A Complete Guide to Come and Don’t Come Bets in Craps
Posted: December 30, 2025
Updated: December 30, 2025
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Come and don't come bets in craps are simple wagers that mirror pass and don’t pass bets after the point is set.
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The come bet lets you wager with the shooter, while the don’t come bet allows you to bet against them.
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Both bets offer relatively low house edges compared to many other craps wagers.
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These bets are beginner-friendly and fit well into long-term, low-risk craps strategies.
Image source: Pixabay
If you’re a newbie to online casino gambling, then craps will probably feel a little intimidating at first. With its flashing lights, loud noise, and a lingo that seems designed to make this a game only seasoned players understand. But don’t worry. We felt the same worries at the beginning. Like all casino table games like poker and blackjack, craps can seem tricky at first. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes a thrilling experience. When you start playing craps, you’ll come across two important bets. namely, the come and don’t come bets in craps. We’ll be the first to admit that these can feel confusing at first. Yet in reality, they’re actually some of the simplest bets you can make. In this online casino games review, we’re going to break down how they work and how you can use them to your advantage when playing craps online. Whether you’re a player in the UK or Canada, you’ll be well on your way to understanding these bets and improving your craps game.
What Is Craps? A Quick Refresher
Before we get into the come and don’t come bets in craps, let’s quickly go over the basics of the game. First things first, craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll or a series of rolls. The goal here is to predict whether the shooter will roll a winning combination. On the table, you’ll find a lot of different bets, each with its own odds and rules. At the beginning of each craps round, a player (known as the “shooter”) rolls the dice. Now, if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the first roll, they win. However, if they roll a 2, 3, or 12, they lose. If they roll any other number, that number becomes the “point,” and the shooter continues to roll until they either hit the point again or roll a 7, which would end the round. Craps is fast, exciting, and full of energy both in land-based casinos and online platforms. But take a closer look at those come and don’t come bets in craps, as these are bets you’ll more likely make early on in your craps experience.

Understanding the Come Bet
The come bet is one of the most common bets in craps. With the come bet, you’re essentially betting that the shooter will roll a winning combination on their next roll. Here’s how it works:
- After the point is established, you place a bet in the “Come” area of the table.
- The next roll of the dice will determine if you win or lose.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win the bet.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose the bet.
- If any other number is rolled, that number becomes your “come point.”
- The shooter will now need to roll that same number again before they roll a 7 for you to win.
Yes, it sounds a bit complicated at first. But once you see it in action, it’s pretty straightforward. All veteran craps players consider the come bet as a safe and simple option, especially for beginners.
How to Place a Come Bet
Placing a come bet in an online craps game is simple. Let’s say you’re playing live dealer games at HellSpin Casino or Bet365 Casino. You’ll find both sites have easy-to-navigate layouts.
- Find the “Come” area on the table.
- After the point has been established, click on your chip stack and drag your chips to the Come area.
- Your bet will be placed automatically.
Now, after the next roll of the dice, the outcome will determine if you win or lose. If you win, your bet pays out at 1:1. Now you can place another come bet for the next round. It’s really that easy. On a practical level, it’s a great way to get a feel for how craps works while at the same time, minimizing risk.
Odds and Payouts for the Come Bet
One of the cool things about the come bet is that it offers relatively good odds when compared to many other casino games. The odds stand at 1:1. This means that if you win, you’ll get your bet back plus an equal amount in winnings. However, looking at the larger picture, the odds aren’t always that simple. Remember that the come bet is influenced by what number is established as your “come point.” The odds of hitting that point again (before a 7 is rolled) vary depending on the number. Here’s a quick rundown of the odds for each point:
- 4 or 10: 2:1
- 5 or 9: 3:2
- 6 or 8: 6:5
Keep in mind that if you place a come bet and the shooter rolls a 4, you have to wait for a 4 to come up again before a 7 for you to win.
The Come Bet: Best Strategies
There are some strategies if you want to improve your chances with the come bet. One strategy that works well is to combine it with the pass line bet. This is a great way to cover more bases. If you make both bets, then you’ll have a better chance of winning on the come bet or the pass line bet. Another tip is to always take the odds bet when you can. Once you’ve established a come point, you’ll have the opportunity to place an odds bet. This gives you better payouts. In fact, it’s the only bet in craps that has no house edge. The key with the come bet is consistency. Place your bet, pay attention to the rolls, and, most importantly, try to stay calm. In truth, the game of craps is all about patience.
What Is the Don’t Come Bet?
Now have a look at the don’t come bet. This is the opposite of the come bet. With this bet, you’re betting that the shooter will roll a 7 before they hit the come point. In other words, you’re betting against the shooter. This might feel a little strange at first, but it’s a totally legit move. Just like with the come bet, you place a don’t come bet after the point has been established. So the next roll will determine the outcome of your bet. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win. When they roll a 7 or 11, you lose. If they roll a 12, your bet is a push, meaning you don’t win or lose.

How to Place a Don’t Come Bet
Placing a don’t come bet online is just as easy as placing a come bet. The process is pretty straightforward:
- Once the point is established, find the don’t come area on the table.
- Place your bet by dragging your chips to that section.
Just like the come bet, the outcome of the next roll determines whether you win or lose. So if a 7 comes up before your point, you win.
Odds and Payouts for the Don’t Come Bet
The odds for the don’t come bet are similar to the come bet. However, there’s one key difference. You’re betting against the shooter. For example:
- 4 or 10: 1:2
- 5 or 9: 2:3
- 6 or 8: 5:6
Essentially, you’re betting that the shooter will hit a 7 before hitting the point. In reality, these bets have slightly lower odds than the come bet. But don’t let that put you off, as they can still be very profitable.
The Don’t Come Bet: Strategies for Success
While some new players might feel uncomfortable betting against the shooter, there’s no reason to shy away from the don’t come bet. In fact, thanks to its slightly better odds, this bet tends to be a more favorable option for many players. A solid craps betting strategy is to pair your don’t come bet with a don’t pass bet. The idea here is to cover as many potential outcomes as possible. Thus increasing your chances of winning in the long run. The more you play, the more you’ll get a feel for how these bets work together.
Come and Don’t Come Bets in Craps: Which Is Better?
So, which one is better? To be honest, the short answer is that it depends. Both the come bet and don’t come bet in craps are relatively low-risk options compared to some of the more complicated bets in craps. Here’s a breakdown:
- The come bet is for players who want to bet with the shooter, hoping they’ll hit the point again.
- The don’t come bet is for those who want to bet against the shooter, hoping a 7 will come up first.
You’ll discover that both bets are pretty fair in terms of odds. But the don’t come bet does have a slightly lower house edge. This makes it a more appealing option, especially for experienced players who want to bet against the shooter’s success.

Why Players Choose the Come and Don’t Come Bets in Craps
Both brick-and mortar casino and online gamblers are drawn to the come and don’t come bets in craps for different reasons. Some players like the idea of betting with the shooter. On the other hand, others prefer betting against them. Both bets come with their own advantages. At the end of the day, your decision ultimately depends on your style and preference. At Bet365 Casino or 1xBet Casino, you’ll find a lot of players sticking with the come bet simply because it’s a low-risk option that fits well with other standard bets. But if you’re looking for a bet with a bit more edge, you might enjoy the don’t come bet more. Both are straightforward, so it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Advanced Strategies: Combining Come and Don’t Come Bets
Some experienced players use both the come and don’t come bets together. If you’re a newbie craps player, this might seem like a weird combination. For example:
- You could place a come bet on one roll and a don’t come bet on the next.
- You’re essentially covering both outcomes, making sure you’re in a good position no matter what the shooter does.
It’s all about finding the right balance for your gaming style. But this type of strategy can be effective provided you use it correctly.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Playing Come and Don’t Come Bets in Craps
While the come and don’t come bets in craps are both relatively simple, there are a few common mistakes beginners make. The biggest one is over-complicating things. Remember, these bets are easy. So don’t try to make them more complicated than they need to be. Also, as with all casino games, don’t forget to manage your bankroll responsibly. We all know just how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement of the game, especially at fast-paced casinos like HellSpin. But smart bankroll management will ensure that you can keep playing for longer without putting yourself at risk.

The Role of Online Casinos in Craps Betting
Online casinos like make it easier than ever to play craps from the comfort of your home. With your mobile phone, you don’t have to worry about the loud crowds or the pressure of a real casino. And with their detailed tutorials and clear instructions, online iGaming platforms offer a great way to get familiar with the game. Online craps also gives you access to a variety of betting options, including the come and don’t come bets in craps. If you’re new to craps, this makes it much easier to practice and refine your skills before you jump into higher stakes.
Conclusion: Mastering Craps with Come and Don’t Come Bets
The come and don’t come bets in craps are a great place to start if you’re new to the game. After all, they’re easy to understand and they offer fair odds. In addition, they can be combined with other strategies to increase your chances of success. Whether you’re a player from the UK or Canada who’s playing at online casino sites in your region, these bets are staples of the craps table that you’ll want to master.