Comps and craps bets

29 October 2013

By Frank Scoblete

FROM CHUCK: Just getting into craps from blackjack, needed more excitement. But I also have an eye on comps. I understand that Odds are not counted (at least in the two local casino whose pit bosses I asked). So my question would be why do what so many people do by placing two come bets then stop. Does it not make more sense to see where the come bet would end up and then place that amount?

For example, after the point I place a $10 Come and a five is thrown in my (3-4-5 odds plan) I would have provided $40 odds on the 5. Would I not be in the exact same situation if I placed a $50 bet on 5? The payout is the same correct? The only advantage I would see is getting paid on the come if a 7 or 11 is rolled after I make the come bet but I also would not lose the come if a craps number is rolled.

To continue the example if the next throw is a 10, I would place $40 on the 10 and then hold and would be in the same position as my original plan of the two come bets and hold but now will get comp credit on the full amount of the bets $90 not just the $20 come bets.

Just want to make sure I am not missing something in regards to the payout.

Thoughts?

FRANKS RESPONDS: Comps never make up for the house edge. Those Place bets you’re making come in with much higher house edges – or loss per bet than those two Come bets with odds. Just let me give a simple example. What is better – a Come bet of $10 will lose you 14 cents over time; while a Place bet of the 6 or 8 (for $12) will lose you 18 cents; a Place bet of the 5 or 9 will lose you 40 cents and a Place bet of the 4 or 10 will lose you 67 cents.

Yes, you will get a better rating for comps but you are buying that rating with a poorer expectation on your gambling. In the end, you will lose far more than any comp is worth. I’d stick with the Come bets and take whatever comps you are offered.

I am sending you a copy of my new book “The Virgin Kiss.”

FROM BILL: I have read your book "Casino Craps: Shoot to Win!" It is very well written and informative, I enjoyed reading it.

My question concerns what you wrote about the Don't pass and odds. If I bet $12 on the don't pass and have $18 odds, then I will win either $27, $24 or $21 depending on the point. Why not just bet $30 on the Don't? Then I would win $30 each time.

I have just started playing craps and go to Vegas one or two times a year. I hope what I have learned from reading your book will prevent the tough luck I had when I began playing on my last trip. Thank you so much.

FRANK RESPONDS: Just take a look at the house edge. If you place a Don’t Pass for $30, your expectation is to lose about 42 cents. If you put a Don’t Pass bet for $12, your expectation is to lose about 17 cents. That’s a big difference. Keep in mind those odds bets have no house edge attached them. Your best bet then is to stick with the $12 Don’t Pass with odds rather than upping the Don’t Pass to $30 without taking odds.

For your e-mail I am sending you a copy of my new book "The Virgin Kiss."

Join Frank on his website at www.frankscoblete.com.