Craps may seem complex initially, but it is often easier to understand than it appears. A key element of the game is the Pass Line bet, which is commonly available in both land-based and online casinos.
This article will explain what a Pass Line bet involves, how it functions within the game, and important considerations to keep in mind before potentially placing a wager. Read on to learn more.
Understanding the Pass Line in Craps
The Pass Line is one of the more straightforward bets to start with in craps. To make this bet, you place your chips on the section of the table marked “Pass Line” before the initial dice roll, known as the “come-out roll.”
If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, Pass Line bets win. If the result is 2, 3, or 12, these bets lose. If the roll is any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) that number becomes the “point.” The goal then is for the shooter to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. If the point is rolled first, the bet wins; if a 7 appears first, the bet loses.
The payout for a Pass Line bet is even money, meaning if you bet £10, you would receive £10 in winnings plus your original stake. When playing online in the UK, it might be a good idea to check the specific rules on the site, as there may be slight variations in how the game is presented.
Typical Pass Line Bet Rules
Let’s take a closer look at how these rules work in practice. When placing a Pass Line bet, you place your chips on the designated area before the come-out roll begins. The first roll results in an immediate win if it is a 7 or 11, or a loss if it is 2, 3, or 12. Any other number sets the point, as explained earlier. From that point, the objective is for the shooter to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.
If the point is rolled before a 7, the bet wins. If a 7 is rolled first, the bet loses.
Pass Line bets pay even money, meaning you receive an amount equal to your stake if you win. These rules generally apply across most UK-licensed casinos, although there may be minor variations depending on the site. It could be helpful to review the specific rules of each version of craps before playing.
Pass Line Odds & Payouts
A winning Pass Line bet pays even money- if you bet £5, you receive your original £5 stake plus an additional £5 in winnings. On the come-out roll, there is approximately a 22.2% chance of winning immediately with a roll of 7 or 11. Once a point is established, the odds of winning depend on the specific point number, but overall, the chance of winning the bet is about 49.3%.
The house edge for a Pass Line bet is around 1.41%. This means that, on average, the casino retains just over one penny for every £1 wagered over time.
Most online UK casinos offer similar odds and payouts for this bet. It could a good idea to check the payout table in any online game for exact details. The results in online games are determined by Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness.
Is The Pass Line a Good Bet?
Many players begin with the Pass Line bet due to its straightforward rules and relatively favourable odds compared to other bets in craps.
As mentioned earlier, the house edge is 1.41%. This means that over time, if you wager £100, the casino is expected to retain about £1.41. This makes the Pass Line one of the more player-friendly bets on the table.
With a probability of winning close to 50%, the Pass Line bet is often seen as a practical option for those learning the game. However, it is important to remember that each roll is random and outcomes cannot be predicted. For more details on how specific rules may vary, it might be helpful to review the earlier section on minor differences between casino sites.
Pass Line vs Don't Pass: Which Is Better To Play?
Craps offers two main betting options: Pass Line and Don’t Pass. Both have clear rules and straightforward payouts.
With the Pass Line bet, you are supporting the shooter to win. In contrast, a Don’t Pass bet works differently: it wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled, loses on 7 or 11, and results in a push (stake returned) if a 12 is rolled. When a point is established, a Don’t Pass bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
The Don’t Pass bet has a slightly lower house edge, around 1.36%, compared to 1.41% for the Pass Line, but both bets pay even money.
Some players prefer the straightforwardness and positive approach of the Pass Line, while others appreciate the small advantage offered by the Don’t Pass bet. Rules are generally consistent across UK casinos, but it might be helpful to check the details for any specific version of craps before playing.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.