My strange betting strategy in Craps works online. Is it casino-legal?

[Kenny Lingus]

Originally Posted by crapsevangelist

Here is my clarification:

Let's assume that I'm at a Bricks & Mortar casino where they are not going to enforce a $1 or 5% or whatever vig on a winning Lay bet. What I want to do is to only heavily Lay 4 and 10 and only at times when the point is anything other than 4 and 10. What I was trying to do with a small Pass and Don't Pass bet was to accept the boxcar loss just to keep some $ on the table so if the point turns out to be 5, 6, 8, or 9 for a few rolls the pit boss doesn't toss me out for not betting.

However, since most casinos do suck back some vig on Lays, IF I can find a casino with 5X odds (in my neck of the woods it's pretty rare) would I be better off to not Lay at all but just take maximum odds at all times on the 4 and 10 when they're not the point? If so, I'd pretty well have to bet Pass and Don't Pass all the time as (correct me if I'm wrong) I wouldn't be able to place a Don't Pass bet after the come out roll if I'm already on the Pass Line.

So let's take these two scenarios:

1) I have a nickel on Pass and a nickel on Don't Pass. Come out roll, point is 6. I now place a quarter on the 5x odds of the Don't Pass.

2) I don't have any Line bets at all but I just wait for the come out roll of 6, and lay a quarter on the 4 and 10

(I'm aware that the amounts are different, but let's just discuss percentages of win/loss)

Which one is the best bet from my standpoint and at the same time the worst from the house's? I would think it's #1 as there wouldn't be any vig and it's true odds. Am I correct, or am I missing something here?

Your question(s?) is/are very confusing. I will try to answer them by telling you what I know. Also, you can get some good info from this trusted source: http://wizardofodds.com/craps.

First of all, I'm not sure I understand your fixation on "lay" bets. They carry a house edge of 2.44 - 4.00%, which is not exactly terrible, but not the best bet out there. One advatage of this type of bet is that it hits more often than it loses, which can bring on a winning streak more easily, but still there is the 5% vig, which is pretty standard, so you will lose in the long run.

Second of all, let me clarify "odds" bets: They are only available on top of a pass/don't pass bet, and can only be played on the come out number. You cannot wager them on just any number you wish.

Third, there is no reason to bet both the pass & don't pass lines. It is not necessary and gives you no advantage. Playing either gives the house the virtually same advantage of about 1.41/1.36%, and playing both gives the house a 1.40% advantage!

Fourth, there are no craps bets available without some sort of house favor; yes, odds bets do payout true odds, but only after you have already made a pass-line bet, which comes with an edge to the house.

So, let me suggest what I think might suit your style of play, while limiting your long-term loses:

Play the Don't Pass line for the house minimum, which only gives up a 1.36% house advantage (for that small bet only); then, when a point hits that you like to play, say a 4 or 10, then lay MAXIMUM odds. The additional money will be bet at true odds, and more often then not you will win the odds bet, which statistically will provide more "winning steaks".

BTW, the link above also has info on odds bets.

Hope this helps!

[Jasminebed]

The playing of both the pass/don't pass line bets is often referred to as "hedge" betting. Please read Terms and Conditions carefully to see if this is prohibited. This is normally prohibited when using a bonus, and may be against Terms and Conditions elsewhere at some casinos...largely to avoid people generating large amounts of comps for minimal risk I assume.

I think KennyL has provided you with some alternate strategies for playing your 4/10 bets.

I believe it is well established that there is no system for beating roulette long term, so bet within your limit, and enjoy the game.