Craps side bets: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Craps is a popular casino game that involves rolling dice and trying to predict the outcome. Normally, the player wagers on different results in the hope of collecting a payout. However, many players choose to add some excitement to the game by betting on side bets or proposition bets.
There are a wide variety of craps side bets available, each with its own unique payout and set of rules. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of craps side bets.
The Good
One of the most popular craps side bets is the hardways bet, which involves betting that a specific number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled as a pair before a non-pair combination of that number. For example, if you bet on the hard eight, you are betting that two fours will be rolled before any other combination of eight (such as 5-3, 6-2, or 7-1).
The hardways bet has a relatively low house edge of just 9%, making it an enticing option for many craps players. Additionally, payouts can be quite high, with players earning anywhere from 7:1 to 9:1 odds depending on the casino.
Another popular craps side bet is the yo or yo-leven bet, which involves betting that an 11 will be rolled on the next roll. This bet has a higher house edge of around 11%, but it can be a lot of fun to play and pays out at a generous 15:1 odds.
Finally, there is the horn bet, which involves betting that a 2, 3, 11, or 12 will be rolled on the next roll. This bet typically pays out at 30:1 odds, making it one of the most lucrative craps side bets available. However, it also has a high house edge of around 12.5%.
The Bad
While there are certainly some craps side bets that are worth considering, there are also a number of bets that you should steer clear of.
One such bet is the any seven bet, which involves betting that a 7 will be rolled on the next roll. While this bet has a high payout of 4:1 odds, it also has a very high house edge of around 16.67%. This is because 7 is the most common number to be rolled in craps, making it a fairly safe bet for the casino to offer.
Similarly, you should be wary of the big six or big eight bet, which involves betting that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. While the payout for these bets can be relatively high at 1:1 odds, the house edge is quite high at around 9%, making it a bet that is not worth the risk.
The Ugly
Finally, there are some craps side bets that are just downright ugly. These bets have a very high house edge and offer little chance of winning any significant payout.
One such bet is the field bet, which involves betting that the next roll will result in a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. While this may seem like a tempting bet, given the number of potential outcomes, the house edge for the field bet is a whopping 5.56%. This means that, over time, you are likely to lose more money than you win.
Another ugly bet is the hard four or hard ten bet, which involves betting that the number 4 or 10 will be rolled as a pair (such as two twos or two fives). While the payout for this bet can be quite high, at 7:1 odds, the house edge is a staggering 11.1%, making it a very unfavorable bet for players.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to craps side bets, there are certainly some options that are worth considering. The hardways bet, yo-leven bet, and horn bet can all offer decent payouts with a relatively low house edge.
However, there are also a number of craps side bets that you should avoid at all costs. The any seven bet, big six or big eight bet, and field bet are all highly unfavorable bets that offer little chance of winning any significant payout.
Ultimately, the key to success in craps is to stick to the standard bets and play smart. By being mindful of your wagers and carefully managing your bankroll, you can maximize your chances of winning and have a great time playing this exciting casino game.