Place Bets vs. Buy Bets: Optimizing Your Box Number Strategy
Regulatory information reviewed 29 September 2026: Earlier unsupported claims about New Zealand licensing, mandatory features or guaranteed protections have been removed. For current rules and licensing status, consult the Department of Internal Affairs. A licence, review or badge does not guarantee a win or eliminate gambling harm. Support information.
To secure the best value in today’s lobby, you must understand where the tipping point lies. Not every number should be treated the same.
Decoding Place Bets
A Place bet is the most common way to get action on the box numbers. You can place these at any time, though in 2026 play, they are typically marked as “Off” during the Come Out roll unless you specify otherwise.
| Number | 2026 Payout | True Odds | House Edge |
| 6 and 8 | 7:6 | 6:5 | 1.52% |
| 5 and 9 | 7:5 | 3:2 | 4.00% |
| 4 and 10 | 9:5 | 2:1 | 6.67% |
In the current market, Place bets on the 6 and 8 remain some of the best values in the casino, with an edge only slightly higher than the Pass Line.
Decoding Buy Bets
When you “Buy” a number, the casino pays you the True Odds—the exact mathematical probability of the dice. To compensate for giving up their edge, the house charges a 5% commission.
Always PLACE the 6, 8, 5, and 9
The 5% commission on a Buy bet actually makes the house edge higher on these numbers than simply taking the Place bet. Sticking to Place bets on the “inner” box numbers keeps your edge at the minimum.
Always BUY the 4 and 10
The difference between the 9:5 Place payout and the 2:1 Buy payout is massive on the “outside” numbers. Even with the 5% commission, the house edge on a Buy 4 or 10 drops to approximately 4.76% (or even lower if the commission is only on wins), compared to the 6.67% for Placing them.
The WinnerOnline Pro Tip
If you are a high-stakes player at a 2026 VIP table, look for the “Commission on Win Only” rule. This is the ultimate “hidden gem” of the craps lobby. On these tables, buying the 4 and 10 becomes one of the strongest strategic moves available, rivaling the Pass Line for overall value.
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 guide confirm that a service is authorised in New Zealand?
No. An information page, payment logo or software listing does not establish a particular operator’s status. Check current DIA information for online casino customers and the rules for the specific service.
