Understanding Craps Odds and Payouts
Every craps bet comes with two critical numbers: the true odds of winning and the payout the casino offers. The gap between these two figures is where the house makes its money. Understanding this gap — the house edge — is the key to making smarter bets at the craps table.
This guide provides a complete odds and payouts chart for every bet available in craps, explains the mathematics behind each calculation, and ranks every wager from best to worst. Whether you are playing at a UK online casino or a land-based venue, these numbers are universal.
Dice Probability Fundamentals
Craps uses two six-sided dice, producing 36 possible combinations. The probability of each total determines the true odds of every bet on the table.
| Total | Combinations | Ways to Roll | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1+1 | 1 | 2.78% |
| 3 | 1+2, 2+1 | 2 | 5.56% |
| 4 | 1+3, 2+2, 3+1 | 3 | 8.33% |
| 5 | 1+4, 2+3, 3+2, 4+1 | 4 | 11.11% |
| 6 | 1+5, 2+4, 3+3, 4+2, 5+1 | 5 | 13.89% |
| 7 | 1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1 | 6 | 16.67% |
| 8 | 2+6, 3+5, 4+4, 5+3, 6+2 | 5 | 13.89% |
| 9 | 3+6, 4+5, 5+4, 6+3 | 4 | 11.11% |
| 10 | 4+6, 5+5, 6+4 | 3 | 8.33% |
| 11 | 5+6, 6+5 | 2 | 5.56% |
| 12 | 6+6 | 1 | 2.78% |
The number 7 is the most frequently rolled total, appearing on 6 out of 36 rolls (16.67%). This is why 7 is the pivotal number in craps — it determines the outcome of nearly every bet. For more on dice mathematics, see our dice combinations and probabilities guide.
Complete Craps Odds and Payouts Chart
The following chart lists every standard craps bet, its true odds, casino payout, and resulting house edge. Bets are ordered from lowest to highest house edge.
Line Bets and Free Odds
| Bet | True Odds | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line Odds (point 4/10) | 2:1 | 2:1 | 0.00% |
| Pass Line Odds (point 5/9) | 3:2 | 3:2 | 0.00% |
| Pass Line Odds (point 6/8) | 6:5 | 6:5 | 0.00% |
| Don’t Pass Lay Odds (point 4/10) | 1:2 | 1:2 | 0.00% |
| Don’t Pass Lay Odds (point 5/9) | 2:3 | 2:3 | 0.00% |
| Don’t Pass Lay Odds (point 6/8) | 5:6 | 5:6 | 0.00% |
| Don’t Pass / Don’t Come | 976:949 | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Pass Line / Come | 251:244 | 1:1 | 1.41% |
Place Bets
| Bet | True Odds | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Place 6 or 8 | 6:5 | 7:6 | 1.52% |
| Place 5 or 9 | 3:2 | 7:5 | 4.00% |
| Place 4 or 10 | 2:1 | 9:5 | 6.67% |
Buy and Lay Bets
| Bet | True Odds | Payout | House Edge (5% Vig) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy 4 or 10 | 2:1 | 2:1 minus 5% commission | 4.76% |
| Buy 5 or 9 | 3:2 | 3:2 minus 5% commission | 4.76% |
| Buy 6 or 8 | 6:5 | 6:5 minus 5% commission | 4.76% |
| Lay 4 or 10 | 1:2 | 1:2 minus 5% commission | 2.44% |
| Lay 5 or 9 | 2:3 | 2:3 minus 5% commission | 3.23% |
| Lay 6 or 8 | 5:6 | 5:6 minus 5% commission | 4.00% |
Field Bets
| Bet | Winning Numbers | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field (2 pays double, 12 pays double) | 2,3,4,9,10,11,12 | 1:1 (2x on 2, 2x on 12) | 5.56% |
| Field (2 pays double, 12 pays triple) | 2,3,4,9,10,11,12 | 1:1 (2x on 2, 3x on 12) | 2.78% |
Proposition Bets (One-Roll Bets)
| Bet | True Odds | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any Craps (2, 3, or 12) | 8:1 | 7:1 | 11.11% |
| Any Seven | 5:1 | 4:1 | 16.67% |
| Eleven (Yo) | 17:1 | 15:1 | 11.11% |
| Ace Deuce (3) | 17:1 | 15:1 | 11.11% |
| Aces (Snake Eyes / 2) | 35:1 | 30:1 | 13.89% |
| Twelve (Boxcars) | 35:1 | 30:1 | 13.89% |
| Horn Bet (2,3,11,12) | Varies | Varies by number | 12.50% |
| Hop Bet (easy way) | 17:1 | 15:1 | 11.11% |
| Hop Bet (hard way) | 35:1 | 30:1 | 13.89% |
Hardway Bets (Multi-Roll)
| Bet | True Odds | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard 6 (3+3) | 10:1 | 9:1 | 9.09% |
| Hard 8 (4+4) | 10:1 | 9:1 | 9.09% |
| Hard 4 (2+2) | 8:1 | 7:1 | 11.11% |
| Hard 10 (5+5) | 8:1 | 7:1 | 11.11% |
How to Read the Odds Chart
Understanding this chart requires grasping three concepts:
True Odds
True odds represent the actual mathematical probability of an event occurring. For example, the true odds of rolling a 4 before a 7 are 2:1 (there are 6 ways to roll a 7 and 3 ways to roll a 4). If the casino paid true odds, neither side would have an advantage.
Casino Payout
The casino payout is what you actually receive when you win. Except for the Odds bet, the casino always pays less than true odds. A Place bet on 4 has true odds of 2:1 but pays only 9:5 (equivalent to 1.8:1). This gap is how the casino makes money.
House Edge
The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. A 1.41% house edge on the Pass Line means that for every £100 wagered, the casino expects to keep £1.41 on average. For a detailed exploration of how edge affects your play, see our complete house edge guide.
Odds Bet Payouts by Point Number
The Odds bet is unique because it pays at true odds — giving the casino zero advantage. Here are the exact payouts:
Taking Odds (Pass Line / Come)
| Point | Odds Payout | Example: £10 Odds Bet |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2:1 | Win £20 |
| 5 or 9 | 3:2 | Win £15 |
| 6 or 8 | 6:5 | Win £12 |
Laying Odds (Don’t Pass / Don’t Come)
| Point | Odds Payout | Example: £20 Odds Bet |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 1:2 | Win £10 |
| 5 or 9 | 2:3 | Win £13.33 |
| 6 or 8 | 5:6 | Win £16.67 |
Notice the pattern: the harder a point is to make (4 and 10), the more you win when Taking Odds because the risk is greater. Conversely, Laying Odds requires larger bets to win less, because the 7 is more likely than the point number.
3x-4x-5x Odds Explained
Many UK online casinos and most land-based casinos use the 3x-4x-5x odds system. This means:
- Point 4 or 10: You may take up to 3x your Pass Line bet in Odds
- Point 5 or 9: You may take up to 4x your Pass Line bet in Odds
- Point 6 or 8: You may take up to 5x your Pass Line bet in Odds
This system is designed so that the maximum Odds payout is always 6x your original Pass Line bet regardless of the point. With a £10 Pass Line bet:
- Point 4: £30 Odds × 2:1 = £60 win
- Point 5: £40 Odds × 3:2 = £60 win
- Point 6: £50 Odds × 6:5 = £60 win
Expected Loss Per Hour by Bet Type
To put house edge into practical terms, here is what you can expect to lose per hour at different bet types, assuming 60 rolls per hour with average bets of £10:
| Bet | House Edge | Expected Decisions/Hour | Expected Hourly Loss (£10 avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line + 3x-4x-5x Odds | 0.37% | ~30 | £0.37 |
| Pass Line (no odds) | 1.41% | ~30 | £4.23 |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% | ~24 | £3.65 |
| Field | 2.78% | ~60 | £16.68 |
| Any Seven | 16.67% | ~60 | £100.02 |
The difference is staggering. A Pass Line player with maximum odds loses 37p per hour on average, whilst an Any Seven bettor loses over £100. This is why craps strategy matters enormously.
Comparing Craps Odds to Other Casino Games
| Game | Best Available House Edge |
|---|---|
| Craps (Pass Line + Odds) | 0.37% |
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 0.50% |
| Baccarat (banker bet) | 1.06% |
| European Roulette | 2.70% |
| American Roulette | 5.26% |
| Slots (average) | 4-10% |
When played optimally, craps offers the best odds of any table game in the casino. Only skilled blackjack card counters can achieve a lower effective house edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best odds in craps?
The best odds in craps come from the Odds bet, which has a 0% house edge. Combined with a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet and maximum odds, you can achieve a combined house edge as low as 0.02% (at 100x odds) or 0.37% (at the more common 3x-4x-5x odds).
What is the payout for a Pass Line bet?
The Pass Line bet pays even money (1:1). If you bet £10 and win, you receive £10 in profit plus your original £10 stake. The house edge is 1.41%.
How are craps odds calculated?
Craps odds are calculated from the 36 possible dice combinations. The probability of any total equals the number of ways to roll it divided by 36. For example, 7 can be rolled 6 ways out of 36, giving a probability of 16.67%. The house edge is then calculated by comparing the true odds to the casino’s payout.
What is the worst bet in craps by odds?
The worst standard craps bet is Any Seven with a house edge of 16.67%. For every £100 wagered, you can expect to lose £16.67 on average. Some casinos offer non-standard bets like the Big Red (also Any Seven) with an even higher edge.
Do craps odds change at online casinos?
The house edge for each bet type is the same whether you play online or in person. However, the maximum odds multiple may differ — some online casinos limit odds to 2x or 3x, whilst others offer 10x or more. Higher odds multiples mean lower combined house edges.
What does 3x-4x-5x odds mean?
3x-4x-5x odds refers to the maximum odds bet you can place behind your Pass Line bet. You can bet 3 times your Pass Line wager when the point is 4 or 10, 4 times when it is 5 or 9, and 5 times when it is 6 or 8. This system ensures the maximum payout is always 6 times your original bet.
Is the Don’t Pass bet better odds than the Pass Line?
Yes, slightly. The Don’t Pass has a house edge of 1.36% compared to 1.41% for the Pass Line. The difference is small (about 5p per £100 wagered) but is mathematically significant over thousands of bets.
What are Place bet payouts in craps?
Place 6 or 8 pays 7:6, Place 5 or 9 pays 7:5, and Place 4 or 10 pays 9:5. The 6 and 8 offer the best value with a 1.52% house edge, whilst 4 and 10 carry a much higher 6.67% edge. Always bet Place 6 and 8 in multiples of £6 to receive the correct payout.
How much does the casino make on each craps bet?
The casino’s expected profit varies dramatically by bet. On a Pass Line bet, the casino keeps about 1.41% of the total amount wagered. On a proposition bet like Any Seven, the casino keeps 16.67%. Over a year with millions of pounds wagered, these percentages translate into substantial revenue.
Are hardway bets worth it in craps?
From a pure mathematics standpoint, hardway bets are poor value. Hard 6 and Hard 8 carry a 9.09% house edge, whilst Hard 4 and Hard 10 have an 11.11% edge. These are significantly worse than the core bets. However, some players enjoy them as occasional entertainment bets — just be aware of the cost.
