Quick Answer: What Payout Differences Matter Most In Craps?
The biggest payout structure differences usually involve:
- Field bet payouts (especially 12)
- Buy bet commission rules
- Odds limits (2x vs 3-4-5x vs 10x)
- Bonus bet rules and payout tiers
- “Big 6/8” availability and rules (less common, but still seen)
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
1) Field Bet Payouts (The Classic Rule Difference)
The field bet is one of the most common bets where rules change.
Many casinos pay:
- 2 pays 2-to-1
but the 12 can vary.
Common Versions
- 2 and 12 pay 2-to-1
- 2 pays 2-to-1, 12 pays 3-to-1
That one change can cut the field bet’s cost significantly.
So if you like the field, always check the sign:
- “12 pays triple” is better than “12 pays double.”
If you want why this matters in house edge terms, read Understanding The House Edge Across All Craps Bets.
2) Buy Bet Commission Rules (When And How You Pay The “Vig”)
Buy bets are another area where casinos vary.
The main difference is how the casino charges commission (the “vig”):
Common Methods
- Commission on wins only (often friendlier)
- Commission upfront (you pay even if you lose)
- Different minimum amounts to buy (like “must be in $20 increments”)
Even if the bet name is the same, the commission method changes the value.
Quick Practical Check
Ask one question:
- “Is the commission only on wins, or upfront?”
If you want to know buy bets explained simply, read Buy Bets Vs Lay Bets: What Players Need To Know.
3) Odds Limits (Same Bet, Different Swing Level)
Odds are special because the odds portion is priced fairly, but the table limit changes how much you can put behind your base bet.
You might see:
- 2x odds
- 3-4-5x odds
- 10x odds
- or higher
Higher odds limits can reduce blended cost per dollar, but they can also increase volatility.
So “better” depends on your bankroll and comfort.
If you want to learn odds explained, read Free Odds In Craps Explained: What It Means.
4) “Paid Odds” / Different Payout Conventions (Rare, But Worth Checking)
Most standard craps tables pay odds at true odds.
But some variants or house rules can affect payouts on certain side features.
If something looks like an “odds-like” bet, check:
- whether it’s truly priced fairly
or - whether it’s a house-created bet with a built-in edge
If you see signage that looks unfamiliar, ask before you play.
5) Bonus Bets And Their Payout Tiers (Fire Bet, ATS, Repeaters)
Bonus bets vary a lot by casino.
Changes can include:
- what counts as a trigger
- how progress resets
- and payout tiers (how much you get for partial vs full hits)
Two casinos can both offer ATS but pay very different amounts.
If you want to know how bonus bets work, read How Bonus Craps Variants Work (Fire Bet, All Tall/All Small, Etc.).
6) Hop Bet Payouts And Prop Bet Differences
Prop bets often have standardized payouts, but some houses:
- push certain props more aggressively
- offer slightly different structures in specialty layouts
- or bundle props into “combo” bets
You don’t need to memorize them, but the safest rule is still:
- treat props as entertainment with a strict budget
If you want to learn why repetition matters, read The Hidden Dangers Of Center Table Betting.
7) Table Minimums And Maximums (Structure That Changes Your Entire Session)
This isn’t a payout, but it’s a structural rule that changes how the game feels.
A table with a higher minimum changes:
- how fast you burn through units
- how quickly you hit stop-loss
- how likely you are to chase
If you want the full explanation, read How Table Minimums & Maximums Work In Craps.
The Best “Rule Check” Routine Before You Buy In
You can do this in under a minute.
- What’s the minimum?
- What are the odds limits
- Field bet: does 12 pay 2x or 3x?
- Buy bets: commission on win or upfront?
- Any bonus/side bets I want to avoid?
That’s it.
Those checks cover most of the meaningful differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Craps Payouts Change Across Casinos?
Because casinos set house rules, commission methods, and side bet structures to manage profitability and player behavior.
Is “12 Pays Triple” On The Field Always Better?
It’s usually better for the player than 12 paying double, because it improves the payout on a rare result.
Do Odds Limits Change The House Edge?
The odds portion remains fairly priced, but higher odds can reduce blended edge per total wagered while increasing volatility.
How Do Buy Bet Commissions Affect Value?
Commission on wins only is usually more favorable than paying commission upfront, because you’re not paying extra when you lose.
Should I Avoid Tables With Lots Of Bonus Bets?
Not necessarily, but bonus bets can tempt you into repeating high-edge action. If you’re prone to chasing, simpler tables are easier to control.
Where To Go Next
You now know why craps can feel different across casinos: payout structures and rules can change the value of field bets, buy bets, odds limits, and bonus features, even when the layout looks the same. A quick one-minute rule check before you buy in can save you money and stress.
Next, we’ll break down the “Don’t Strategy” in depth: how Don’t Pass and Don’t Come really work, why they can be lower-cost, and the social and psychological challenges that come with betting against the table.
Continue with Understanding The “Don’t Strategy” In Depth.
