Double Two Craps Explained: Ballerina Bet Meaning & Rules
Craps can look busy at first glance, especially with all the proposition bets dotted around the layout. One of the more curious options you might come across is the Ballerina Bet, sometimes called Double Two Craps.
This blog post breaks down what it means, how it is placed, and what to expect on each roll. You will also find the key numbers behind the bet and how it compares with other side wagers.
All information is provided with responsible play in mind, so you can make choices that fit your own circumstances.
What Is The Ballerina Bet In Double Two Craps?
The Ballerina Bet, sometimes known as Double Two Craps, is a side bet offered at some craps tables. It takes its name from the way a pair of twos can be pictured, a bit like a ballerina on her toes.
It is a one-roll wager on the shooter rolling double twos, meaning both dice show two spots for a total of four. If double twos land on that very roll, the bet wins. Any other result is a loss.
Not every table features this option, so it is worth checking availability before you start. With the basics set, the next step is understanding how it actually plays out at the table.
How Does The Ballerina Bet Work?
In places where it is offered, the Ballerina Bet is placed in the proposition area for the next roll only. The dealer confirms the wager and includes it for that upcoming throw.
The resolution is immediate. If the shooter rolls 2 and 2, the bet is paid. If the dice show anything else, the chips are taken. Anyone who wants to try again needs to place a fresh wager before the following roll.
When Can You Place The Ballerina Bet?
Timing matters. The Ballerina Bet is accepted just before a new roll and only applies to that single outcome. It is not taken while the dice are in motion or during the settling of other bets.
Some tables allow this wager at any point in a round, provided it is before the next throw, while others do not offer it at all. If in doubt, ask the dealer. Before putting chips down, it also helps to know the likely returns.
Ballerina Bet Payouts And Odds
The Ballerina Bet typically pays 30 to 1. So a £1 wager would return £30 in winnings plus the original £1 stake if double twos land. House rules can vary, but this is a common payout for a single specific combination.
There is only one way to roll 2 and 2 out of the 36 possible two-dice outcomes, so the chance of winning on a given roll is 1 in 36. With that in mind, it is useful to see how the numbers translate into the house edge.
How The Ballerina Bet Resolves On Different Rolls
Understanding how the bet settles on the table helps keep things clear. The result is decided instantly by the two dice that land.
Examples Of Rolls That Win, Push Or Lose The Ballerina Bet
Winning Outcome
If the shooter rolls a pair of twos, the Ballerina Bet wins. The payout is applied according to the table’s posted rules.
Neither Winning Nor Losing (Push)
A push does not usually apply to this wager. It either pays on 2 and 2 or it does not, unless a specific house rule states otherwise.
Losing Outcomes
Any roll that is not double twos loses. For example, 1 and 3, 3 and 1, 4 and 4, or 1 and 5 would all see the bet collected by the dealer.
With settlement understood, the next practical point is where the bet sits on the layout and how to get it on correctly.
Table Placement And How To Place The Ballerina Bet
The Ballerina Bet normally sits in the centre proposition area alongside other one-roll options. If you are unsure, point out the wager to the dealer and they can place or book it clearly for the next throw.
Chips should be put down only when the table is open for betting, not while the dice are in the air. Make sure the chips are placed on the correct label for the Ballerina Bet and that they meet any posted minimums or maximums for proposition wagers, which may differ from the main game.
House Edge And Probability For The Ballerina Bet
As noted above, there is only one way to roll double twos out of 36 possible outcomes. That gives a probability of about 2.78% for any single roll.
With a typical 30 to 1 payout, the house edge is around 13.89%. This figure reflects the average amount the casino expects to retain over time on that specific wager. It is higher than the edge on core bets such as Pass Line or Don’t Pass, which is why many players treat the Ballerina Bet as an occasional side option rather than a regular play.
Common Misconceptions About The Ballerina Bet
It is often assumed this bet is available everywhere, but many tables do not list it, especially online. Always check the layout or ask the dealer before planning to use it.
Another misunderstanding is that the payout mirrors the actual chance of winning. It does not. The probability is 1 in 36, while the payout is typically 30 to 1, which is where the house edge comes from.
It is also sometimes thought that this bet can carry over or push. In most settings, it resolves on the very next roll, pays only on 2 and 2, and otherwise loses.
If anything looks unclear, a quick look at the table rules or a short word with the dealer avoids confusion and keeps the game moving.
How Does The Ballerina Bet Differ From Other Side Bets?
The Ballerina Bet is unusually narrow, because it needs a single exact outcome, double twos. Many side wagers cover wider ranges, such as totals like 3, 7 or 11, or the Hardways that stay in action until they win or a soft version of the same total appears. By contrast, the Ballerina Bet resolves immediately and has no staying power beyond one roll.
Its numbers also set it apart. The combination of a 1-in-36 probability and a typical 30 to 1 payout gives it a higher house edge than many alternatives. Some side bets may offer broader coverage or different risk profiles, which can suit players who prefer fewer swings.
If you decide to explore side wagers, keep your play within set limits and treat the Ballerina Bet as an occasional extra rather than a main approach. If gambling starts to affect your finances or well-being, seek support early. Services such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help.
Used thoughtfully, the Ballerina Bet can add a bit of variety to a craps session, provided you understand how it works, what it pays, and where it fits within your budget.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
