The craps table is undeniably the most intimidating, visually complex game on the entire casino floor.
This secret wager is universally known among veteran players as the "Free Odds" bet, or simply "Taking the Odds."
The Mathematics of Free Odds
In every other game, the casino pays out winning bets at slightly less than the true, actual mathematical probability of the event occurring.
The Craps Free Odds bet is the single, glorious exception to this universal rule of casino mathematics.
- The Free Odds bet has an exact mathematical house edge of 0.00%
- It is the absolute fairest, most mathematically perfect bet available in any casino
- Casinos never advertise this bet because they make absolutely zero money on it
How to Place the Odds Bet
Because the casino makes zero profit from this wager, they completely refuse to advertise its existence on the physical table layout.
You do not need to say anything to the dealer; placing the chips directly behind your line bet universally signals that you are "Taking the Odds."
Understanding Maximum Odds Limits
Because the Odds bet yields zero profit, casinos aggressively limit exactly how much money you are allowed to place behind your Pass Line bet.
Some highly competitive off-Strip casinos offer incredibly generous 10x, 20x, or even 100x Odds to actively attract serious, high-volume professional players.
| The Point Number | True Mathematical Odds | Payout for Free Odds Bet |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 | Pays $2 for every $1 bet |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 | Pays $3 for every $2 bet |
By keeping your Pass Line bet small and aggressively maximizing your Odds bet, you reduce the casino's overall advantage to nearly zero.