The House
Understanding 'The House' in Craps
In Craps, 'The House' refers to the casino, which acts as the game’s operator and maintains a built-in advantage over players. The house earns money through the house edge, which varies depending on the type of bet placed.
How the House Maintains Its Edge
Odds & Payouts: Payouts are slightly lower than the true mathematical odds of rolling a given number, ensuring long-term profitability for the casino.
House Edge: Ranges from low (around 1.36% on Pass Line bets) to high (up to 16.67% on certain proposition bets, like Any 7).
Bankroll Control: The house sets table limits and rules that favor casino profitability.
Even though the dice are fair, the house’s mathematical advantage guarantees that, over time, the casino will make money.
Beating the House
While Craps is largely a game of chance, players can minimize the house edge by focusing on bets with better odds:
Pass Line / Don’t Pass Line: 1.41% / 1.36% edge
Come / Don’t Come Bets
Placing 6 & 8: 1.52% edge
Conversely, bets like Big 6/8 or Any 7 carry a much higher house edge and are generally less favorable for players.
The casino doesn’t cheat, it simply ensures that the math is always in its favor. Smart betting and bankroll management can help players extend play and enjoy better odds without challenging the house mathematically.
FAQs About The House in Craps
What is 'The House' in Craps?
It’s the casino, which operates the game and maintains a built-in advantage over players.
How does the house make money?
Through the house edge — payouts are slightly lower than true odds, and some bets carry a much higher edge.
Can players beat the house?
Not in the long term. Players can minimize losses by choosing low-edge bets, but the house always maintains a statistical advantage.
Which bets are safest against the house?
Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come, and Place bets on 6 & 8 have the lowest house edge.
