Craps Strategy Guide: Pass Line, Odds Bets and House Edge

Craps strategy is built on one idea: stick with the bets that carry the lowest house edge. The pass line (about 1.41 percent) and don't pass (about 1.36 percent) paired with free odds bets give you some of the best odds in the casino, while many popular proposition bets cost far more.

Craps can look intimidating, with its crowded table and fast pace, but the core game is simple. This guide explains the basic bets, how odds bets reduce the effective house edge and which wagers to skip. It also covers bankroll tips for live and online play. For more table game advice, visit our casino strategy hub.

How Craps Works in Brief

Play begins with the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, pass line bets win. If they roll 2, 3 or 12 (craps), pass line bets lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point. The shooter then keeps rolling. If the point repeats before a 7, pass line bets win; if a 7 comes first, they lose.

Because 7 is the most likely roll (6 of 36 combinations, or 16.7 percent), the game is balanced by a small house edge rather than a large one. That makes craps one of the best-value games when you play the right bets.

Key Terms

• Shooter: the player rolling the dice.
• Come-out roll: the first roll of a new round.
• Point: the number established on the come-out roll.
• Odds bet: an additional wager behind your pass or don't pass bet.

The Pass Line and Don't Pass

The pass line bet wins on a come-out 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3 or 12. The house edge is about 1.41 percent. The don't pass bet is the opposite; it wins on 2 or 3, pushes on 12 (in most US casinos) and loses on 7 or 11. The house edge is about 1.36 percent. The difference is small, so choose based on your comfort. Betting don't pass means you are rooting against the table, which some players find socially awkward, though it is perfectly acceptable.

Why Odds Bets Are the Best Bet in the Casino

Once a point is established, you can add an odds bet behind your pass line wager. The casino pays this bet at true odds, meaning it has no house edge. The more you wager on odds, the lower the overall house edge on your total action.

For example, with 2x odds allowed, your combined house edge on a pass line plus odds bet drops to approximately 0.61 percent. With 5x odds, it is about 0.33 percent, and with 10x odds, about 0.18 percent. These are among the lowest edges available in any casino game.

How Odds Pay

Odds payouts depend on the point: 2 to 1 on 4 or 10, 3 to 2 on 5 or 9, and 6 to 5 on 6 or 8. These match the real probabilities, which is why the casino has no edge on this wager.

Come and Don't Come Bets

Come bets work like pass line bets but are placed after the point is set. The next roll acts as the come-out roll for that bet. Don't come is the opposite. They carry the same house edge as pass and don't pass and can also be backed with odds. Using come bets increases your action but also your risk per roll, so size them carefully relative to your bankroll.

Bets to Avoid

Craps tables contain many proposition bets with high payouts and high house edges. The "any seven" bet, for instance, carries about a 16.7 percent house edge. Hardway bets run from roughly 9 to 11 percent, and the "any craps" bet around 11 percent. The center-table props are fun but are expensive over time.

Place bets on 6 and 8 have a smaller edge of about 1.52 percent, which is acceptable if you want more numbers working. Place bets on 5 or 9 (4 percent) and 4 or 10 (6.67 percent) are less attractive. If you want simple, efficient play, pass line with maximum odds is hard to beat.

Bankroll Management at the Craps Table

Craps is fast, and it is easy to lose more than you intended. Set a session budget and a stop-loss before you sit down. A common rule is to bring at least 20 to 30 times your base bet. If you play pass line with $10 and 3x odds, a $600 bankroll provides cushion for typical swings.

1. Pick a unit size that is no more than 1 to 2 percent of your session bankroll.
2. Set a win goal and a loss limit. Leave when you hit either.
3. Do not use betting systems to chase losses; no system changes the house edge.
4. Take breaks. Fast-paced games encourage overplaying.

The same discipline applies online. Many licensed operators offer craps in digital and live dealer formats. See our guide to live dealer casinos for options, and our list of the top online casinos for regulated platforms.

Online Versus Live Craps

Online craps is typically RNG-based, with fixed bet limits and faster rounds. Live craps involves a table crew and social atmosphere, with more distractions and slower pace. Odds limits vary: land-based casinos often allow 3x-4x-5x or higher, while online versions may restrict odds to lower multiples. Check the rules before you play since odds limits directly affect your effective house edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bet in craps?

The pass line or don't pass bet combined with the maximum odds allowed. The odds portion has no house edge.

Can you beat craps with a strategy?

No strategy removes the house edge, but smart bet selection minimizes it. Avoid proposition bets and use odds.

How much should I bring to a craps table?

Plan for at least 20 to 30 base bets. Smaller tables with lower minimums are better for beginners.

Is craps legal online in the US?

Yes, in states with regulated online casinos such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia, licensed operators offer craps.

Conclusion

Craps rewards players who stay disciplined. Focus on the pass line or don't pass, back it with the maximum odds you can afford, skip the proposition bets and manage your bankroll. Try the game in demo mode first, then move to real stakes at a licensed operator when you feel comfortable. Explore our casino guides for more strategies.