The Big 6 and Big 8 bets in craps are simple wagers that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. They pay even money (1:1) and sit in the corner of the craps table layout, easily accessible to players. But here’s the problem — they’re one of the worst bets on the table.
Why? Because Place bets on 6 and 8 cover the exact same outcome but pay 7:6 instead of 1:1, with a house edge of 1.52% versus 9.09%. The Big 6/8 exists as a trap for players who don’t know better.
Big 6/8 vs Place 6/8 Calculator
How Big 6 and Big 8 Work
The Big 6 and Big 8 are multi-roll bets. Once placed, they stay active until either:
- You WIN: A 6 (or 8) is rolled before a 7 — pays 1:1 (even money)
- You LOSE: A 7 is rolled before the 6 (or 8)
That’s it. No complex rules, no come-out roll requirements. You can place or remove the bet at any time.
Why Big 6/8 is a Bad Bet
| Bet | Covers | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big 6 or Big 8 | 6 or 8 before 7 | 1:1 (even money) | 9.09% |
| Place 6 or Place 8 | 6 or 8 before 7 | 7:6 | 1.52% |
Both bets cover the exact same outcome — that a 6 or 8 rolls before a 7. The only difference is the payout. Place 6/8 pays $7 for every $6 wagered. Big 6/8 pays only $1 for every $1 wagered. You’re giving up 6x more house edge for no additional benefit.
On a $6 bet:
- Place 6: Wins $7 (house edge 1.52%)
- Big 6: Wins $6 (house edge 9.09%)
You lose $1 in payout every single time you win, for no reason. Over 100 winning bets at $6 each, that’s $100 less in your pocket.
The Math: Why 9.09% House Edge?
There are 36 possible dice combinations. For the number 6:
- 5 ways to roll a 6 (1+5, 2+4, 3+3, 4+2, 5+1)
- 6 ways to roll a 7 (1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1)
- True odds: 6:5 against you
- Big 6/8 pays: 1:1 (even money)
- The gap between true odds (6:5) and payout (1:1) = 9.09% house edge
When Would Anyone Bet Big 6/8?
Honestly? Almost never, if you know the alternative exists. The Big 6/8 boxes are positioned at the corners of the table where players can reach them without the dealer’s help. Some beginners use them because:
- They don’t know about Place bets
- They want to place their own chips (Place bets require the dealer)
- The table minimum for Place bets is higher than they want to bet
The solution: Always ask the dealer to “place the 6” or “place the 8” instead. It’s the same bet with a dramatically better payout. If the table minimum for Place bets is $6 and you only want to bet $5, you’re still better off waiting until you can afford the Place bet.
Big 6/8 FAQs
Are Big 6 and Big 8 the same as Place 6 and Place 8?
They cover the same outcome (6 or 8 before 7) but pay differently. Place 6/8 pays 7:6 with a 1.52% edge. Big 6/8 pays 1:1 with a 9.09% edge. Always use Place bets instead.
Why do casinos even offer Big 6/8?
Because players who don’t know better will use them. The Big 6/8 boxes are positioned where players can self-serve (place their own chips), making them attractive to beginners who are intimidated by calling out bets to the dealer.
Are Big 6/8 bets available at all casinos?
Not all — some casinos (particularly in Atlantic City due to NJ gaming regulations) have removed the Big 6/8 from their layouts entirely because it’s considered a sucker bet. If you don’t see it on the table, that’s actually a good sign.
Final Thoughts
The Big 6 and Big 8 are objectively bad bets. There is never a mathematical reason to choose them over Place 6 or Place 8, which cover the same outcome at a fraction of the house edge. If you see someone betting Big 6/8, politely suggest they try Place bets instead — they’ll thank you when they see the better payouts.
Check our craps payout calculator to compare Big 6/8 against Place bets, or see the full payout chart for every bet ranked by house edge.
