How the Odds in Craps Are Calculated

calculating craps odds

3 minutes

Last Updated: January 17, 2024

Craps is a simple luck-based game that doesn’t take much effort to earn. The betting process is straightforward, and the odds are among the most favorable out of any casino game.

But, do you know how odds are calculated in craps? Knowing this is crucial, as it will help you make smarter bets and increase your winning chances.

In this short and concise guide, we’ll show you how the odds in craps are calculated so that you can find the best odds in the game.

How Are Craps Odds Calculated?

While calculating craps odds might sound like something too complicated and only reserved for pro gamblers, this isn’t really true. It is one of the simplest craps strategy elements you should learn.

To calculate the odds, the first thing you need to know is the total number of potential outcomes in the game.

In a game of craps that includes two six-sided dice, the total number of combinations is 36.

So, why does this matter? In simple terms, knowing the combinations also lets you know the true odds by applying simple math.

To know the odds, all you need to do is divide the number of total combinations (36) by the number of combinations for a specific bet.

how are odds in craps calculated

If you want to take this to the next level, you can try to memorize all of the combinations. However, as craps is a very volatile game, doing so isn’t very important.

Instead, it’s best to remember a few of the most common combinations. For example, as you can discern by adding possible dice combinations, playing the numbers 6 and 8 gives you five possible combinations each.

Craps Odds and Payouts Table

As with other luck-based table available at online casinos like those listed at onlinecasinoraad.nl, such as baccarat and roulette, craps includes a variety of bets you can explore.

What’s more, these bets will likely have different odds or payouts based on where you play the game. But, to give you a better estimate of what to expect in terms of payouts, here’s an overview of the craps odds,

Craps Bet True Odds
Pass Line/Come 2/1
Don’t Pass/Come 1/2
Place 6 and 8 6/5
Place 5 and 9 3/2
Place 4 and 10 2/1
Buy 6 or 8 6/5
Buy 5 or 9 3/2
Buy 4 or 10 2/1
Lay 6 or 8 5/6
Lay 5 or 9 2/3
Lay 4 or 10 1/2
Field Bet 5/4
Any Craps 8/1
Hardway 6 or 8 10/1
Hardway 4 or 10 8/1
3 or 11 17/1
2 or 12 35/1
Any 7 5/1

Craps House Edge

Like the odds, the house edge in craps varies depending on which bet you place. If you place a smart bet, you can play with some of the lowest house edge percentages you’ll find in any casino game.

understanding craps odds

On the other hand, some craps bets have a house edge that goes well into the double digits. These are generally bad bets and should be avoided. Here’s a complete run through the house edge of each craps bet:

  • Any 7 – 16.7%
  • 2 or 12 – 13.9%
  • 3 or 11 – 11.1%
  • Hardway 4 or 10 – 11.1%
  • Hardway 6 or 8 – 9.1%
  • Any Craps – 11.1%
  • Field Bet – 5.6%
  • Lay 4 or 10 – 2.4%
  • Lay 5 or 9 – 3.2%
  • Lay 6 or 8 – 4%
  • Buy 4 or 10 – 4.8%
  • Buy 5 or 9 – 4.8%
  • Buy 6 or 8 – 4.8%
  • Place 4 and 10 – 6.7%
  • Place 5 and 9 – 4%
  • Place 6 and 8 – 1.5%
  • Don't Pass/Come – 1.4%
  • Pass Line/Come – 1.4%

The Importance of Using a Craps Chart

Lastly, we want to highlight the importance of familiarizing yourself with the craps payout chart. You can find plenty of generic craps payout charts online.

That said, while these will give you a ballpark estimate, odds and payouts in craps can vary depending on the casino you’re playing the game in.

With that in mind, it’s best to read the casino’s craps payout chart before you start betting. Every online casino that offers this game will have a payout chart readily available for you to glance over.

Disclaimer: content on mypokercoaching.com may contain affiliate links to online gambling operators and other sites. When you use our affiliate links, we may earn a commission based on our terms of service, but that does not influence the content on the site since we strictly follow our editorial guidelines. Learn more about how we make money and why we always stick to unbiased content. All content on this site is intended for those 21 or older or of legal gambling age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright © iBetMedia UAB. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced or distributed without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.