Big Red

The term Big Red in craps refers to betting on the number 7. While it might seem harmless, this is often seen as a superstitious taboo at the craps table because players who are hoping for other outcomes generally do not want a 7 to be rolled once a point has been established.

Despite this, Big Red remains a popular bet for those who wish to wager on the infamous number 7.

What is Big Red?

Big Red is essentially a slang term for the Any Seven bet in craps. It is a one-roll bet that pays out if the shooter rolls a 7 on the next throw of the dice. The payout for this bet is 4:1, meaning that for every $1 you wager, you will receive $4 in return if the next roll is a 7. This type of bet can be placed at any point during the game, but it’s important to remember that it is a high-risk proposition.

How Big Red Works

Here’s how the Big Red (Any Seven) bet works in more detail:

• Placing the Bet: You place your chips in the area of the table designated for proposition bets, specifically on the Any Seven or "Big Red" spot.
• The Outcome: If the shooter rolls a 7 on the next throw, the bet wins, and you receive a 4:1 payout. If any other number is rolled, the bet is lost.
• High Risk, High Reward: While the payout is relatively high, the odds are not in the player’s favor. There are six possible combinations of the dice that can result in a 7, but there are 30 other combinations that result in different numbers. This gives the house a significant edge, around 16.67%.

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Why is the Number 7 So Important in Craps?

The number 7 plays a crucial role in craps for a couple of reasons:

1. On the Come-Out Roll: A 7 is a winning number on the come-out roll for Pass Line bettors. If the shooter rolls a 7 on their first throw, they win.
2. After the Point is Established: Once a point is set, the number 7 becomes what most players dread. Rolling a 7 at this point means the round ends, and bets like the Pass Line and Place Bets lose. This is why some players consider it bad luck to mention "7" or "Big Red" at the table.

The Superstition Surrounding Big Red

Craps is one of the most superstitious casino games, and "Big Red" is at the heart of many of these beliefs. Some players refuse to say "seven" or "Big Red" out loud, believing that it will jinx the shooter and cause a 7 to appear when it's not wanted. Even experienced players who bet on Big Red sometimes avoid discussing it openly. Instead, they silently place their bets, hoping for a quick payout while avoiding the ire of other players at the table.

Betting Strategies Involving Big Red

Although Big Red is a risky bet, it can be part of a broader craps strategy. Some players use Big Red as a hedge bet, placing small wagers on the number 7 while making larger bets on other numbers. This way, if a 7 is rolled, they at least win some of their money back, reducing their overall losses. However, most professional craps players avoid proposition bets like Big Red because of the high house edge.

Big Red FAQs