What are the Proposition Bets in Craps?

Among the toughest wagers to make in a game of craps are proposition bets. The really high house edge alone on these proposition bets are enough to discourage the average player with an modest bankroll. Many experience craps players advise new players to avoid making proposition bets. Nevertheless, those who are in the game of craps for a bit of adventure might want to try these just for the sake of fun.

Basically, we can put proposition bets into two categories: hardways bets and one roll bets. We inform new players advisedly that the proposition bets have house edges that are tremendously not in the players' favor. We'll deal with the hardways bets first then we'll proceed to one roll bets in craps.

The first category of proposition bets are the hardways bets. Essentially, a hardways bet is betting on getting a certain number the hard way (thus the name). So for instance a six can easily be made by rolling two and four, but it is harder to get a six by rolling a double three. Here are the payoffs and house edges for the different hardways proposition bets.

Hard four, i.e. rolling a double two pays seven for one with a house advantage of 11.1%. Hard six, i.e. rolling a double three pays nine for one with a house advantage of 9.09%. Hard eight, i.e. rolling a double four works like a hard six. Hard ten, i.e. rolling double five works like a hard four.

One roll bets pay better than hardways proposition bets. Other than the fact that the house edge is also high, the fate of one roll proposition bets are set in just one dice roll thus increasing the risk you take. Here are the house edges and the payoffs of one roll proposition bets.

Any seven bet pays off at four for one with a house advantage of 16.67%. Any craps bet pays off at seven for one with a house advantage of 11.1%. Two or double ones pays off at 30 for one with a house advantage of 13.89% A bet on three pays off at 15 for one with a house advantage of 11.1%. A bet on 11 works like a bet on three. 12 or double six works like a two or double ones. Horn bet pays off at five for one with a house advantage of 12.5%. Hop bets on pairs pay off at 30 for one with a house advantage of 13.89%. Hop bets on non pairs pay off at 15 for one with a house advantage of 11.1%.

These are the craps proposition bets. The high house edge make them unfavorable to players. But those who would wish to experiment on them may try them out.