Let me begin by apologizing to our beginner craps players. I pride myself on being a good teacher, but I overlooked the fact the I have not yet written an article dedicated to the free odds bet. I took it for granted that everyone understood what is mathematically the best bet in the game.

The best bets at the craps table are the pass line bet and the don’t pass bet. The come and don’t come bets are also great wagers. I always advise casino gamblers to try to limit their gambling to games where the house edge is lower than 2% — preferably 1.5% or lower.

• Craps offers players many different types of bet, and these shall all be explained. However, it is best to start with the very basics of the game, which will give you a good place to start. The most basic type of bet is a Pass Line bet, it is a bet placed on the Come Out roll, which is the first roll of a round.
• As a beginner, there are only a few bets you need to know about when learning to play craps. The most common bet on the craps table is the Pass Line bet. It is on the outside of the table and creates a somewhat border around the layout. This bet is saying that the dice are going to “pass”, meaning win.

However, recently, I started seeing very basic questions about the free odds bet pop up on the RoadGambler YouTube channel.

So let’s have a simple discussion about the free odds bet.

For purposes of simplicity, I am only going to discuss free odds on the light side, aka the pass and come side. For the dark side of free odds, see this: https://roadgambler.com/casino/darkside/

Also, the free odds are simply referred to as ‘odds’; so going forward, I will use the term ‘odds’ in lieu of ‘free odds.

WHAT ARE THE FREE ODDS BET?

The odds bet is a bet that can only be made once the player has bet on the pass line or come bet.

It’s mathematically the best bet on the table because the odds pay true odds. That means that, unlike almost every other bet in the casino, the house has no advantage.

Odds bets are usually capped. At most Las Vegas strip properties, the odds bet is capped at a maximum of 3x, 4x, and 5x.

For example, here is a table limit sign at a Las Vegas Strip casino.

Notice that the minimum bet on this table is $15. 3x, 4x, and 5x means that: if the point is 4 or 10, then the maximum odds are 3 times the pass line bet; if the point is 5 or 9, then the maximum odds are 4 times the pass line bet; and if the point is 6 or 8, the maximum odds allowed are 5 times the pass line.

Let’s say that you make a $15 pass line bet. That means that in the above picture since the point is 8 (as marked by the white puck), you can bet $75 worth of odds.

Some casinos will allow more free odds. Notice the sign that says 100x. That means if you bet $5, you can bet up to $500 worth of odds.

WIN-LOSS CONDITIONS OF THE ODDS BET

The odds bet will win if the point assigned to that odds bet rolls before the 7 rolls.

For example, if the point is 8, and the 8 rolls before the 7 rolls, then the odds bet will win. If the 7 rolls before the 8 rolls, then the odds bet will lose.

Odds bets can also be wagered on Come bets after the Come bet point has been established. Be warned that typically if the bettor has a live come bet with odds, and the pass line has just won, then the next roll will be a come out roll for the pass line. In that case, the odds bet attached to the come bet will not be working unless the bettor declares the odds to be working.

HOW TO IDENTIFY AND MAKE THE ODDS BET

In the picture below, the two bets that are behind the pass line bet are the odds bet. To make the odds bet, you just position your chips in the area behind your pass line bet, AFTER THE POINT HAS ROLLED.

If you are playing online, the odds bet is made by dragging chips to the area behind your pass line bet, like this…

PAYOUT ON ODDS BET

The most important thing to know about the odds bet is the payout.

The following are the payouts for each point…

Point is 4 or 10

• Odds will pay 2-1.
• For example, if you bet $10 on the odds, you will be paid $20

Point is 5 or 9

• Odds will pay 3-2.
• For example, if you bet $10 on the odds, you will be paid $15.
• When betting odds on the 5 or 9, always make sure that you bet in even dollar increments. For example, if you bet $5, you will be penalized. True odds payout would be $7.50, but since most casinos do not have 50 cent chips, the casino will round down and pay $7.

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Point is 6 or 8

• Odds will pay 6-5.
• For example, if you bet $10 on the odds, you will be paid $12.
• Always bet in $5 increments, or else you will be penalized. The casino will round down from the true odds payout.

FINAL ADVICE

When in doubt about how much to bet, follow this one simple rule about how much to bet on free odds: Bet in $10 increments.

If you bet in $10 increments, you will always have the correct odds bet. Make sure that the $10 increment does not go over the maximum odds allowed.

Play responsibly and enjoy!

If you ever wanted to learn the game of craps, you have stumbled into the right place. Craps is one of the most popular casino games on the entire planet. The nature of the game is such that you have to be on your toes at every moment. Craps is a fast-paced game. Moreover, if you know the basics of the game, getting a handle of craps will not be daunting.

History of Craps

It is important to know the history as the the rules of craps in order to appreciate it to the fullest. Likewise, the game of craps has a lot of heritage associated with it. Knowing the history of craps might not help you to win, but it certainly makes for some fun conversation around the table. Craps is a fun group game. So, conversing with fellow players at the table will help you to socialize. Similarly, it will also enhance your experience of playing this wonderful game. Craps started its journey in the medieval era. An English nobleman invented the game Hazard in 1125 during the era of the Crusades. It was meant to keep the troops entertained during battle. The early version of Craps required players to bet on the outcome of the roll of a dice. But that’s where the similarities between the modern-day Craps and the medieval era Hazard ended.

When the 17^th century started, craps began to be adopted across most gambling houses in Europe. This game entered the shores of the United States of America when French colonists started playing them in their settlements. Surprisingly, it took the dawn of the 20^th century to bring wholesale changes to the game of craps. An American manufacturer named John H. Winn altered the rules so that players could bet either with or against the shooter.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Craps

Craps is massively popular in casinos all around the world. Because it is typically played by a small group of friends that wager their money together, Craps develop a sense of togetherness. Once you start the game of craps, remember to not pass your turn more than once. Even though you are allowed to pass the turn, someone has to start rolling the dice for the game to begin. Instead of passing up your turn, try and enjoy the game and take risks.

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Tip the dealers at your table. Although you are not obligated to do so, it is important to keep your dealers happy. Even though you may have to tip your dealers while going through a losing streak, it is important to carry out such etiquettes.

In the event that your dice is not in the middle of the table, avoid betting. Late bets are frowned upon. In order to keep everyone at the table happy, always bet after the dice are in the middle of the table.

How to play Craps

Craps has a statistical edge of 1.41 percent. With this in mind, you are likely to collect 99 cents for every dollar you wager. For the purpose of enjoying these odds, always practice caution. It is also important to place smart bets. In order to get comfortable, play for a few hours and get a hang of the dealer and what the best bets are.

Pass Line

The Pass Line is a commonly used space in the table of Craps and it extends all the way around the table. This line is meant for the players who are betting on the shooter’s side. There is also a Don’t Pass Bar demarcated on the table which is meant for the players who are betting against the shooter’s side. The Pass Line is in play at the beginning of a Craps game during the first role of the dice. Likewise, this round is called the ‘come out roll’. As a matter of fact, before every come out roll, players can place bets and win money if the dice roll in their favor.

The Come Bet

Similarly to the Pass Line, the Come Bet has the same regulations. Moreover, the only difference is that the Come Bet can be played in two rounds. The first round has both the Pass Line and the Come Bet placed as the same bet. If the dice roll happens to be 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, the bet will move to the applicable number on the table. Consequently, the bet will stay there until the Come Bet is either won or lost. Furthermore, there is also a Don’t Come Bet which functions similarly to the Don’t Come Bet.

Field

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Every player in front of the Craps table has an area demarcated as ‘Field’. This is where players bet on the featured numbers. Likewise, players place one-roll bets in the Field area.

Place

‘Place’ is where players place bets on a specific number to be rolled. You can also bet against a specific number being rolled and the Place box is where you do it.

Hardway

Best Craps Bets For Beginners For Beginners

Craps has a thing called ‘hardway bet’ where players bet that 4, 6, 8, or 10 will be rolled as a pair. This is one of the riskiest bets at the game of Craps with very high winnings.

One Roll Bets

Similarly to Hardway bets, One Roll Bets are risky yet very rewarding. It is a bet on the very next roll of the dice. Likewise, players place One Roll Bets like “an eight will be thrown as two fours before a seven” in the latter area.

Best Craps Bets For Beginners Beginner

Craps is a fun game to play with friends and colleagues. Once you play a couple of practice rounds and get a hang of the rules and regulations of the game, you will start enjoying the game. It is important to take your time while playing the game of Craps.

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