Craps is one of the most dynamic and exciting casino games, known for its fast pace and electric atmosphere. But beneath the surface of rolling dice and cheering crowds lies a game of strategy, statistics, and carefully calculated risk. If you want to play craps with confidence, understanding the odds and payouts is essential.
Every bet on the craps table comes with its own probability and payout structure. Some bets offer excellent value for players, while others are long shots designed more for thrill than profit. Knowing which bets to focus on—and which to avoid—can greatly improve your chances and stretch your bankroll.
Whether you’re new to craps or want to sharpen your skills, this guide breaks down how the game’s odds and payouts work so you can make smarter choices at the table.
The Basics: True Odds vs Casino Payouts
In craps, true odds represent the actual mathematical probability of a particular outcome. However, casinos usually offer payout odds that are slightly worse to maintain a house edge.
For example:
- The true odds of rolling a 7 before a 4 are 2:1.
- The casino payout on that same bet might be 1.9:1 or worse.
This gap between true odds and payout odds is how the house makes its profit. Your job as a player is to identify bets where the difference is smallest—these are your best bets in craps.
The Best Bets in Craps
1. Pass Line Bet
- Odds of winning: ~49.29%
- Payout: 1:1
This is the most basic bet in craps. You win if the come-out roll is 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, you win if the point is rolled again before a 7.
2. Don’t Pass Line Bet
- Odds of winning: ~47.93%
- Payout: 1:1
This is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You’re betting that the shooter will lose. It’s slightly better statistically, but less popular among casual players.
3. Come Bet / Don’t Come Bet
These work like Pass/Don’t Pass but can be placed after the come-out roll. They’re equally favorable in terms of odds and provide flexibility during the game.
4. Odds Bets (Back Up Bets)
- Payouts: True odds (no house edge)
- Available on Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets after a point is established.
The biggest tip from pros: always take odds when available. These bets have zero house edge and improve your overall return.
Payout Chart for Odds Bets
Here’s how true odds look depending on the point:
| Point | Pass Line Odds | Don’t Pass Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2:1 | 1:2 |
| 5 or 9 | 3:2 | 2:3 |
| 6 or 8 | 6:5 | 5:6 |
When backing your Pass Line bet with an Odds bet, you’ll receive the true odds listed above. Casinos typically let you place 1x, 2x, 3x, or more of your original bet as odds—depending on house rules.
The Worst Bets to Avoid
1. Any 7 Bet
- Odds: 1 in 6 (16.67%)
- Payout: 4:1
- House edge: 16.9%
It may seem like an easy win, but the payout doesn’t match the risk.
2. Hardways (e.g., Hard 6 or Hard 8)
- Odds: 9:1 (Hard 6 or 8), 10:1 (Hard 4 or 10)
- Payouts: Typically 9:1 and 7:1
These look fun but have house edges ranging from 9% to 11%.
3. Proposition Bets
Single-roll bets in the center of the table—like “Any Craps” or “Yo (11)”—have the worst odds and highest house edges. These are bets pros tend to ignore entirely.
How to Bet Smart in Craps
If you’re looking to reduce risk while maximizing returns, a smart betting strategy focuses on low house-edge wagers and avoids sucker bets.
A common professional setup might be:
- Bet on the Pass Line
- Take full odds behind it
- Once a point is set, place Come bets
- Add odds behind those bets
This strategy keeps the house edge below 1.5%, giving you the best chance to come out ahead over time.
Bankroll tips:
- Stick to flat betting (e.g., always bet the same unit) if you’re new.
- Use a stop-win and stop-loss limit to manage your session.
- Avoid chasing after losses with high-risk bets like the Field or Any 7.
Craps can seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the odds and payouts, the game becomes far more manageable—and enjoyable. By focusing on the bets that offer the best value and ignoring the flashy distractions, you can play with more confidence and control.
Whether you’re rolling the dice or just placing bets on others, knowledge is your best tool at the craps table. Master the math, use smart betting strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to playing craps like a pro.