Why Do the Crap Tables Still Have the Big 6 and Big 8?

I was just wondering why the crap tables still have the Big 6 & 8? The house edge for the Big 6 & 8 is 9.09% and the house edge is 1.52% when placing the 6 & 8. I've never seen anyone bet the Big 6 & 8. What's the story?

Casinos keep the Big 6 & 8 on the layout despite its high house edge (9.09%) because they never met a sucker bet they didn't like. Every sucker bet in existence is there because people keep making them. Maybe you've never seen anyone do it, but trust us, it happens all the time.

Many casual players don’t realize that placing the 6 or 8 (at a 1.52% house edge) is a much better bet. They assume Big 6 & 8 is equivalent or just an easier option.

It is easier. Players place their own Big 6 & 8 bets without having to toss chips to and interact with the dealer, making it appealing to those who feel intimidated by the game, don’t know betting procedures, and don't know (or care) about casino advantages.

The Big 6 & 8 bet is prominently displayed in the corner of the layout, making it more attractive to beginners. The place bets require knowledge of how to make them and aren't so obvious.

Finally, the casino makes significantly more money on the Big 6 & 8 than a place 6 or 8. While experienced players avoid it, enough new or casual players fall for it to justify keeping it on the table.

And that's the story -- from start to finish.

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Comments

VegasVic Mar-08-2025

Still around?

I haven't seen the Big 6 and 8 on a layout in a long time.  There may still be some around but they far from prevalent

Kevin Rough Mar-08-2025

I don't think I've ever seen it

I have heard of it. But honestly I've never seen it.  I'm told it's not even allowed in many Eastern jurisdictions. And I've never seen it in Vegas.

Stewart Ethier Mar-08-2025

The one advantage of the Big 6 & 8 Big

The one advantage of the Big 6 & 8  is that you can bet whatever you want, it doesn't have to be a multiple of 6 like the place bets on 6 & 8.

Bart93491 Mar-08-2025

Good memories

I love reading about Craps. Now, older and wiser, I no longer spend a large part of my Las Vegas trips at the Crap tables. Like an alcoholic who reads about fine wine, I can only look back fondly at the many good times I spent doing things I have sworn not to. Some of my best times in Las Vegas were spent at the Crap tables late at night. Good times. And for goodness sake, just place-bet (6) or (8).

DeltaEagle Mar-08-2025

A sucker is born every minute

Same reason that the first thing you see when you walk into most casinos is that spinning wheel. Usually, there’s a crowd around it.

Raymond Mar-09-2025

Because...

...it's simple.  Because the payer who plays it is STUPID.  The layouts at my local (non-LV) casinos have this bet, and even when I explain the difference between Big 6/8 and a place bet, they still go for "the corner".

"If you place the 8 for $30 and it hits, you'll get $35.  If you bet the Big 8, you'll get $30."

"Naw, man, this is how I'll do it."

"OK, your call."  (Thinking to myself--"This is the guy they want here day after day".

Question of the Day - 08 March 2025

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