Big Field Bets

One of the most popular bets for inexperienced craps players is the field bet. Once again, it seems like a good bet. The betting area occupies a large chunk of the craps layout at each end of the table. For the table minimum, a player can wager that the two, three, four, nine, ten, eleven or twelve will appear on the next roll. Only a five, six, seven or eight will defeat that bet. The bet pays even money.

But take a closer look. Even though the field numbers winners seem to more numerous than the losers, it's simply not true. The amount of dice combinations that make up those seven numbers totals 16. But there are 20 ways to roll the five, six, seven and eight, so the player is giving the house a 5.56 percent advantage. Looks can be deceiving in craps.

Another well advertised bet at most dice games (except in Atlantic City) is the big six or eight. Because the six and eight are rolled so frequently, players mistakenly believe it is a good bet. By placing this bet, the player is wagering that a six or eight will appear before a seven is rolled.

It is the same bet as a place bet on the six or eight, but the payoff is considerably worse. By placing the six or eight, the player receives a seven-to-six payoff, but a winning wager on the big six or eight only gets even money. A casino advantage of 9.09 percent means the player will lose $1 for every $11 wagered. By placing the six or eight, players are dramatically reducing the casino's edge to only 1.5 percent, meaning a player loses $1 for every $66 bet. But you won't see that advertised anywhere. Only the most knowledgeable players realize they can get the best bets at the craps tables, while avoiding the "sucker" bets.