The come bet and the pass line bet share the lowest house edge on a craps table — 1.41% — and free odds behind either one carry a 0% edge. That matters because most bets on the layout cost you far more per dollar wagered.
Why house edge is the only number that counts
House edge tells you how much the casino expects to keep from every dollar bet over time. A 1% edge costs less than a 5% edge — simple math. Craps has a wider spread between its best and worst bets than almost any other table game. Stick to the low-edge tier and your bankroll lasts longer.
Which bets are actually worth making?
| Bet | House Edge | Payout | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line (flat) | 1.41% | 1:1 | Must be placed before the come-out roll |
| Come Bet (flat) | 1.41% | 1:1 | Placed after the point is established |
| Free Odds (behind pass or come) | 0% | True odds — 2:1, 3:2, or 6:5 by point | No casino edge; lowers your combined effective edge |
The come bet and pass line are mechanically identical — same edge, same payouts. The key difference is timing. Read our detailed breakdown on Come Bet vs Pass Line — Same Edge, Different Timing if you want to understand when each one applies.
How free odds reduce your effective edge
Taking maximum odds behind a come bet is the single most powerful move at a craps table. The odds portion pays at true mathematical probability — 2:1 on points 4 or 10, 3:2 on 5 or 9, and 6:5 on 6 or 8. The casino has no edge on that portion. The larger the odds bet relative to your flat bet, the lower your combined effective edge becomes. Always ask the dealer to place your odds; unlike pass line odds, come bet odds are dealer-managed.
For a structured way to use multiple come bets with full odds, see the Three Point Molly page, which walks through covering three numbers at once.
What bets should you avoid?
Any bet not listed above carries a significantly higher edge. Proposition bets in the center of the layout — hardways, any seven, any craps — range from around 9% to over 16%. Place bets on 4 and 10 carry 6.67%. These wagers are fun to watch hit, but they erode bankrolls quickly relative to flat come or pass bets.
Understanding how a seven-out affects active come bets helps you manage expectations without chasing losses on high-edge side wagers.
Putting it together with come bet strategy
Knowing which bets are cheapest is step one. Step two is building a session plan around them. Our Come Bet Strategy: Using Odds to Cut the House Edge guide covers session sizing, odds multiples, and how to build a multi-number position without overextending.
For players who prefer playing online, real-money craps is legal in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut. Check which US states allow real-money online craps in 2026 before depositing anywhere. Casino.org's come bet explainer also covers the fundamentals if you want a second reference.
Must be 21+ (18+ in some states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.