- byJake Wilfred
- March 6, 2024
Table of Contents
Craps can be a lot of fun, but calculating the craps odds and payouts can be confusing for players who are new to the game or unfamiliar with the different betting options.
To increase your chances of winning at craps, knowing which bets have the best odds and how much they pay out is essential.
This guide will provide an in-depth look at craps payouts, odds and house edge, so you can make informed decisions when you play.
Craps Odds: Key Takeaways
- Craps Payouts and Odds: Understanding craps payouts, odds, and house edge is crucial for strategic gameplay and increasing winning chances.
- Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line Bets: These are foundational bets with favorable odds for players; Pass Line bets have a house edge of 1.41%, while Don’t Pass Line bets offer a 1.36% edge.
- Odds Bets: Offering a 0% house edge, Odds bets are highly recommended for reducing overall gameplay risk.
- Place Bets on 6 or 8: Betting on 6 or 8 is strategic, with a relatively low house edge of 1.52% and better winning probabilities.
- Avoid High House Edge Bets: High house edge bets like Field Bets, Hardways, and One Roll Bets generally offer poorer odds and should be approached with caution.
What are the Payout Odds in Craps?
The payout odds in craps can range from 30:1 to 1:1 and are determined by the true odds of a bet and the house edge.
The true odds refer to the probability of winning a particular bet.
For example, if the true odds of a bet are 2:1, it means that every time you win, you should also expect to lose twice.
The house edge, meanwhile, is the difference between the true odds of a bet paying out and the actual odds a casino pays to the winner.
The lower the house edge, the better for the player.
When it comes to craps, there are two main types of bets: the pass line bet and the don’t pass line bet.
The pass line bet is when a player bets that the shooter will roll a 7 or an 11 on the come-out roll or that the shooter will roll a point number and then roll that number again before rolling a 7.
The don’t pass line bet is when a player bets that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll or that the shooter will roll a point number and then roll a 7 before rolling the point number again.
The payouts for these bets vary depending on the true odds of the bet.
For example, the true odds of rolling a 7 or an 11 on the come-out roll are 1:1, so the payout odds for a pass line bet are also 1:1.
However, the true odds of rolling a 2 or a 12 on the come-out roll are 35:1, so the payout odds for a don’t pass line bet are also 35:1.
The Craps Payout Table
To help you get started, we’ve provided a craps payout chart that shows the payout odds, true odds, and house edge for the most important craps bets:
Pass Line Odds / Come Bet Odds / Buy Bets (5% commission)
| Bet or Wager | True Odds | Payout Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 | 2:1 | 4.76% |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 | 3:2 | 4.76% |
| 6 or 8 | 5 to 6 | 5:6 | 4.76% |
Don’t Pass Odds / Don’t Come Bet Odds / Lay Bets (5% vig)
| Bet | True Odds | Payout Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 1 to 2 | 1:2 | 2.44% |
| 5 or 9 | 2 to 3 | 2:3 | 3.23% |
| 6 or 8 | 5 to 6 | 5:6 | 4% |
Place Bets
| Bet | True Odds | Payout Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 | 9:5 | 6.70% |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 | 7:5 | 4% |
| 6 or 8 | 6 to 5 | 7:6 | 1.52% |
Field Bets
| Bet | Payout Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 | 1:1 | 5.50% |
| 2 or 12 | 2:1 | 5.50% |
Hardways
| Bet | True Odds | Payout Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 or 8 | 10 to 1 | 9:1 | 9.09% |
| 4 or 10 | 8 to 1 | 7:1 | 11.10% |
One Roll Bets
| Bet | True Odds | Payout Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any 7 | 5 to 1 | 4:1 | 16.90% |
| Any craps | 8 to 1 | 7:1 | 11.10% |
| 2 craps or 12 craps | 35 to 1 | 30:1 | 13.90% |
| 3 craps or 11 craps | 17 to 1 | 15:1 | 11.10% |
| Big 6 or 8 | N/A | 1:1 | 9.09% |
| Horn Bet (3 or 11) | N/A | 3.75:1 | N/A |
| Horn Bet (2 or 12) | N/A | 7.5:1 | N/A |
Remember that this chart is for informational purposes only, and it’s always a good idea to check the payout odds at the casino where you’re playing.
Defining the House Edge
The house edge is a term that describes the percentage of initial wagers from players that casinos can expect to earn long-term.
It is calculated using certain rules to ensure that the casino can mitigate its losses even when players land a big payout.
In craps, the house edge can vary depending on the type of bet.
For example, the house edge for a pass line bet is 1.41%, while the house edge for a don’t pass line bet is 1.36%.
This means that for every $100 you bet on a pass-line bet, you can expect to lose $1.41 over the long run. However, for every $100 you bet on a don’t pass line bet, you can expect to lose $1.36 over the long run.
How to Calculate Payouts
To calculate any payouts in craps, it’s essential to use the payout odds instead of the true odds when making bets.
One technique beginner players find useful is breaking the payout odds into units, making it easier to quickly calculate payouts on winning bets.
For example, let’s say you’re at a craps table with a $10 minimum bet and want to bet on the number 10.
Using the payout odds of 9:5, you know that your minimum bet of $10 equates to two $5 units.
To calculate the payout, multiply the total number of units you want to bet by the amount the casino will pay out if the bet wins. In this case, you would multiply 2 by 9, which equals 18.
Your $10 bet will win $18 if the 10lands on the next roll.
How to Calculate Payouts for Irregular Betting Amounts
It’s worth noting that calculating payouts for irregular betting amounts can be a bit more complex.
To do this, you need to convert the payout odds from a fraction to a decimal, then multiply this by the amount you want to wager to determine the potential payout.
For example, a bet on point 10 in craps has payout odds of 9:5. When converted to decimal form, this is equal to 1.8.
For a $10 bet, you would multiply 10 by 1.8 to calculate a payout of $18 if the dice landed on 10.
In summary, calculating payouts in craps requires understanding the payout odds, breaking down the bet into units, and multiplying the units by the payout odds to find the payout.
Another important factor to consider when calculating payouts is the commission that the casino may charge on certain bets.
Some casinos may charge a 5% commission on buy or lay bets.
This commission is typically taken from the payout, so factoring this into your calculations is important.
Remembering these steps can help you quickly and accurately calculate payouts when playing craps.
How Do Craps Dealers Calculate Payouts?
Craps dealers calculate payouts based on the bets that players make.
They use the payout odds, true odds, and house edge, as well as any commissions that the casino may charge, to determine the amount that should be paid to players who win.
They also use a payout chart to ensure that the correct amount is paid out for each bet.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating the house edge in any craps strategy is important, as it will help you make more informed decisions about which bets to place and how much to wager.
By understanding the craps odds and payouts, you can maximize your winnings and minimize your losses.
Additionally, it is essential to consider the commission that casinos may charge on certain bets, as it can affect the payouts.
Remember to always gamble responsibly and have fun!
Craps Odds and House Edge Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best odds on craps?
The best odds on craps are found on the “pass” and “don’t pass” line bets, which have a house edge of 1.41%.
Does craps have good odds?
Compared to some other casino games, craps does have relatively good odds.
What are the odds on 5 and 9 in craps?
The odds on the 5 and 9 in craps are 3:4.
How much to bet on 6 and 8 in craps?
The amount to bet on 6 and 8 in craps can vary, but it is generally recommended to make a “Place” bet on these numbers, with the minimum bet being the table minimum.
On the first roll of a craps game, you roll a 5. What is your chance of winning on the next roll?
In the game of craps, if you roll a 5 on the come-out roll (the first roll), it becomes the “point.” To win, you must roll a 5 again before rolling a 7.
Let’s calculate the probability:
There are 4 ways to roll a 5: (1,4), (4,1), (2,3), and (3,2).
There are 6 ways to roll a 7: (1,6), (6,1), (2,5), (5,2), (3,4), and (4,3).
Given that each of the 36 possible rolls of two dice is equally likely, the probability of rolling a 5 on the next roll is 4/36 or 1/9.
However, to win after establishing a point of 5, you need to roll a 5 again before rolling a 7.
The probability of rolling a 5 before a 7 is a more complex calculation, but it’s not simply 1/9.
What is the probability of getting craps or an even sum on one roll of the dice?
“Craps” in the game refers to rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll.
There is 1 way to roll a 2: (1,1).
There are 2 ways to roll a 3: (1,2) and (2,1).
There is 1 way to roll a 12: (6,6).
So, there are 4 ways to roll craps.
For an even sum:
There are 2 ways to roll a 4: (1,3), (3,1), (2,2).
There are 3 ways to roll a 6: (1,5), (5,1), (2,4), (4,2), (3,3).
There are 3 ways to roll an 8: (2,6), (6,2), (3,5), (5,3), (4,4).
There are 2 ways to roll a 10: (4,6), (6,4), (5,5).
So, there are 10 ways to roll an even sum.
Combining the two, there are 14 ways to roll either craps or an even sum. Given 36 possible rolls, the probability is 14/36 or 7/18.
Note: These calculations are based on the assumption that each of the 36 possible rolls of two dice is equally likely.
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Jake Wilfred
Jake Wilfred is the author of "Art of Craps," a blog dedicated to teaching people the ins and outs of playing craps. With years of experience as a professional craps player in some of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas, Jake is well-equipped to share his knowledge and skills with others. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned player seeking to improve your game, Jake's blog is the perfect resource for mastering the art of craps.
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