🎲 Why Hop Bets in Craps Are a Trap — And What to Bet Instead
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Hop bets in craps are flashy, fast, and tempting — but if you're serious about protecting your bankroll or playing with any strategic edge, hop bets are one of the worst moves you can make at the table.
Let’s break down why hop bets are mathematically terrible, and which bets offer better value in terms of house edge and return.
🚨 What Is a Hop Bet?
A hop bet is a one-roll wager that a specific combination will appear on the very next roll — for example, “5 and 2, on the hop.”
You’re essentially saying, “This exact outcome will happen right now.” If it does, you win. If it doesn’t, you lose — instantly.
They’re offered in two forms:
- Single (non-paired) combinations like 5-2 or 3-4
- Doubles (hard hops) like 2-2 or 3-3
Sounds fun and quick, right? Yes. But here’s the problem:
đź’¸ The Math Behind Hop Bets
🎯 Let’s say you bet $5 on “5-2, on the hop”
There are 36 possible outcomes when two dice are rolled.
The combination of 5 and 2 (in any order) has only 2 possible outcomes:
- 5 + 2
- 2 + 5
So the true odds are:
- 2 out of 36, or 1 in 18
But the payout the casino gives you?
Only 15 to 1 for a single combination.
Let’s do the math:
- True odds: 18 to 1
- Casino payout: 15 to 1
- That’s a 3-unit difference — and it adds up fast
The house edge on a typical hop bet is:
🔥 11.11% for single-number hops
🔥 13.89% for doubles (e.g., 2-2, 3-3)
That is one of the worst house edges in the entire game.
Compare that to:
- Pass Line: 1.41%
- Place 6 or 8: 1.52%
- Field bet (depending on the table): as low as 2.78% on 2x payouts
Hop bets are mathematically rigged against the player — far more aggressively than other bets on the table.
🧠Why Hop Bets Are So Dangerous
They’re one-roll bets – you either win or lose immediately. Most of the time, you lose.
High house edge – over 11%, meaning over time, the casino will take a big cut.
No strategic value – unlike Place bets or Come/Don’t Come bets, there’s no way to gain positional advantage or compound earnings.
False thrill – players often chase hop bets like lottery tickets. It's exciting, but statistically unsound.
âś… What Should You Bet Instead?
If you’re looking for value and want to play craps with any level of sustainability, here’s what to consider:
- Place bets on 6 or 8: These pay 7 to 6, with only a 1.52% house edge.
- Field bets: Quick bets with a lower edge (2.78%) on most tables, especially when 2 and 12 pay double or triple.
- Pass Line with odds: One of the best bets in the casino when you take full odds — zero house edge on the odds portion.
🛑 Final Word: Hop Bets Are a Casino’s Dream
If you’re casually tossing out hop bets hoping to hit a lucky combo, understand that you’re paying more than 11 cents on the dollar to do it.
It’s not a smart play. It’s not even a fair play — it’s just a flashy, fast way to burn your bankroll.
If you’re going to bet, bet smart.
Leave the hop bets to the tourists — and give your money a real chance to grow.