Best Craps Bets for Beginners

Craps can seem a bit intimidating at first glance—with its lively atmosphere, fast-paced action, and cheering crowds around the table—but don’t let that hold you back. With just a bit of knowledge about the best bets to make, you can quickly feel comfortable and confident at the craps table. Let's break down the smartest bets beginners should focus on to maximize their chances of success and fun.

Start With the Pass Line Bet

One of the simplest and most effective bets for beginners is the Pass Line bet. This bet is straightforward: you're essentially betting on the shooter to win. Here's how it works: if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the first roll, the bet wins immediately. A 2, 3, or 12 means you lose immediately. Any other number sets what's called the "point," and the goal then becomes rolling that same number again before rolling a 7.

Why is the Pass Line bet so beginner-friendly? It has a low house edge—around 1.41%, making it one of the fairest bets in the casino. It’s also easy to follow and makes the game engaging from the first roll.

Don't Ignore the Come Bet

Another excellent option for beginners is the Come bet, which functions exactly like the Pass Line—but you can place it after the point has already been established. For instance, let’s say the shooter establishes a point of 6. You make a Come bet, and the next roll is a 9. Your Come bet then moves to the number 9. If a 9 is rolled again before a 7, you win your bet.

The Come bet gives you additional action and excitement without complicating things. Like the Pass Line bet, it also carries a favorable house edge of 1.41%, keeping your odds of winning relatively high.

Take Advantage of Odds Bets

Odds bets are the hidden gems in craps, and every beginner should quickly get familiar with them. Here’s the deal: once you've placed a Pass Line or Come bet, casinos allow you to back that bet by placing an additional wager called an "odds bet." This extra bet has no house edge at all—it truly pays out fairly, based purely on probability.

For example, if the established point is a 4 or 10, your odds bet will pay out 2:1; for a 5 or 9, it pays 3:2; and for a 6 or 8, the payout is 6:5. Making these odds bets can substantially improve your overall returns. Always check your casino’s rules on odds bets, as some places let you put down odds up to 3x, 4x, or even 5x your initial bet.

The Place Bet on 6 or 8

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous but still want to keep things simple and reasonable, placing bets on the 6 or 8 can be a solid strategy. Why these numbers? Statistically speaking, 6 and 8 are the most frequently rolled numbers after the number 7, which makes them appealing. A place bet on either 6 or 8 comes with a house edge of only about 1.52%, making it a sensible choice for beginners eager to expand their betting options.

To make a place bet, simply inform the dealer you'd like to place the 6 or 8; if your chosen number hits before the 7, you win!

Bets Beginners Should Avoid

While craps tables offer a wide variety of exciting betting options, beginners are better off steering clear of some high-risk bets. Proposition bets, such as "hardways" (rolling doubles, such as two 4s to make an "8 the hard way"), "any craps," or "yo" (betting on rolling an 11), might seem tempting due to their higher payouts, but these bets carry significantly higher house edges and can quickly deplete your bankroll.

For instance, the "any craps" bet has a house edge of over 11%, which is significantly higher compared to the Pass Line, Come, or Place bets mentioned earlier. As a beginner, stick to the simpler, safer bets until you gain more confidence and experience.

Responsible Gambling Practices

As exciting as craps can be, it’s essential to remember responsible gambling habits. Always set a clear budget before playing and stick to it—even when you’re winning. It's easy to get carried away with the excitement and camaraderie of the craps table, so staying disciplined is vital for keeping the game enjoyable.

Additionally, take advantage of online casinos such as Cafe Casino, which offers beginner-friendly platforms, generous bonuses like their $1500 Welcome Bonus Package, and straightforward payment methods including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and traditional options like Visa and Mastercard. Utilizing bonuses and promotions is a great way to stretch your bankroll and gain valuable experience without breaking the bank.

Actionable Takeaways for Beginners

Let's quickly summarize key points for beginners looking to maximize their craps gameplay:

Prioritize Pass Line and Come bets for simplicity and favorable odds.
Always back your Pass Line and Come bets with Odds bets when possible.
Consider Place bets on the numbers 6 or 8 for added excitement without high risk.
Avoid high house edge bets like proposition bets and hardways until you're more experienced.
Practice responsible gambling by setting budgets and leveraging online casino bonuses to enhance your playtime and experience.

By sticking to these practical strategies and betting smartly, you’ll quickly find craps to be both accessible and entertaining. Enjoy the action, keep it responsible, and best of luck at the tables!