Buy Bet in Craps

What Is a Buy Bet in Craps

A Buy Bet craps is a wager on one of the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) where the casino pays true odds instead of the slightly reduced payouts on Place bets. The only trade-off is that the player must pay a small commission (called vigorish).

This makes Buy Bets unique in the game. While most craps wagers are designed to tilt odds in favor of the house, Buy Bets give players a chance to fight back by getting paid fairly for the risk they take. In exchange, the casino collects a small percentage as a fee, which keeps the game profitable for them and worthwhile for you ☝️

Difference Between Buy Bets and Place Bets

Place Bets and Buy Bets look very similar, but they are not the same. With Place Bets, the casino slightly reduces payouts so that the house edge remains higher. Buy Bets, however, correct that by paying true mathematical odds, giving you a much closer-to-fair game.

📌 For example, if you place a $20 bet on the number 4 using a Place Bet, you’ll be paid 9:5. If you instead “buy” the 4, you’ll get a true 2:1 payout, though you’ll need to pay the commission. This is why many players compare craps place bet vs buy when looking to maximize their long-term results.

Numbers Available for Buy Bets (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)

You can only make Buy Bets on six numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. These are the same numbers used in Pass Line and Come Bets once a point is established. Each number has a different probability of appearing, which directly affects its craps Buy Bet payout.

📌 For example, the 6 and 8 are rolled more often because they have five possible dice combinations each. On the other hand, the 4 and 10 only have three combinations, making them less common but more rewarding when they hit. Understanding this distribution is key to deciding where to put your money.

How Odds Are Applied to Buy Bets

The defining feature of a Buy Bet is that it pays at true odds. Here’s what that means 👇

• 4 and 10 pay 2:1 because they have a 3-in-36 chance of being rolled.
• 5 and 9 pay 3:2 because they have a 4-in-36 chance.
• 6 and 8 pay 6:5 because they have a 5-in-36 chance.

This makes craps Buy Bet odds some of the fairest payouts on the table. The only catch is the commission, which ensures the house still has an edge — though a smaller one than most other bets.

Commission (Vigorish) and How It’s Charged

The 5% commission, also called “vig,” is what balances the Buy Bet for the casino. Most casinos take it upfront when you place the bet. 

📌 For example:

• A $20 Buy Bet on the 4 requires $21 (including $1 commission).
• If the 4 rolls before a 7, you’re paid $40 winnings plus your $20 bet back.

💡 Some casinos offer the friendlier option of charging commission only on winning bets. This makes Buy Bets far more attractive because you don’t lose vig on losing wagers. Always ask your dealer about thecraps rules at your table before playing.

Buy Bet Payouts

Buy Bets shine when you know exactly how much they pay and where the value lies.

Payouts for 4 and 10

👉 These are the stars of the Buy Bet world. At true odds of 2:1, the payout here is excellent. A $20 bet pays $40, minus the commission. If the casino charges commission only on wins, the return is even sweeter.

Payouts for 5 and 9

👉 Withcraps odds of 3:2, these numbers strike a balance between frequency and reward. A $30 bet on the 5 or 9 pays $45. After commission, you still walk away with strong value, especially if you’re betting larger units.

Payouts for 6 and 8

👉 The 6 and 8 are the most commonly rolled point numbers. Their true odds are 6:5, which means you’ll see wins more often but with slightly lower payouts. A $30 bet here pays $36, minus commission. Some players prefer Place Bets on 6 and 8 because the advantage of buying them is small unless the casino charges vig only on wins.

Comparing Buy Bets to Place Bets

📈 Here’s how the numbers stack up:

💡 This table makes it clear: the 4 and 10 are the best value for Buy Bets. The 5 and 9 also gain an edge. The 6 and 8? They’re borderline, and many players stick to placing them instead. 🎲

How to Make a Buy Bet Step by Step

If you’ve never made a Buy Bet before, don’t worry. The process is simple once you know the steps.

Informing the Dealer of Your Bet

👉 Buy Bets can’t be self-served — you need to tell the dealer. A clear instruction like “Buy the 4 for $20” works perfectly. Always mention both the number and the amount so there’s no confusion.

Placement of Chips on the Layout

👉 The dealer will position your chips in the box of your chosen number and mark them with a small “Buy” button. This shows the bet is being paid at true odds. If the commission is charged upfront, they’ll also take the vig from your chips right away.

Collecting Winnings After a Roll

👉 When your number hits, the dealer pays you based on true odds and deducts any commission if it’s taken on wins. 

📌 For example, a $20 Buy on the 10 pays $40 winnings plus your original $20 back, less commission. If a 7 shows first, your bet is lost.

Pros and Cons of Buy Bets

Every wager has strengths and weaknesses. The Buy Bet is no exception.

Pros

• ✅ True odds payouts with only a small commission fee
• ✅ Lower house edge than many other wagers at the table
• ✅ Flexible — available on six different point numbers
• ✅ Strongest value on 4 and 10
  
   

Cons

• ❌ Commission reduces overall profit compared to “free” bets
• ❌ Best value often requires betting higher amounts
• ❌ Can confuse beginners who aren’t used to handling vig

Buy Bet Strategy in Craps

Using Buy Betscraps strategy wisely means understanding when to apply them and how to manage your bankroll.

When to Use Buy Bets Instead of Place Bets

👉 If your casino charges commission upfront, use Buy Bets primarily on 4 and 10. If it charges only on wins, then 5 and 9 also become excellent targets.Place Bets strategy might still be better on 6 and 8, but for the others, buying is almost always smarter.

Focusing on 4 and 10 for Maximum Value

👉 Because they pay 2:1, 4 and 10 are the strongest Buy Bet options. Many players build entire strategies around buying these two numbers repeatedly. They don’t hit often, but when they do, the payouts can swing your session.

Managing Bankroll With Buy Bets

👉 Since vig takes a flat percentage, small Buy Bets are less effective. A $10 bet with a $1 commission gives the house a huge edge. That’s why most players recommend betting at least $20 per Buy Bet to make the math more favorable. Managing your bankroll means scaling bets wisely and avoiding over-committing on weak numbers.

Buy Bets vs Other Craps Bets

Buy Bets don’t exist in a vacuum — players often compare them to other popular wagers in craps. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, but the key factor is usually the house edge, which determines how much the casino expects to keep in the long run.

Buy Bet vs Place Bet

💡 Place Bets are cheaper to make but pay less. Buy Bets require commission but give fair payouts.

Buy Bet vs Pass Line with Odds

The Pass Line with Odds is still the king of low-house-edge bets, but Buy Bets give you the flexibility to target specific numbers whenever you want. Many players use both together for a balanced approach.

Buy Bet vs Lay Bet

Lay Bets are essentially the opposite of Buy Bets. Instead of betting a number will appear before 7, you bet the 7 will show first. Buy Bets are more exciting for action-seekers, while Lay Bets suit conservative players who like to “play against” the shooter.

Tips for Using Buy Bets

These tips can help you get the most value from your wagers.

Ask About Casino Commission Rules (Per Bet vs Per Win)

Always confirm the vig rule. If it’s charged only when you win, Buy Bets become one of the strongest bets in the casino.

Only Make Buy Bets When House Edge Is Lower

Focus on 4 and 10, where the math clearly favors you more than most bets on the table. 🎲

Combine Buy Bets With Low-Risk Bets for Balance

Don’t rely solely on Buy Bets. Mixing them with safe options like Pass Line with Odds or Come Bets gives you both excitement and stability.