Quick Answer: Are Rare Craps Bets Usually Worth It?
Usually, no—at least not as “strategy.”
Rare craps bets are often designed to:
- create big payouts
- trigger “near miss” emotions
- and increase the casino’s edge
That doesn’t mean you can’t play them.
It just means you should treat them like entertainment, not a core plan.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Casinos Offer Rare Bets
Casinos add rare bets because they:
- keep regular players interested
- create “jackpot moments”
- generate bigger house edge than core bets
- make the table feel more exciting, even when the main game is quiet
Craps is already social. Side bets make it even louder.
If you want to learn why table hype changes behavior, read Why Craps Is A Social Game: Psychology & Behavior Patterns.
Common Rare Craps Bets You Might See
Below are variants that show up in some casinos, especially in busy tourist markets or places that want more “bonus” action.
1) All Tall / All Small (ATS)
This is a bonus side bet where the shooter must roll number sets before a seven appears.
Typical:
- Small: 2–6
- Tall: 8–12
- All: both sets
It’s popular and not exactly “rare” anymore, but you won’t see it on every table.
If you want how it works and why it feels “close,” read How Bonus Craps Variants Work (Fire Bet, All Tall/All Small, Etc.).
2) Fire Bet
Another common variant bet.
It usually pays if the shooter makes multiple distinct points before seven out.
It creates huge payout moments, but hits rarely at the higher tiers.
If you want the mindset for evaluating it, read The True Odds Of Hitting Bonus Craps Side Bets.
3) Repeater Bets
Repeaters are often found in some casino brands and layouts.
How It Works
A number becomes a “repeater” target, such as:
- 6 repeats 6 times
- 8 repeats 8 times
before a seven out
If the shooter hits the repeat count, the bet pays.
Why It’s Tricky
Repeaters create a strong “progress bar” feeling:
- “We’re halfway there!”
But half-progress isn’t half-safe.
A seven ends the whole attempt.
4) “Make ‘Em All” / “Make A Point” Side Variants
Some side bets pay if the shooter:
- makes a point within a certain number of rolls
- makes a point quickly
- or makes multiple points in a row
They’re basically “story bets”:
- you’re betting on a special shooter narrative
They can be exciting, but they’re usually priced as long shots.
5) Hop Bets (More Common In Some Places Than Others)
Hop bets are one-roll bets on a specific dice combo.
Example (conceptually):
- hopping the hard 6
- hopping a specific split
They’re fast, they’re flashy, and they can be expensive.
If you’re not careful, hop bets become:
- constant center action
which drains bankroll through repetition.
If you want to learn the center-table warning, read The Hidden Dangers Of Center Table Betting.
6) “Buy The 4/10” Variations And Commission Quirks
Some casinos handle buy bets differently:
- commission taken upfront
- commission taken on wins
- different minimum buy amounts
- different rules for buying 5/9
It’s not “rare,” but it varies enough that it surprises players.
Always ask:
- when is commission charged?
- is it on wins only?
- what’s the minimum?
7) Bonus “Jackpot” Strips Near The Middle
Some tables have side strips that look like:
- mini slot payouts
- “hit these combinations”
- “stack these outcomes”
These bets are designed for:
- huge payouts
- and heavy repetition
If you play them, treat them as entertainment with a strict budget.
How To Spot Whether A Rare Bet Is Expensive
You don’t need to memorize math to avoid traps.
Use this simple checklist:
Expensive Bet Signals
- It’s a one-roll bet
- The payout looks huge (50-to-1, 100-to-1, etc.)
- The dealer calls it quickly like a “quick hit”
- It creates “near miss” emotions
- The table repeats it every roll
- You don’t fully understand what triggers the payout
When you see these signals, treat it like:
- optional entertainment
not a core plan.
The “Rare Bet Trap”: It Adds Action Without You Noticing
Here’s how it usually happens:
You came to play:
- Pass Line + odds + place 6/8
Then you add:
- $5 ATS
- $2 hardways
- a $3 horn here and there
- a repeater bet
It feels small.
But repeated over time, it becomes a meaningful drain, especially if the rare bets never hit.
If you want to learn the best “pricing” bet concept, read Free Odds In Craps Explained: What It Means.
How To Play Rare Bets Without Getting Burned
You can still join the fun with guardrails.
Rule 1: Rare Bets Get A Fixed Session Budget
Example:
- “$20 total for all rare/bonus bets tonight.”
Rule 2: No Increasing Size When You Feel “Close”
If you raise bet size because you’re missing one number, you’re chasing.
Rule 3: Keep Your Main Plan Clean
Your main plan should still be built around lower-cost bets:
- line bets
- controlled odds
- simple place bets (if you use them)
If you want a low-risk template, read How To Build A Conservative Craps Betting Approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Rare Craps Bets?
Fire Bet, All Tall/All Small, repeaters, hop bets, and casino-specific jackpot strips.
Are Rare Bets Always Bad?
Not always. They can be fun. The issue is that many are expensive if repeated and can encourage chasing.
How Do I Know If A Side Bet Is A Long Shot?
If the payout is huge, it’s likely rare. Also, if it’s one-roll or pattern-based with a seven reset, it’s usually a long shot.
Should Beginners Play Rare Bets?
Beginners should focus on learning core bets first. If you try rare bets, use small amounts and a strict budget.
Why Do Casinos Promote Side Bets So Much?
Because side bets create excitement, keep players engaged, and often have higher house edge than core bets.
Where To Go Next
You now know what “rare” craps bets look like: bonus patterns, repeater targets, hop bets, and casino-specific jackpot strips—plus the main warning: these bets are often expensive if you repeat them and they can quietly pull you into chasing.
Next, we’ll talk about a big factor that changes how these bets feel in real life: table speed. Specifically, how faster tables increase your expected losses per hour, and why the same betting plan can be much more costly at a fast-moving table.
Continue with How Table Speed Impacts Expected Losses.
