Craps is one of the most dynamic casino games, combining fast-paced dice action with a rich variety of betting options. Despite its reputation for complexity, the fundamentals of craps strategy revolve around understanding probability, risk and house edge. With correct betting patterns, players can minimise losses and maintain balanced bankroll control in both live and online settings.
Understanding the Craps Table Layout
At Neo Spin and other regulated online casinos, craps tables mirror traditional land-based layouts, complete with the same bet zones and dealer positions. Players roll two dice, aiming for specific totals depending on the type of wager.
The layout includes multiple betting areas—Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come, Place and Proposition bets. Each carries its own probability and payout rate.
In physical casinos, up to 20 players may join one table, though in online craps, users often face automated rolls or live dealers broadcasting from studios licensed in Malta or Latvia.
Understanding the flow of each round is crucial before applying any strategy.
- Come-Out Roll: The first throw in a round. Rolling a 7 or 11 wins the Pass Line, while 2, 3 or 12 (called “craps”) loses.
- Point Phase: If any other number appears (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), that becomes the “point.” The shooter then tries to roll the same number again before rolling a 7.
With that foundation, players can begin to apply structured betting methods to control variance and manage risk.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets
The Pass Line is the most popular starting bet in craps, representing nearly 90% of wagers made by beginners. It has a house edge of 1.41%, one of the lowest among casino games.
If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, the bet wins automatically. Rolling 2, 3 or 12 loses instantly. Any other result sets the point, and the bet wins if the point repeats before a 7 appears.
The Don’t Pass Line, often called the “dark side” bet, takes the opposite stance. It wins on 2 or 3 and loses on 7 or 11. Rolling 12 creates a push. Its house edge drops slightly lower—to 1.36%—making it statistically stronger but less socially popular at live tables.
These two bets form the foundation of nearly every effective craps strategy.
Adding Odds Bets to Reduce the House Edge
After establishing a point, players can take an additional Odds Bet, also known as “free odds.” This secondary wager is placed behind the Pass or Don’t Pass bet and pays true odds, meaning the casino holds no advantage.
Typical payout ratios depend on the point number:
| Point Number | True Odds Payout | House Edge Impact |
| 4 or 10 | 2:1 | Reduces overall edge to 0.85% |
| 5 or 9 | 3:2 | Edge drops below 1% |
| 6 or 8 | 6:5 | Keeps edge under 1% |
For example, if you wager €10 on the Pass Line and €20 in Odds, your expected loss per round drops significantly because of the fair payout.
Many experienced players make the Odds Bet the core of their long-term strategy, particularly in online games where bet limits are flexible.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
The Come Bet functions like a Pass Line bet but applies after the point is set. Once placed, the next roll acts as a mini come-out roll for that bet. If the roll is 7 or 11, it wins immediately. Rolling 2, 3 or 12 loses. Any other number becomes the personal “come point.”
The Don’t Come Bet mirrors the Don’t Pass, winning when a 7 appears before the come point repeats.
Both bets share identical house edges with their Pass/Don’t Pass counterparts—1.41% and 1.36%, respectively. This makes them useful for players who want to spread risk across multiple points.
Place Bets and Number Targeting
Place bets allow players to back specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) directly. These wagers can be added or removed at any time, offering greater flexibility but higher house edges.
Typical payouts and odds appear as follows:
| Number | Payout | True Odds | House Edge |
| 6 or 8 | 7:6 | 6:5 | 1.52% |
| 5 or 9 | 7:5 | 3:2 | 4.00% |
| 4 or 10 | 9:5 | 2:1 | 6.67% |
While less efficient than line bets, Place wagers appeal to players seeking active participation. Online versions often display automated tracking charts showing frequency distributions of rolled numbers, helping data-driven users adjust tactics.
Field and Proposition Bets
Field bets are one-roll wagers covering 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12. They offer instant results but higher volatility. Rolling 2 or 12 typically pays double or triple, while other listed numbers pay even money.
However, the house edge averages around 5.5%, making these bets riskier long-term.
Even more volatile are Proposition Bets, including “Any Seven,” “Any Craps,” and “Horn Bets.” Though they yield high payouts—up to 30:1—their statistical disadvantage exceeds 13%. Experts recommend using them sparingly for entertainment rather than consistent profit.
Popular Craps Betting Strategies
Players use structured methods to manage risk and maintain balance between low- and high-volatility bets. The following are among the most practical and widely used.
1. The 3-Point Molly
This system blends safety and engagement by always keeping three bets active. It starts with a Pass Line bet and two Come bets. Each Come bet, once established, is backed by Odds.
The goal is to maintain constant exposure to potential wins across multiple numbers without overextending. Statistically, the 3-Point Molly maintains a combined house edge of roughly 1.4%, depending on Odds sizes.
2. The Iron Cross
This pattern covers nearly all possible outcomes except for the losing 7. It combines Place Bets on 5, 6 and 8 with a Field Bet. While it creates a steady stream of small wins, the eventual loss on 7 is inevitable.
The Iron Cross suits players seeking consistent action rather than statistical efficiency.
3. Pass Line with Full Odds
The simplest and most effective strategy remains pairing the Pass Line bet with maximum available Odds. Many casinos—both online and live—allow up to 3x, 4x or 5x Odds multipliers. This approach minimises house advantage while maintaining straightforward gameplay.
4. Regression Strategy
Some players start with higher wagers and reduce them after a few wins to protect profits. For instance, betting €20 on the Pass Line and scaling down to €10 after one win maintains risk control while preserving excitement.
Regression systems are common among conservative players using data-based bankroll discipline.