Craps looks like a game of dice.
But in real life, it’s also a game of limits.
Table minimums and maximums decide:
- how small you can start
- how big you can press
- how much odds you can take
- and how quickly your bankroll can swing
If you ignore limits, you can accidentally sit down at a table that’s way too expensive for your session bankroll.
This guide explains how table mins and maxes work in craps, why casinos set them, and how to choose the right table so you don’t get forced into bad decisions.
Quick Answer: What Are Table Minimums And Maximums?
- Table minimum = the smallest bet you’re allowed to make on a bet type
- Table maximum = the largest bet you’re allowed to make on a bet type
Most tables show this on a small sign, like:
- $10 min / $2,000 max
- $25 min / $5,000 max
But the fine print matters:
- the max may differ by bet type
- odds bets may have separate rules
- some center bets have their own caps
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Craps Limits Matter More Than Other Games
Craps is fast and has multiple bets active at the same time.
So your “true cost per roll” isn’t just the minimum.
Example:
- $10 Pass Line
- $10 odds
- $12 on 6
- $12 on 8
That’s $44 exposed per roll.
So a “$10 table” can behave like a $40–$60 table very quickly if you’re not careful.
If you want a board-level simplification plan, read Why Craps Has One Of The Most Complex Betting Boards In The Casino.
The Most Common Craps Minimums You’ll See
Depending on the casino and time of day, you’ll often see:
- $5 (rarer now)
- $10
- $15
- $25
- $50+ (high limit)
Busy nights and weekends usually push mins up.
Quieter times usually mean lower mins.
What A Table Minimum Applies To (And What It Doesn’t)
This is where beginners get surprised.
Line Bet Minimum
The table minimum almost always applies to:
- Pass Line
- Don’t Pass
Other Bets Can Have Different Minimums
Some tables require:
- higher minimums for place bets
- different minimums for prop bets
- specific chip multiples for certain bets (like 6 and 8)
That’s why it’s smart to ask:
- “Is the minimum the same for place bets?”
The Most Important Limit: Odds Limits
Odds are the “no house edge” add-on portion, but casinos limit how much you can take.
You’ll see signs like:
- 2x odds
- 3-4-5x odds
- 10x odds
- 20x odds
- 100x odds (rare)
If you want odds basics first, read How Odds Bets Work And Why They Have No House Edge.
How Odds Limits Work (Simple)
Odds limits usually mean:
2x Odds
If your Pass Line bet is $10:
- you can take up to $20 odds
3-4-5x Odds
If your Pass Line bet is $10:
- up to $30 odds on 4/10
- up to $40 odds on 5/9
- up to $50 odds on 6/8
10x Odds
If your Pass Line bet is $10:
- you can take up to $100 odds (depending on point)
Different casinos explain it differently, but the concept is the same:
your max odds depends on your line bet and the point number.
Why Casinos Set Maximums (The Real Reason)
Maximums exist to manage risk.
Even though the casino has an edge on many bets, short-term variance is real.
Limits help casinos:
- control exposure
- reduce the chance of one player winning a huge amount too fast
- keep payouts manageable for the dealer team
- protect the game during hot streaks
So max limits aren’t about “fairness.” They’re about risk control.
The Hidden Problem: Limits Can Force You Into Bad Play
Here’s a common mistake:
A player sits at a $25 table with a $300 bankroll.
They think:
- “I’ll just play minimum.”
But then:
- the point is set
- they feel pressured to take odds
- they place 6 and 8
- they add props because the table is loud
And suddenly the bankroll is in danger within 15 minutes.
Limits don’t just set your minimum bet. They shape your whole session.
How To Choose The Right Craps Table (Simple Rules)
Here’s a clean way to pick a table.
Rule 1: Make Sure Your Base Bet Fits Your Bankroll
If you want a calmer session, many players use something like:
- 20–30 betting units as a session bankroll
So if you have $300:
- a $10 table feels more realistic than a $25 table
Rule 2: Check The Odds Limit
A low minimum with low odds might be fine for beginners.
A low minimum with very high odds can be dangerous if you take max odds emotionally.
Rule 3: Know Your Total Exposure Per Roll
Before you start, decide:
- “What’s my max total exposure per roll?”
If your plan is:
- Pass Line + 1x odds + place 6/8
your exposure is very different than: - Pass Line + max odds + 4 place bets + props
Rule 4: Avoid Tables That Pressure You To Overbet
High-energy tables can push you into higher exposure. If you’re still learning, choose calm tables.
Maximums On Prop Bets (Why They Exist)
Prop bets can have:
- separate limits
- separate minimums
- and sometimes separate payout caps
Casinos don’t want:
- massive action on very volatile bets
especially when they settle instantly.
So don’t assume the table max applies to everything the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Typical Minimum Bet At A Craps Table?
Common minimums are $10, $15, or $25, but it depends on the casino and time.
Does The Minimum Apply To Every Bet?
Not always. Some bet types can have different minimums or required chip multiples.
What Does “3-4-5x Odds” Mean?
It means your max odds depends on the point: 3x on 4/10, 4x on 5/9, and 5x on 6/8.
Why Do Casinos Have Table Maximums?
To control variance and limit exposure during winning streaks.
How Do I Pick A Craps Table For My Bankroll?
Choose a table where your base bet, odds, and optional extras still keep your total per-roll exposure within your comfort zone.
Where To Go Next
You now understand how table minimums and maximums work, why odds limits matter, and how limits can quietly force players into bigger exposure than they planned.
Next, we’ll go behind the scenes: how casinos run craps tables with full dealer teams, why it takes multiple roles, and how that affects speed and gameplay.
Continue with How Casinos Use Dealer Teams To Run Craps Tables.
