Gaming Guru

Betting Pass and Don't Pass at the Same Time

Frank,

Will a casino allow you to bet on the Don't Pass and the Pass at the same time? The object is to end up on the Don't Pass after the point is established with minimum loss.

Example: On the come out roll if a 7 is thrown the Don't Pass losses and the Pass wins. Put $5 back on the Don't Pass and leave the $5 on the Pass. On the next throw if a point is established lay odds on the Don't Pass because the chances are better the Don't Pass will win.

Am I right or wrong and will a casino allow you to do this? Is it a bad idea?

Thanks,
Jim

Hi, Jim:

The house edge on the Don't Pass is slightly less than 1.4 percent. On the Pass the house edge is slightly more than 1.4 percent. If you bet $10 on the Don't Pass, your expected loss is 14 cents and if you bet $10 on the Pass your expected loss is also 14 cents. The total is an expected loss of 28 cents.

While your scenario is correct, your losses are greater betting both the Pass and Don't Pass. You are better off just betting the Don't Pass.

Yes, the casinos will allow you to bet both ends of the proposition because their take is twice as much from you.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete