craps payout chart 2026
Craps Payout Chart: Your Real-World Guide to Odds, House Edge, and Smart Bets
Understanding a craps payout chart is your first real step toward playing with an edge—or at least minimizing your losses. A craps payout chart isn't just a list of numbers; it’s a map of risk versus reward on the casino floor. In the US market, where state-by-state regulations shape online and land-based play, knowing exactly what each bet pays—and what the casino truly expects you to lose—is non-negotiable for any serious player.
Craps is a game of momentum, superstition, and sharp math. The table can be intimidating, with its dozens of betting areas and a language all its own ("Yo-leven!", "Hard six!"). But strip away the noise, and you’re left with probabilities and payouts. This guide cuts through the fluff, delivering a precise, actionable craps payout chart with context you won’t find in generic casino brochures.
Why Most Players Lose (It’s Not Just Bad Luck)
The average crapper walks away from the table down money not because they rolled poorly, but because they bet poorly. They chase high-payout propositions without understanding the catastrophic house edge attached. A $1 bet on “Any Seven” might pay 4:1, but it wins only 1 in 6 rolls. That’s a 16.67% house edge—a guaranteed long-term bleed.
In contrast, the core bets—Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come—have house edges under 1.5%. When you add “odds” behind them (a side bet with zero house edge), you can push your effective edge below 0.5%. That’s as close to fair as a casino game gets.
Your craps payout chart must distinguish between these two worlds: the sucker bets and the strategic ones. Ignoring this distinction is why so many players fund the casino’s air conditioning.
The Core Bets: Your Foundation for Survival
These are the backbone of smart craps play. They resolve over multiple rolls and offer the best odds on the table.
Pass Line & Come Bets
- When placed: Before the “come-out roll” (first roll of a new round).
- Wins if: Shooter rolls 7 or 11.
- Loses if: Shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12 (craps).
- Point established: If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the point. You win if the point repeats before a 7.
- Payout: Even money (1:1).
- House Edge: 1.41%.
Don’t Pass & Don’t Come Bets
- Opposite of Pass/Come.
- Wins if: Shooter rolls 2 or 3 on come-out; loses on 7 or 11; 12 is a push (tie).
- Point phase: You win if a 7 appears before the point.
- Payout: Even money (1:1).
- House Edge: 1.36% (slightly better than Pass).
Betting “Don’t” makes you the “wrong” bettor—the one rooting against the shooter. It’s socially awkward at a hot table but mathematically sound.
The Secret Weapon: Taking Odds
This is where craps becomes unique. After a point is established on a Pass/Don’t Pass (or Come/Don’t Come) bet, you can place an additional “odds” bet.
- Odds bet has no house edge. The casino pays true mathematical odds.
- Payouts vary by point number:
| Point Number | True Odds | Pass Line Odds Payout | Don’t Pass Odds Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2:1 | 2:1 | 1:2 |
| 5 or 9 | 3:2 | 3:2 | 2:3 |
| 6 or 8 | 6:5 | 6:5 | 5:6 |
Most US casinos offer 3x-4x-5x odds (3x on 4/10, 4x on 5/9, 5x on 6/8). Some Strip casinos go up to 100x. Always take full odds—it dramatically lowers your overall house edge.
Example: With 5x odds on a Pass Line bet, your effective house edge drops to 0.326%. That’s better than blackjack with basic strategy.
What Others Won’t Tell You: The Hidden Tax on “Easy” Bets
Casino marketing loves the proposition bets. They’re flashy, resolve instantly, and promise big payouts. But they’re financial quicksand. Here’s the brutal truth most guides gloss over.
The Field Bet Trap
- Pays even money on 3, 4, 9, 10, 11; 2:1 on 2; and sometimes 3:1 on 12.
- Looks fun. Feels active.
- Reality: House edge is 5.56% if 12 pays 2:1, or 2.78% if 12 pays 3:1. Still terrible compared to 1.41% on Pass Line.
- It wins 44.4% of the time—but the losses outweigh the wins over time.
Big 6 & Big 8: The Scam on the Corner
- Pays even money if a 6 or 8 hits before a 7.
- But: You can make a “Place” bet on 6 or 8, which pays 7:6 and has a 1.52% house edge.
- Big 6/8 pays even money with a 9.09% house edge. Casinos keep it on the table because beginners don’t know better.
Proposition Bets: Instant Losses Disguised as Wins
These sit in the center of the table: Any Craps, Any Seven, Hardways, Horn Bets.
- Any Seven: Pays 4:1. True odds are 5:1. House edge: 16.67%.
- Hard 6/Hard 8: Pays 9:1. True odds: 10:1. House edge: 9.09%.
- Horn Bet (covers 2, 3, 11, 12): Complex, high-volatility, house edge around 12.5%.
These bets are designed for short bursts of excitement—not sustained play. One hot streak doesn’t negate the math. Over 1,000 rolls, they will drain your bankroll faster than any other bet.
Full Craps Payout Chart: Every Bet, Every Edge
Below is a comprehensive reference. Use it before you approach the table.
| Bet Type | Payout | True Odds | House Edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1:1 | 251:244 | 1.41% | Core bet. Take odds. |
| Don’t Pass | 1:1 | 976:949 | 1.36% | Slightly better edge. |
| Come | 1:1 | Same as Pass | 1.41% | Functions like Pass after come-out. |
| Don’t Come | 1:1 | Same as D. Pass | 1.36% | |
| Place 6 / Place 8 | 7:6 | 6:5 | 1.52% | Better than Big 6/8. |
| Place 5 / Place 9 | 7:5 | 3:2 | 4.00% | Acceptable in moderation. |
| Place 4 / Place 10 | 9:5 | 2:1 | 6.67% | Avoid unless pressing a hot shooter. |
| Buy 4 / Buy 10 | 2:1 minus 5% | 2:1 | 4.76% | Commission usually on win only now. |
| Lay 4 / Lay 10 | 1:2 minus 5% | 1:2 | 2.44% | Good for “wrong” bettors. |
| Field (12 pays 2:1) | 1:1 or 2:1 | Varies | 5.56% | High frequency, negative expectation. |
| Field (12 pays 3:1) | 1:1 or 3:1 | Varies | 2.78% | Found in some Nevada casinos. |
| Any Craps (2,3,12) | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% | Instant loss vehicle. |
| Any Seven | 4:1 | 5:1 | 16.67% | Worst common bet. |
| Hard 6 / Hard 8 | 9:1 | 10:1 | 9.09% | Long-shot novelty. |
| Hard 4 / Hard 10 | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% | |
| C&E | 3:1 or 7:1 | Varies | 11.11% | Combo of Any Craps + Eleven. |
| World / Horn | Varies | Varies | ~12.5% | Covers 2,3,7,11,12. High volatility. |
Note: House edge calculations assume standard US rules. Online casinos may vary slightly, but core math remains.
Online vs. Land-Based: Does the Chart Change?
In the US, legal online craps is available in a handful of states (NJ, PA, MI, WV, CT). The craps payout chart is identical to land-based versions because the game’s rules are standardized.
However, nuances exist:
- RNG fairness: Online craps uses certified Random Number Generators. Independent labs (e.g., iTech Labs, GLI) audit RTP monthly. Look for these seals.
- Odds limits: Online tables often cap odds at 3x-10x, whereas Vegas offers 100x. This affects your ability to minimize house edge.
- Speed of play: Online, you control the pace. No pressure to tip or match others’ bets. This lets you stick to your strategy.
- Bonuses: Welcome offers can boost your bankroll, but craps often contributes 0–10% toward wagering requirements. Read terms carefully.
Never assume an online casino’s payout differs. The dice have no memory—digital or physical.
Bankroll Management: How the Payout Chart Dictates Your Stakes
Your craps payout chart should directly inform your session budget.
- Rule 1: Allocate 90% of your bankroll to core bets (Pass/Don’t Pass + Odds).
- Rule 2: Limit proposition bets to 5–10% of your session money—for entertainment only.
- Rule 3: Determine your base unit. If your bankroll is $200, a $10 Pass Line bet with $50 in odds (5x) is sustainable for 20+ decisions.
- Rule 4: Walk away after losing 50% of your session bankroll. Chasing losses leads to ruin.
Example: At a $10 table with 3-4-5x odds:
- Pass Line: $10
- Max Odds on 6/8: $50 (5x)
- Total risk per decision: $60
- With a $300 bankroll, you can survive 5 bad sequences.
Ignoring this structure turns a strategic game into a gamble.
Legal and Responsible Play in the US Context
Craps is legal in licensed casinos across commercial and tribal jurisdictions. Online, it’s restricted to states with iGaming legislation. Always verify a site’s license (e.g., NJDGE, PGCB).
Under US advertising standards (FTC, state AG guidelines):
- We cannot promise “wins” or “easy money.”
- All payout data reflects long-term statistical averages, not guarantees.
- Gambling involves risk of loss. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org.
Set deposit limits, use reality checks, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. The craps payout chart shows expected outcomes—not certainties.
Conclusion: Master the Chart, Not the Dice
A craps payout chart is more than reference material—it’s your strategic blueprint. In the US market, where entertainment value meets mathematical rigor, success comes from discipline, not dice control or lucky charms. Focus on low-edge bets, always take full odds, and treat high-payout propositions as costly entertainment, not investment opportunities. The dice don’t care about your hopes, but the math does. Play accordingly, and you’ll outlast 95% of players at the table.
What is the best bet in craps according to the payout chart?
The best bet is the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line combined with maximum “odds.” The base bet has a house edge of 1.41% or 1.36%, and the odds bet has 0% house edge. Together, they offer the lowest overall advantage to the casino.
Why do some bets pay less than true odds?
Casinos build their profit into the payout structure. For example, “Any Seven” has true odds of 5:1 (since 6 out of 36 combinations total 7), but pays only 4:1. The difference is the house edge—16.67% in this case.
Is the craps payout chart different online?
No. Reputable US-licensed online casinos use the same rules and payouts as land-based venues. The only differences may be in maximum odds offered or table minimums.
What does “taking odds” mean?
After a point is established on a Pass or Come bet, you can place an additional “odds” bet behind your original wager. This bet pays true mathematical odds (e.g., 2:1 for point 4/10) and carries no house edge.
Are Hardway bets worth it?
No. Hard 6 and Hard 8 have a 9.09% house edge; Hard 4 and Hard 10 are even worse at 11.11%. They pay well (9:1 or 7:1), but win too infrequently to justify the risk for serious players.
How do I use the payout chart to manage my bankroll?
Use the chart to identify low-edge bets for your core strategy. Allocate most of your session money to Pass/Don’t Pass + Odds. Limit high-edge bets (like Field or Any Seven) to a small entertainment budget—never your primary stake.
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Appreciate the write-up. The structure helps you find answers quickly. A small table with typical limits would make it even better. Worth bookmarking.
Good to have this in one place; the section on deposit methods is practical. The safety reminders are especially important.
Nice overview. A short 'common mistakes' section would fit well here.