Craps Horn Bet Calculator: Odds & Payout Guide (2026)
Craps Horn Bet Calculator: The Tempting Trap
The horn bet is one of craps' most exciting wagers—and one of its worst mathematically. Our calculator shows exact payouts for 2, 3, 11, and 12, revealing why the horn's flashy appeal hides a punishing house edge.
What Is the Craps Horn Bet?
The horn is a single bet covering four numbers: 2, 3, 11, and 12. You're betting that the next roll will be one of these "horn" numbers. Each number has different odds and payouts.
Quick Answer: Horn bet covers 2, 3, 11, 12 with combined house edge of 12.5%. It's actually four separate bets at $1 each (minimum $4). If 2 or 12 rolls, you win 30:1 on that portion, lose the other three. If 3 or 11 rolls, you win 15:1 on that portion, lose the other three. The math is terrible—pass line has 1.41% edge. Play horn for entertainment only, never strategy.
How to Use Our Horn Bet Calculator
Use the Craps Horn Bet Calculator →
Enter your bet amount to see payouts for each winning outcome.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Enter Horn Bet Amount: Total wager (divisible by 4)
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View Individual Bets: Allocation to each number
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See Payouts: Win amounts for each outcome
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Calculate Net Win: After losing portions deducted
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Understand Edge: House advantage
Input Fields Explained
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Horn Bet | Total wager | $4 |
| Per Number | Each portion | $1 |
| 2 or 12 Payout | If hit | 30:1 |
| 3 or 11 Payout | If hit | 15:1 |
| House Edge | Casino advantage | 12.5% |
| Net Win (on 2) | After losses | $27 |
Horn Bet Structure
How It Works
A $4 horn bet is actually:
- $1 on the 2
- $1 on the 3
- $1 on the 11
- $1 on the 12
Payouts by Outcome
| Roll | Pays | Your Win | Lost Bets | Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 30:1 | $30 | -$3 | +$27 |
| 3 | 15:1 | $15 | -$3 | +$12 |
| 11 | 15:1 | $15 | -$3 | +$12 |
| 12 | 30:1 | $30 | -$3 | +$27 |
| Any other | — | $0 | -$4 | -$4 |
Probability Analysis
Individual Number Odds
| Number | Ways to Roll | Probability | Odds Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2.78% | 35:1 |
| 3 | 2 | 5.56% | 17:1 |
| 11 | 2 | 5.56% | 17:1 |
| 12 | 1 | 2.78% | 35:1 |
| Total horn | 6 | 16.67% | 5:1 |
True Odds vs Payouts
| Number | True Odds | Pays | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 35:1 | 30:1 | 13.89% |
| 3 | 17:1 | 15:1 | 11.11% |
| 11 | 17:1 | 15:1 | 11.11% |
| 12 | 35:1 | 30:1 | 13.89% |
House Edge Calculation
Combined Horn Edge
Each $1 portion has different edge:
2: 13.89% edge on $1 = $0.139 loss
3: 11.11% edge on $1 = $0.111 loss
11: 11.11% edge on $1 = $0.111 loss
12: 13.89% edge on $1 = $0.139 loss
Total expected loss: $0.50 on $4 bet
Combined edge: $0.50 / $4 = 12.5%
Comparison to Other Bets
| Bet | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Pass line | 1.41% |
| Place 6/8 | 1.52% |
| Field | 5.56% |
| Any 7 | 16.67% |
| Horn | 12.5% |
| Any craps | 11.11% |
Horn Bet Variations
Horn High
Extra dollar on one number:
| Bet | Structure | On 2 High |
|---|---|---|
| Horn High 2 | $1-$1-$1-$2 | $5 total |
| Horn High 12 | $1-$1-$2-$1 | $5 total |
| Horn High Yo | $1-$2-$1-$1 | $5 total |
World Bet (Whirl)
Horn plus any 7:
- $5 bet: $1 each on 2, 3, 11, 12, and 7
- If 7 hits: Win $4, push overall
- Slightly lower edge than horn (~13% vs 12.5%)
C&E (Craps & Eleven)
Two-way bet:
- Half on any craps (2, 3, 12)
- Half on eleven
- Similar edge to horn
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Standard $4 Horn
Bet: $4 horn Roll: 3
Calculation:
- Win on 3: $1 × 15 = $15
- Lose on 2, 11, 12: -$3
- Net win: $12
Example 2: Horn High Yo
Bet: $5 horn high 11 Roll: 11
Calculation:
- Win on 11: $2 × 15 = $30
- Lose on 2, 3, 12: -$3
- Net win: $27
Example 3: Losing Roll
Bet: $4 horn Roll: 7
Calculation:
- All four bets lose
- Net loss: -$4
Expected Results Over Time
Per 36 Rolls (One Cycle)
| Outcome | Frequency | Net per $4 bet |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hits | 1 | +$27 |
| 3 hits | 2 | +$24 |
| 11 hits | 2 | +$24 |
| 12 hits | 1 | +$27 |
| Losses | 30 | -$120 |
| Net | 36 | -$18 |
Expected loss: $0.50 per $4 bet
Per Hour (100 rolls, $4/roll)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total wagered | $400 |
| Expected loss | $50 |
| Win frequency | ~17% |
| Largest single win | $27 |
Why People Bet the Horn
Psychological Appeal
| Factor | Appeal |
|---|---|
| Big payouts | 30:1 feels exciting |
| Frequent action | Every roll matters |
| "Insurance" feel | Protects against craps-out |
| Social energy | Table cheers on horn |
The Reality
| Factor | Truth |
|---|---|
| 30:1 payout | True odds are 35:1 |
| Action every roll | Losing 83% of rolls |
| Insurance | Costs 12.5% per use |
| Social | Expensive entertainment |
Strategic Alternatives
Better Excitement Bets
| Bet | Edge | Excitement |
|---|---|---|
| Place 6/8 | 1.52% | Moderate |
| Field (3x 12) | 2.78% | Good |
| Pass + odds | 0.8% combined | Excellent |
If You Must Proposition
| Bet | Edge | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% | Lowest prop edge |
| Field (good table) | 2.78% | With 3x on 12 |
| Hard 6/8 | 9.09% | Better than horn |
Common Horn Mistakes
1. Using as "Insurance"
Mistake: Betting horn to protect pass line Problem: Costs 12.5% vs 1.41% you're protecting Fix: Skip insurance, accept variance
2. Every Roll Horn
Mistake: Betting horn on every throw Problem: 12.5% edge compounds quickly Fix: If you must, occasional entertainment only
3. Horn High Chasing
Mistake: Increasing horn high after losses Problem: Higher bets = higher losses Fix: Fixed small bets or none
4. Believing Patterns
Mistake: "Due" for a horn number Problem: Each roll is independent Fix: Understand randomness
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the horn bet ever a good play?
Mathematically, never. It's 12.5% house edge regardless of situation. Entertainment only.
Should I bet horn when the table is "cold"?
Cold tables don't predict future rolls. Horn remains -12.5% EV regardless of recent history.
What's better, horn or any craps?
Any craps (11.11% edge) is slightly better than horn (12.5%), but both are poor bets.
Why do dealers suggest horn bets?
Proposition bets generate tips when they hit. Dealers benefit from your action, not your wins.
Can I bet less than $4?
Most tables require $4 minimum (some allow $1 units). Some high-limit tables have $5+ minimums.
What about the "world" bet?
World/whirl adds any 7 to the horn. Slightly worse edge, but 7 acts as a push mechanism.
Advanced Concepts
Optimal Horn Strategy
Optimal strategy: Don't bet the horn
If entertainment value worth $0.50/bet:
Bet $4 horn occasionally for excitement
Budget: Entertainment allocation only
Variance Analysis
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Win probability | 16.67% |
| Loss probability | 83.33% |
| Average win | $20.25 |
| Average loss | $4.00 |
| Standard deviation | High |
EV per $1,000 Wagered
Horn: -$125
Pass line: -$14
Difference: $111 more lost on horn
Pro Tips
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Just don't: 12.5% edge is casino robbery
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Budget if you must: Strict entertainment money only
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Never chase: Horn losses compound fast
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Understand the math: 30:1 sounds great until you know true odds are 35:1
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Better excitement exists: Place 6/8 has 1.52% edge
Related Calculators
- Craps Odds Calculator - All bet types
- Craps Pass Line Calculator - Core bet math
- Craps House Edge Calculator - Edge comparison
- Craps Proposition Bets Calculator - All prop bets
- Craps Field Bet Calculator - Field analysis
Conclusion
The horn bet combines visual excitement with mathematical disaster. Our calculator shows the true cost: 12.5% house edge means losing $50 per hour at modest play levels. The 30:1 payouts look attractive until you realize true odds are 35:1. If you enjoy the horn's energy, budget strictly as entertainment. For actual strategy, stick to pass line with odds.
Calculate Horn Bet Payouts Now →
Understanding the horn bet is understanding why casinos love it. The excitement of 30:1 payouts hides a brutal 12.5% edge that grinds down bankrolls. Our calculator makes the math clear—now you can make informed decisions about whether the entertainment value justifies the cost.
