 or any other combination of that number. Both options are high-risk with low chances of long-term success.
Lead a Wise Dice Game
It’s vital to know that the casino always has an edge in games of chance. The notion that you can consistently win at games like craps is a common misconception. You can win at the craps table. However, all casino games favour the house. So, be aware of that. So, over time, as you play, you’ll likely lose money to the casino.
In craps, only bet what you can afford to lose. You should feel no regret or discomfort. Always take a moment to consider the worst-case scenario before you head to the gaming table. This mindset will help you manage your money. It will also let you enjoy the experience without stress.
Look for tables with favourable payouts.
“Business” tables and “strip” tables refer to specific locations. But, they also refer to the payout systems used by different casinos. If you can, choose a table with a better payout system. It can give you a slight edge over the house. For a quick reference to various bets and their respective payouts, consider keeping a craps payout cheat sheet handy.
The differences between various tables can be quite significant. On a table with better payouts, bets on 6 or 8 may win more than at tables that round down payouts. Also, special bets on certain numbers may pay better on some tables than on others. Knowing these nuances can give you an edge. It will improve your experience at the craps table.
Observe games with experienced players.
Some players use a technique called “dice tuning.” It involves specific throwing methods that, in theory, let them influence the roll’s outcome. Dice tuning’s effectiveness is debated among gambling experts. But, even a slight advantage can help. If you find a player using this technique, consider mirroring their bets to potentially improve your odds.
If you decide to follow this approach, it’s best to align your bets with theirs on lower-risk options. For example, if they bet on the pass line, you should too. But, avoid high-risk bets. No skill can guarantee success in those cases. Watching experienced players can show you various betting strategies. It can help you refine your approach to the game.
Consider Informal Play
If it’s legal in your area, you might explore informal versions of craps, often referred to as street craps. This version of the game can be played anywhere, provided you have dice and willing participants. A major advantage of street craps is that it has no casino edge. Players bet against each other, which makes the game more engaging.
Street craps usually have a simpler, improvised betting system. This makes the game more accessible. Depending on the group, you might be able to create custom bets and payouts. For discerning gamblers, this format may be more lucrative than playing in a casino. However, gambling outside of licensed places can be illegal. Always check local laws. Consequences for violations vary by location.
Apply Basic Gambling Strategies
Set a Budget: One of the most common mistakes among gamblers is losing significantly more money than they had initially planned. Avoid this pitfall by establishing a firm budget for your gambling activities. Allocate a specific amount of money that you’re willing to lose for the day, and use only that money to fund your bets. This will help you avoid borrowing money or overspending to keep playing.
See Gambling as Fun: A healthy view of gambling can improve your experience. Approach the game as a form of entertainment rather than a money-making endeavour. This mindset will help you enjoy the experience, even if you lose. Any winnings will feel like a surprise, not an expectation. Treat gambling as a leisure activity. It will reduce your pressure and boost your enjoyment.
Set Winning and Losing Limits: It’s vital to know when to stop in gambling. No matter the potential winnings, endless play often leads to losses. Set a clear limit on wins and losses to avoid financial risks. For example, stop playing if you lose a set percent of your bankroll, or if you reach a specific profit. This way, if you reach your loss limit, you’ll still have some funds left to try at a new table later on. Conversely, if you hit your winning limit, you can walk away with your profits intact.
Know When to Walk Away: If you find yourself ahead, it’s generally wise to take your winnings and leave. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking you can win even more by playing “just one more round.” Many players have lost big winnings this way. So, stay alert and resist the urge to chase more wins.
Keep Emotions in Check: A cool head is one of the most valuable assets for a craps player. A winning roll can be intoxicating. But, your odds stay the same, no matter your past successes or failures. Regularly check your betting strategy against your budget. Stay disciplined in your approach to the game.
Enjoy the Game
Craps can be a thrilling, fun casino game, especially when you’re winning! Enjoy the game’s excitement and the fun, social atmosphere that comes with it. Sharing the highs and lows with other players can enhance your experience. It can make for a memorable outing.
Tips
Always know when to leave the table while you’re ahead. Walking away with a profit is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
Feel free to ask for free services, like meals or gifts, especially if you’ve been playing for a while. Many casinos are happy to reward loyal players.
Warnings
While winning streaks can happen, they are rare. It’s important to keep your expectations realistic. It’s more common to experience a mix of wins and losses during your time at the table.
Losing streaks, while also uncommon, can occur. Be ready to lose several bets in a row. It can happen more often than you expect. Always play within your means, and don’t chase losses.
Use these strategies and a balanced view. They can boost your enjoyment of the game and help manage your risks. Enjoy the thrill of craps while playing wisely!
