Come-Out Roll: The First Phase of the Dice

The Come-Out roll is the most important moment in a game of craps. It is the initial toss of the dice that determines the direction of the entire round. In the 2026 New Zealand market, where transparency is mandated by the DIA, licensed platforms are required to provide intuitive user interfaces that clearly show the status of the “Puck”—the digital marker that tells you if the game is in the Come-Out phase or the Point phase.

When you enter a craps table in a 2026 lobby, the first thing you should look for is the Puck. If it is flipped to the black side and says “OFF,” the table is preparing for a Come-Out roll. This is the moment when all players place their fundamental bets on the Pass Line or the Don’t Pass Line.

Pass Line Strategy on the Come-Out

The Pass Line is the most popular bet for Kiwi players because it represents betting with the shooter. During the Come-Out roll, the math of the dice is at its most exciting.

• The Natural Win: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win immediately. This is a 1:1 (Even Money) payout. In the 2026 regulated market, these wins are credited instantly to your debit or POLi-funded balance.
• The Craps Loss: If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your Pass Line bet. This is known as “Craps Out.” However, the round is not necessarily over; the shooter will continue with a new Come-Out roll.
• Establishing the Point: If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “Point.” The digital Puck is moved to that number on the table and flipped to the white side, which says “ON.”

Don’t Pass Strategy on the Come-Out

For the disciplined player who prefers to bet against the shooter, the Don’t Pass Line offers slightly better mathematical odds. In the 2026 landscape, this is a favored tactic for those looking to minimize the house edge to 1.36%.

• The Win: You win your bet if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3.
• The Loss: You lose if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11.
• The Push (The 12 Rule): Under New Zealand’s standard 2026 rules, rolling a 12 on the Come-Out is a “Push” (a tie). Neither the player nor the house wins, and your bet is returned. This ensures that the house retains its small advantage.
• Establishing the Point: If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, you are now “behind the line.” You win if a 7 is rolled before the Point number appears again.

Managing Your Bankroll During the Initial Roll

As we approach the May 1, 2026 deadline, the DIA has placed a heavy emphasis on harm minimisation and bankroll safety. Because the Come-Out roll can happen very quickly—sometimes dozens of times in a single hour—it is vital to use the tools provided by licensed platforms.

1. Mandatory Spending Limits: Before you place your first Pass Line bet, set a session limit. Under the 2026 Act, platforms must allow you to cap your total spending for the day.
2. Reality Check Alerts: Every 30 minutes, a pop-up will appear on your screen showing your net position. This is especially helpful during a series of Come-Out rolls where small wins and losses can blur together.
3. No Credit Cards: Remember that from May 1, credit card deposits are strictly prohibited. Ensure your account is topped up via a debit card or bank transfer to avoid any interruptions to your session.
4. No Autoplay: The 2026 Act prohibits “Autoplay” for dice games. This ensures that you must manually click “Roll” for every Come-Out toss, keeping you engaged and mindful of your wagering strategy.

The WinnerOnline Pro Tip

Many new players in the 2026 lobby make the mistake of placing “Proposition” bets (like Any Craps or the Yo) during the Come-Out roll. While these offer high payouts, they carry a house edge of over 11%. The smartest move for a Kiwi player is to stick to the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line. These bets have a house edge of only 1.41% and 1.36%, respectively, providing the best long-term value for your money.

By mastering the rhythm of the Come-Out roll, you set the foundation for a successful craps session.