Craps Repeater Bet: Rules, Payouts, Strategy & Where to Play
The Craps Repeater Bet is a side bet that lets you win if a specific number rolls a set amount of times before a seven appears. You place this bet through the stickman on any number from 2 to 12, except for 7. The bet wins when your chosen number rolls the required number of times based on that number’s difficulty, such as two times for a 2 or 12, or six times for a 6 or 8, all before a seven ends the bet.
This side bet offers big payouts ranging from 40 to 1 up to 90 to 1, depending on which number you choose. The house edge sits around 20%, making it a high-risk option compared to standard craps bets. You can place multiple Repeater Bets on different numbers during the same shooter’s turn.
Understanding how Repeater Bets work helps you decide when and how much to wager on this exciting side bet. This guide covers everything from basic rules and payouts to where you can find these bets and how to approach them with smart money management.
What Is the Craps Repeater Bet?
The repeater bet is a craps side bet that lets you win if a specific number rolls a set amount of times before a seven appears. This bet works differently from standard craps wagers because it focuses on multiple rolls of the same number rather than a single outcome.
Definition and Core Concept
A repeater bet is a bonus wager you place on any number from 2 to 12, except 7. You win when your chosen number rolls a specific amount of times before a seven ends the sequence.
Each number has a different requirement:
- 2 and 12: Must roll 2 times
- 3 and 11: Must roll 3 times
- 4 and 10: Must roll 4 times
- 5 and 9: Must roll 5 times
- 6 and 8: Must roll 6 times
You must place your repeater bets before the number rolls for the first time. This means you can sometimes bet mid-roll if the number hasn’t appeared yet. You can make multiple repeater bets on different numbers at the same time.
The stickman handles these bets at the center of the table. When your number hits the required count, you get paid immediately and that bet resolves.
Origins and Evolution of the Repeater Bet
Repeater bets appeared in casinos as a way to add excitement during long rolls. The bet became more common in the 2000s as casinos looked for new side bets to increase table revenue.
You can now find repeater bets at select casinos, mainly in Las Vegas and other major gambling locations. The bet was first spotted at places like the Suncoast casino in Las Vegas around 2015.
Some casinos have updated the basic repeater bet with new features. These include surrender options that let you cash out early for a smaller payout if you’ve hit at least half the required rolls.
How Repeater Bets Differ from Other Craps Side Bets
Repeater bets require multiple rolls of the same number, while most craps side bets resolve on a single roll or specific combination. The Fire Bet and All Tall Small bet also track multiple numbers, but they focus on hitting different points rather than repeating one number.
The house edge on repeater bets averages around 20%, which is higher than pass line bets but similar to other prop bets. You control when to place these bets since you can wait to see how a shooter performs.
Dealers track repeater bets using small markers placed in circles under each number on the table layout. This tracking system is visible to all players, unlike some side bets that only you and the dealer monitor.
How the Repeater Bet Works in Craps
The Repeater Bet requires you to select a number between 2 and 12 (except 7) and predict it will appear a specific number of times before a 7 rolls. Each number has different repeat requirements, and dealers use special tracking systems to monitor your progress throughout the shooter’s turn.
Eligible Numbers and Required Repeats
You can place repeater bets on any number except 7. The number of times each value must repeat depends on how frequently it appears in normal gameplay.
The numbers 2 and 12 must roll twice before a 7 appears. These are the easiest repeater bets to win because they require the fewest repeats.
The numbers 3 and 11 need to roll three times. The numbers 4 and 10 must appear four times. The numbers 5 and 9 require five repeats, while 6 and 8 need six repeats to win.
You can bet on multiple numbers at once during the same shooter’s turn. Each bet is independent and wins separately when its requirements are met. Your repeater bets must be placed before that specific number rolls for the first time during the shooter’s turn.
When and How to Place a Repeater Bet
You place repeater bets by handing your chips to the stickman and stating which numbers you want to bet on and the amount for each. Make these bets before the shooter’s turn begins or during their turn if your chosen number hasn’t rolled yet.
Most casinos allow minimum bets of $1 on repeater bets. You can bet different amounts on different numbers based on your strategy.
Once you place your bet, it stays active until either your number repeats the required times (you win) or a 7 rolls (you lose). The dealer tracks each roll and marks progress toward completing your repeater bets.
Dealer Tracking and Table Displays
The dealer uses a dedicated section of the table showing numbers 2 through 12 to track roll history. Below each number are small circles equal to the repeats needed to win that bet.
After each roll, the dealer places a small marker in one circle for the number that appeared. When all circles for a specific number fill up, that repeater bet wins and the dealer pays all winners.
Some casinos use electronic tracking systems or the Lunar Table Display II to show roll history automatically. These displays help you see which numbers are close to winning and track your progress visually.
Craps Repeater Bet Payouts and House Edge
Repeater bets offer some of the highest payouts at the craps table, but they come with a steep house advantage of around 20%. The payout for each number depends on how many times it needs to appear before a seven rolls, with harder-to-achieve repeats paying more.
Payout Structure by Number
The payout structure for repeater bets mirrors the difficulty of hitting each number multiple times. You’ll see the highest payouts on the 2 and 12, which only need to appear twice to win and pay 40 to 1. The 3 and 11 must roll three times and pay 50 to 1.
Mid-range numbers require more repeats. The 4 and 10 need four appearances for a 65 to 1 payout. The 5 and 9 require five rolls and pay 80 to 1.
The 6 and 8 present the toughest challenge, requiring six appearances each. These pay 90 to 1, the highest payout in the standard repeater bet structure. Despite needing more repeats, the 6 and 8 appear more frequently than other numbers, which affects their overall odds.
Probability and Odds for Each Bet
Your chances of winning a repeater bet vary significantly by number. The 2 and 12 repeater bets have the highest win probability at about 2% each. The 3 and 11 drop to roughly 1.56% probability.
The probability continues to decrease as repeat requirements increase. The 4 and 10 win about 1.23% of the time. The 5 and 9 sit at 1% each.
The 6 and 8 have the lowest probability at 0.88% despite being hot numbers that roll more often than others. This happens because you need six appearances before a seven, which makes the bet difficult to win even on favorable numbers.
House Advantage Explained
The house edge on repeater bets averages 20% across all numbers, making these among the highest-edge bets in craps. This means the casino keeps about $20 of every $100 wagered over time.
The house advantage stays relatively consistent across different numbers because the payouts adjust for difficulty. While cold numbers like 2 and 12 rarely appear, they need fewer repeats and pay less. Hot numbers like 6 and 8 appear more often but require more repeats and pay more, balancing out the house edge.
This high house advantage makes repeater bets expensive entertainment compared to pass line bets (1.41% house edge) or place bets on 6 and 8 (1.52% house edge). You should limit repeater bets to small amounts and consider them bonus action rather than core betting strategy.
Variants and Related Side Bets
Repeater bets have evolved beyond their original craps format to include enhanced versions with surrender features and similar betting concepts in other casino games. Several related side bets at craps tables share the same goal of hitting specific numbers before a seven appears.
Repeater Bets Plus and Surrender Options
Repeater Bets Plus is a table game version that adds flexibility to the standard repeater bet format. You can place wagers on any number from 2 to 12 (excluding 7) and track how many times it rolls before a seven ends the action.
The main feature is the surrender option. If you’ve rolled your chosen number at least halfway to the target, you can cash out early for a reduced payout. For example, rolling one 2 on a two-repeat bet lets you surrender for 6 to 1 instead of risking it for the full 40 to 1 payout.
This version includes additional action side bets like Even, Odd, Downtown, Uptown, Horn, and Citywide. The dealer books all your bets at the start and tracks your progress using lammers or electronic displays. The surrender feature gives you control over your risk when you’re close to winning but want to lock in a guaranteed payout.
Roulette Repeater Bets
Repeater bets also appear in roulette with a similar concept. You bet that a specific number or group of numbers will hit multiple times within a set number of spins. The key difference is that roulette has no equivalent to the seven in craps.
Instead, you simply need your chosen number to appear the required amount of times within the spin limit. Some versions require three hits of the same number within 10 spins. Others let you bet on color patterns or odd/even sequences repeating.
The house edge on roulette repeater bets varies by casino and the specific variant offered. These bets operate as side wagers separate from standard inside and outside roulette bets.
Fielder’s Choice and Other Bonus Side Bets
Fielder’s Choice is a craps side bet that focuses on field numbers rolling over multiple attempts. You win when field numbers (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12) appear a set number of times before a seven rolls.
The Fire Bet pays when a shooter establishes and makes multiple different point numbers before sevening out. You earn increasingly larger payouts as more unique points hit. Making all six points (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10) can pay up to 1,000 to 1.
Hard All Day targets hard-way combinations where both dice show the same number. You bet that a specific hard way (like hard 8 with two 4s) will roll before a seven or the easy way version of that number appears. These side bets all share the common theme of tracking specific outcomes across multiple rolls before a losing condition ends the wager.
Casino Locations Offering Repeater Bets
Repeater bets are available at several Las Vegas Strip properties and select regional casinos, with most installations featuring traditional craps tables rather than electronic versions. The bet originated at casinos like Suncoast before spreading to major Strip properties including Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Horseshoe Las Vegas, and Planet Hollywood.
Las Vegas Casinos with Repeater Bets
You can find repeater bets at multiple Caesars Entertainment properties on the Strip. Planet Hollywood, Paris Las Vegas, Horseshoe Las Vegas, and Caesars Palace currently offer these side bets on their craps tables. Some of these locations feature both traditional and crapless craps tables with repeater bet options.
Paris Las Vegas has a crapless table near the cashier where you can place repeater bets. Horseshoe Las Vegas offers both crapless and classic craps tables with repeater betting available.
Off-Strip casinos also carry this side bet. The Suncoast casino was one of the first Las Vegas venues to introduce repeater bets in 2015. Gold Coast and The Orleans, both Boyd Gaming properties, have featured these wagers at various times.
Reports suggest that Harrah’s Las Vegas tested repeater bets before other Caesars Entertainment properties adopted them. The availability at specific casinos can change, so you should verify with the casino floor before visiting.
Reno/Tahoe and Regional Venues
The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada features repeater bets on their craps tables. This property actively promotes the side bet as part of their table games offerings.
Other Northern Nevada casinos like Nugget Casino Resort and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa may offer repeater bets, though availability varies by property. These regional venues often test new side bets before they reach larger markets.
The spread of repeater bets beyond Las Vegas remains limited compared to more established side bets like the Fire Bet or All Tall Small. You’ll have better luck finding these wagers at Las Vegas properties than at most regional casinos.
Table Game Installations and Electronic Displays
Most repeater bet installations appear on traditional felt craps tables with dedicated betting areas. The betting layout includes specific spots for each number between 2 and 12, excluding 7.
Galaxy Gaming produces a table game version called Repeater Bets Plus. This variation uses a dice cup with two dice that you get to shake yourself. The game includes a surrender option that lets you cash out early for a reduced payout if you’ve hit at least half the required rolls.
Electronic craps machines rarely feature repeater bets. You’ll find these side wagers almost exclusively at live dealer tables where the betting layout can accommodate the additional wagering options.
Strategy and Tips for Playing Repeater Bets
Repeater bets require careful planning because of their high house edge and low probability of winning. Managing your money wisely and picking the right numbers gives you the best chance to enjoy these side bets without draining your bankroll too quickly.
Recommending Bankroll Management
Set aside a separate budget for repeater bets before you start playing. You should limit these wagers to 10-15% of your total session bankroll. The 20% house edge means these bets lose money faster than standard craps wagers.
Split your funds into two categories. Use the larger portion for reliable bets like pass line or place bets. Keep the smaller amount specifically for repeater bets and other high-risk wagers.
Follow these bankroll guidelines:
| Total Bankroll | Repeater Budget | Single Bet Size |
|---|---|---|
| $200 | $20-$30 | $1-$2 |
| $500 | $50-$75 | $2-$5 |
| $1,000 | $100-$150 | $5-$10 |
Never increase your repeater bet amounts to chase losses. Stick to your budget even when you hit a losing streak. Save these bets for when you’re shooting or when a skilled player takes the dice.
Choosing Numbers and Risk Assessment
Focus on the 2 and 12 for repeater bets. These numbers only need two rolls before a seven-out and offer 40 to 1 payouts. Your winning probability sits at 2%, which is better than the 6 or 8 that need six rolls despite their higher 90 to 1 payouts.
The 3 and 11 provide middle-ground options. They need three rolls and pay 50 to 1 with about 1.56% probability of winning. Pick two to four numbers maximum per shooter rather than spreading bets across all options.
Watch for patterns during a shooter’s turn. If someone hits the same number multiple times early, consider adding a repeater bet on that number. Your own rolls give you the most control since you might recognize your throwing patterns.
Combining Repeater Bets with Other Craps Strategies
Use repeater bets as additions to your main betting strategy. Start with reliable place bets on the 6 and 8, then add a small repeater wager on the 2 or 12 when you feel confident about a shooter.
Time your repeater bets for hot streaks. Wait until a shooter establishes a point and makes several successful rolls before placing these side wagers. This approach protects your bankroll during cold tables.
Some casinos offer dealer envy pay with repeater bets. This feature gives the dealer a bonus when your repeater bet wins, creating goodwill at the table. The dealer envy doesn’t change your odds or payouts.
Avoid placing repeater bets on every shooter. This strategy increases your exposure to the house edge and burns through your allocated funds before you catch a profitable roll. Be selective and patient with these high-risk wagers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Repeater bets require you to roll specific numbers multiple times before a seven appears, with payouts ranging from 40 to 90 times your bet depending on the number. The house edge averages around 20%, making these bets more suitable for entertainment than long-term profit.
How does the repeater bet work in craps?
You place a repeater bet on any number from 2 to 12 (except 7) before that number rolls for the first time. The bet wins if your chosen number appears a set amount of times before a seven shows up.
Different numbers need different amounts of rolls to win. The numbers 2 and 12 must appear twice. The numbers 3 and 11 need three rolls.
The numbers 4 and 10 require four appearances. The numbers 5 and 9 must show up five times. The numbers 6 and 8 need six rolls to win.
You give your chips to the stickman and tell them which numbers you want to bet on. Each repeater bet can be placed for as little as $1 at most casinos. If a seven rolls before your number hits the required amount of times, you lose that bet.
What are the payout odds for the repeater bet in craps?
Rolling two 2’s pays 40 times your bet with a winning probability of about 2%. Rolling three 3’s pays 50 times your bet with a probability around 1.56%.
Rolling four 4’s pays 65 times your bet with a 1.23% probability. Rolling five 5’s pays 80 times your bet at 1% probability.
Rolling six 6’s pays 90 times your bet with a 0.88% chance of winning. Rolling six 8’s also pays 90 times your bet with the same 0.88% probability.
Rolling five 9’s pays 80 times your bet at 1% probability. Rolling four 10’s pays 65 times your bet with a 1.23% chance. Rolling three 11’s pays 50 times your bet at 1.56% probability, and rolling two 12’s pays 40 times your bet with a 2% chance.
Can you explain the strategy behind using the repeater bet in craps?
The best strategy is to make repeater bets mainly when you’re shooting and focus on the numbers you roll most often. This approach gives you the best chance since you know your own tendencies.
You should divide your bankroll into two stacks. Keep one for your main bets and another smaller one for prop bets like repeaters. Most of your money should stay with your main bets.
Avoid placing repeater bets on every shooter at the table. This drains your bankroll quickly, especially during cold tables where shooting turns end fast. If you spot a skilled shooter who appears to know what they’re doing, you might place one or two repeater bets on their hot numbers.
What are examples of repeater bet scenarios in craps?
A hot shooter rolling 40 or more times during their turn can win you several different repeater bets. For example, if you bet on the 6 and the shooter rolls it six times before a seven, you win 90 times your original bet.
During a cold table, shooting turns end quickly and repeater bets rarely win. If you placed $5 on the numbers 6 and 8, you’d lose both bets when a seven appears after just a few rolls.
A successful scenario happens when you bet $1 on your most frequent number before your turn. If you typically roll lots of 5’s and manage to hit five of them during your roll, you collect 80 times your $1 bet for an $80 payout.
How does the repeater bet compare to other betting options in craps?
Repeater bets carry an average house edge of 20%, making them much riskier than standard craps bets. Pass line bets have a house edge of only 1.41%, while don’t pass bets sit at 1.36%.
The payouts for repeater bets are much higher than typical bets, ranging from 40 to 90 times your wager. Standard place bets on 6 or 8 only pay 7 to 6, which is far less dramatic but more reliable.
Repeater bets function as prop bets designed for entertainment rather than steady wins. They work best when combined with lower house edge bets as part of a complete betting strategy. You should treat them like occasional bonuses rather than your main betting approach.
Are there specific rules for placing a repeater bet at the craps table?
You must place your repeater bet before the chosen number rolls for the first time during a shooter’s turn. You can sometimes make the bet mid-roll if that specific number hasn’t appeared yet.
The stickman handles all repeater bets, so you hand your chips directly to them and state which numbers you want. You can place repeater bets on as many different numbers as you want at the same time.
Dealers track each number using small markers placed in circles beneath the numbers 2 through 12 on the table. Each circle fills with a marker after that number rolls. When all circles for a specific number fill up, the dealers pay out all winners for that particular repeater bet immediately.
The table layout displays the payout amounts behind the pass line at multiple spots around the table. These stay visible for reference throughout the game. Once a seven rolls, dealers remove all losing repeater bets from the table.