Place vs Buy Craps: Understanding Your Betting Options
Craps players face a critical decision when wagering on specific point numbers: whether to place or buy those numbers. While both bet types target the same outcomes, they differ fundamentally in payout structures and costs. Understanding the difference between place and buy bets in craps can significantly impact long-term results and help players maximize their edge at the table.
What Is a Place Bet in Craps?
A place bet allows players to wager that one of six point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) appears before a 7 rolls. Unlike pass line bets that require a point to be established, place bets can be made at any time and work independently of the shooter’s point. The casino pays these bets at slightly reduced odds compared to true mathematical probability, which creates the house advantage.
Place bets represent one of craps’ most popular wagering options due to their simplicity and flexibility. Players can make, remove, or reduce place bets between rolls without waiting for a decision. This control appeals to gamblers who prefer actively managing their action rather than committing to bets that must remain in place until resolution.
Place Bet Payouts and House Edge
The casino pays place bets at standardized rates that vary by number. Wagering on 6 or 8 pays 7 to 6, meaning a $6 wager returns $7 in winnings. Wagering on 5 or 9 pays 7 to 5, while wagering on 4 or 10 pays 9 to 5. These payout ratios fall short of true odds, resulting in a house edge.
Strategic players who practice at the best online casinos can experiment with different bet sizing approaches in low-stakes games before committing to higher limits at physical tables.
Place Bet Payout Structure
| Number | Place Bet Pays | True Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 or 8 | 7 to 6 | 6 to 5 | 1.52% |
| 5 or 9 | 7 to 5 | 3 to 2 | 4.00% |
| 4 or 10 | 9 to 5 | 2 to 1 | 6.67% |
The house edge varies considerably across different place bets. Placing the 6 or 8 carries only a 1.52% house edge, making these among the better bets available at the craps table. Placing bets on 4 or 10 has a substantial 6.67% house edge, significantly higher than many other craps wagers.
Proper Place Bet Sizing
Place bets require specific denominations to ensure proper payouts. Bets on 6 or 8 should be made in multiples of $6 to accommodate the 7-to-6 payout ratio. Place bets on 5 or 9, which work best in multiples of $5. Place bets on 4 or 10, which also use $5 increments. Betting amounts that don’t align with these multiples create payout complications and increase the effective house edge.
What Is a Buy Bet in Craps?
A buy bet functions similarly to a place bet but pays at true odds in exchange for a 5% commission on the wager. When you buy a number in craps, the casino charges this commission (also called vigorish or vig) either upfront or only on winning bets, depending on house rules. The commission structure fundamentally alters the bet’s mathematical profile compared to placing the same number.
Buy bets become available on the same numbers as place bets: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. The true odds payout compensates for the commission cost on certain numbers, while other numbers remain more expensive to buy than to place.
Buy Bet Commission Structures
The 5% commission on buy bets can be calculated and collected in different ways. Traditional casinos charge the commission upfront, meaning a $20 buy bet costs $21 total ($20 wager plus $1 commission). Some casinos only charge commission on winning bets, substantially improving the bet’s value by eliminating commission payments on losses.
Buy Bet Payout Structure
| Number | Buy Bet Pays | Commission | Effective House Edge (Upfront) | Effective House Edge (Win Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 | 5% | 4.76% | 1.67% |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 | 5% | 4.76% | 2.00% |
| 6 or 8 | 6 to 5 | 5% | 4.76% | 2.27% |
Commission timing dramatically impacts buy bet value. Casinos that charge commission only on winners reduce the effective house edge by more than half. Those seeking an optimal strategy at reputable gambling sites should verify commission policies before placing bets, as this single rule variation substantially affects long-term results.
Buy Bet Minimum Thresholds
Many casinos set minimum buy bet amounts to ensure commission charges make mathematical sense. A $10 buy bet generates only $0.50 in commission, which casinos round up to $1, effectively doubling the commission rate to 10%. Most properties require a minimum buy-in bet of $20 or $25 to keep commission percentages reasonable.
Place vs Buy Craps: The Critical Comparison
The choice between placing and buying numbers depends on which option offers superior value. Mathematical analysis reveals that buying certain numbers outperforms placing them, while other numbers should always be placed rather than bought.
When to Place vs Buy in Craps
Buy bets on 4 and 10 consistently outperform place bets on the same numbers. The 2-to-1 true odds payout with a 5% commission results in an approximately 4.76% house edge (including the upfront commission), compared to a 6.67% house edge for placing these numbers at the standard odds. The buy bet saves nearly 2% in house edge, making it the clear superior choice.
Place bets on 6 and 8 perform better than buy bets on these numbers. The 1.52% house edge for placing 6 or 8 beats the 4.76% house edge for buying these numbers with upfront commission. Even with a commission charged only on winners, putting 6 or 8 remains slightly better than buying them outright.
The situation with 5 and 9 creates the most debate. Place bets on 5 or 9 carry a 4.00% house edge, while buy bets carry 4.76% with upfront commission. Placing these numbers wins the comparison. However, if a commission is charged only on winners, buying 5 or 9 (with a 2.00% house edge) becomes significantly better than placing them.
Place vs Buy Decision Chart
| Number | Best Option (Upfront Commission) | Best Option (Win-Only Commission) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | Buy | Buy |
| 5 or 9 | Place | Buy |
| 6 or 8 | Place | Place |
This comparison assumes standard commission rates and payout structures. Gamblers at live dealer tables should confirm payout rates and commission policies before committing to any strategy, as variations between properties can shift optimal decisions.
Advanced Buy Bet Strategies
Sophisticated craps players employ specific techniques to maximize the value of their buy bets, as commission timing, bet sizing, and selective number targeting all influence their overall effectiveness.
Exploiting Commission-on-Wins Rules
Casinos charging commission only on winning bets create exceptional value opportunities. Under these rules, buying 4 or 10 drops from a 4.76% house edge to approximately 1.67%, rivaling the pass line with odds as one of the table’s best bets. Bets on 5 or 9 fall to a 2.00% house edge, competitive with many respected craps wagers.
Players should aggressively buy 4, 5, 9, and 10 when commission is charged only on winners. This rule variation transforms marginal bets into solid strategic options.
Pressing Buy Bets Efficiently
Pressing (increasing) buy bets after wins requires careful calculation to minimize commission waste. When pressing a $25 buy bet to $50, players should add $25 to the existing wager rather than making a new $50 buy bet. This approach pays commission only on the additional $25, saving money compared to replacing the entire bet.
Optimal Craps Betting Strategy
Integrating place and buy bets into a comprehensive craps strategy requires understanding their role within the broader betting landscape. These bets complement pass/come bets with odds while offering flexibility that contract bets lack.
Building a Place/Buy Strategy
Conservative craps strategies focus on placing bets on 6 and 8 due to their low house edge. These bets provide consistent action with minimal cost, appealing to players who prioritize longevity over jackpot potential. Adding buy bets on 4 or 10 (especially with favorable commission rules) diversifies action while maintaining reasonable house edge exposure.
Aggressive strategies might place all inside numbers (5, 6, 8, 9) or even all box numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to maximize hit frequency. While this approach creates substantial action and frequent wins, it also exposes players to multiple house edge calculations simultaneously.
Those exploring promotional opportunities at sites offering attractive casino bonuses should understand how bonus playthrough requirements interact with place and buy bets. Some promotions specifically exclude or limit craps play, while others fully embrace it, making research essential before committing funds.
Bankroll Management for Place and Buy Bets
Placing and buying bets create different volatility profiles than pass line betting. The ability to remove these bets freely provides downside protection that contract bets lack. However, the temptation to keep multiple numbers working simultaneously can drain bankrolls quickly during cold streaks.
Recommended Bankroll Allocation
- Conservative approach: Risk no more than 10% of the session bankroll on combined place/buy bets
- Moderate approach: Risk 15-20% of session bankroll across 2-3 numbers
- Aggressive approach: Risk 25-30% of session bankroll covering 4+ numbers
Setting maximum exposure limits before beginning play prevents emotional decisions during the heat of action.
Common Mistakes with Place and Buy Bets
Even experienced craps players make errors with place and buy bets. Improper bet sizing, failing to optimize between placing and buying, and misunderstanding commission structures all result in financial losses over time.
The most common mistake involves placing 4 or 10 rather than buying these numbers. The mathematical advantage of purchasing these specific numbers is clear, yet many players default to placing all numbers without considering the superior alternative. This single error costs approximately 2% of the in-house edge.
Another frequent error involves buying 6 or 8 instead of placing these numbers. The 1.52% house edge for putting these numbers beats buying them under virtually all commission structures.
Misunderstanding when a commission is charged creates costly mistakes. Players who assume all casinos charge commission only on winners may receive unpleasant surprises when cashing out. Always clarify commission policies before making buy bets.
Place vs Buy Craps: Making the Smart Choice
Understanding place vs buy craps empowers players to make mathematically sound decisions at the table. The optimal strategy is straightforward: buy 4 or 10 for a superior house edge, place 6 or 8 for maximum value, and adjust 5 or 9 based on commission structure. Decisions such as these, although seemingly minor, compound significantly over time.
Success at craps comes from consistently applying these mathematical relationships. Players who choose between placing and buying numbers based on true edge calculations enjoy better results than those who bet arbitrarily. This fundamental knowledge, combined with proper bankroll management and disciplined execution, transforms casual craps play into strategically informed gambling that maximizes every advantage the game has to offer.