craps buy bet 2026
Master the craps buy bet: odds, commission traps, and real RTP. Learn when it beats place bets—before you wager.
craps buy bet
craps buy bet is one of the most misunderstood wagers on the American casino table. Unlike pass line or come bets, a craps buy bet lets you wager directly on specific point numbers—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10—with true odds paid minus a 5% commission. But here’s what few explain: that 5% vig isn’t always 5%. And depending on how and when you pay it, your effective house edge can swing from 1.67% to over 4.76%. This guide cuts through the noise with exact math, regional rules (U.S. casinos), and strategic timing—so you know whether this bet belongs in your arsenal or belongs in the discard pile.
Why “True Odds” Isn’t Always True
Casinos advertise the craps buy bet as paying “true odds.” Technically correct—but misleading. True odds mean the payout matches the mathematical probability of rolling your number before a 7. For example:
- Rolling a 4 or 10 happens 3 ways (1-3, 2-2, 3-1) vs. six ways to roll 7 → odds are 2:1.
- Rolling a 5 or 9: 4 ways vs. 6 → odds 3:2.
- Rolling a 6 or 8: 5 ways vs. 6 → odds 6:5.
A $20 buy bet on 4 should return $40 profit plus your stake if it hits. And it does—but only after the casino takes its cut.
That cut is the commission (or “vig”), usually 5%. Crucially, when you pay it changes everything:
- Pay upfront: You pay $1 commission on a $20 bet immediately. If you lose, you’re out $21.
- Pay on win only: You pay $1 only if your bet wins. Lose? You lose just $20.
Most U.S. casinos (especially in Las Vegas and Atlantic City) now use “pay on win” for 4 and 10, but still require upfront payment for 5, 6, 8, 9. This asymmetry creates hidden traps.
A $25 buy bet on 5 with upfront commission costs $26.25 total (5% of $25 = $1.25). If it wins, you get $37.50 profit (3:2 of $25) + $25 stake = $62.50, minus nothing extra—because you already paid. Net gain: $36.25.
But if you could pay on win, you’d only owe $1.25 upon success, keeping your loss at $25 if it fails.
This timing difference shifts the house edge dramatically—as shown below.
The Real Cost: House Edge by Number and Payment Method
The following table breaks down the exact house edge for craps buy bets across all point numbers, comparing “pay upfront” versus “pay on win” models. All figures assume standard U.S. casino rules and a 5% commission.
| Point Number | True Odds | Pay Upfront Commission | House Edge (Upfront) | Pay on Win Commission | House Edge (On Win) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2:1 | Yes (most legacy tables) | 4.76% | Yes (common now) | 1.67% |
| 5 or 9 | 3:2 | Yes | 4.76% | Rare | ~2.00%* |
| 6 or 8 | 6:5 | Yes | 4.76% | Extremely rare | ~2.27%* |
*Estimated assuming win-only commission; not standard in U.S. casinos.
Notice the massive drop for 4/10 when commission is win-only: from 4.76% down to 1.67%. That’s better than most place bets!
But for 5/6/8/9, the house edge remains punishingly high unless win-only applies—which it almost never does outside promotional tables.
What Other Guides DON'T Tell You
Most online tutorials gloss over three critical realities:
-
Minimum Bet Traps Inflate Effective Vig
Casinos often impose $20 minimums on buy bets—even though 5% of $20 is just $1. But if you try to bet $10? They’ll still charge $1 (not $0.50), effectively doubling your commission to 10%.
Example: $10 buy on 4 with $1 flat fee → house edge jumps to 9.09%. Avoid sub-$20 buy bets entirely. -
“Buy 6/8” Is Almost Always a Scam
Some novices think, “If 4/10 are good with win-only vig, why not 6/8?” Because no major U.S. casino offers win-only commission on 6 or 8. You’ll always pay upfront.
Result: House edge = 4.76%, while a standard place bet on 6/8 has only 1.52%. You’re tripling the casino’s advantage for no reason. -
Commission Rounding Can Bite You
On uneven bets like $30, 5% = $1.50. But casinos round up. So you pay $2. That’s a 6.67% effective commission. Stick to multiples of $20 ($20, $40, $60…) where 5% = whole dollar amounts. -
Table-Specific Rules Vary Wildly
In Reno or tribal casinos, rules differ. Some charge 5% on all wins, others cap commission at $1 regardless of bet size (great for high rollers). Always ask: “Is commission paid upfront or on win for 4 and 10?” before betting.
Buy Bet vs. Place Bet: The Only Comparison That Matters
Forget complex strategies. Ask one question: “Which gives me lower house edge on my chosen number?”
- For 4 or 10:
- Place bet house edge = 6.67%
- Buy bet (win-only vig) = 1.67% → Buy wins
-
Buy bet (upfront vig) = 4.76% → Still better than place!
-
For 5 or 9:
- Place bet = 4.00%
-
Buy bet (upfront) = 4.76% → Place wins
-
For 6 or 8:
- Place bet = 1.52%
- Buy bet (upfront) = 4.76% → Place dominates
So unless you’re betting on 4 or 10 at a win-only vig table, the buy bet is mathematically inferior. Full stop.
Strategic Execution: How to Play It Right
If you’ve confirmed your casino offers win-only commission on 4/10, follow this protocol:
- Wait for a point to be established (after come-out roll).
- Place your buy bet on 4 or 10 only. Never 5–9.
- Bet in $20 increments: $20, $40, $60… to avoid fractional commissions.
- Ask the dealer: “Is this a buy bet, win-commission only?” before pushing chips.
- Remove or reduce the bet after a win if you’re risk-averse—these are contract bets otherwise.
Remember: Buy bets are always working during come-out rolls unless you tell the dealer “off.” If you leave it on and a 7 rolls on come-out, you lose.
Legal & Responsible Gambling Context (U.S.)
Craps is legal in licensed casinos across Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and other regulated states. Online craps—including buy bets—is available in NJ, PA, MI, WV, and CT via state-licensed platforms like BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel Casino.
All regulated operators must:
- Display house edge or RTP (return-to-player) data upon request.
- Offer self-exclusion tools (cool-off periods, deposit limits).
- Verify age (21+) and location via geolocation.
Never gamble more than you can afford to lose. The craps buy bet, even at its best (1.67% edge), still favors the house long-term.
Real-World Example: $100 Buy Bet on 4 at Three Different Casinos
To illustrate how rules impact outcomes, consider a $100 buy bet on 4 across three hypothetical—but realistic—U.S. venues:
Casino A (Las Vegas Strip, Win-Only Vig)
- Commission: $5 paid only if 4 hits
- Payout on win: $200 profit + $100 stake – $5 vig = $295 total return
- Loss: $100
- House edge: 1.67%
Casino B (Regional Midwest, Upfront Vig)
- Commission: $5 paid immediately
- Total risk: $105
- Payout on win: $200 profit + $100 stake = $300 (no additional vig)
- Net profit: $195
- House edge: 4.76%
Casino C (Tribal Casino, Flat $1 Vig Cap)
- Commission: $1 flat fee regardless of bet size
- Total risk: $101
- Payout on win: $300
- Net profit: $199
- House edge: 0.33% — exceptionally player-friendly
This shows why location matters more than bet type. At Casino C, the buy bet becomes one of the best wagers on the table. At Casino B, it’s mediocre. Always scout the commission policy before buying.
Why Dealers Encourage Buy Bets (And Why You Should Be Skeptical)
Dealers often prompt players: “Want to buy the 4?” It sounds helpful—but remember, they earn tips based on action volume, not your profitability. A buy bet generates immediate commission revenue for the house (and potentially larger tippers). That doesn’t mean it’s wrong, but it does mean their incentive isn’t aligned with yours. Politely ask about the vig structure before complying.
The Myth of “Buying All the Numbers”
Some systems suggest “buying all inside numbers” (5,6,8,9) to cover the board. This is disastrous math. With upfront commissions, you’re locking in a 4.76% edge on each number—far worse than place bets. Even if win-only applied (which it doesn’t), the combined volatility would drain your bankroll faster than selective betting. Avoid blanket coverage strategies.
What is a craps buy bet?
A craps buy bet is a wager that a specific point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. It pays true odds minus a 5% commission, which may be paid upfront or only upon winning, depending on casino rules.
When is a buy bet better than a place bet?
Only when betting on 4 or 10 at casinos that charge commission on wins only. In that case, the house edge drops to 1.67%, beating the place bet's 6.67%. For all other numbers, place bets have lower house edges.
Do I have to pay commission on every buy bet?
Yes, but timing varies. Most U.S. casinos charge 5% commission only on wins for 4 and 10. For 5, 6, 8, and 9, commission is typically paid upfront. Always confirm with the dealer.
What’s the minimum buy bet in Las Vegas?
Most Strip casinos require a $20 minimum buy bet on 4 and 10 to ensure the 5% commission equals $1. Betting less often results in a higher effective commission rate.
Can I make a buy bet online?
Yes, at licensed online casinos in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Digital craps tables replicate live rules, including win-only commission on 4/10. Check the game’s paytable or help menu for specifics.
Is the buy bet a good strategy for beginners?
Only if restricted to 4 or 10 with win-only commission. Otherwise, it’s worse than basic place bets. Beginners should master pass line and come bets first—they offer lower house edges (1.41%) and simpler mechanics.
Conclusion
The craps buy bet isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s situational. Its value hinges entirely on two factors: the number you choose and how the casino collects commission. In modern U.S. casinos, it shines only on 4 and 10 with win-only vig, delivering a 1.67% house edge that outperforms place bets. Everywhere else, it’s a mathematically inferior choice masked as a “true odds” opportunity. Smart players treat it as a niche tool, not a core strategy. Verify table rules, bet in clean increments, and never assume “buy” means “better.” Because in craps—and especially with the craps buy bet—the devil’s in the commission details.
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