Quick Answer: What Is A Place Bet In Craps?
A place bet is a bet that a specific number will roll before a 7 rolls.
You can place bet on:
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
You cannot place bet on:
- 2, 3, 7, 11, 12
Place bets are usually active during the point phase, but you can often place them almost any time as long as the table allows betting.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Place Bets Are Popular
Place bets are popular because they:
- don’t require you to be the shooter
- don’t depend on the come-out roll outcome
- let you choose “hot” numbers like 6 and 8
- pay in a way that feels straightforward
But “straightforward” doesn’t mean “always good.” The details matter.
Where Place Bets Go On The Table
Place bets go on the number boxes:
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
You can usually place them yourself by putting chips in the box, or you can tell the dealer:
- “Place the six and eight.”
If you’re still getting comfortable reading the board zones, read Why Craps Has One Of The Most Complex Betting Boards In The Casino.
How Place Bets Win Or Lose
This is the core rule:
- If your number rolls before a 7 → you win
- If a 7 rolls before your number → you lose
That’s why players often say:
- “I’m on the six.”
- “I’m placed on the eight.”
They mean their money is working on that number.
Place Bet Payouts By Number (What Changes)
Here’s the important part:
Place bet payouts are different depending on the number because probabilities differ.
Place Bet Payouts (Common Standard)
- 4 or 10 pays 9 to 5
- 5 or 9 pays 7 to 5
- 6 or 8 pays 7 to 6
You don’t need to memorize every ratio on day one. But you should know:
- 6 and 8 pay “smaller” because they hit more often
- 4 and 10 pay “bigger” because they hit less often
If you want to know more about the dice probability that drives this, read The Probability Of Rolling Each Number On Two Dice.
Bet Sizing Rules (Why Your Chips Matter)
Place bets are often easiest when you use “proper” chip amounts.
6 And 8 Work Best In Multiples Of 6
Because of the 7:6 payout.
Examples:
- $6 wins $7
- $12 wins $14
- $18 wins $21
5 And 9 Work Best In Multiples Of 5
Because of the 7:5 payout.
Examples:
- $5 wins $7
- $10 wins $14
- $15 wins $21
4 And 10 Work Best In Multiples Of 5
Because of the 9:5 payout.
Examples:
- $5 wins $9
- $10 wins $18
- $15 wins $27
If you bet odd amounts, dealers can still pay you, but it may involve rounding or “working” with partial payouts depending on house rules.
A simple beginner move is to use clean multiples.
Which Place Bets Are “Best” For Beginners?
People often gravitate toward 6 and 8 for two reasons:
- they roll more often than 4/10
- they’re easy to manage in multiples of 6
But remember:
- the payout is smaller
- a 7 can still show up first
So “best” really means:
- easiest to understand and track
not guaranteed profit.
Place Bets Vs Pass Line (What’s The Difference?)
Place bets are independent of the line bet structure.
- Pass Line is tied to come-out and point rules
- Place bets are just “number before 7”
Some players like place bets because they feel more direct.
But that directness can lead to overbetting because it’s so easy to stack them:
- place 6, place 8, place 5, place 9…
And suddenly you’ve got money exposed on almost every roll.
A Simple Place Bet Plan That Doesn’t Get Messy
If you want to use place bets without losing control:
- Start with Pass Line (optional)
- Wait for the point
- Place 6 and 8 only (one unit each)
- Avoid adding more numbers unless you planned it
- If you win a few hits, don’t automatically press every time
This keeps exposure controlled.
If you want a structured “base bet + add-on” plan, you already learned the odds concept in How Odds Bets Work And Why They Have No House Edge.
Common Mistakes With Place Bets
Mistake 1: Placing Too Many Numbers
More numbers = more exposure = faster bankroll swing.
Mistake 2: Pressing Because The Table Is Loud
Pressing is fun, but it can turn a winning session into a wipeout quickly.
Mistake 3: Forgetting The “7 Threat”
Place bets don’t care about the point. They care about the next 7.
If you stop respecting how often 7 appears, place bets will punish you.
Mistake 4: Using Random Bet Amounts
Using clean multiples makes payouts smoother and keeps you organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Place Bet Any Number In Craps?
No. Place bets are usually for 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
Are Place Bets Active On The Come-Out Roll?
Often yes, but some tables let you choose whether they “work” on the come-out roll. Ask the dealer if you’re unsure.
Why Do People Place The 6 And 8?
Because they roll more often than 4/10, and the bet sizing is simple in multiples of 6.
What Happens To Place Bets When A 7 Rolls?
They lose immediately when a 7 appears.
Do Place Bets Have Better Odds Than Prop Bets?
Usually yes. Many center prop bets are higher-cost over time, while place bets are more “standard” action.
Where To Go Next
You now understand place bets: which numbers you can place, how payouts differ by number, and how to use them without placing half the table and losing control.
Next, we’ll cover two bet types that often confuse players because they sound similar: buy bets and lay bets, and when each one is used.
Continue with Buy Bets Vs Lay Bets: What Players Need To Know.
