Quick Answer: What Are Bonus Craps Variants?
Bonus craps variants are extra side bets offered alongside standard craps.
They usually pay if a shooter completes a rare pattern, like:
- making multiple points before seven out (Fire Bet)
- rolling every number in a set before seven out (All Tall / All Small)
- hitting specific combinations depending on the casino
They’re not part of “normal” pass line / odds / place bet play.
They’re optional add-ons.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Casinos Add Bonus Variants
Bonus bets are popular because they:
- create big payout moments
- give players a “jackpot” feeling
- keep people engaged even when the main bets are quiet
- add another revenue stream (higher overall house edge)
In simple terms:
- they make the table more exciting
- and they usually increase the casino’s advantage
The Fire Bet (How It Works)
The Fire Bet is one of the most common bonus features.
What It Tries To Hit
It typically pays based on how many distinct points the shooter makes before seven out.
A common version tracks:
- 4, 5, or 6 different points made in one hand
So if the shooter establishes a point, hits it, establishes another point, hits it, and keeps going without seven out, the Fire Bet can pay.
Why It’s Hard
Making one point is normal.
Making multiple different points in one hand is much rarer.
That’s why the payout is large.
What Players Misunderstand
Many players treat it like:
- “we’re close” during any long roll
But the Fire Bet requires specific milestones.
A long roll with lots of 6/8 hits might still do nothing for the Fire Bet if points aren’t being made.
All Tall / All Small (How It Works)
All Tall / All Small is another common bonus.
What “Small” Usually Means
Rolling every number from:
- 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
before a seven appears
What “Tall” Usually Means
Rolling every number from:
- 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
before a seven appears
What “All” Means
Both sets are completed before a seven appears.
Key Detail: Sevens Reset Everything
Once a seven shows up, the bonus attempt ends.
So this bet is all about:
- collecting a full set of numbers
before the seven ends the hand.
Why It Feels So Close
This bet creates a strong “near miss” feeling.
You’ll often be missing one number like:
- “we just need a 12!”
That’s where the chase temptation kicks in.
If you want to know the psychology behind “due” thinking, read How Player Superstitions Influence Craps Betting.
Other Common Bonus Variants You Might See
Different casinos run different layouts, but you may also see:
Replay / Bonus “Make A Point” Bets
Some bonuses pay if:
- the shooter makes a point within a certain number of rolls
or - makes multiple points quickly
“Lucky Shooter” Style Bonuses
Some pay if the shooter rolls:
- specific hardways
- certain totals in sequence
- or special combinations
The pattern is always the same:
- rare condition
- big payout
- strong chase and “almost” emotions
How Bonus Bets Change Your Session Risk
Bonus bets don’t just add a side wager.
They change your behavior.
Here’s how.
1) They Increase Total Exposure Per Roll
Even a small $5 bonus bet, repeated over many rolls, adds up.
2) They Encourage Staying Longer
Bonus bets create a reason to keep playing:
- “we’re close”
- “next shooter could hit it”
- “I don’t want to miss the big one”
3) They Increase Chasing Risk
Bonus bets create “near miss” frustration, and that fuels:
- “just one more shooter”
- “I’ll bump my bonus bet”
If you want to know why chasing is especially dangerous in craps, read Why Chasing Losses Is Especially Dangerous In Craps.
How To Use Bonus Bets Without Getting Burned
You don’t have to avoid them completely.
Just treat them properly.
Rule 1: Bonus Bets Are Entertainment, Not Strategy
If you play them, play them for fun.
Rule 2: Set A Bonus Budget
Example:
- “$20 total on bonus bets today.”
Once it’s gone, you stop.
Rule 3: Don’t Increase Bonus Bet Size After Losses
That’s the chase trap.
Bonus bets are rare hits. Increasing size doesn’t make them due.
Rule 4: Keep Your Base Plan Separate
Your main plan should still be:
- simple core bets
- disciplined bet sizing
- controlled exposure
Bonus bets should be a small add-on, not the foundation.
If you want to learn about discipline tools, read How To Stay Disciplined During High-Energy Craps Sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bonus Craps Bets Worth It?
They can be fun, but they usually increase session cost because they add extra house edge and are easy to repeat.
What Is The Fire Bet In Craps?
A side bet that pays if the shooter makes multiple distinct points before seven out, depending on the casino’s rules.
How Does All Tall / All Small Work?
It pays if the shooter rolls all numbers in a set (small: 2–6, tall: 8–12) before a seven appears. “All” usually means completing both.
Do Bonus Bets Change The Main Craps Odds?
They don’t change the core bets, but they increase your overall risk and expected cost if you add them regularly.
How Do I Avoid Chasing Bonus Bets?
Treat them as entertainment, set a fixed budget, and don’t increase bet size because you feel “close.”
Where To Go Next
You now understand how bonus craps variants work: they’re pattern-based side bets with big payouts, rare hits, and strong “near miss” psychology that can raise your exposure and chasing risk if you repeat them constantly.
Next, we’ll look at the true odds behind these bonus bets: how rare the triggers really are, why the payouts look huge, and how to evaluate whether the excitement is worth the cost.
Continue with The True Odds Of Hitting Bonus Craps Side Bets.
