I always enjoy the vibe at the Craps table. It always seems the players at the dice table have the most fun.
Unfortunately, casino table game limits dramatically rose five years ago with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Table limits rose from $5 to $25. As of 2025, casino table limits in many locations haven’t come back down, leaving players with small bankrolls incapable of playing their favorite games.
I stopped playing Craps when high table limits made it impossible for me to use a “3-point Molly” strategy. But thanks to my friends Mark and Dr. Mike at You Can Bet On That, I found alternatives to bring me back to “rolling the bones.”
Placing the 6 & 8
What Is a Place Bet?
A Place Bet is when you wager that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will roll. You win if it rolls before the next 7. If your number hits, you win a payout; if a 7 shows up first, you lose the bet.
You can only wager a place bet after the point has been established. Unlike Pass Line bets, Place Bets don’t depend on the point. So, you can bet them at any time during the round.
Why Place the 6 and 8?
One of the smartest bets you can make is the Place Bet on the 6 and 8. Why the 6 & 8? Because they are the most rolled numbers in craps after the 7, which makes them powerful bets. Each of those two numbers has five combinations
- to make a 6 (1+5, 2+4, 3+3, 4+2, 5+1).
- to make an 8 (2+6, 3+5, 4+4, 5+3, 6+2).
Together, that’s 10 out of 36 possible rolls—nearly 28% of all dice outcomes. They are called the “bread and butter” bets of craps and carry a small house edge of just 1.52%. A wager on either number wins 45.5% of the time.
A Place Bet on 6 or 8 pays 7 to 6. For example, if you bet $6, you win $7 when it hits. At most casinos, the smallest Place Bet on the 6 and 8 is $6 because the math works cleanly. $6 on the 6 and $6 on the 8 means a total of $12 in action. (Please note, this is for a low limit table of $5, which is very rare these days. The information below is for $25 tables.)
How To Make a Place Bet – $25 Table
Getting Started – What to Do With Craps Bets on a New Roll
Things to Know:
- This is for a live table game with high limits. Other variations in electronic form, like Bubble craps or Stadium Gaming, usually include lower betting limits.
- Place bets are also not self-service bets. To make a bet on any number, you must put your chips down on the felt.
First, wait for a point to be established. Then, tell the dealer, “Place 6 and 8.” The dealer will then move your chips to the edge of the boxes marked 6 and 8. You are now wagering that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7 comes up.
For a $25 table, you wager $30 on 6 & 8 each. If the shooter rolls a 6 or 8, you win. If the shooter rolls a 7, you lose. Only 11 rolls can decide your bet, including the six ways to make 7. Any other number rolled doesn’t affect the outcome. Your wager stays in action unless you choose to take it down.
Questions For Placing the 6 & 8
- On a $25 table, how much do you bet? – You bet $30 to win $35. The payout is 7:6.
- When the point is made, do the chips stay on the board? Or when the seven is rolled on the come out, do the chips stay on the board? – The only time the bets come down is when they lose with a seven out. (But, you can ask to have the bets returned to you at any time.)
- On a $15 table, how would my bets change? – You would place the 6 and 8 for $18 each. That would pay $21. (Again, 7:6.) It’s always a multiple of six when you place the 6 and 8. For all other numbers, it’s always a multiple of five
Strategy Questions About Pressing Your Place Bets
“Pressing” means using winnings to increase your bet. Many players press the 6 and 8 because they hit often. When is it a good time to push these bets? Mathematically, it’s never a good time to increase your bets, because it’s a losing game.
But, If you’re just starting out, try these two possible strategies:
#1 – Start with $30 (presuming a $25 table – this can be adjusted based on the table’s minimum bet requirement). On your first win: collect $35. On your second win of the same number, press to $60. From here, you can choose to stop pressing and start collecting consistently.
#2 – $30 on the 6 and $30 on the 8. Collect your first win. Use your second win to press one of them to $60. From then on, just collect.
#3 – press the 6 and 8 one time only each—from $30 to $60—and then stop. This balances growth with protection from the 7, which always comes sooner than you’d like.
Either way, you’re taking advantage of how often 6 and 8 hit, while still protecting your bankroll.
Common Mistakes with Place Bets
- Betting Big 6 and Big 8 instead of Placing. The Big 6 and Big 8 pay even money, while Place Bets pay better (7:6). Always place instead.
- Pressing too aggressively. The 7 shows up on average every 6 rolls. If you press endlessly, you’ll often lose your profit before collecting.
- Forgetting the point. You shouldn’t make Place bets until a point is set. Beginners sometimes try to bet them on the come-out roll.
I was the first shooter at Mohegan Sun’s Stadium Craps table.
SUMMARY
Finding cheaper ways to play craps
- Choose lower-stakes tables when you can.
- Take advantage of casino promotions and bonuses
- Focus on bets with better odds, like Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets.
- Set a strict budget and stick to it
- Play during off-peak hours when casinos offer lower minimums.
Or, be a rebel and play the “Don’t Pass” wager. This is basically betting for a 7 instead of the point. Etiquette suggests you keep quiet. Don’t roll the dice. Don’t enjoy your wins too much. Otherwise, you won’t make many friends at the table!
