‘Don’t Pass Bet’ Meaning | Casino & Gambling Terms Explained

The “Don’t Pass Bet” is a staple in the game of craps, representing a wager against the shooter. It’s a bet that the shooter will roll a 7 before repeating the point number, essentially betting on the shooter to lose. This bet is placed before the come-out roll and is considered one of the best bets in craps due to its low house edge. Here’s a detailed exploration of the “Don’t Pass Bet”:

The Basics of Craps and the Don’t Pass Bet

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcomes of the roll, or a series of rolls, of a pair of dice. The “Don’t Pass Bet” is the opposite of the “Pass Line Bet,” which is a bet with the shooter.

How the Don’t Pass Bet Works

Come-Out Roll: If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, the “Don’t Pass Bet” wins.

• If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the “Don’t Pass Bet” loses.
• A come-out roll of 12 results in a push, meaning the bet is returned to the player.

Point Establishment: If the come-out roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.”

• The “Don’t Pass Bet” then becomes a bet that a 7 will be rolled before the point number is rolled again.

Subsequent Rolls: After the point is established, the “Don’t Pass Bet” wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number.

• The bet loses if the point number is rolled before a 7.

Odds and Payouts

• The “Don’t Pass Bet” pays even money, 1:1.
• The house edge on the “Don’t Pass Bet” is slightly lower than the “Pass Line Bet,” sitting at around 1.36%.

Strategy and Social Aspect

• Betting Against the Shooter: Players who make a “Don’t Pass Bet” are often referred to as betting “wrong,” as they are betting against the majority of the players who typically bet with the shooter.
• Laying Odds: Players can lay odds on the “Don’t Pass Bet” after the point is established, which allows them to bet additional money with no house edge on this portion of the bet.

Why Players Choose the Don’t Pass Bet

• Lower House Edge: The slightly lower house edge makes it a preferred choice for some strategic players.
• Betting Strategy: Some players prefer the “Don’t Pass Bet” as part of a more conservative betting strategy.

The Role of the Don’t Pass Bet in Craps

• Risk Management: The “Don’t Pass Bet” is part of a risk management strategy for players looking to play with the best odds.
• Game Dynamics: This bet adds to the dynamics of the game, providing an alternative way to play and win.