MASTERING CRAPS SIDE BETS

Side bets in craps are a hot topic. Not everyone is a fan of side bets in general, but perhaps the context of craps tables changes things. Let’s have a look at the most popular side bets in craps and if they are worth betting on.

UNDERSTANDING SIDE BETS IN CRAPS GAME

Craps is one of the most dynamic and fast-paced casino games, known for its energetic atmosphere and variety of betting options. While the core game revolves around traditional wagers like Pass Line and Don’t Pass, many players also engage with side bets to add extra excitement and potential rewards. These additional wagers exist separately from the main game and often come with unique rules, payout structures, and risk levels.

DEFINITION OF SIDE BETS AS WAGERS SEPARATE FROM THE MAIN GAME

Side bets are additional wagers that exist independently of the main game’s standard bets. These wagers do not influence or depend on the outcome of traditional bets. Instead, they offer alternative betting options, often centered around specific dice rolls, sequences, or statistical occurrences. Unlike the primary bets, which follow the structured flow of a craps round, side bets can be resolved in a single roll or over multiple rolls, adding a layer of variety to the game.

WHY DO GAMBLERS LIKE TO PLACE SIDE BETS?

Many players enjoy placing side bets in craps because they introduce extra excitement and a chance for bigger payouts beyond the core gameplay. Here are some key reasons why gamblers are drawn to them:

• Higher Payout Potential – Side bets often come with long odds, meaning successful wagers can yield significant returns compared to standard bets.
• Increased Action – With side bets, players have more opportunities to engage in the game, keeping the excitement level high even if the main game moves at a slower pace.
• Diversification of Strategy – Some players see side bets as a way to mix up their betting approach, either by hedging their main wagers or by pursuing high-risk, high-reward opportunities.
• Social and Entertainment Value – Craps is a communal game, and side bets can add an extra layer of fun, encouraging players to cheer for specific results beyond the standard betting structure.

POPULAR CRAPS SIDE BETS AND THEIR PAYOUTS

Before you place bets at random, here’s a full breakdown of the different side bets within craps tables.

HARDWAYS BETS

Hardways bets involve wagering that a specific even-numbered total, such as double two in craps (hard 4), will be rolled before a 7 or its easier counterpart. These bets often offer higher payouts but come with a greater house edge compared to standard wagers

BUFFALO BET IN HARDWAYS BETS

The Buffalo Bet combines all four Hardways bets with an additional wager on any 7, increasing the action on the table. This bet appeals to players who enjoy making multiple bets at once for a chance at larger payouts.

HOP BETS

Hop Bets are single-roll wagers placed on specific dice combinations appearing on the next throw. These high-risk bets pay significantly if successful but are lost if any other number appears. To learn more about Hop bets, have a look at this guide to Hop bets.

FIRE BET

The Fire Bet is a long-term wager that rewards players if the shooter establishes and successfully hits multiple different points in a single roll session. To learn more about Fire bets, have a look at this guide to Fire bets.

REPEATER BETS

Repeater Bets focus on specific numbers being rolled multiple times before a 7 appears. These bets are designed for players who believe in streaks and want to capitalize on numbers appearing frequently within a game session.

MUGGSY’S CORNER BET

This is a side bet that focuses on specific dice combinations. It’s a more niche bet with higher payouts but comes with a higher house edge, making it a fun but risky strategy.

BONUS CRAPS SIDE BETS (ATS BETS)

All, Tall, and Small (ATS) bets allow players to wager on whether a shooter will roll all the numbers in a specific range before rolling a 7. These bets add an extra layer of excitement to the table by giving players long-term goals beyond individual rolls.

MUGGSY’S CORNER BET

Muggsy’s Corner Bet is a unique side bet that focuses on a specific set of dice combinations landing within a game session. This bet allows players to take a different approach from traditional bets, making it a distinctive option at the craps table.

LOW DICE, HIGH DICE BETS

Low Dice and High Dice bets divide the possible outcomes into two groups—low numbers (2-6) and high numbers (8-12). Players can wager on whether the next roll will fall within their chosen range, adding a simple but engaging alternative to standard craps betting.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CRAPS SIDE BETS

While these bets can offer the potential for big payouts, they often come with a higher house edge compared to standard wagers like the odds bet or place bet. It’s essential to weigh the risks and rewards before placing chips on the table.

PROS

Here are some pros of side bets in craps:

• Higher Payouts – Many side bets pay significantly more than even money, making them attractive for players looking for a big win.
• Increased Excitement – With a new shooter and a variety of wagers available, side bets add more action to the game, especially when a shooter makes multiple successful throws.
• Flexibility in Play – Players can place a specific bet on a come out roll, a one-roll wager, or bets that depend on a point being established.
• Additional Bonuses – Some casinos offer promotions or bonuses tied to side bets, making them even more appealing.

CONS

Here are some disadvantages of side bets in craps:

• Higher House Edge – Unlike the free odds bet, most side bets carry a significant house edge, reducing the probability of consistent wins.
• Bankroll Management – Since many side bets are resolved in one throw or require a specific number to be rolled before a 7, they can quickly drain a player’s funds.
• Complex Rules – Some bets, like the Fire Bet or Buy Bet, have detailed rules that may be confusing to new players.
• Lower Winning Frequency – Many side bets require the shooter to roll a specific combo, making it more likely for players to lose rather than win.

STRATEGIES FOR PLAYING CRAPS SIDE BETS

A solid strategy involves understanding when to place these wagers and how to incorporate them into a well-balanced betting approach. Instead of betting randomly, players should look for opportunities where side bets can complement their main wagers, capitalising on situations where the probability of success is slightly improved. Having said there, let’s have a look at a couple of other solid strategies.

MANAGING YOUR BANKROLL WHEN PLAYING SIDE BETS

A strong bankroll management strategy is crucial when playing side bets at craps tables. Unlike pass line wins, which follow structured payouts, side bets tend to have higher variance. Players should allocate only a small portion of their overall bankroll to side bets to avoid excessive losses. Assuming a player wants to place a simple side bet, they should set a limit on how much they are willing to risk without cutting into their primary betting strategy.

COMBINING SIDE BETS WITH SMART MAIN BETS

One effective strategy is to combine side bets with solid main bets to balance risk and reward. For example, players can pair a side bet with an odds bet on a point established to maximize their chances of a prize. If a shooter rolls well and avoids a seven out, a well-placed side bet can significantly boost winnings. By placing side bets selectively and not on every roll, players can avoid unnecessary losses and keep their overall strategy sound.

DON’T PASS BET STRATEGY

Let’s have a look at some specific strategies that can help you win more. This strategy involves betting against the shooter, meaning you’re wagering that they will lose. It offers a lower house edge compared to the Pass Line bet, making it a conservative approach for long-term play.

DON’T COME BET STRATEGY

Similar to the Don’t Pass bet, this strategy allows you to bet against the shooter once the point is established. It gives you another way to bet on a 7 before the point number is rolled, reducing the risk of losing.

COME BET STRATEGY

A Come bet is placed after the come-out roll, and it’s essentially a mini Pass Line bet. It’s useful because it can be placed anytime after the point is set, offering more opportunities for action.

PASS LINE BET STRATEGY

One of the most straightforward strategies, the Pass Line bet is placed on the come-out roll, betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 to win. It has a relatively low house edge, making it a popular choice for beginners.

HOUSE EDGE AND RISK FACTORS OF SIDE BETS

Side bets in craps are generally riskier than standard wagers because they carry a much higher house edge. While traditional bets like the pass line or don’t pass bets offer relatively low house edges, some side bets can have an edge exceeding 10% or more, significantly reducing a player’s long-term chances of winning. The appeal of these bets lies in their potential for large payouts, but this comes at the cost of higher variance and lower probability of success. Additionally, many side bets are resolved in just one or a few rolls, meaning players can lose their wager quickly, leading to a more volatile gambling experience. The randomness of dice rolls and the structure of these bets make it difficult to develop a consistent winning strategy, which is why they should be approached with caution. While they can be a fun way to add excitement to the game, players should always be aware of their potential impact on funds management and overall gameplay strategy.

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