How Odds Bets Work And Why They Have No House Edge

Quick Answer: What Is An Odds Bet In Craps?

An odds bet is an extra bet you can place after a point is set.

It supports your main bet:

• Pass Line odds support a Pass Line bet
  
• Come odds support a Come bet
  
• Don’t Pass odds support a Don’t Pass bet
  
• Don’t Come odds support a Don’t Come bet
  

The key difference:
odds bets usually pay true odds, which is why the odds portion typically has no house edge

If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.

When Can You Place Odds Bets?

You can usually place odds bets only when the puck is ON and a point is set.

So timing looks like this:

1. You place a Pass Line bet (before the come-out roll)
   
2. A point is established
   
3. Now you can place odds behind the line bet
   

If you’re still getting used to phases, read Understanding The Role Of The “Puck” In Craps.

Pass Line Odds: How They Work

Pass Line odds are placed behind your Pass Line bet.

Once the point is set, your odds bet wins if:

• the point repeats before a 7
  

It loses if:

• a 7 appears first (seven out)
  

So it’s the same win condition as Pass Line, just with a different payout.

Why Odds Bets Have No House Edge

Most bets in the casino pay slightly less than “true odds.” That difference is where the house edge comes from.

Odds bets are different because they usually pay the true mathematical odds of hitting the point before a seven.

That means the casino isn’t taking an extra cut on that portion of the wager.

Important:

• No house edge doesn’t mean no risk.
  
• It means the payout is fair based on the math.
  

Odds Bet Payouts (The Simple Table)

Pass Line odds payouts depend on the point number.

If The Point Is 4 Or 10

• Odds pay 2 to 1
  

If The Point Is 5 Or 9

• Odds pay 3 to 2
  

If The Point Is 6 Or 8

• Odds pay 6 to 5
  

That’s it.

Those payouts match the probability of making that point before a 7.

If you want the dice frequency breakdown that drives this, read The Probability Of Rolling Each Number On Two Dice.

Example: Pass Line With Odds (Easy Walkthrough)

Let’s say:

• You bet $10 on Pass Line
  
• The shooter sets a point of 6
  
• You add $10 odds
  

Now two things can happen:

• If 6 hits before 7:
  
  • Pass Line wins $10
    
  • Odds win $12 (because 6 to 5)
    
• If 7 hits first:
  
  • Pass Line loses $10
    
  • Odds lose $10
    

So odds bets improve payout efficiency when you win, but they also increase how much you lose when you lose.

That’s why bankroll planning matters.

Don’t Pass Odds (How They Differ)

Don’t Pass odds are placed after a point is set, but they work in reverse:

• You win if a 7 appears before the point repeats
  
• You lose if the point repeats first
  

Payouts are also true odds, but “flipped”:

• On 4/10, Don’t odds pay 1 to 2
  
• On 5/9, Don’t odds pay 2 to 3
  
• On 6/8, Don’t odds pay 5 to 6
  

It’s the same math, just reversed.

How Odds Bets Lower Your Overall House Edge

Here’s the key concept:

Odds bets don’t reduce the house edge of the line bet itself.
They reduce the house edge of your total combined wager.

Example idea:

• If you bet $10 Pass Line with no odds, the house edge applies to that $10 exposure.
  
• If you add $20 odds, a larger chunk of your total wager is now in a “fair payout” bet.
  

So your blended cost per dollar wagered drops.

That’s why “take the odds” is common advice.

The Real Catch: Table Limits And Odds Limits

Casinos usually cap how much odds you can take.

You’ll hear terms like:

• 2x odds
  
• 3-4-5x odds
  
• 10x odds
  
• even 100x odds (rare)
  

This means:

• if your line bet is $10 and the table is 3-4-5x
  
  • you can take $30 odds on 4/10
    
  • $40 odds on 5/9
    
  • $50 odds on 6/8
    

The limit depends on the point because the payout changes.

If you want to know more about table minimums and maximums explained, read How Table Minimums & Maximums Work In Craps.

Should Beginners Always Take Odds?

Not automatically.

Odds bets are “good value,” but they increase variance and bankroll swings.

A simple beginner rule:

• start with small odds (1x)
  
• only increase odds if your bankroll supports it
  
• don’t take odds if it makes you chase after losses
  

Odds are a tool, not a requirement.

Common Odds Bet Mistakes

Mistake 1: Taking Too Much Odds For Your Bankroll

This is the biggest one. Too much odds can turn a calm session into a stressful one.

Mistake 2: Taking Odds Only After Losing

Some players “press odds” emotionally. That’s basically chasing.

Mistake 3: Thinking Odds = Advantage

Odds reduce cost, not randomness. You can still lose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Odds Bets Really Have No House Edge?

The odds portion usually pays true odds, so it typically has no house edge. You can still lose, but the payout is fair based on math.

When Can I Place Odds In Craps?

After a point is set and the puck is ON. You usually place odds behind your line bet.

What Are The Odds Payouts In Craps?

Pass odds pay 2:1 on 4/10, 3:2 on 5/9, and 6:5 on 6/8.

Should I Always Take Max Odds?

Not if it stresses your bankroll. Start small and only increase if your session bankroll supports it.

Do Odds Bets Work On Come Bets Too?

Yes. Come bets can also take odds once their “come point” is established.

Where To Go Next

You now know what odds bets are, when you can place them, and why they’re considered one of the smartest add-ons in craps even though you can still lose.

Next, we’ll cover Come and Don’t Come bets, which are basically “new line bets” you can start after the point is set.

Continue with Understanding Come & Don’t Come Bets.