Maximizing Craps Wins

Buzz

Content

Strategies

Optimizing Bet Selection

Choosing Craps Games Wisely

Implementing General Betting Strategies

Helpful Advice

Important Notes

Finding the craps tables in any casino is a breeze - just follow the cheers! Few casino games offer the same level of excitement and camaraderie as craps. While gaining an advantage over the casino is improbable in craps, employing strategic betting can enhance the excitement and minimize losses. Follow the steps below to begin your journey. (Note: This guide assumes familiarity with craps gameplay. For basic rules and instructions, refer to How to Play Craps.)

Strategies

Optimizing Bet Selection

Prioritize the safest bets available. Unless you possess a substantial bankroll and are willing to endure significant losses for the chance of sizable wins, focus on low-risk bets with minimal house edge. While the casino always holds a statistical advantage, selecting the safest bets reduces your exposure to losses to the greatest extent possible.

Focus on Pass Bets for Safety. In the diverse world of craps betting, the pass bet stands out as one of the safest options with a mere 1.41% house edge. Pass bets pay out evenly, ensuring a balanced risk-reward ratio. Stick to pass bets for consistent, low-risk gameplay, avoiding post-come out roll bets to maintain their full value.

For the absolute lowest house edge, take don't pass bets. The don't pass bet is almost the opposite of the pass bet - 2 or 3 on the come out roll win, 7 or 11 lose (12 pushes). If a point is established, you win if a 7 comes before the point and lose if the point comes first. The don't pass bet can be considered one of the single safest bets on the table as the house edge for this bet is only 1.36%.

However, note that most players generally make pass bets, so if you make don't pass bets, you'll win when they lose and vice versa. This can create the table dynamic of you "going against" everyone else, which some people like and some don't.
Like pass bets, don't pass bets pay even money.

Maximize your winnings with odds bets. Odds bets are somewhat unique in that they are truly fair - the house has no edge at all on these bets. However, odds bets can only be made on top of other bets, so, if you make an odds bet, the house still has an edge (albeit a diminished one) on your overall wager. Odds bets usually have a maximum bet amount that is some multiple of your pass or don't pass bet - 2X, 3X, 5X, etc. By taking the maximum odds bet every time you make a pass or don't pass bet, you maximize your winning potential and lower the house edge on your overall wager.

Making an odds bet after a pass bet is betting that the point will be thrown before a 7. The odds bet pays 2 to 1 on points of 4 and 10, 3 to 2 on a 5 and 9, and 6 to 5 on a 6 and 8.

Making an odds bet after a don't pass bet is called "laying the odds" and is the opposite of a normal odds bet - you're betting that a 7 will be rolled before the point. Laying the odds against a 4 or 10 pays 1 to 2, 2 to 3 against a 5 or 9, and 5 to 6 against a 6 or 8.

Consider also making come and don't come bets. Come and don't come bets are essentially the same as pass and don't pass bets, except they're made at any point other than the come out roll. In other words, the roll after the come bet functions as the come out roll for the come bet. The conditions for winning a come or don't come bet are the same as those for pass or don't pass bets, respectively. The odds on both are mathematically identical.

Avoid risky bets with major house edges. Certain bets carry high house edges and are to avoided by serious gamblers at all costs. Only take these bets for their entertainment value - the thrill of risking your money on a long shot. In particular, put bets and proposition (prop) bets offer very unfavorable house edges, so avoid making these bets if you're looking to make money.

Put bets are essentially pass bets that "skip" the come out roll. In other words, you won't win on a 7 or 11 on the first roll and so on. Since much of a pass bet's value is in the come out roll, put bets can have house edges of as high as 33.3%. However, one mitigating factor is that odd bets can be made on top of put bets, lowering the house edge on the overall wager.
Proposition (or "prop") bets are basically bets made on the next roll of the dice. You bet on a specific number, and if the next roll comes up that number, you win. Prop bets are very risky and thus offer high payouts. However, the house edge is large (from about 5% - 17%, depending on the number you choose), so these bets aren't effective ways to make money.

Choosing Craps Games Wisely

Understand the Inherent Casino Advantage. Recognize that casinos always hold an edge in their games. While winning at craps is feasible, the game, like others in the casino, is designed to ensure profits for the house over time. Hence, it's imperative to approach craps with disposable income, as sustained play almost always results in losses to the house.

Seek Out Downtown Tables. In Las Vegas, downtown casinos typically offer marginally better odds compared to those on the famous Strip. While the physical location of the table may not matter, the payout systems distinguish between 'downtown' and 'strip' tables. Opting for a table with the downtown payout system provides a slight yet meaningful advantage.

Find Tables with Experienced Dice Setters. Some players believe in 'dice setting,' a technique purported to influence dice rolls' outcomes. Although the effectiveness of dice setting remains debatable, playing at a table with a dice setter could potentially enhance your chances. Align your bets with those of the dice setter on low-risk options, as high-risk bets are unlikely to yield favorable results.

Consider Non-Casino Craps Games if Legal. Street craps, a casual version of the game played outside casinos, offers an alternative to traditional casino craps. Since there's no house edge in street craps, players cover each other's bets, potentially making it more profitable. However, be aware of local laws, as gambling outside licensed establishments may be illegal.

Implementing General Betting Strategies

Manage Your Finances. Prevent overspending by setting a firm budget for your gambling endeavors. Allocate a specific amount of money as your daily bankroll for craps and stick to it. Utilize your bankroll wisely, opting for conservative bets rather than risking everything on a single roll. Adopting this approach ensures that you'll have funds available throughout the day without needing to replenish your bankroll.

Establish Win and Loss Limits. Knowing when to stop is essential in gambling. Set strict cash limits that, when reached, signal the end of your gambling session for the day. For example, decide to cease gambling when you've won or lost 50% of your initial bankroll. This prevents you from squandering any winnings by continuing to play beyond your limits, ensuring that you always have funds reserved for future sessions.

Cash Out When Ahead. Recognize that casinos are designed to profit from prolonged play. Therefore, it's prudent to cash out when you're ahead rather than risking your winnings further. Resist the urge to continue playing with the hope of increasing your profits, as many players have regretted such decisions.

Maintain a Balanced Perspective. Keep a calm and rational mindset while playing craps. Despite the excitement of winning, refrain from letting it cloud your judgment. Stick to your betting strategy and budget, regardless of past outcomes. While craps can offer thrilling experiences, it's essential to approach the game with a level head.

Helpful Advice

Consider stopping while you're ahead to secure your winnings.
Request complimentary items later, such as a free breakfast or gift, as a reward for your play.

Important Notes

Regarding winning or losing streaks, winning 18 consecutive bets is rare. A more common pattern involves alternating wins and losses. Similarly, losing 18 bets in a row is unusual, but experiencing 18 losses out of 21 bets is more typical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What strategies can help minimize losses while playing craps?

To minimize losses in craps, prioritize safer bets like pass and don't pass bets, which have low house edges. Focus on low-risk betting options to enhance enjoyment while reducing potential losses.

Which bets should I focus on for a safer craps experience?

For a safer craps experience, focus on pass bets and don't pass bets. The house edge on these bets is low, ensuring a balanced risk-reward ratio for players.

How do odds bets work in craps and why should I use them?

Odds bets are unique in craps as they have no house edge. Placing maximum odds bets alongside pass or don't pass bets increases winning potential while lowering overall house edge.

What types of bets should I avoid to increase my chances of winning?

Avoid high-risk bets like put bets and proposition bets, which have large house edges. These bets may be entertaining but are unlikely to yield long-term profits in craps.

How can I effectively manage my bankroll while gambling at craps tables?

Effectively manage your bankroll by setting a specific budget for your gambling session. Stick to this budget and choose conservative bets to ensure you have funds available throughout the day.

Is it advisable to cash out when I’m ahead in craps, and why?

Yes, it's advisable to cash out when you're ahead. Casinos profit from prolonged play, so securing your winnings prevents the risk of losing them in subsequent bets.

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