Quick Answer: What Is Volatility In Craps?
Volatility is how “swingy” your results are.
High volatility means:
- your bankroll jumps up and down quickly
- you can win big fast
- but you can also lose fast
Low volatility means:
- smaller swings
- slower losses and slower gains
- more stability (but fewer big spikes)
Craps is naturally volatile because of seven outs, but your betting sequence can make it much more volatile.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Betting Sequence Matters More Than People Think
A “betting sequence” is the pattern of bets you make over time.
Examples:
- flat betting Pass Line only
- Pass Line + odds + place 6/8
- adding 5/9/4/10
- pressing after every hit
- firing prop bets every roll
Two players can play the same table and have totally different volatility because one is:
- risking $15 per roll
and the other is: - risking $150 per roll across multiple bets
Volatility Lever #1: How Many Bets You Have Working
This is the biggest volatility lever for most players.
Fewer Bets Working = Lower Volatility
Example:
- Pass Line only
- or Pass Line + small odds
More Bets Working = Higher Volatility
Example:
- Pass Line
- odds
- 6 and 8
- 5 and 9
- hardways
- props
Now you’re exposed in many places at once.
This creates larger win spikes when numbers hit, but it also means:
- a seven out hits you harder
If you want a conservative structure, read How To Build A Conservative Craps Betting Approach.
Volatility Lever #2: Pressing And Regressing
Pressing increases volatility because you’re moving bet size upward as you win.
That means:
- you’re most exposed right before a seven out can wipe the table
Regressing is the opposite:
- you lower bets after a win spike
to protect profit
Why Pressing Feels So Good (And Can Hurt)
Pressing creates the “one more hit” feeling.
But if you press without guardrails, the story often ends the same way:
- you build the stack
- then seven out clears it
If you want the aggressive framework, read How To Build An Aggressive Craps Betting Approach.
Volatility Lever #3: One-Roll Bets (Props) Create Rapid Swings
Prop bets are high volatility because:
- they settle instantly
- they’re easy to repeat
- and wins/losses happen fast
Even small props can cause big emotional swings, which then lead to:
- chasing
- pressing too hard
- adding more bets
- losing discipline
If you want the prop bet warning, read The Hidden Dangers Of Center Table Betting.
Volatility Lever #4: Table Speed (Rolls Per Hour)
Faster tables increase volatility per hour because you’re taking more outcomes in the same time.
That means:
- more chance to swing up
- more chance to swing down
- more chances to lose control emotionally
If you want to learn more why speed matters, read Why Craps Is Faster Than Most Casino Games.
A Simple Way To “Measure” Volatility In Your Own Play
Ask yourself these questions:
- How many bets are working at once?
- Do I press after wins, or stay flat?
- Am I repeating props every roll?
- Do I feel rushed by table speed?
- Does a single seven out wipe a large chunk of my session?
If you answered “yes” to several, your volatility is high.
How To Lower Volatility Without Changing The Game
You don’t need to quit craps to lower volatility. You just need to tighten your sequence.
Option 1: Reduce The Number Of Working Bets
Instead of:
- 6 numbers placed
Use: - 6 and 8 only
or even: - line bet only
Option 2: Use Partial Press Instead Of Full Press
Take some profit, press some.
Option 3: Cap Your Bet Levels
Example:
- “My 6 and 8 never go above $30.”
Option 4: Set A Prop Budget
Example:
- “$10–$20 total props for the session.”
Option 5: Use Shorter Sessions
Short sessions reduce exposure and tilt risk.
If you want session structure, read Bankroll Management Strategies For Craps Players.
Why Some Players Prefer High Volatility (And That’s Okay)
High volatility isn’t “wrong.”
Some players want:
- a shot at big wins
- excitement
- momentum
The mistake is choosing high volatility without realizing it.
If you choose it knowingly and you can afford the swings, fine.
If you don’t choose it knowingly, it will choose you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craps A High-Volatility Game?
It can be, especially when you use multiple bets, press aggressively, or play props. Your bet sequence strongly affects volatility.
What Increases Volatility The Most?
Having many bets working at once and pressing bet sizes up during a roll.
Do Prop Bets Increase Volatility?
Yes. Most are one-roll bets that create fast win/loss cycles and can lead to chasing.
How Do I Make My Craps Sessions Less Swingy?
Reduce the number of bets working, avoid constant props, use partial press rules, and set caps and stop-loss limits.
Is Low Volatility Better?
Not always. Low volatility is calmer and easier to manage. High volatility can be more exciting but riskier.
Where To Go Next
You now understand volatility in craps betting sequences: the number of bets working, pressing behavior, prop bet frequency, and table speed all shape how swingy your sessions feel.
Next, we’ll talk about why chasing losses is especially dangerous in craps, how the table energy pushes you into it, and how to stop the “just one more roll” spiral before it starts.
Continue with Why Chasing Losses Is Especially Dangerous In Craps.
