Craps Odds and Field Bet Strategy
Craps tables can be found in Belgian casinos. It is a very popular table game for a reason.
If you're serious about learning craps play, you'll need to learn about all the different bets available—including the field bet. Many inexperienced players overlook this bet, but you can make it pay by learning about some of the various craps strategies.
What Is a Field Bet in Craps?
If you've ever looked at a craps table, you know that there are a whole lot of bets that players can place. Being able to read the craps layout is one of the first things that every player needs to learn.
One of the many options on the craps table is the field bet. It's typically placed in the center of the layout.
Sports bettors may know the strategy of "taking the field"—a wager on all the options except the favorite.
For example, instead of betting on the #1 seed in the Super Bowl, you can bet the field. As long as someone other than the favorite wins, you're a winner.
The field bet in craps is the same way. It allows you to wager multiple numbers all at once. If one of those numbers lands on the next roll, you win.
How Does the Field Bet Work?
Unlike most other craps bets, the field bet can be placed at any time. Just put your chips in the field area.
Your bet will either win or lose following the roll. The dealer will collect your chips for the house if you lose. You can collect your winnings if you win, or you can let the bet ride.
Leaving your chips on the table is actually placing another field bet on the next roll. This is often called "pressing your bet."
Which Numbers Are Included?
So, which numbers are part of the field bet in craps? The shooter rolls two dice per round, so possible outcomes are 2 to 12.
Only the following numbers, however, are part of a field bet:
2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12
Betting on seven numbers with a single bet definitely gives you nice chances to win. Remember, however, that the most common numbers—5, 6, 7, and 8—are not included. That factor lowers your overall chances.
Still, your chances of winning a field bet are quite reasonable compared to most other craps bets.
Craps Field Bet Odds:
A field bet covers seven outcomes, but only 16 of the 36 possible dice combinations are winners.
Most field bet winners pay even money. However, 2 and 12 generally pay higher—double or even triple your original bet, depending on the casino.
This higher payout provides a significant difference in the house edge. When 2 and 12 pay double, the house edge is around 5.56%. But when a casino offers 3:1 payouts on 12 (and/or 2), the house edge drops to 2.78%.
Is the Field Bet Worth It?
Every craps player has his or her own strategy. The field bet allows you to cover a bunch of numbers with one bet—but is it a good bet?
That's a matter of personal preference. If you want the lowest house edge, then no, there are better bets such as Pass/Don't Pass that give you more value in the long run.
That being said, if you don't mind assuming a little more risk in an attempt to win more, the field bet is attractive—particularly in Belgian casinos that pay 3:1 on 12.
Play Craps Online in Belgium
There are several craps strategies, and a majority of them involve the knowledge of the field bet. Whichever system you utilize, practicing is very important.
One of the best ways to practice craps is over the internet. The majority of Belgian casinos online offer free craps versions that you can use to try out your strategy without any risk.
Our experts have discovered some of the top websites for playing online craps in Belgium. We've been rating casinos for years, checking for fairness, bonuses, user experience, and support.
Some of the top ones include:
- Wild Casino offers one of the highest welcome bonuses—up to €4,500. It also offers a great mobile app, so you can play right from your phone.
- Bovada is another top choice, featuring a strong VIP rewards program and free-play options for beginners.
- Cafe Casino is popular for its vast selection of games and crypto-friendly banking.
Craps Betting Tips
Learning the field bet is just one step toward becoming a solid craps player. Here are more tips to improve your game:
Practice With Free Games
Field bets are among many bets. You can try other systems or create your own—but practice makes perfect.
Free games enable you to try out strategies without draining your bankroll. While brick-and-mortar casinos do not provide free games, online casinos like Bovada do.
Avoid High House Edge Bets
Smart gamblers understand how to avoid bets that carry a high house edge. In craps, for example, that would mean not placing side bets like "Any 7," which carries a 16.67% house edge.
The house edge isn't something that casinos like to advertise, but you can usually find it online and bet accordingly.
Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses
Bonuses are a great way to stretch your bankroll and experiment with new strategies. Look for casinos with good sign-up bonuses, fast payouts, and reload bonuses.
It is a good, low-risk idea to utilize bonus money to experiment with field bets to see if they are a good fit for your style.
Final Thoughts
The field bet in craps is one of the more unique options at the table. You’re betting on seven numbers out of 16 possible outcomes. These bets can be a fun and strategic addition, but keep in mind that the house edge can go as high as 5.5%.
Feeling lucky? Internet casinos in Belgium make it easy to start playing, whether you're playing for the entertainment value or trying to defy the odds.