April 23, 2025
7 Minute Read
Don’t Pass Craps Bet – Rules, Strategy, and Payouts
There are a few betting options at the craps table that are better than others and come with a low house edge. The Don’t Pass craps bet is one of those and can be a strategic option for players who prefer betting against the shooter.
The wager is basically the opposite of the popular Pass Line wager, but instead players are betting on the shooter sevening out instead of making a point number. The bet still appeals to players who want a lower house edge.
Keep reading to learn all about the Don’t Pass bet in craps – how it works, the odds, and when to use this wager.
Don’t Pass Craps Bet – What It Is and How It Works
In craps, players have the option of betting with the shooter or against the shooter. The Don’t Pass craps bet falls into the latter category. When making a Pass Line wager, bettors win on the come-out roll on 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12. Don’t Pass bettors lose on 7 or 11, win on 2 or 3, and push on 12.
When a point number is established – 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 – the Pass Line bettor is hoping that the shooter rolls that number again before sevening out. With a Don’t Pass bet, you are hoping that the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point number.
Both Pass Line and Don;t Pass bets pay out at even money and have low house edges. You can also put odds on a Don’t Pass bet – known as “laying” odds – as you can with a Pass Line bet (more on that below).
How to Place a Don’t Pass Bet
Craps players looking to make a Don’t Pass bet will follow this general process.
- Find the Don’t Pass bar located just above the Pass Line. Don’t Pass is often spelled out in black lettering, but not always.
- Place chips on the Don’t Pass area before the come-out roll.
- If a 2 or 3 is rolled, you win even money on the Don’t Pass bet. If 12 is rolled, that’s a push.
- If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the don’t pass bet loses.
- If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that becomes the point number.
- Don’t Pass bettors are then hoping that a 7 is rolled before the point number is rolled again.
Here’s a look at a craps layout for players to easily locate the Don’t Pass line.
Craps Don’t Pass Strategy – Payouts and Odds
The great thing about making a Pass Line bet is that players can “back up” their bets with an odds wager. This is also known as a “free odds” bet because the bet pays out at the true odds of rolling that number without any house edge. This is one of the best bets in the casino. Here’s a look at the payouts for these Pass Line odds bets.
| Point Number | True Odds & Payout |
|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 |
| 6 or 8 | 6 to 5 |
Pass Line bets come with a house edge of just 1.41%. Many casinos allow odds bets of up to 3x or more. Adding a Pass Line bet plus 3x odds reduced the house edge to 0.47%.
Don’t Pass bets follow a similar pattern as Pass Line bets and slightly lower house edge of 1.36%. The initial bet pays out at even money, but players can also lay odds as well. Here’s a look at those lay odds payouts:
| Point Number | True Odds & Payout |
|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 1 to 2 |
| 5 or 9 | 2 to 3 |
| 6 or 8 | 5 to 6 |
Notice that players are “laying” more odds to win less. This is because the player is hoping for a 7 and there are more ways to make a 7 than any other number. It’s important to note that the Don’t Come bets function in the same way as the Don’t Pass bets, which are available at any time after the come-out roll.
Why Use the Don’t Pass Line Craps Bet?
Many players would prefer to bet with the shooter, but some prefer the Don’t Pass craps strategy instead. These bettors are often referred to as “dark siders” because they are generally betting against the majority of players. However, there are some advantages to playing the Don’t Pass and here are a few of those.
- Lower house edge compared to many other bets.
- Ideal for players who prefer defensive strategies.
- The 7 can be rolled in more combinations than other numbers.
- Players get nice returns from laying odds.
How to Play the Don’t Pass Bar Craps Bet
When using a craps don’t pass strategy, players should take advantage of laying the odds for extra winnings. This will also further reduce the house edge.
It may also be favorable to place a Don’t Come bet to add more numbers and possible payouts during a roll. However, avoid placing too many additional bets to manage risk and have too many potential losing bets should the shooter roll the point number.
Using proper bankroll management is always critical for consistent gameplay. Don’t wager money you can’t afford to lose. It’s also important to play at stakes that best fit your own budget.
Common Mistakes in the Craps Don’t Pass Bet
Avoiding mistakes when betting on the Don’t Pass bar in craps can give players a better chance to win. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid.
- Not laying odds bets for additional value.
- Misunderstanding the “Bar 12” rule, which means players push on 12.
- Overcommitting to the Don’t Pass Bet without balancing other strategies.
- Not following proper bankroll management and playing at higher stakes than the bankroll allows.
Conclusion
Those betting the Don’t Pass line in craps are betting against the shooter and the wager comes with a house edge of just 1.36%. This is basically the opposite of the Pass Line and players win even money when the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and pushes on 12.
If the shooter rolls one of the point numbers, Don’t Pass Line bettors are hoping the shooter sevens out before rolling the point number. A 7 is a win and the point number is a loss for Don’t Pass bettors. Similar to the Pass Line, Don’t Pass bettors can also “lay odds” for added payouts and to reduce the house edge even more.
Players who want to test out playing the Don’t Pass may want to head to Lucky Block Casino. This online casino has some great options for craps players as well as numerous other gaming options that may have players feeling like they’re gambling on the Strip in Las Vegas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Don’t Pass Bet in craps?
This a wager where players are betting against the shooter. You win on 2 or 3 and push on 12 on the come-out roll. When a point number is established – 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 – the Don’t Pass bettor is hoping the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point again.
How does the Don’t Pass Bet differ from the Pass Line Bet?
With Don’t Pass, you are betting against the shooter. A 7 before rolling the point number is a win.
What are the odds and payouts for the Don’t Pass Bet?
Don’t Pass comes with a house edge of just 1.36%. Players can lay odds that offer the chance of additional payouts and reducing the house edge. See the table above on how these odds bets pay out.
Is the Don’t Pass Bet a good choice for beginners?
Yes, Don’t Pass is an easy bet to make and has a low house edge. However, players must realize that they are betting against the shooter, which isn’t always as fun as betting with the shooter (and usually the other players at the table).
Can the Don’t Pass Bet be combined with other strategies?
Adding Don’t Come bets can be a nice option. These bets function similarly to the Don’t Pass wagers, but can be made in the middle of a roll after the come-out roll. With Don;t Come, you’re also betting against the shooter.
