The casinos make their money after a point number is established, when the players become the underdogs. On the comeout roll, pass line players have eight ways to win – the six rolls that total 7 and the two ways to make 11 – and only four ways to lose – the two rolls that total 3, the one way to make 2 and the one way to make 12. Why can’t we take those bets down? Well, if casinos allowed craps players to take down pass line bets whenever we wanted, we’d be stuffing our pockets with profits - at least until the casinos changed the rules, eliminated the games or closed their doors.
However, if you bet on pass or come and the shooter has rolled the comeout, then the bets have to stay in action until they either win or lose. The same goes for other place bets, bets on don’t pass and don’t come or the hard ways. But if you need to leave or are just feeling unlucky, you can have the bet taken down. If you place the 6 for example, and the shooter rolls neither a winner 6 nor a loser 7, the bet stays in action. On many multi-roll bets, they also have the option of taking the bet down before a decision is reached. Craps players have dozens of options with all the different combinations to play.
