Calculate house edge, commission costs, and optimal strategies for Buy bets in craps. Compare Buy vs Place bets to find the best value.
House Edge = Commission% × P(win)House Edge
1.59%
True Payout
2:1
$40.00 win
Commission
$2.00
On win
vs Place Bet
Buy Better
5.08% difference
Buy 4 and 10 for best value
Larger bets reduce vig impact
Ask your casino's rules
| Number | True Odds | Buy Edge* | Place Edge | Better Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2:1 | 1.59% | 6.67% | BUY |
| 5 | 1.5:1 | 1.90% | 4% | BUY |
| 6 | 1.2:1 | 2.16% | 1.52% | PLACE |
| 8 | 1.2:1 | 2.16% | 1.52% | PLACE |
| 9 | 1.5:1 | 1.90% | 4% | BUY |
| 10 | 2:1 | 1.59% | 6.67% | BUY |
*Buy edge assumes 5% commission on wins only
A Buy bet is like a Place bet but pays true odds (2:1 on 4/10, 3:2 on 5/9, 6:5 on 6/8) instead of reduced odds. In exchange, you pay a 5% commission (vigorish). This makes it better than Place bets for 4 and 10.
Buy 4 and 10 when commission is charged on wins only (4.76% vs 6.67% Place edge). For 5, 6, 8, and 9, Place bets are usually better. If commission is charged upfront, Place bets may be better for all numbers.
With 5% commission on wins only: 4.76% for all numbers. With upfront commission: 4.76% flat. With reduced commission ($1 per $25), the edge can be as low as 1.67% on larger bets.
Standard is 5% of the bet amount. Some casinos round down ($1 min), charge on wins only, or offer $1 per $25 wagered. Always ask about commission rules - they significantly affect the house edge.
Quick-start with common scenarios
House Edge
1.59%
True Payout
2:1
$40.00 win
Commission
$2.00
On win
vs Place Bet
Buy Better
5.08% difference