Craps is the most exciting game on the floor, but the table is covered in bets — most of them bad. Learn the handful of low-edge bets that keep you in the game.
The Basics of Craps
Craps is played by betting on the outcome of two dice. The shooter's first roll is the "come-out" roll. A 7 or 11 wins even-money Pass Line bets instantly; a 2, 3 or 12 loses. Any other number becomes the "point", and the shooter keeps rolling until they hit the point again (win) or roll a 7 (lose).
The energy of the table can make craps overwhelming, but you only need to understand a few bets to play well.
The Best Bets
- Pass Line: the fundamental bet at just a 1.41% house edge.
- Don't Pass: the opposite bet at 1.36% — slightly better but you win when most of the table loses.
- Come / Don't Come: work exactly like Pass/Don't Pass on any roll, letting you back multiple points.
Taking the Odds
Once a point is established you can back your Pass or Come bet with an "odds" bet placed behind the line. This is the only bet in the entire casino that pays true odds with zero house edge. Always take the maximum odds you can afford — it lowers the combined edge on your money significantly.
Bets to Avoid
The centre of the table is filled with flashy proposition bets — Any Seven, Hardways, Field, Big 6/8. They pay big and the dealers push them hard, but their house edges range from around 5% all the way past 16%. Skip them and keep your money on the line bets with odds.