Betting in the Game of Craps: Multi Roll Bets
True to their name, Multi Roll bets are Craps wagers that usually need more than one roll of the dice to determine a win or a loss.
We say “usually”, because it IS possible to win or lose in one roll, but as a general rule, Multi Roll bets live up to their name by needing several rolls of the dice to determine an outcome (as opposed to single roll bets, which always have an outcome decided by one roll).
Multi roll bets are fun bets, because they combine good payouts with a longer time at the table. Yes, the odds are long, but since your bet usually isn’t over in one roll of the dice, you get to enjoy the fun for a bit longer. So let’s look at the different type of Multi Roll bets and see if we can find one you’ll like.
- “Hard ways” are a wager that your choice of 4, 6, 8, or 10 will come up in pairs. So a “Hard 10”, needs to come up with two 5s. If the roll comes up with a 6 and a 4 instead, you lose. A 7 is always a loss with Hard ways. So basically, you’re in until you win, “your” number comes up the easy way, or a seven is rolled.
- “Easy ways” are the opposite of Hard ways. Instead of betting that a chosen number of 4, 6, 8 or 10 will come up even, you’re betting it will come up uneven. So an “Easy 4” wins on a 3 and a 1, but loses on a 7 or a pair of 2s.
- “Big 6” is a bet that a 6 will come up before a 7. “Big 8” is similar but needs an 8 to win. Stay away from this bet! You’re better off making a Place or Buy bet since there’s a better payout.
- “Place bets” allow you to choose from a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 and bet that it’ll come up before 7. If 7 comes up, you lose. Since the house edge is better than Big 6 or Big 8, make your bets here if you want to pick 6 or 8.
- “Buy bets” are Place bets with better payouts. Pick a number and hope it comes up before 7. However, you need to pay a fee to make the bet. Since you have to pay a fee to bet, you’re giving the house its house edge with your fee. Usually the fee is 5% so the house enjoys a 5% edge. Some casinos meet you halfway and only charge you on winning bets.
- “Lay bets” are mirror twins of Buy bets and wager that a 7 will come up before your chosen number. Since some numbers will come up more often, likely combinations will pay less than unlikely rolls. The house takes a 5% commission on winning bets.
Again, these bets do not have great odds, but they do have nice payouts, and tend to keep you in the game longer (which is always good.) So if you are feeling lucky, pick a multi roll bet (we like Hard ways ourselves) and roll them bones! Good luck!
