Place vs Buy Bets in Craps: Which Pays Better? Complete Guide & Strategy Tips
As a long-time craps player I’ve often faced the dilemma of whether to make Place or Buy bets at the table. It’s a common question that puzzles both newcomers and experienced players alike and the answer isn’t always straightforward.
I’ll break down the key differences between Place and Buy bets in craps helping you make smarter decisions with your bankroll. While both betting options target the same numbers the commission structure and potential payouts create distinct advantages in different situations. Understanding when to Place bet versus when to Buy can significantly impact your overall success at the craps table.
Key Takeaways
- Place bets have no upfront commission but lower payouts, while Buy bets require a 5% commission for true odds payouts
- Numbers 6 and 8 are best for Place bets with a low 1.52% house edge, making them ideal for smaller wagers under $25
- Buy bets become more profitable on numbers 4 and 10 when betting $20 or more, offering better returns despite the commission
- The decision between Place vs Buy depends on your bankroll size – small bankrolls ($100-500) should stick to Place bets, while larger bankrolls ($2000+) benefit from mixing both
- Effective bankroll management requires allocating separate budgets for commissions and maintaining appropriate betting units based on your total funds
Understanding Place and Buy Bets in Craps
Place and Buy bets share similar mechanics but differ in their commission structure and payout rates. I’ll break down the key characteristics of each bet type for clear comparison.
Place Bets
Place bets charge no upfront commission on the wager amount. The standard Place bet payouts are:
- Numbers 6 and 8: 7:6 payout ratio
- Numbers 5 and 9: 7:5 payout ratio
- Numbers 4 and 10: 9:5 payout ratio
Buy Bets
Buy bets require a 5% commission (vig) paid when placing the bet. The Buy bet payouts are:
- Numbers 6 and 8: 6:5 payout ratio
- Numbers 5 and 9: 3:2 payout ratio
- Numbers 4 and 10: 2:1 payout ratio
Key Differences
Here’s a comparison table showing the effective payouts on a $100 bet:
| Number | Place Bet Return | Buy Bet Return (after vig) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 or 8 | $116.67 | $115 |
| 5 or 9 | $140 | $142.50 |
| 4 or 10 | $180 | $190 |
House Edge Comparison
The house edge varies based on the number selected:
- Numbers 6 and 8: Place bets (1.52%) vs Buy bets (4.76%)
- Numbers 5 and 9: Place bets (4%) vs Buy bets (4.76%)
- Numbers 4 and 10: Place bets (6.67%) vs Buy bets (4.76%)
These mathematical differences create specific scenarios where each bet type offers superior expected value. The choice between Place and Buy bets depends on the selected number combination.
Place Bet Basics and Payouts
Place bets offer a straightforward approach to betting on specific numbers in craps without upfront commissions. These bets remain active until the shooter rolls either the target number or a seven.
How Place Bets Work
Place bets allow me to wager on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 appearing before a seven. Here’s the betting process:
- Select the desired number for the place bet
- Put chips in the come area
- Tell the dealer “Place the [number]”
- Wait for the dealer to position the chips
The minimum place bet varies by casino but typically ranges from $5-$10. Place bets stay active through multiple rolls until winning or losing, enabling continuous action without additional wagers.
Place Bet Odds and House Edge
This table shows the odds and house edge for each place bet number:
| Number | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 6 or 8 | 7:6 | 1.52% |
| 5 or 9 | 7:5 | 4.00% |
| 4 or 10 | 9:5 | 6.67% |
The place 6 and 8 bets offer the most favorable odds with a 7:6 payout. These numbers appear more frequently than other options, creating 1.52% house edge. The 5 and 9 place bets pay 7:5 with a 4% house edge, while 4 and 10 pay 9:5 with a 6.67% house edge.
Buy Bet Fundamentals
Buy bets require players to pay a 5% commission upfront to receive true odds payouts on specific numbers. These bets function similarly to Place bets but offer different payout structures due to the commission element.
Commission Structure for Buy Bets
Buy bets charge a 5% commission on the initial wager amount called the “vig” or “vigorish.” The commission applies to both winning and losing bets with a $1 minimum charge per $20 bet. For example:
- $20 bet = $1 commission
- $40 bet = $2 commission
- $100 bet = $5 commission
The casino rounds up commissions to the nearest dollar amount when dealing with irregular bet sizes. A $25 bet incurs a $2 commission rather than $1.25.
Calculating Buy Bet Payouts
Buy bets pay at true odds after accounting for the commission:
| Number | Payout Ratio | $100 Bet Payout | Net Win (After $5 Commission) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2:1 | $200 | $195 |
| 5 or 9 | 3:2 | $150 | $145 |
| 6 or 8 | 6:5 | $120 | $115 |
- Gross payout: $200
- Initial bet: $100
- Commission paid: $5
- Net profit: $95
When to Choose Place Bets
Place bets offer optimal value for specific numbers based on their house edge percentages. Understanding these strategic opportunities maximizes the potential for favorable outcomes at the craps table.
Best Numbers for Place Betting
The numbers 6 and 8 represent the most advantageous Place bet options, featuring:
- Returns of 7:6 on winning bets
- A low 1.52% house edge
- High frequency of appearance in dice combinations
- No upfront commission requirement
Place bets on 5 and 9 present the second-best choice with:
- Payout ratio of 7:5
- House edge of 4%
- More frequent occurrence than 4 and 10
- Lower effective cost compared to Buy bets
| Number | House Edge | Payout Ratio | Frequency (36 possible combinations) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 & 8 | 1.52% | 7:6 | 5 ways each |
| 5 & 9 | 4.00% | 7:5 | 4 ways each |
| 4 & 10 | 6.67% | 9:5 | 3 ways each |
Place betting proves most effective when:
- Playing with smaller bet amounts ($25 or less)
- Targeting numbers 6 8 5 or 9
- Seeking longer-term playing sessions
- Avoiding additional commission charges
These scenarios leverage the inherent advantages of Place bets while minimizing exposure to higher house edges.
When Buy Bets Are More Profitable
Buy bets offer superior returns on specific numbers in craps when betting amounts exceed $20. The 5% commission structure becomes more advantageous for larger wagers, particularly on numbers 4 and 10.
- Place Buy bets on numbers 4 and 10 for wagers of $20 or more
- Target higher betting amounts ($50-$500) to maximize the commission value
- Consider Buy bets during shorter playing sessions to minimize commission exposure
- Use Buy bets in combination with other betting options for numbers 5 6 8 9
Here’s how Buy bets outperform Place bets for larger wagers:
| Number | Bet Amount | Buy Bet Net Win | Place Bet Net Win | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | $100 | $195 | $180 | +$15 |
| 4 or 10 | $200 | $390 | $360 | +$30 |
| 4 or 10 | $500 | $975 | $900 | +$75 |
The mathematical advantage of Buy bets emerges when:
- The bet amount makes the 5% commission cost-effective
- The true odds payout compensates for the upfront fee
- Multiple wins occur on numbers 4 or 10
- Large bankrolls support higher minimum bets
Buy bets demonstrate superior profitability on numbers 4 and 10 because:
- The true odds payout (2:1) exceeds Place bet returns (9:5)
- The commission remains fixed at 5%
- The net win difference increases with larger bet amounts
- The house edge decreases as bet size grows
These dynamics create specific scenarios where Buy bets generate higher expected value compared to Place bets.
Managing Your Bankroll With Both Bets
Small Bankrolls ($100-$500)
- Place $5-$25 bets on numbers 6 and 8 for a 1.52% house edge
- Focus on numbers 5 and 9 for secondary bets with 4% house edge
- Avoid Buy bets due to commission impact on smaller wagers
- Maintain 20-25 betting units for sustained play
Medium Bankrolls ($500-$2000)
- Use Buy bets on 4 and 10 for wagers over $50
- Place bet numbers 6 and 8 with $25-$100 per number
- Split bankroll: 60% Place bets 40% Buy bets
- Keep 5% commission budget separate from main bankroll
Large Bankrolls ($2000+)
- Buy bet numbers 4 and 10 with $100+ wagers
- Mix Place bets on 6 and 8 up to $200 per number
- Allocate funds: 50% Buy bets 50% Place bets
- Reserve 10% of bankroll for commissions
| Bankroll Size | Place Bet Focus | Buy Bet Focus | Commission Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100-$500 | 6, 8, 5, 9 | None | N/A |
| $500-$2000 | 6, 8 | 4, 10 | 5% |
| $2000+ | 6, 8 | 4, 10 | 10% |
- Set win goals at 20% of bankroll
- Establish loss limits at 40% of bankroll
- Track commission expenses separately
- Adjust bet sizes based on table minimums
Conclusion
I’ve learned that choosing between Place and Buy bets comes down to bet size strategy and the specific numbers you’re targeting. For smaller bets under $25 Place bets are the clear winner especially on numbers 6 and 8. When betting larger amounts over $50 Buy bets on numbers 4 and 10 offer better value despite the commission.
Smart bankroll management is crucial. I recommend starting with Place bets if you’re new to craps or playing with a modest bankroll. As your comfort level and bankroll grow you can incorporate Buy bets into your strategy for potentially higher returns.
Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is understanding the odds payouts and house edge for each bet type then adapting your strategy based on your goals and bankroll size.
