Back Line

The Back Line in craps is also referred to as the 'Don't Pass Line', an area of the table where players bet against the success of the shooter. So, if you are betting on the Back Line, you're placing a wager that the shooter will lose.

Our guide will take your through what Back Line betting means in craps, whether you're playing in the casino or at an online casino.

What is the Back Line?

The Back Line, as mentioned earlier, is more commonly referred to as the Don’t Pass Line. This term defines the betting option in craps where a player is essentially betting against the shooter, or in simpler terms, betting that the shooter will lose. Unlike the Pass Line bet, which is one of the most popular bets in craps and involves betting that the shooter will win, the Back Line bet is seen as a contrarian position.

The Back Line is placed before the Come Out Roll and has specific rules and payouts that make it an interesting bet for players looking to take a different approach to the game. The Back Line bet is considered a bet against the dice. When you place a bet here, you are essentially wagering that the shooter will roll a 7 before rolling the established point number.

How the Back Line Works

The mechanics of the Back Line bet in craps are fairly simple but require an understanding of the initial stages of the game. Here’s how it works:

Come Out Roll

The Come Out Roll is the first roll of the dice in a craps round. If a player has placed a Back Line bet, they are hoping that one of the "crap numbers" (2, 3, or 12) will be rolled. Specifically:

If a 7 or 11 is rolled on the Come Out, the Don’t Pass bet (Back Line bet) loses.
If a 2 or 3 is rolled, the Don’t Pass bet wins.
A roll of 12 is typically considered a push, meaning the player neither wins nor loses.

Point Established

If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled on the Come Out, that number becomes the Point. After the point is established, the shooter must roll that point number again before rolling a 7. For Back Line bettors, the goal is to have the shooter roll a 7 before rolling the point number, which would result in a win.

Why Play the Back Line?

The Back Line bet is appealing to a specific group of players for several reasons:

Odds

Like the Pass Line bet, the Back Line bet can be paired with odds once a point has been established. These odds vary by casino but typically range from 1x to 100x the original bet, depending on the casino's rules.

House Edge

One of the most important factors to consider in any casino game is the house edge. The Back Line bet offers a relatively low house edge, making it an attractive option for players who prefer long-term strategy over high-risk betting. The house edge on a Back Line bet is approximately 1.36%, which is slightly lower than the Pass Line bet’s edge of 1.41%.

Back Line Betting Strategy

Seasoned craps players often use the Back Line bet as part of their overall craps strategy, especially if they notice trends at the table. If the shooter has been rolling more 7s than points, it may make sense to switch to betting against the shooter. Since the number 7 is statistically more likely to be rolled than any other number (due to the combinations of dice that can create it), the Back Line can sometimes feel like the “safer” bet.

Contrarian Position

Betting the Back Line often places a player in the role of the contrarian, which can be fun for players who enjoy going against the crowd. While most players will be rooting for the shooter to make the point, Back Line bettors quietly hope for a 7.

Drawbacks of the Back Line

While the Back Line bet can be advantageous, it’s important to note that it can also be seen as “going against the house.” Some players don’t like the social aspect of betting against the shooter, especially in a game like craps, which can be high-energy and communal. Back Line bettors may find themselves as the odd ones out when the rest of the table is celebrating a win for the shooter. Additionally, losing a Back Line bet on a Come Out roll of 7 or 11 can feel frustrating, as these are some of the most common numbers to be rolled.

Looking for more casino guides and content?

The Back Line in Craps FAQs

What happens if the shooter rolls a 7 on the Come Out roll?

If a 7 is rolled on the Come Out, the Back Line bet loses. This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet, which would win in this case.

Can you take odds on a Back Line bet?

Yes, players can take odds on a Back Line bet once a point is established. These odds are paid out at true odds, meaning there is no house edge on the odds portion of the bet.

Is the Back Line bet a good option for beginners?

While the Back Line bet offers a lower house edge, it can be confusing for beginners because it goes against the flow of most bets at the table. It may be better suited for players with more experience.

Why is the Back Line also called the Don’t Pass Line?

The Back Line is referred to as the Don’t Pass Line because it is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Instead of betting that the shooter will win, you’re betting that the shooter will lose.

How does the Back Line differ from the Come Bet?

The Back Line bet is placed before the Come Out roll and applies to the entire game round. The Come Bet is placed after the Come Out roll and applies only to the roll following its placement.