Place Bets vs. Buy Bets: Choosing Your Number
In the fast-paced 2026 craps environment, most players want “action” on specific numbers without waiting for the Come-out roll or moving through the Come box. This is where Place Bets and Buy Bets come in. While they look similar on the layout, the difference lies in the payout math and the “vig” (commission) you pay the house.
The Standard: Place Bets
A Place bet is the most common way to bet on the 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. You simply set your chips on the apron and tell the dealer, “Place the 6 and 8.” You win if your number rolls before a 7.
The house edge on Place bets varies significantly depending on the number:
- 6 and 8: These pay 7 to 6. This is a solid bet with a low house edge of 1.52%. (Always bet in multiples of $6 to get the full payout).
- 5 and 9: These pay 7 to 5. The house edge jumps to 4.0%.
- 4 and 10: These pay 9 to 5. The house edge here is a steep 6.67%.
In 2026, most casual players stick to Placing the 6 and 8 because the math is close to the Pass Line. However, if you want to bet on the “Outside” numbers (4 and 10), there is a much better way to do it.
The Professional Choice: Buy Bets
A Buy Bet is essentially a Place bet where you pay the casino a 5% commission (the “vig”) in exchange for being paid at true mathematical odds.
When you “Buy” a number, the payouts shift to:
- 4 and 10: Pays 2 to 1 (minus the 5% vig).
- 5 and 9: Pays 3 to 2 (minus the 5% vig).
- 6 and 8: Pays 6 to 5 (minus the 5% vig).
The 2026 Golden Rule: You should never Buy the 6 or 8 (the vig makes it worse than a Place bet), but you should always Buy the 4 and 10. By paying the 5% commission, you lower the house edge on the 4 and 10 from 6.67% down to about 1.67%.
Commission Trends: “Vig on Win Only”
The biggest change in 2026 craps is the widespread adoption of the “Vig on Win” rule. Historically, casinos charged the 5% commission when you placed the bet. Today, most modern tables only charge the 5% if your bet actually wins.
This makes Buy bets on the 4 and 10 even more powerful. If you bet $20 on the 4 and it loses, you only lose $20. If it wins, you get paid $40 and then hand the dealer $1. This “Vig on Win” policy effectively drops the house edge to its lowest possible point for outside numbers.
Which One Should You Use?
To keep your bankroll healthy in a 2026 session, follow this simple hierarchy:
- Place the 6 and 8: Best for frequent wins and low house edge.
- Buy the 4 and 10: Use this if you think the shooter is hitting the corners of the table.
- Avoid Placing the 5 and 9: The 4.0% edge is a “middle-ground” trap. You’re better off using a Come bet with Odds for these numbers.
