The pass line bet is the most fundamental wager in craps. When you place a pass line bet, you are betting that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the come out roll. If a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled on the come out (known as “craps” numbers), you lose the pass line bet. Any other number becomes the shooter’s “point” number.
To win the pass line bet after a point number has been established, that point number must be rolled again before a 7. If a 7 is rolled first, the pass line bet loses. If the point number repeats before a 7, the pass line bet wins even money.
The pass line bet pays even money (1 to 1) when it wins and has a low house edge of around 1.41%. This makes it one of the best bets in the casino and an essential starting point for any craps strategy.
Understanding and Utilizing Odds Bets
While the pass line bet keeps the house edge low at Casino Bizzo, you can reduce it even further on those bets by adding odds bets. An odds bet can only be made in conjunction with a pass line bet.
After the point number has been determined, you can place an additional odds bet behind your original pass line wager. This boosts your potential payout if the point number repeats before a 7.
The odds bet pays out at the following rates:
| Point Number | Payout |
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 |
| 6 or 8 | 6 to 5 |
Unlike the pass line bet, the odds bet carries no house edge. This makes it a critical component of craps strategy. The more you can wager on the odds, the lower the house advantage becomes on the overall bet.
Some casinos allow 5x-100x odds bets, while others cap it lower. Shoot for the highest multiple your budget and the house limits allow. This dramatically improves the payout ratios in your favor.
Pass Line Bet Probabilities
Understanding the math behind pass line bets helps develop craps strategy by showing the house edge on this foundational wager:
- 7 or 11 on come out (win) – 16.67%
- Come out craps (lose) – 11.11%
- Establish point number – 72.22%
Out of the 72.22% where a point number is set, the probabilities differ depending on that number:
- Point of 4 or 10 – 22.22%
- Point of 5 or 9 – 27.78%
- Point of 6 or 8 – 22.22%
Once the point has been established, the only way to win is by hitting the point again before a 7. Here are those probabilities:
- Rolling point before 7
- Point of 4 – 24.07%
- Point of 5 – 27.40%
- Point of 6 – 31.46%
- Point of 8 – 31.46%
- Point of 9 – 27.40%
- Point of 10 – 24.07%
- Rolling a 7 before the point – 48.55%
The pass line bet has a built-in house edge of 1.41%. Adding maximum odds drops that edge even lower, making it a very profitable anchor for long-term craps sessions.
Practical Craps Strategy Tips
While pass line with max odds should form the core of your craps approach, here are some additional tips:
- Set a gambling bankroll and loss limit before playing. Quit when you reach that amount.
- Take odds bets whenever possible as those have zero house edge.
- Avoid proposition bets in the middle of the table, as those carry high edges.
- Play online or practice for free to learn at lower stakes before casino visits.
- Review the odds and probability charts to make mathematically optimal plays.
- Stick to pass line and odds to keep things simple and minimize house advantage.
Executing an Effective Craps Strategy Centered on Solid Bets
Following the pass line and odds bets strategy, while avoiding poor proposition bets in the middle of the table, is the optimal long term approach to craps. Not only does it provide excitement on every roll, but the ability to add high multiple odds bets dramatically cuts the house edge down.
Use the pass line plus odds bets as your craps foundation. Supplement conservatively with place bets as you get more comfortable. Avoid middle bets and stick to the fundamentals on either end, playing disciplined sessions. Doing so will make you a consistent winner and illustrate that craps is far more of a skill game than pure luck if you utilize proper strategy based on math and probabilities.