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.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes a Place bet from a Buy bet?
Both can concern a chosen number appearing before seven, but they use different payout and commission arrangements. The table’s rules specify each calculation.
Why does Buy-bet commission matter?
A commission changes the net result of a payout. Whether it is charged on placement or only on wins can also affect the comparison.
Are Place bets always working on a come-out roll?
No. They may be off by default unless explicitly made active. Follow the table’s working-bet rules and indicators.
Can information about craps guarantee a winning result?
No. Understanding rules does not remove uncertainty or the risk of loss. A game’s payout schedule is not a promise about the result of a particular round or session.
Which rules should I use when checking a craps example?
Use the rules and paytable for the exact version being discussed. Different editions can change payouts, optional features and settlement conditions. General examples do not override those published rules.
Does this craps guide mean an online service can legally accept Australians?
No. This is an explanation of a game, not confirmation of an operator’s legal status. Read ACMA’s consumer guidance and our Responsible Gambling resources.
