This article explains what a proposition bet is in craps, how one-roll props and hardways resolve, and why payout schedules and regulator wording matter. It uses established references and regulator guidance to show typical payouts, house-edge implications, and clear decision criteria for players who want to use props intentionally. Read on to learn the common single-roll prop names, standard hardway rules and payouts, simple checks to read a layout, and practical advice on bet sizing and when a prop fits an entertainment-minded session.

Proposition bets are side wagers, usually resolved on the next roll, with hardways as a multi-roll exception.

Standard hard 6 and 8 typically pay 9:1 while hard 4 and 10 typically pay 7:1, implying noticeable house edges.

Field payout variations, such as double on 2 and 12 versus triple on 12, materially change the expected house edge.

What a proposition bet is in craps: clear definition and context

A proposition bet is a side wager placed away from the main pass-line and come-line action, and is usually resolved on the next roll; hardways are the most common multi-roll exception to that single-roll pattern, and regulators and standard references describe these bet resolutions and pay schedules in detail Wizard of Odds - Craps

Confirm payouts before you bet

Always check the table layout and posted payouts before placing a proposition bet, even for familiar names.

View Funded Plays Challenges

On a typical craps felt the main game centers on line bets like pass line and place bets, while proposition bets sit in the center area or on marked boxes and pay according to their own odds and schedule. The official resolution rules and the posted payout schedule determine whether a given proposition wins or loses in a dispute, so the regulatory wording and the table layout are the authoritative references Massachusetts Gaming Commission rules PDF

For clarity, use the phrase proposition bet to mean any of these side wagers that are not part of the main point-driven engine of the game. Saying proposition bets in craps emphasizes that these are supplemental options a player may choose to use sparingly and with awareness of their typical house edge.

Common one-roll proposition bets: how they resolve and typical payouts

Any seven (yo?)

The any seven proposition is a single-roll bet that wins only if the next roll totals seven and typically pays 4:1, which produces a substantial house edge compared with core bets; under standard pay tables this outcome has been documented as carrying about a 16.67 percent house edge Wizard of Odds - Any Seven

Any craps, yo/11, 3 and 12 payouts

Single-roll propositions commonly available on the layout include any craps, which usually pays 7:1, and yo or 11, which is often listed at 15:1; specific single-number bets like a 3 or a 12 can pay 30:1 on some layouts. These payouts are typical reference values and, because the true probabilities differ from payout ratios, these bets carry double-digit house edges under common schedules Wizard of Odds - Craps

Because these one-roll props resolve immediately on the next throw, they are simple to understand in isolation: you either hit the target total and collect the stated payout, or you lose the stake. The simplicity makes them attractive for quick action, but it also concentrates variance and exposes the player to a known long-term disadvantage when compared to lower-edge core bets.

Horn and split horn structure

A horn bet is effectively a four-way single-roll wager split across the numbers 2, 3, 11 and 12. A single-unit horn bet divides into equal four parts; if one of those numbers hits on the next roll the corresponding part pays at the table's listed rate, and the rest lose. Under the common payout schedule that pays 30:1 on 2 or 12 and 15:1 on 3 or 11, the horn family typically carries a house edge in the low to mid double digits, often cited near 12.5 percent for the standard schedule Wizard of Odds - Horn Bet (Vegas Aces - Craps Prop Bets)

Because horn bets split action across multiple single-roll targets, they can produce a larger occasional payoff than a plain number bet, but the split nature does not reduce the overall house advantage enough to make them efficient long-term plays; check the felt to confirm the exact payout ratios before placing a horn.

Hardways: multi-roll proposition bets, rules, payouts and odds

What makes a hardway 'hard' versus an easy combination

Hardways are multi-roll proposition bets that win only if the dice show a pair for the chosen total, for example a hard 6 requires a 3+3 and a hard 8 requires a 4+4. A hardway loses immediately if a seven appears, and it also loses if the same total appears in an easy combination such as 2+4 for a six. This multi-roll nature and the immediate loss on a seven make hardways different in character from single-roll props Wizard of Odds - Hardways

Funded Plays Challenges

View Funded Plays Challenges

Standard U.S. hardway pay tables most commonly list a hard 6 or 8 at 9:1 and a hard 4 or 10 at 7:1, and those odds correspond to house-edge figures typically reported near 9.09 percent for hard 6 and 8 and about 11.11 percent for hard 4 and 10. Because these bets remain live across multiple rolls until a winning combination, an easy duplicate, or a seven occurs, their risk profile differs from one-roll props Wizard of Odds - Craps

In practical terms, a hardway is simple to track at the table: you place the stake on the labeled hardway area, and the bet stands until resolution. If a seven is rolled at any point the hardway bet loses immediately, which is why hardways are sometimes described as having a 'seven-kills' property; the posted payout and the house-edge figures come from comparing the unlikely hardway event to that immediate loss condition.

Field and horn bets: payout structures to watch for on the layout

How the field bet resolves and common pay variations

The field is a one-roll proposition that pays when the next roll is one of several listed numbers, most commonly 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. Typical layouts pay even money on 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11, with either double on 2 and 12 or a triple on 12 depending on the table; that variation materially changes the house edge and should be confirmed on the felt before betting Wizard of Odds - Field

When a table pays double on both 2 and 12 the field bet's house edge is commonly about 5.56 percent. If the table pays triple on 12 instead of double on both 2 and 12, the field edge typically drops to roughly 2.78 percent. Those differences make the field sometimes one of the more reasonable single-roll props, but layout-specific checks are essential.

Horn bet splits and payout implications

As noted earlier, a horn bet divides your stake across 2, 3, 11 and 12. The payout on each of those numbers depends on the table schedule; if 2 or 12 pay 30:1 and 3 or 11 pay 15:1 the combined house edge of the horn will reflect that structure and commonly sits near 12.5 percent on standard schedules. That outcome makes horn bets attractive for volatile, short-term play but unappealing as a long-term strategy Wizard of Odds - Horn Bet

Because the field and horn share some overlapping targets, players sometimes use small field or horn plays for single-roll exposure while keeping core bets for longer-term point play. Compare payouts on the felt to decide which, if any, single-roll prop aligns with your session goals.

Payouts, probabilities and house edge: reading the numbers

House edge exists because the payout ratio a casino offers does not exactly match the true probability of the winning outcome. For a proposition bet, that mismatch is often stark: the any seven payout of 4:1 gives a false sense of value relative to the true odds, producing an expected house advantage in the neighborhood of 16.67 percent under standard rules Wizard of Odds - Any Seven and summarized in house-edge tables Wizard of Odds - House Edge Appendix

What is a proposition bet in craps and when should I place one?

A proposition bet is a side wager that usually resolves on the next roll, or in the case of hardways, over multiple rolls; place them sparingly, size them small relative to your bankroll, and always verify the posted payouts because these bets commonly carry higher house edge than core wagers.

Hardways illustrate the same principle with different numbers: a hard 6 or 8 that pays 9:1 still leaves a meaningful house edge because the true probability of rolling a 3+3 or 4+4 before a seven or an easy equivalent is lower than the payout implies; standard calculations report house-edge figures near 9.09 percent for hard 6 and 8, and about 11.11 percent for hard 4 and 10 under common pay tables Wizard of Odds - Hardways

Similarly, field bet variations show how small payout changes affect expected value: double on 2 and 12 commonly results in a roughly 5.56 percent house edge, while triple on 12 lowers the house edge to about 2.78 percent. These are typical reference values that illustrate why checking the posted payouts matters before placing a stake Wizard of Odds - Field

How casinos and regulators define resolution and settle proposition bets

Regulatory materials and official casino rules spell out how proposition bets resolve; those documents define what constitutes a win, a loss and the applicable payout. For example, regulator rule sets for table games describe order of events, validity of bets after a roll, and how disputes are handled, and these sources are the authoritative reference in a disagreement at the table Massachusetts Gaming Commission rules PDF and related gaming guides Bally's Atlantic City gaming guide

In practice, the posted payout schedule on the felt or the pit's printed rules will tell you exactly what the casino intends to pay for each proposition. Because payouts can vary between jurisdictions and even between casinos in the same city, always confirm the visible pay schedule or ask the dealer when in doubt rather than assuming a universal payout for a given bet name.

When to consider a proposition bet: simple decision criteria

Use a short checklist to decide whether a proposition bet fits your session. Consider the house edge, the size of the potential payout compared with your bankroll, and whether your objective is entertainment or long-term growth. If you are aiming to stretch a bankroll, prioritize low-edge core bets; if you want a one-time excitement hit, a small prop may be reasonable Wizard of Odds - Craps

quick expected value comparison for a single prop bet

Enter probabilities as decimals

Practical rules of thumb are simple: size prop bets small relative to your total bankroll, avoid frequent repetition of high-edge props, and limit prop play to a predefined entertainment budget. That approach reduces the chance that volatile single-roll results will erode a carefully managed bankroll.

When you want to test a strategy for occasional prop use, run simulated sessions or use a challenge-style format to track outcomes without risking too much capital. That testing mindset aligns with disciplined play and helps you evaluate whether a prop bet pattern is worth retaining.

Typical mistakes and pitfalls with proposition bets

A common error is treating a prop as a near-even bet because a payout sounds generous. In reality the payout ratio is rarely aligned with the true probability, so frequent play of high-edge props tends to degrade long-term results. Checking the house edge for a named prop is a quick way to avoid this mistake Wizard of Odds - Craps

Another pitfall is misreading the felt or assuming the field or horn pays the same at every table. Field pay variations and horn payouts differ between layouts, and failing to confirm them before betting is a leading cause of disputes and regret. If a payout schedule is unclear, ask the dealer or the pit for the posted rules rather than guessing Wizard of Odds - Field

Practical examples and scenario walkthroughs

Example 1: betting a hard 6 and consequences of a seven

Scenario: You place a $10 bet on a hard 6. A hard 6 wins only on a 3+3 and loses if a 7 is rolled or if an easy 6 appears as 1+5 or 2+4. If the table pays 9:1 on a hard 6, a successful hard 6 would return $90 on top of your $10 stake, but because a seven ends the bet immediately the long-run expected value reflects a notable house edge Wizard of Odds - Hardways

Step-by-step: 1) Place $10 on hard 6. 2) Shooter rolls dice until either 3+3, a seven, or an easy 6 appears. 3) If 3+3 occurs before the others, you collect the 9:1 payout; otherwise you lose the $10. Over many iterations this pattern yields the published house-edge figure rather than the headline 9:1 payout suggesting a fair bet.

Example 2: placing a horn bet split and resolving outcomes

Scenario: You make a $4 horn, which allocates $1 to each of 2, 3, 11 and 12. Under a standard schedule that pays 30:1 on 2 or 12 and 15:1 on 3 or 11, a roll of 3 would pay $15 on the $1 portion while the other $3 of the stake is lost. The net return in that case is $15 minus the $3 lost on the other units, producing a positive single-roll payoff but an expected negative value across many plays Wizard of Odds - Horn Bet

Step-by-step: 1) Place $4 horn. 2) Next roll determines outcome. 3) If 12 hits, the $1 on 12 pays 30:1 and you lose the other $3; if 11 hits, the $1 on 11 pays 15:1 and the rest is lost. The math of these single-roll outcomes leads to a typical house edge in the low double digits under the standard payout schedule.

How proposition bets compare to core craps bets (pass line, place bets)

Core bets like the pass line and place bets, especially when combined with odds bets, generally offer far lower house edge than common proposition bets. That quality makes them better choices for players focused on steady bankroll preservation and long sessions, rather than quick, high-variance wins Wizard of Odds - Craps

For players balancing risk and session length, the strategic preference is clear: prioritize the pass line, take the odds when allowed, and use place bets selectively. Prop bets can be used for occasional variety, but relying on them as a major element of your plan increases variance and the likely drawdown of your bankroll.

Reading a payout table on the craps layout: quick tips

When you approach a table, locate the printed payout schedule on the felt or a placard by the pit. The key numbers to check for prop players are the field double/triple rule and the horn or single-number payouts. Those listed values determine which single-roll bets are comparatively more or less costly Wizard of Odds - Field

Minimalist 2D vector showing three dice frames left to right a hard 6 with 3 and 3 an easy 6 with 2 and 4 and a seven with 6 and 1 visualizing proposition bet resolution on a dark Funded Plays background

Quick checklist: 1) Find the field area and confirm whether 2 and 12 pay double or triple. 2) Locate any printed hardway payouts and compare to the common 9:1 and 7:1 figures. 3) If anything is unclear, ask the dealer to confirm the posted pay schedule. These quick checks take seconds and prevent costly mistakes.

Responsible play and bankroll guidance when using prop bets

Because many proposition bets carry higher house edge than core craps bets, recommend sizing prop stakes small relative to your total session bankroll. A common rule is to limit any individual prop stake to a fixed small percentage of your session funds and to cap the number of prop bets per session. This reduces the chance of a single bad streak causing a large drawdown Wizard of Odds - Craps

Use props for entertainment rather than as a primary profit strategy. Track results and compare them to the expected house-edge figures to decide objectively whether occasional prop play is adding value to your sessions or merely increasing volatility without improving outcomes. For a practice environment, consider challenge-style simulations that let you test small prop strategies without risking large amounts in live play.

Quick reference: common proposition bets, typical payouts and house-edge guide

Cheat sheet, typical reference values: any seven 4:1, house edge about 16.67 percent; any craps 7:1; yo/11 15:1; 3 or 12 often 30:1; hard 6 and 8 typically 9:1 (≈9.09 percent edge); hard 4 and 10 typically 7:1 (≈11.11 percent edge); field with double on 2 and 12 ≈5.56 percent edge, with triple on 12 ≈2.78 percent edge; horn under standard 30:1 and 15:1 schedule ≈12.5 percent edge Wizard of Odds - Craps

These figures are reference points to compare against posted payouts; they do not replace checking the felt. Use this list as a quick mental filter when you decide whether a particular proposition aligns with your session objectives.

Conclusion: when a proposition bet makes sense for your play style

Proposition bets in craps offer short, concentrated outcomes and often carry higher house edge than core bets, making them better suited to small, entertainment-driven stakes or deliberate, occasional hedges rather than repeated use in bankroll-focused strategies Wizard of Odds - Craps

Before placing any prop, check the table layout, confirm posted payouts with the dealer or pit, and size bets to your bankroll and goals. If you want a practice environment for disciplined exploration, consider challenge-style simulations that let you test small prop strategies without risking too much capital. Funded Plays blog

What is the main difference between a proposition bet and a pass line bet?

A proposition bet is a side wager that usually resolves on one roll or as a specific multi-roll condition, while a pass line bet is part of the core point-driven game and typically has a much lower house edge.

Are field bets always a better value than other props?

Not always; field payouts vary by table. A layout that pays triple on 12 is generally a better value than one that only pays double on both 2 and 12, so check the posted payouts.

Should I use proposition bets to grow my bankroll long term?

No, proposition bets typically have higher house edges, so they are more suitable for occasional entertainment or small hedges rather than long-term bankroll growth.

If you plan to include proposition bets in your sessions, treat them as occasional, low-stake plays and confirm payouts on the felt every time. For disciplined testing, simulate outcomes or use structured challenge formats to see how prop use affects your results without unnecessary live risk.