The 3 'Sucker Bets' in Craps That You Should Never, Ever Make

The craps table is energetic, but its layout is filled with "landmines" for new players. These 'sucker bets' tempt with big payouts or simplicity, but all share a cripplingly high house edge. Understanding which bets to avoid is the key to protecting your bankroll and playing smart. A sucker bet is simply a poor value proposition.

Bet #1: The Deceptively Simple Big 6 and Big 8

You’ll see large "Big 6" and "Big 8" boxes in the corner. The bet is simple: wager that a 6 or 8 will roll before a 7, paying 1:1. It seems straightforward, but this common trap's 1:1 payout is a terrible deal.

Why It's a Sucker Bet

The problem is the odds versus payout. There are six ways to roll a 7 but only five ways to roll a 6. The true odds are 6-to-5. The casino should pay 6:5, but only pays 1:1 (or 5:5). This discrepancy creates a 9.09% house edge. So, how do you bet the 6 and 8 smartly? The answer is nearby.

What to Bet Instead: The Place 6 and Place 8

The smart alternative is the "Place" bet. Ask the dealer to "Place the 6," and they'll move your chip. This bet is identical in function (a 6 before a 7) but pays 7:6. This simple change plummets the house edge from 9.09% to a manageable 1.52%. This is a massive step up. Now, let's look at bets that tempt with high payouts but carry even higher risk.

Bet #2: The Alluring Payouts of Hardways

Hardway bets are another temptation. You're betting on an exact pair (like 4-4 for a "Hard 8") to roll before a 7 or an "easy" version (like 2-6). The payouts are high: 7:1 for Hard 4/10 and 9:1 for Hard 6/8. Many players on platforms like Spin City might be drawn to craps for these high-odds wagers. While fun for a small bet, basing your strategy on them is a quick way to go bust. That thrill is what the casino counts on.

The Brutal Odds Behind the Payout

Consider the Hard 10 (5-5). There's one way to roll it, but eight ways to lose (six ways to roll a 7, plus 4-6 and 6-4). The true odds are 8:1, but the casino only pays 7:1, creating an 11.11% house edge. The Hard 6 and 8 are also terrible, with a 9.09% edge. Hardways are bad, but one bet is even worse.

Bet #3: The 'Big Red' or Any 7 Trap

This one-roll bet wagers that the next roll will be a 7. It's in the centre of the table and pays 4:1. The logic seems simple: the 7 is the most common number, so it should be a good bet. Wrong. The 7 is common, but the 4:1 payout doesn't match the real odds.

The Ultimate Bankroll Drainer

The math is simple: of 36 dice combinations, six make a 7. That's a 1-in-6 chance of winning, with 30 ways to lose. The true odds are 30-to-6, or 5:1. The casino only pays 4:1 on a 5:1 bet. This massive gap creates a staggering 16.67% house edge. Let's compare these percentages side-by-side.

A Quick Comparison: Good Bets vs. Sucker Bets

This table shows the massive house edge difference between smart bets and sucker bets.

As you can see, you give the casino a twelve times greater advantage on "Any 7" versus a "Pass Line" bet. Sticking to low-edge wagers is the most effective strategy. These are the most common traps, but the entire centre is filled with other high-edge "proposition" bets.

Dishonourable Mentions: Other Bets to Avoid

To protect your bankroll, also be cautious of these centre-table wagers.

Here is a brief list of other bets to stay away from:

• Any Craps (2, 3, or 12): A one-roll bet paying 7:1 with an 11.11% house edge.
• The Horn (2, 3, 11, 12): A four-way bet popular for action, with an average 12.5% house edge.
• Yo (11): A one-roll bet on 11. It pays 15:1 (true odds are 17:1), giving it an 11.11% house edge.

See the pattern? High-payout centre bets almost always have the highest house edge. They fund the casino, not you.

Stop Bleeding Chips: How to Stick to Smart Wagers

The craps table's energy can pressure you into "exciting" bets. The "Big 6/8," "Hardways," and "Any 7" prey on that excitement, offering bad payouts that are guaranteed to drain your money.

The secret to lasting longer is simple: stick to fundamental bets. Play the Pass Line and Come bets. Back them with odds (0% house edge). If you bet individual numbers, "Place" the 6 and 8. The next time you play, ignore the shouts for "Big Red" and make the smart play. Your bankroll will thank you.