More About Craps: Taking Odds

In my last column, we began a discussion about how to take the intimidation out of casino craps. We offered advice on the best way to get into the game, then explained some of the basic bets. Today we're going to get into the topic of free odds in craps, one of the best wagering opportunities casinos have to offer.

There is no indication on any craps layout about the availability of free odds, a wager that you have the option of making in addition to your pass line bet after a point has been established. It's an outstanding wager because the casino will pay you at true mathematical odds: 2-1 on the 4 and 10, 3-2 on the 5 and 9, and 6-5 on 6 and 8.

Here's how odds work: Say you have a five dollar pass line bet on the come out roll and the shooter rolls 10. That becomes the point. If the shooter rolls another 10 before a 7, you'll win even money on your pass line bet, or five dollars. If you had made an odds bet of five dollars in addition to your line bet, you would have been paid 2-1 for that wager (ten dollars for five dollars).

Casinos that offer "double odds" will allow you to place free odds wagers double that of your pass line bet. Similarly, casinos with "five times odds" let you makes odds wagers five times that of your pass line bet. The standard at several Chicago-area riverboat casino destinations is three-times on the 4 and 10, four times on the 5 and 9, and five times on the 6 and 8.

Say you're playing craps where you can take five-times odds on the 6 and 8. The shooter rolls a point of 8 and you have five dollars on the pass line. You may make an additional free odds wager of $5, $10, $15, $20, or $25 and be paid 6-5 on the bet if the shooter makes a successful pass.

Whereas once you make your pass line bet you have to leave it on the table until a decision is reached, you are free to remove all or part of your odds bet, or increase it at any time during the course of the roll. Once again, this is a prime example of the freedom that craps offers you in regards to your wagering bankroll.

The amount of odds you take depends on your bankroll, but it's definitely a wagering option that you should take advantage of once you become familiar with the game of craps. It's the only bet where you play the house on equal footing. What could be better than that?

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