The Pass Line Bet
The pass line is the foundational craps bet, carrying a house edge of about 1.41%. It wins on a come-out 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3 or 12, and otherwise sets a point that must be repeated before a 7 is rolled.
| House Edge | 1.41% |
|---|---|
| Come Out Win | 7 or 11 |
| Come Out Lose | 2, 3, 12 |
| With Free Odds | Combined edge drops well below 1% |
How the pass line resolves
You place a pass-line bet before the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, you win even money instantly. If they roll 2, 3 or 12 (craps), you lose. Any other total — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 — becomes the point, and from then the bet wins if that point is rolled again before a 7 appears, and loses if the 7 comes first.
Backing it with free odds
Once a point is established, the casino lets you add a ‘free odds’ bet behind the pass line. This portion is paid at the true mathematical odds with zero house edge, so it dilutes the overall edge of your combined wager. Taking maximum allowed odds is the single most efficient way to lower your cost of play in the entire casino.
Frequently asked questions
What is the house edge on the pass line?
About 1.41% on its own, and meaningfully lower once you add free odds, which carry no edge.
Is the don't-pass bet better?
Marginally — the don't-pass edge is ~1.36% — but it bets against the shooter, which many players dislike at a communal table.
Sources
- Published craps rules
- Probability theory