Craps Betting Flat And Pass Line Bets

The most fundamental craps bets are the Pass Line and Don't Pass. These craps bets share a commonality as \"Flat\" bets. A Flat bet is typically made before a new game starts and before a point is established.

The Pass Line and Don't Pass bets can also include an Odds bet. This is an additional bet on or against the point number after the point is set. Other Flat bets include the Come and Don't Come, made after the point is established. All these bets are covered in other lessons.

The key point is understanding what a \"Flat\" bet means. You'll see this term used throughout the lessons.

What is a Flat Bet?

Now, let's dive into the Pass Line bet, a fundamental craps bet.

Placing the Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line bet is a Flat bet made before the come-out roll. Look for the OFF puck on the table—it signals a new game is starting. Place your bet then to join the action.

The Pass Line is the long, curved section along the table's edge nearest the players. Labeled \"PASS LINE\" in white letters, it's also called the \"front line.\" You can hear the stickman say, \"Winner, winner, front line winner.\" It runs around the entire player side for easy access.

Table Limits and Self-Service Bets

Table minimums and maximums are shown on placards next to each dealer. For example, a $5 minimum and $2,000 maximum means your bet must be between those amounts.

The Flat Pass Line bet is self-service. Place your chips directly on the Pass Line yourself.

Dealers only place it for you if you request change. For instance, with a $25 chip for a $5 bet: Drop the chip in the Come area and say, \"Five on the line, please.\" The dealer changes it, places the $5 on the Pass Line, and returns the rest to the apron. Pick up the extra chips promptly.

Your First Pass Line Bet

Ready to make your first bet? As the stickman calls, \"New shooter, coming out,\" place a $5 chip inside the Pass Line in front of you. That's it—your first craps bet!

Come-Out Roll Results

The stickman pushes dice to the shooter for the come-out roll. For a Pass Line bet, outcomes are:

1. 7 or 11: Pass Line wins, game ends.
2. 2, 3, or 12 (craps): Pass Line loses, game ends.
3. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: Point established, game continues until point repeats (win) or 7 rolls (lose).

After the Point is Set

Once a point is set, you cannot remove your Flat Pass Line bet. Unlike Place bets, it's locked until resolution.

The come-out favors the player, but post-point, the house edge kicks in. That's the trade-off.

If you try to remove it early, the crew will remind you politely.

Even-Money Payout

The Pass Line bet pays even money. Win $7 on a $7 bet.

Betting with the Dice

Betting Pass Line is \"with the dice\" or the \"right way.\" A win means the dice \"passed.\" Don't confuse with passing dice to the next shooter.

Come-Out Advantage Explained

On come-out, Pass Line has a 2:1 player edge. Eight ways to win (6 for 7, 2 for 11) vs. four to lose (1 for 2, 2 for 3, 1 for 12).

Post-point, house edge returns as more ways to roll 7 than repeat point.

Overall, house has small edge on Pass Line, even with Odds.

Taking Odds Behind the Line

With a point set, take Free Odds on the point. Place chips in the apron directly behind your Pass Line bet—no marked spot.

It's called \"behind the line.\" Dealer might say, \"Nothing behind the line\" if missing.

Don't let Odds touch the Pass Line or it might be mistaken.

For mixed chips, stack high value bottom, low top. Offset slightly for visibility.

Odds bet pays true odds—no house edge. Best bet on table. Casinos minimize it by no painted spot.

With Odds, you counter the house edge on the Flat bet.