Craps Place Bet: Understanding the Rules and Odds

Q: Is it better to place or buy in craps?

It is better to place when betting on the 6 or 8 . When betting on the 5 or 9, it is better to place until you reach a bet amount of $50 or more . You will make $1 more on the payout with a buy bet of $50. When betting on the 4 or 10, it is better to place until you reach a bet amount of $20 or more.

In this post, we will focus on the craps place bet, which is one of the most common bets on the craps table. Craps is a popular dice game at casinos, and there are many different types of bets that can be placed.

We will cover how the place bet works, whether it is a good bet to place, the odds of winning, and other important information about place bets.

1.52-6.67%

House
Advantage

48.5-43.3%

Chance to
Win

Good Bet?

★★★★★

How the place Bet works

A place bet in craps can be made at any time during the game, but is most often made after a point is established. A place bet can be made on the 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The bet is made by placing your chips on the layout and simply telling the dealer which number you’d like.

For example, “Ten dollars on the 5”. Place bets need to be at least the value of the table minimum, and cannot exceed the table maximum. Bets are made in increments of $5 for the 4, 5, 9, and 10, they are made in increments of $6 for the 6 and 8.

Your bet wins if your number is rolled, all bets are lost with a 7.

When a point is established on a come out roll, your place bets are automatically working, or “On”. When a shooter is between points and the puck is “off”, your place bets are also “off” by default. You always have the option to work your bets, or turn them off, however. Simply let the dealer know what you want and they will put an “on” or “off” token on your bets accordingly.

If you have a pass line bet and the point established is a number you already have a place bet on, the dealer will usually look to move your bet. This is because you already have that number covered with the pass line bet.

You can either pull the money down, place it on another number, or simply leave it there. Leaving it there is not the best idea however, you’d be better off making it your odds bet on the pass line as it will pay more.

Learn more about how to play craps here.

Odds of Winning a place Bet

The chance of winning a place bet is as follows:

48.48% on the 6 or 8
46% on the 5 or 9
43.3% on the 4 or 10

Place bet payouts in the craps game are as follows

4 or 10 pays 9:5 ($5 bet pays $9)
5 or 9 pays 7:5 ($5 bet pays $7)
6 or 8 pays 7:6 ($6 bet pays $7)

Related – Advanced Craps Betting Strategy

Payouts are determined by local gaming commission regulations, most states follow the same payouts as listed above, but these could vary from one jurisdiction to another. The above are from NV.

House Edge on place Bets

The house edge on place bets is between 1.52% – 6.67%, depending on which numbers you place with your craps bet. This means that, on average, the casino will make a profit of 1.52% – 6.67% on place bets.

Here is the breakdown of house edge

1.52% on 6 or 8

4% on 5 or 9

6.67% on 4 or 10

Craps place Bets FAQs:

What is the difference between a place bet and a buy bet in craps?

The payout on place bets are slightly less than true odds. Buy bets are paid at true odds, but a 5% commission, or vig, is taken on buy bets. Because there is a 5% commission, it does not make sense to buy the 6 or 8 since your expected loss is already less than the 5% you would give up on a buy bet.

Buying the 4 or 10, once you have $25 or more on it makes sense. Keep in mind, some casinos will collect the commission after the number hits. In that case, they automatically “buy” the 4 or 10 once you get up to $20 or more. Other casinos may collect at the time the bet is made and they will place a “buy” token on top of your bet to keep track.

Is it better to place or buy in craps?

It is better to place when betting on the 6 or 8.

When betting on the 5 or 9, it is better to place until you reach a bet amount of $50 or more. You will make $1 more on the payout with a buy bet of $50.

When betting on the 4 or 10, it is better to place until you reach a bet amount of $20 or more.

What does a place bet on the 6 or 8 pay?

The 6 and 8 will pay $7 for every $6 wagered. A bet of $12 for example, pays $14.

Can you place a bet on the point in craps?

Yes, you can. If you already have a pass line bet however, please understand you are already betting on that number. So adding more as a “place bet” would not be a good bet, instead put that money as an odds bet on your pass line. It will pay true odds.

How much is a place bet in craps?

Place bets are made at the table minimum, and up to the table maximum. For example, if you are on a $10 table, all place bets will need to be $10 or more, in increments of 5.

6 and 8 are the exception here. Most casinos require increments of $6 on the 6 and 8. So on a $10 table, you’d need to place $12 on the 6 or 8.

How much do place bets pay in craps?

4 or 10 pays 9:5 ($5 bet pays $9)

5 or 9 pays 7:5 ($5 bet pays $7)

6 or 8 pays 7:6 ($6 bet pays $7)

What are some of the best bets in craps?

Odds bets are by far the best, in order to place odds you would need to make line bets or come bets. Maximizing your odds leads to a reduced house edge and increases your chances of winning.

Proposition bets, or prop bets (aka sucker bets), are the worst bets in the game. Although fun with big payouts, over the long-term, your chances of winning on those bets are significantly less.

Final Thoughts

The place bet is one of the most common craps bets. Getting used to the amount you bet, and the corresponding payouts is critical. It is also important to understand the overall cost if you plan to bet multiple numbers.

For example, if I bet $44 inside. This means I am making place bets on the 5, 6, 8, and 9 for $10, $12, $12, and $10 respectively.

Good luck on the tables!