17 Craps Bets You Should Never Make (And What to Bet Instead)
Most players lose money at the craps table for one simple reason — they’re betting on things they should never touch. Craps is loud, fast, and full of excitement, and that energy tricks beginners (and even experienced players) into making bets the casino loves.
What most people don’t know is that the craps table is packed with traps. Some bets feel harmless. Some sound fun. Others look like they offer huge payouts. But behind the noise and the bright felt layout, many of these options are quietly destroying bankrolls every single roll.
And here’s the wild part — avoiding the bad bets is often more important than choosing the good ones.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the 17 craps bets you should never make. You’ll see exactly why they’re so dangerous, how the house edge actually works against you, and what smarter alternatives you can use instead.
If you’ve ever wondered why your bankroll disappears faster than it should… or why some players seem to last longer at the table… the answer is right here.
Learn these traps now, and you’ll walk into any craps game with a sharper edge than 90% of players at the table. Ready to roll smarter? Let’s get into it.
The Trap Bets Lurking on Every Craps Table
Before you even get into the flashy center-table bets, the layout itself hides a handful of “trap bets” that look completely harmless. These wagers are printed right on the felt, placed in convenient spots, and sound like normal options that any player would consider.
But here’s the truth: these bets are built to drain your bankroll slowly and quietly.
Players make them because they appear safe. Casinos keep them because they’re profitable. And most beginners don’t realize what they’ve stepped into until they’ve already lost more than they planned.
Let’s break down the worst offenders — and why they’re so dangerous.
1. Any Seven
House Edge: ~16.67%
This is one of the worst bets on the entire table, yet it’s also one of the most tempting during a hot roll. The payout looks solid, but the math is brutal. A 7 has the highest probability of showing up in craps, but that doesn’t make this bet “smart” — it just means the casino priced it aggressively. You’re getting paid far less than the true odds, which guarantees long-term losses.
Better alternative: Pass Line or Don’t Pass. They keep you in the game, not chasing long shots.
2. Hard 4 (2–2)
House Edge: ~11.11%
To win this bet, the shooter has to roll exactly 2–2. Not a soft 4. Not any other combination. Just one extremely rare outcome. Meanwhile, there are multiple losing rolls that take your money instantly. It feels exciting because it pays well — but nearly every Hard Way bet is priced to punish hopeful players.
Better alternative: Place the 4 for a much lower house edge.
3. Hard 6 (3–3)
House Edge: ~9.09%
Hard 6 looks simple enough, but don’t fall for it. There are five different combinations that roll a 6… and only one of them wins this bet. At the same time, seven ways to roll a 7 will wipe it out. You’re betting on a longshot that the casino knows most players don’t fully understand.
Better alternative: Place the 6. Lower risk, better math, more longevity.
4. Hard 8 (4–4)
House Edge: ~9.09**
This is one of the most popular Hard Way bets, but popularity doesn’t equal value. The odds of rolling a hard 8 are tiny, and you’re betting against every soft 8 and every 7 — the two most common killers in craps. Casinos love this bet because it looks straightforward while quietly draining your chips.
Better alternative: Place the 8. Same number, far better return.
5. Hard 10 (5–5)
House Edge: ~11.11%**
Hard 10 is arguably even worse than Hard 4 because of how rare this roll is. You’re betting on a single exact outcome in a game where the dice almost always favor combinations like 6 and 8. The payout tries to lure you in, but the math makes it a losing bet almost every time.
Better alternative: Place the 10 instead of getting sucked into the Hard Way trap.
One-Roll Sucker Bets You Should Avoid
If the trap bets are slow leaks, these one-roll wagers are straight-up landmines. They resolve on the very next toss of the dice — which makes them exciting, but also incredibly dangerous. Casinos love these bets because players chase the big payouts without realizing how tiny the actual win probability is.
The problem? These bets end in seconds, and most of the time they end in a loss. A few hits might feel thrilling, but over any meaningful session, they’ll destroy your bankroll faster than anything else on the table.
Here’s why these single-roll bets are some of the worst decisions you can make in craps.
6. Any Craps (2, 3, or 12)
House Edge: ~11.11%
This bet wins if the next roll is 2, 3, or 12 — and loses on everything else. Three winning outcomes versus 33 losing outcomes is simply awful math. Many beginners throw money here because it sounds like a quick way to score, but all it really does is drain units at high speed.
Why to avoid: It’s a flashy bet with a payout that doesn’t match the real odds.
7. Craps 2 (Snake Eyes)
House Edge: ~13.89%
Snake Eyes looks fun because it’s rare and people love rooting for “the impossible.” But that rarity is exactly why the bet is so bad. You’re trying to predict the single least likely roll in the entire game — and the payout still doesn’t match the true risk.
Why to avoid: You’re giving the house nearly a 14% advantage for a bet that almost never hits.
8. Craps 3
House Edge: ~11.11%
This is another classic sucker bet packaged as a “quick score.” There are only two combinations that make a 3, but dozens that wipe you out instantly. It wins just enough to trick people into tossing a few extra chips out there… and then slowly crushes them.
Why to avoid: It’s a low-frequency win with a high-frequency burn rate.
9. Craps 12 (Boxcars)
House Edge: ~13.89%
Rolling a 12 is rare — incredibly rare. Casinos know this, which is why they’ve priced this bet to perfection on their side. Even though the payout looks tempting, it doesn’t come close to compensating for how infrequently this roll actually happens.
Why to avoid: You’re betting on a statistical longshot with terrible equity.
10. Yo (11)
House Edge: ~11.11%
This bet pops up a lot because dealers shout it with style — “Yo-leven!” But hype doesn’t make it a good wager. There’s only a tiny chance of hitting an 11 on the next roll, and the casino ensures the payout keeps you losing long-term.
Why to avoid: It’s basically a tip bet disguised as a legitimate play.
Dangerous Place Bets & Misleading Table Options
Not every bad craps bet looks flashy or dramatic. Some of the most misleading wagers on the table are actually the ones that feel safe. They sit quietly around the main layout, they look like normal options, and they seem harmless enough that most players don’t think twice.
But here’s the problem: these bets have house edges that are way too high for what they offer — especially when the table already gives you smarter alternatives with far better odds.
These aren’t the worst bets in the casino, but they’re sneaky. They trick players into settling for “good enough” when a much better option is right next to it. Let’s break down the ones you should always avoid.
11. Place the 5
House Edge: ~4.0%
At first glance, placing the 5 looks completely fine. It’s a middle number, it hits often enough, and it doesn’t feel like you’re taking a big risk. But here’s the hidden issue: the payout is priced at a disadvantage compared to the true odds. You’re simply paying too much for what you’re getting.
Players who use the 5 as a “safe number” don’t realize they’re giving the house double or triple the edge they would on smarter bets.
Why to avoid: It’s just bad value. You can do way better with the 6 or 8.
Better alternative: Place the 6 or 8 — the two best value bets on the table.
12. Place the 9
House Edge: ~4.0%
The 9 has the exact same problem as the 5. It’s a decent number in terms of probability, but the casino’s payout structure makes it inefficient. It might hit now and then, but long term, you’re overpaying for an average result.
A lot of players place the 9 just because they want to “cover more numbers.” That mindset is how casinos make their money.
Why to avoid: It looks normal, but the house edge eats your bankroll slowly.
Better alternative: Stick with placing the 6 and 8 — far better returns.
13. Big 6
House Edge: ~9.09%
This is one of the biggest beginner traps in craps. The Big 6 is printed right on the felt in huge letters, which makes new players think it must be important. But here’s the catch: it’s literally the same outcome as placing the 6… except almost three times more expensive in terms of house edge.
Casinos put it on the layout because they know rookies will grab it.
Why to avoid: The payout is identical to a Place 6 bet — but with a much worse edge.
Better alternative: Place the 6. Same goal, better math.
14. Big 8
House Edge: ~9.09%
Everything wrong with Big 6 is also wrong with Big 8. It’s printed boldly on the table, it plays into beginner instincts, and it seems like a quick way to get in on the action. But value-wise, it’s one of the worst bets you can make on one of the best numbers in the game.
It takes skill to win at craps, but avoiding Big 8 takes only awareness.
Why to avoid: You’re paying a massive premium for the exact same outcome as Place 8.
Better alternative: Place the 8 instead — one of the most efficient bets in the entire game.
The Most Misleading & Costly Craps Bets
These next bets aren’t just bad — they’re designed to trick you. They’re often placed in the center of the table, surrounded by bright colors, big payouts, and high-energy dealer calls. They feel exciting. They feel “important.” They feel like they’re where the real action is.
But here’s the truth most beginners never hear:
These center-table bets exist for one reason — to take your chips faster than anything else in the casino.
They look fun because they are fun… for the house. For players, they’re nothing but expensive longshots with house edges that completely destroy long-term results.
Here’s why these are some of the most dangerous bets you can make in craps.
15. The Field Bet
House Edge: 2.78%–5.56% (depending on the casino)
The Field Bet is one of the most deceptive options on the entire table. It’s bold, easy to read, and has a long list of numbers that win — which makes new players think it’s a great bet.
And to be fair, it feels like it hits often. That’s the trap.
Many casinos only pay double on 12 (or sometimes 2), which dramatically tilts the math in the house’s favor. In the long run, the Field is a chip-eater disguised as a “safe” bet.
Why it’s dangerous: It wins just enough to keep you coming back… but loses often enough to drain your bankroll steadily.
Better alternative: Stick with Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come — the true low-edge bets.
16. Proposition Bets (General)
House Edge: Often 10%–17%
Prop bets are the flashy wagers sitting in the center of the table — Hard Ways, Horn bets, Yo bets, and other “fun” options dealers call out to liven the mood. They pay big, have cool names, and feel like they’re part of the real craps experience.
But here’s the honest truth: they’re entertainment, not strategy.
Prop bets almost always favor the house by a massive amount. Over a long session, these bets will chew through your bankroll faster than almost anything else you can do at a casino table.
Why it’s dangerous: They give the illusion of excitement, but the payouts never match the true odds of winning.
Better alternative: Skip the center table entirely unless you’re throwing out a small tip for the dealers.
17. Hop Bets
House Edge: 11.11%–16.67%
Hop bets are the ultimate “just for fun” wagers — you’re predicting a specific dice combination on the very next roll. They’re fast, they’re flashy, and they almost never hit.
The kicker? The payouts are far below the mathematical odds of the outcomes they represent.
Hop bets are basically a turbo-charged way to give your chips to the casino one toss at a time.
Why it’s dangerous: You’re betting on exact-number combinations with the house taking a massive premium.
Better alternative: Avoid all hop bets. There’s simply no strategic reason to ever place one.
Smarter Craps Bets That Actually Make Sense
Now that we’ve covered the landmines, let’s shift to the good news: craps actually has some of the best bets in the entire casino. The game gives players several options with low house edges, fair payouts, and long-term playability. These are the bets that sharp players use to stay in the game longer — and they’re the complete opposite of the flashy traps we covered earlier.
If you want the best chance to grow your bankroll or simply stretch it further, these are the bets worth focusing on every time you hit the table.
1. Pass Line Bet
House Edge: ~1.41%
This is the classic craps bet and one of the safest on the entire layout. You’re betting with the shooter, hoping they establish a point and hit it again. Simple, predictable, and efficient. This is the foundation of most winning strategies.
Why it works: Low edge, easy to follow, and pairs perfectly with Odds bets.
2. Don’t Pass Bet
House Edge: ~1.36%
If the Pass Line is the “player-friendly” bet, the Don’t Pass is the even sharper version. You’re effectively betting against the shooter. While it may feel counterintuitive or less social, the Don’t Pass has an ever-so-slightly lower house edge.
Why it works: Better math long-term — especially combined with Don’t Come wagers.
3. Come & Don’t Come Bets
House Edge: ~1.36%–1.41%
These bets work just like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass but can be placed after the shooter establishes a point. They offer the same strong advantages and let you build a strategic, low-edge stack of bets around the table.
Why they work: They let you play multiple low-edge bets at once without touching high-risk wagers.
4. Placing the 6 and 8
House Edge: ~1.52%
These are the only Place bets truly worth making. Six and eight show up more frequently because of how many combinations can create them. Casinos price them reasonably, making them the most efficient place bets on the table.
Why they work: Frequent hits + low house edge = slow, steady profit potential.
5. Taking Odds
House Edge: 0%
This is the best bet in all of craps — and one of the only bets in a casino with no house edge whatsoever. You can take Odds behind your Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets once a point is established. The payout matches the true mathematical odds of the game.
That’s why casinos limit the maximum amount you can place on Odds… they make no money from it.
Why it works: Because it’s fair. You’re getting a completely even bet with no disadvantage.
Simple, Smart Craps Strategy for Long-Term Success
To keep your bankroll healthy — and avoid the traps we covered earlier — stick to this simple formula:
- Build your foundation with Pass/Don’t Pass: These bets give you structure and consistency.
- Add Odds every chance you get: This is the strongest move you can make in craps.
- Use Come/Don’t Come to scale safely: They let you expand your position without increasing risk.
- Only place the 6 and 8: Everything else is overpriced.
- Avoid all one-roll and proposition bets: They’re flashy but terrible for your bankroll.
This basic strategy will keep you betting like a seasoned player — not a beginner handing chips away.
Conclusion: Play Longer, Play Smarter, Play With Purpose
Craps is one of the most exciting games in the casino, but excitement alone doesn’t keep your bankroll alive. The real advantage comes from knowing which bets to avoid — and which bets actually give you a fighting chance. Once you understand the traps, the game becomes clearer, calmer, and far more fun.
The 17 bets we covered are the fastest way to burn through your chips. They look flashy, they sound exciting, and the table layout makes them feel important. But smart players win by doing the opposite of what the casino hopes you’ll do.
If you stick to the low-edge bets, stay disciplined, and ignore the noise around the table, you’ll put yourself in a far better position than most players who walk up and start firing chips at anything that sparkles.
Quick Recap: The Keys to Smart Craps Play
- Avoid all Hard Ways, one-roll wagers, and center-table prop bets
- Stick to Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come
- Always take Odds — the only true 0% house edge bet
- Place only the 6 and 8
- Focus on long-term value, not flashy payouts
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