How to Play the Don’t Pass Bet in Craps

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ByLucas Portela
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Learn the Don't Pass bet in craps. Discover how to bet against the shooter, use lay odds, and play the dark side strategy to win.

Last Updated: 25 June 2026

Welcome to the ‘Dark Side’ of the craps table. Whilst most players cheer for the shooter to hit their numbers, you can actually choose to bet against them. If you do not mind quietly collecting your winnings whilst everyone else loses, this is the strategy for you.

Key Takeaways: Don't Pass Bet

  • The Dark Side: A strategy where you actively bet against the shooter, winning your money when the rest of the table loses on a 7.
  • Comeout Roll: Placed at the very start of the round, this wager wins instantly on a 2 or 3, and loses immediately on a 7 or 11.
  • The Mathematical Edge: Once the target Point is set, the math is heavily in your favour because the 7 is the most common number on the dice.
  • Lay Odds: You must risk more money to win less, but these extra wagers pay out in true odds with absolutely zero house advantage.

Betting Against the Shooter

You place the Don’t Pass bet during the initial Comeout Roll. It is exactly the opposite of the Pass Line. You win instantly if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, and you lose immediately on a 7 or 11.

An infographic overlay on a maroon craps table layout showing the Don't Pass Bar bet with 1 to 1 odds, a 1.36% house edge, and a chip placed on the Don't Pass line.
An overview of the Don’t Pass bet rules and house edge, explaining the core mechanics of betting against the shooter on the dark side.

Once the target Point is set, you are in a fantastic position. Your only goal now is for a 7 to roll before the shooter hits their Point again. Because the 7 is the most common number on the dice, the math is heavily in your favour.

Lay Odds

Because you have the upper hand during the Intermediate stage, the casino handles your extra bets differently. You are allowed to add extra chips next to your Don’t Pass wager, which is called taking ‘Lay Odds’.

Since you are betting on the 7 (the most likely outcome), you must risk more money to win less. For example, if the Point is a 6 or 8, you have to lay £6 to win £5. Even though you risk more upfront, Lay Odds are brilliant because they still carry zero mathematical advantage for the casino.

Joined the table late? You can still bet against the shooter mid-game using the Don’t Come Bet.

❓ Don’t Pass Bet FAQ

What does it mean to play the dark side in craps?

Playing the dark side simply means placing a Don’t Pass bet against the shooter. Instead of hoping the shooter hits their target, you win your money when the table loses by rolling the dreaded 7.

When does a Don’t Pass bet win instantly?

You place this wager at the very start of a fresh round during the Comeout Roll. If the shooter throws the dice and immediately lands on a 2 or a 3, your bet wins instantly.

Why do I have to bet more to win less with Lay Odds?

Once the Point is established, betting that a 7 will roll before the target gives you a mathematical advantage. Because the 7 is the most likely outcome, the casino requires you to risk more money upfront to win a smaller profit.

Author:

Lucas Portela

Lucas Portela

Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP

Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.

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