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This question has a simple answer. A not pass bet has a lower house advantage than a pass bet. If you’re comparing craps bets by how much they just pay out, don’t pass bets are technically better than pass payline bets. We’ll talk more about it here at Xgtiger.
Look at the house edge on different craps bets. Go around that site long enough, and you’ll see that the house edge on pass-line bets is around 1.41%, while don’t pass bets give the casino a 1.36% edge.
Pass Bet Details
The pass is the basic bet in the craps game. Bettors who place a Pass bet hope that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. Otherwise, if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, a point is established, and play continues. Once that point is set, bettors hope that number will appear again before a 7. The worst possible outcome for bettors is a 2, 3, or 12 – when this number appears on come-out roll, everyone betting on the shooter is a loser.
Don’t Pass Bet Details
Don’t pass bets are the opposite of pass bets. Do not pass bets hoping that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll. If that doesn’t happen, don’t pass. Bettors hope that a 7 will appear before the established point.
Understand that both of these bets pay even money. Since they both pay, but one has better odds than the other, you must think: why do people place pass-line bets?
Three important twists in the way the game is played explain why.
Right vs. Wrong Craps Bets
Spend any time reading online craps, and you’ll see these phrases – “right bettors” and “wrong bettors.” Understand that d n’t-pass bets are the opposite of pass-line bets. Betting on the pass line means betting on the shooter while placing a don’t pass bet means betting AGAINST the shooter.
Gamblers who bet on the shooter are called “correct” bets, while those who bet against the shooter are called “wrong” bets. Believe it or not, many prefer to bet with the shooter (even with a slight disadvantage) than with the wrong side.
A don’t pass bet is a bet that the shooter will “seven out” before the point number reappears. Peer pressure and gambling tradition dictate that you’re better off betting with the shooter. This is a stroke of genius on the part of the casinos as they gently force the players to take less profitable bets.
“Bet to Lose”
Another common reason for discussions about pass vs. don’t pass bets – is the idea that people don’t like “losing bets.” What does that mean?
Imagine the game of dirt if everyone switched to better not pass. The dice change hands – losing will be like winning before. Wrong bets negate the appeal of the hot shooter, which is one of the most exciting things you’ll find in a casino. When a shooter is “hot,” players start betting, money starts flowing, and a crowd of people. People who bet on the not pass line are completely cut off from that excitement. If “don’t pass” becomes the new “pass,” the game will change fundamentally.
Low House Edge Difference
The difference in house edge between not passing and passing is very small. Online Craps appeals to a certain type of bettor, just one that isn’t all that excited about an extra 0.5% edge. Sports bets and blackjack players? Craps players? They are not known for their ability to slow down and calculate.
The fact that the online casino advantage difference is so low is undoubtedly another factor in the popularity of the pass line. Let’s say you bet $5 per ball and see 100 results per hour. If you only place pass-line bets, your expected loss is about $7 per hour. If you remember not to just pass the bets, your expected loss is $6.80 per hour. For most people, betting with the shooter is worth the extra $0.20 per hour to protect them from being mocked by the rest of the table.
Those are all pretty powerful reasons to avoid not passing bets. But the fact remains – most people don’t want to bet against the shooter.
And now for a little extra wisdom – there’s nothing wrong with betting against the shooter. No casino employee will tell you that you can’t bet the “wrong way.” No dealer will kick you out of the game, and no other player is allowed to do anything to you just because you bet against them. All they can do is make your life miserable – give you the cold shoulder, etc.
This is why you often see wrong bettors sitting by themselves away from the crowd betting on the shooter or the Lucky cola. All they do is take the better bet – the one with the better chance of winning. But the culture of the game is such that a “wrong” bet is likely to get some guff from the rest of the table.
Conclusion
Are you an avid gaming fan and want to know how to bet on online casino games? At Xgtiger, you’ll get the latest information on this year’s best casino games and a variety of gaming options, all in one place.
To start your online gambling journey, all you need to do is create an account on the site, deposit funds and you’ll be ready to bet on the best and most anticipated casino games.
Frequently asked questions
Don’t Pass Line Bet:
This bet must be placed before the Come Out Roll, but may be removed or decreased after a point is established. However, it may not be replaced or increased after such removal or reduction. This bet pays even money.
