What Are the Best Odds on Craps?
Craps is a popular casino dice game that offers players a variety of betting options, each with its own set of odds. Understanding these odds is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning. In this article, we will explore the best odds on craps and help you make informed decisions at the craps table.
Understanding the Basics of Craps
Before diving into the best odds, it’s important to understand how craps works. The game is played with two six-sided dice, and players bet on the outcomes of the rolls. The primary objective is to predict the result of the dice, including whether the shooter (the player rolling the dice) will win or lose.
Key Terms in Craps
- Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter will win.
- Don't Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter will lose.
- Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line Bet, but made after the point is established.
- Don't Come Bet: Similar to the Don't Pass Bet, but made after the point is established.
- Odds Bet: A bet placed after a point is established that pays true odds.
Best Odds in Craps
When it comes to craps, some bets offer better odds than others. Here are the bets with the best odds:
1. Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line Bet is one of the most basic bets in craps and comes with a low house edge of only 1.41%. This means that for every $100 wagered, you can expect to lose just $1.41 on average. The Pass Line Bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled.
2. Don't Pass Line Bet
Similar to the Pass Line Bet, the Don't Pass Line Bet offers a slightly better house edge of 1.36%. This bet is essentially betting against the shooter. It wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, and loses on a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 is a push, meaning you neither win nor lose.
3. Odds Bet
Once a point is established, players can make an Odds Bet. This is considered the best bet in craps because it pays true odds and has no house edge. The payouts vary depending on the point:
- For a point of 4 or 10, the payout is 2 to 1.
- For a point of 5 or 9, the payout is 3 to 2.
- For a point of 6 or 8, the payout is 6 to 5.
Since the Odds Bet has no house edge, it significantly reduces your overall risk when combined with a Pass Line or Don't Pass Bet.
4. Come Bet
The Come Bet works similarly to the Pass Line Bet but is made after the point is established. The house edge is also 1.41%, making it a good option for players looking to increase their action after the initial roll.
5. Don't Come Bet
Much like the Don't Pass Bet, the Don't Come Bet has a house edge of 1.36%. This bet is placed after the point is established and is an excellent choice for those who prefer betting against the shooter.
Other Bets to Consider
While the bets mentioned above offer the best odds, there are other options available at the craps table. However, these generally come with a higher house edge:
- Place Bets: Betting on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. The house edge varies but can be as high as 4%.
- Field Bets: A one-roll bet that wins if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled. The house edge is around 2.78%.
- Big 6/Big 8 Bets: Bets that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. The house edge is 9.09%, making this one of the worst bets in craps.
Strategies for Maximizing Your Odds
To maximize your odds in craps, consider the following strategies:
- Stick to Pass Line and Don't Pass Bets: These bets have the best odds and lower house edges.
- Utilize Odds Bets: Always take the maximum odds allowed on your Pass Line or Don't Pass bets to reduce the house edge further.
- Avoid High House Edge Bets: Stay away from Place Bets, Field Bets, and Big 6/Big 8 Bets to enhance your winning potential.
Conclusion
Understanding the best odds on craps is essential for anyone looking to enjoy this exciting casino game. By focusing on the Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come bets, along with maximizing your Odds Bets, you can significantly improve your chances of winning. Remember, while luck plays a significant role in craps, making informed betting choices can give you an edge. Happy rolling!
