Craps Buy Bet Calculator
Calculate house edge, commission costs, and optimal strategies for Buy bets in craps. Compare Buy vs Place bets to find the best value.
Formula:
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
Buy vs Place Comparison
| 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
Optimal Strategy
- • Buy 4 and 10 when commission is on wins only
- • Place 5, 6, 8, 9 - Place bets have lower edge
- • Ask if casino offers reduced vig ($1 per $25)
- • Avoid upfront commission - it nearly doubles the effective edge
Key Facts
- •Buy bets pay true odds minus a 5% commission
- •Buy 4 and 10 (4.76%) is better than Place 4 and 10 (6.67%)
- •For 6 and 8, Place bets (1.52%) beat Buy bets
- •Commission on wins only reduces effective house edge
- •Some casinos offer reduced vig - always ask!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Buy bet in craps?
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.
When should I Buy instead of Place?
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.
What is the house edge on Buy bets?
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.
How is the 5% commission calculated?
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.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
House Edge
1.59%
True Payout
2:1
$40.00 win
Commission
$2.00
On win
vs Place Bet
Buy Better
5.08% difference