The Fire Bet is a side bet in craps where you wager that the shooter will make multiple unique point numbers before sevening out. It’s one of the few bets in craps that can pay 999:1 — turning a $1 bet into $1,000 — but the odds of hitting all six points are astronomically low.
Unlike standard craps bets, the Fire Bet stays active across the shooter’s entire turn and pays based on how many different points they successfully make. Here’s everything you need to know.
Fire Bet Payout Calculator
How the Fire Bet Works
The Fire Bet must be placed before the shooter’s come-out roll — you cannot add it mid-hand. It’s typically a $1 to $5 minimum bet (varies by casino). Once placed, it stays active for the shooter’s entire turn at the dice.
Here’s how it plays out:
- The shooter establishes a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10)
- If the shooter makes that point, it counts as one “fire” point
- The shooter continues rolling, establishing and making new points
- Only unique points count — making the 6 twice still only counts as one point
- The bet pays when the shooter makes 4, 5, or 6 unique points
- The bet loses when the shooter sevens out
There are six possible point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). To win the maximum payout, the shooter must make ALL six before rolling a 7 on a point roll.
Fire Bet Payouts
Payouts vary by casino, but the most common pay table is:
| Unique Points Made | Payout | $1 Bet Pays | $5 Bet Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 or fewer | Lose | $0 | $0 |
| 4 points | 24:1 | $24 | $120 |
| 5 points | 249:1 | $249 | $1,245 |
| 6 points (all) | 999:1 | $999 | $4,995 |
Note: Some casinos use different pay tables. You may see 10:1 for 4 points, 200:1 for 5 points, or 2000:1 for 6 points. Always check the posted payouts at your table.
Fire Bet Odds and House Edge
The probability of hitting each level:
| Points Made | Probability | Approximate Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 4 unique points | ~3.35% | About 1 in 30 |
| 5 unique points | ~0.36% | About 1 in 277 |
| 6 unique points (all) | ~0.016% | About 1 in 6,156 |
House edge: approximately 20-25% depending on the pay table. This is one of the highest house edges in craps — significantly worse than even proposition bets like the Horn (12.5%) or Any 7 (16.67%).
The appeal is the massive payout potential relative to the small bet size. A $5 Fire Bet can pay $4,995 — that kind of return isn’t available on any standard craps bet.
Should You Make the Fire Bet?
The Fire Bet is pure entertainment. The math is heavily against you (20%+ house edge), but the cost is low ($1-$5) and the potential payout is enormous. Think of it like a lottery ticket at the craps table.
Reasons to make it:
- You enjoy the excitement of a long-shot bet
- The $1-$5 cost is negligible to your bankroll
- You’re at a table with a hot shooter and want to ride the wave
- The 999:1 payout creates a memorable moment if it hits
Reasons to skip it:
- The 20%+ house edge is the worst in craps
- You can’t remove or reduce the bet once placed
- The probability of hitting all 6 points is about 1 in 6,000
- Your money is better spent on Odds bets (0% house edge)
Fire Bet Strategy Tips
- Keep it small — $1 is enough. The house edge is so high that increasing your bet doesn’t improve your expected value.
- Don’t chase — If you’ve lost 20 Fire Bets in a row, the 21st has the same odds. There’s no “due” factor.
- Place it and forget it — The Fire Bet must be placed before the shooter’s first roll. You cannot add it mid-hand, so treat it as a set-and-forget side bet.
- Check the pay table — The difference between 999:1 and 2000:1 on six points is significant. Play at tables with better pay tables when possible.
Fire Bet FAQs
Can I place a Fire Bet after the shooter starts?
No — the Fire Bet must be placed before the shooter’s first come-out roll. Once the hand begins, you cannot add or increase the bet.
Do repeated points count?
No — only unique points count. If the shooter makes the 6 three times, it still only counts as one point toward the Fire Bet. They need to make different numbers (e.g., 6, 8, 5, 4) to progress.
What happens if the shooter makes 3 points?
With the most common pay table, 3 points pays nothing — you need at least 4 unique points to win. Some casinos offer a pay table that starts paying at 3 points (usually 7:1).
Is the Fire Bet available at all casinos?
No — it’s a proprietary side bet that not all casinos offer. It’s most common in Las Vegas and larger casinos. Online craps games may or may not include it depending on the software provider.
Final Thoughts
The Fire Bet is the craps equivalent of a lottery ticket — tiny cost, massive potential payout, terrible odds. If you enjoy the thrill of long-shot bets and can afford to lose $1-$5 per shooter, it adds excitement to your session. Just don’t let it distract from your core strategy of Pass Line or Don’t Pass with maximum Odds.
Use our craps payout calculator to compare the Fire Bet against other options, and check the full payout chart for a complete reference.
