Come Bet Craps: Rules, Payouts, and Strategy Explained

April 28, 2025
7 Minute Read

The Come Bet in craps is one of the most popular wagers at the table, allowing players to maximize their odds while betting on a low-house-edge wager. Learning the rules of the Come Bet in craps can help new and experienced players make smarter betting decisions.

Placing this bet is simple and is very similar to a Pass Line wager, but is made after the come-out roll. Keep reading to learn more about the rules, payouts, and strategic uses when making a Come Bet.

What is the Craps Come Line and How Does It Work?

Craps is a casino dice game with numerous betting choices. The Come Bar is one of those and is located in the center of the table between the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) and the Field. When considering how a Come Bet works, it’s important to know how a Pass Line wager works.

When betting on the Pass Line, players win on 7 or 11 on the come-out roll and lose on 2, 3, or 12. If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, then that number becomes the point number and a puck is placed on this number by the dealer to signify the shooting is hoping to hit that number. The goal is then to roll that number again before rolling a seven. A seven “craps out” the action and all bets are losers.

Once the point number is established, the player can then back up the Pass Line bet with odds. These are placed behind the initial Pass Line bet and pay out at the true odds of rolling that number with no house edge.

If the shooter rolls the point number, then the player wins and will earn even money on the initial Pass Line bet and then also a better payout on the odds bet (more on that below).

The Come Bet works in the same way as a Pass Line bet, but players can make these bets after a come-out roll and after a point number has already been established. Like a Pass Line bet, players also can back up their bets with odds as well. So a player with a Pass Line bet may also make a Come Bet. This allows for the flexibility of getting more numbers in play.

How to Place a Come Bet in Craps

So exactly how does placing a Come Bet in craps work? Here’s a quick guide to 

  • Step 1 – Wait for the come-out roll to establish the point. A player may already have a Pass Line wager in place as well.
  • Step 2 – Place your chips in the Come Bar on the table. Just like on the Pass Line, the player loses on 2, 3, or 12 on the next roll and wins even money on 7 or 11.
  • Step 3 – If the shooter rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, then your chip will be placed at the top of the table on the corresponding number.
  • Step 4 – A player can drop odds on this bet on the table and the dealer will place these chips behind the Come Bet on the number rolled.
  • Step 5 – The player is then waiting to see if that number is rolled before rolling a 7. If the number hits, then that bet will be taken down and the winning player is paid. A 7 means the house collects the losing bet.

Come Bet Payouts and Odds

As noted, the Come Bet plays out very similarly to the Pass Line Bet. Just like on the Pass Line, winning Come Bets pay out even money and then the true odds of rolling one of the point numbers for the odds bet. Here’s a look at those payouts.

NumbersInitial BetOdds Bet
4 and 10Even money (1 to 1)2 to 1
5 and 9Even money3 to 2 
6 and 8Even money6 to 5

For example, a player made a $5 Come Bet and the next number rolled is a 6. The player then putsdown an additional $10 in odds. Later the shooter indeed rolled a 6. The player would collect $5 on the initial Come Bet, plus a 6-to-5 payout on the $10 odds bet for $12. I total the Come Bet would pay out $17 on $15 wagered.

When it comes to the house edge, Come Bets and Pass Line bets have a house edge of 1.4% without odds. With odds, these have a house edge of 0.85% with single odds and 0.65% with double odds.

Why Use a Come Bet in Craps?

Come Bets are excellent ways to get more numbers in play for more chances to win when things are going well at the table. And like the Pass Line, the Come Bet offers nice odds for players with a low house edge.

Come bets also allow players to stay engaged throughout the game and can cash in when a hot shooter is rolling several numbers before sevening out. This is a versatile bet that’s easy to make and is suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

Strategies for Playing the Come Bet

Beyond just simply making the Come Bet, it’s always important to also make the odds bet that goes with it. You’ll earn the true odds of hitting that number without a house edge, which is one of the best bets in the games.

Some players also like to pair a Come Bet or two with a Pass Line bet. But it’s a good idea not to make too many Come Bets simultaneously to minimize risk. Always practice bankroll management to sustain longer gameplay.

Craps can be a very quick game with wins and losses coming quickly. Make sure you have enough of a bankroll and aren’t putting too much in pay so that your cash will last longer – hopefully with some nice winning streaks along the way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Come Bets

Ready to test out those Come Bets at the craps table? Here are some common mistakes to avoid 

  • Not understanding the rules before placing the bet. Ask the dealer when in doubt.
  • Ignoring the opportunity to take Odds on Come Bets. Remember, the dealer will place your odds on Come Bets, unlike on the Pass Line. Simply ask the dealer and drop your chips on the table.
  • Overcommitting to multiple bets and depleting the bankroll. Making just a Come Bet or two is probably the best way to go.
  • Getting reckless. Don’t overdo the cocktails or make bets all over the table. Stay focused and have a strategy that features bets with the lowest house edge possible, such as Come Bets and Pass Line bets.

Conclusion

Having some Come Bets on the table offers players the flexibility to have some extra numbers in play. This offers the chance to win on more than just the Pass Line. A Come Bet can be placed at any time after a point number has already been established.

Players simply place a chip on the Come Bar to make one of these wagers. Like on the pass Line, players lose on 2, 3, or 12 and win on 7 or 11. Once one of the point numbers is rolled, the Come Bet will be placed on that number and players can also place odds on the bet (see the table above to see how those pay out). This can be a fun additional bet with a low house edge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Come Bet in craps?

The is a bet similar to a Pass Line bet that can be made in the middle of a roll after the point number has already been established.

How does a Come Bet differ from a Pass Line Bet?

This can be made after the initial come-out roll and the bet is placed at the top of the table on that number rolled. Odds will be placed on this bet in this area as well.

What are the odds for the Come Bet with and without Odds?

Without odds, Come Bets and Pass Line bets have a house edge of 1.4%. With odds, these have a house edge of 0.85% with single odds and 0.65% with double odds.

Can I make multiple Come Bets at the same time?

Yes, you can make as many as you like.

Is the Come Bet a good choice for beginners?

Yes, because this is an easy bet to make and has a low house edge.

Tom Middleton

Tom is a crypto gambling expert with more than a decade of experience in the industry and Master’s Degree in Journalism. He has written thoroughly researched guides and reviews for several major publications.

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