The craps table is the liveliest spot in any casino a whirlwind of cheers, dice rolling, and players shouting “Come on, seven!” For beginners, though, it can feel like chaos, with bets flying and jargon buzzing. But beneath the excitement, craps is a game of chance with strategies that can help you stretch your money and boost your fun. While no strategy guarantees a jackpot, betting smart can keep you in the game longer and increase your chances of walking away a winner. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to craps betting strategies that’ll help you roll smart and maybe even win big.
What Is Craps, Anyway?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of two dice rolled by a “shooter.” The table is packed with betting options, from simple to complex, and the game moves fast. The main action revolves around the “pass line” and “don’t pass” bets, with additional wagers like “come” or “place” bets adding variety. The house edge varies by bet, so knowing which ones to choose is key. Let’s dive into strategies to help you navigate the table with confidence.
1. Stick to Low-House-Edge Bets
Not all craps bets are created equal. Some have a low house edge (the casino’s advantage), making them smarter choices for stretching your bankroll. The best bets for beginners are:
- Pass Line Bet (1.41% house edge): Bet that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll (the first roll) or establish a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and hit it again before rolling a 7.
- Don’t Pass Bet (1.36% house edge): Bet against the shooter, winning if they roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out or fail to hit the point before rolling a 7.
- Come/Don’t Come Bets: These work like pass/don’t pass but can be placed after the point is established.
How to Bet Smarter: Focus on pass or don’t pass bets to start. They’re simple, have low house edges, and let you enjoy the game’s flow without getting overwhelmed. Avoid high-edge bets like the “Big 6/8” (9.09% house edge) or proposition bets (up to 16.67%), which drain your money faster.
2. Take or Lay Odds for Better Payouts
Once a point is established (e.g., the shooter rolls a 4), you can place an “odds bet” behind your pass or don’t pass bet. This is one of the best bets in any casino because it has zero house edge you’re paid at true odds.
- Pass Line Odds: Bet that the shooter will hit the point before a 7. Payouts vary (e.g., 2:1 for a point of 4 or 10, 3:2 for 5 or 9, 6:5 for 6 or 8).
- Don’t Pass Odds: Bet that a 7 comes before the point, with inverse payouts.
How to Bet Smarter: Always take odds when you can afford it, as they improve your overall return. For example, a $10 pass line bet with $20 odds on a point of 4 pays $60 if you win ($10 for the pass, $40 for the odds). Check the table’s odds limits (e.g., “3-4-5x odds”) and bet within your budget.
3. Use the 3-Point Molly Strategy
The 3-Point Molly is a popular strategy that balances risk and reward while keeping you active in the game. It works like this:
- Place a pass line bet.
- After the point is established, take maximum odds on it.
- Place two “come” bets, each with odds, to have three numbers “working” (the point and two come points).
This spreads your bets across multiple numbers, increasing your chances of winning on each roll while keeping the house edge low.
How to Bet Smarter: Start with small bets (e.g., $5 pass and $5 come bets) and add odds as your budget allows. If a come bet wins, replace it with another to keep three points active. This strategy keeps you engaged without overcomplicating things.
4. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Craps is fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Before you join the table, decide how much you’re willing to spend money you’re okay losing. Treat craps like a night out, not a way to make money.
How to Bet Smarter: Bring only cash for your gambling budget and leave cards at home to avoid dipping into extra funds. For example, if your budget is $100, split it into smaller chunks (e.g., $25 per session) to pace yourself. Stop playing when you hit your limit, whether you’re up or down.
5. Avoid Chasing Losses or Hot Streaks
The energy at a craps table can make you feel like a hot shooter is destined to keep winning or that you can recover losses with one big bet. This is a trap. Every roll is independent, and past results don’t predict future ones.
How to Bet Smarter: Set win and loss limits before you start. For example, decide to walk away if you’re up $50 or down $30. If the table feels “hot,” enjoy the vibe but don’t increase your bets recklessly. Stick to your strategy to avoid emotional decisions.
6. Learn the Table Etiquette
Craps has a unique culture, with players cheering and dice flying. Knowing basic etiquette keeps you from making costly mistakes. For example, don’t touch the dice with both hands (it’s considered bad form), and place bets quickly to keep the game moving.
How to Bet Smarter: Watch a table for a few minutes before joining to get a feel for the flow. Ask the dealer or a friendly player if you’re unsure about a bet. Many casinos offer free craps lessons take one to learn the ropes and build confidence.
7. Take Advantage of Casino Perks
Casinos reward players with comps like free drinks, meals, or loyalty points through player’s clubs. These perks can stretch your experience without extra cost.
How to Bet Smarter: Sign up for the casino’s rewards program before you play. Every bet earns points, which you can redeem for free play or other benefits. Just don’t let comps tempt you to bet beyond your budget stay disciplined.
Bonus Tip: Keep It Fun
Craps is one of the most social and thrilling casino games, with players bonding over every roll. Don’t get so caught up in strategy that you forget to enjoy the vibe. Celebrate wins, laugh off losses, and soak in the energy of the table.
Debunking Craps Myths
You might hear talk of “hot” dice or “lucky” shooters, but these are myths. The dice don’t have memory, and every roll is random. Don’t fall for superstitions like avoiding saying “seven” at the table it won’t change the outcome. Focus on bets with low house edges and solid strategies instead of chasing luck.
