Lay Bet in Craps

What Is a Lay Bet in Craps

A craps Lay Bet is the opposite of a “Buy Bet.” Instead of betting that a number (like 6) will appear before a 7, you bet that the 7 will roll before that number.

• Definition: You’re betting against a point number.
• Core concept: If a 7 shows up first, you win. If your chosen number appears first, you lose.
• Nickname: Often called a “dark side” bet, because you’re going against the table’s energy.

📌 Many beginners ask, what is the Lay Bet in craps? In simple terms, it’s a way to profit from the statistical advantage of the 7.

Which Numbers You Can Lay (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)

👉 You can only lay against point numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The 7 itself cannot be chosen, since that’s the winning trigger. Players often prefer 4 and 10 because they are harder to roll.

When Can You Make a Lay Bet? (Anytime After a Point Is Established)

👉 You can place a Lay Bet anytime after a point has been established during the game. That means you can join in even if the shooter has already thrown several rolls.

How the Bet is Placed and Marked on the Table

👉 To make the bet, you give chips to the dealer and say, “Lay the 4” or whichever number you want. The dealer places the chips in the box for that number with a marker showing it’s a Lay Bet.

When the Bet is “Working” (And When It’s “Off”)

👉 By default, your Lay Bet is always “working,” meaning it’s active on every roll. However, you can ask the dealer to make it “off” if you want to pause it, especially during a come-out roll when results can be unpredictable.

Payouts & True Odds: The Math Behind the Bet

Understanding craps Lay Bet payout is essential. Unlike many bets, Lay Bets pay at true odds — which means they are mathematically fair before commission.

The Payout Structure for Each Number (1:2, 2:3, 5:6)

💡Here’s how much you win for every Lay Bet, depending on the number you target:

Why You Get Paid “True Odds”

A Lay Bet is unusual because the casino doesn’t lower payouts. You get true odds, which is why professionals often prefer it. The edge comes from the commission instead.

House Edge and Probability of Winning for Each Lay Bet

The chance of winning depends on the number you lay. The house edge rises as you move closer to 6 and 8.

The Commission (Vig) Explained in Detail

A big part of understanding how does a Lay Bet work in craps is knowing about commission, also called “vig.”

What is the Vig and Why Do You Pay It?

👉 The casino charges a 5% commission because Lay Bets pay at true odds. Without this, the house would have no profit margin.

How to Calculate the 5% Commission

You pay the vig on the amount you stand to win, not on the total wager.

💡Example: If you Lay $40 on the 4, the payout is $20. The vig is 5% of $20 = $1.

When Do You Pay? Upfront vs. On Win (Casino Rules Vary)

Casinos differ in theircraps rules. Some charge the vig upfront when the bet is made, others only when you win. Always check house rules before you play.

How to Make a Lay Bet: A Step-by-Step Practical Guide

Many beginners ask, how do you place a Lay Bet? Here’s a practical sequence.

Step 1: Getting the Dealer’s Attention

Wait until the dice are in the center of the table. Use clear body language to signal the dealer before placing your chips.

Step 2: Casino Etiquette: Communicating Your Lay Bet Clearly

State your bet clearly: “Lay $60 against the 10.” Dealers need exact instructions. Clear communication avoids mistakes.

Step 3: Example in Action: Laying the Number 4

Imagine you Lay $40 on the 4:

• If a 7 comes before the 4, you win $20 (minus commission).
• If the 4 appears first, you lose $40.

Step 4: Collecting Your Winnings / Paying Your Losses

If you win, the dealer pays you the profit minus vig. If you lose, the dealer collects your full risk amount.

Pros and Cons of the Lay Bet Strategy

The craps Lay Bet strategy is favored by professionals for its low house edge, flexibility, and control. However, like anycraps strategy, it has drawbacks that beginners should understand before diving in.

Pros (Why It’s a Professional’s Choice)

Using a Lay Bet offers several advantages:

• Low house edge – One of the absolute lowest in the casino, giving players a statistical edge over many other bets.
• Control over numbers – You choose which number to bet against, allowing precise targeting of the table.
• Flexibility – Bets can be removed, reduced, or changed at almost any time.
• Strategic versatility – Works well in combination with Don’t Pass or hedging Pass Line bets.
• True odds payouts – Apart from the 5% vig, you’re paid fairly according to probability.

Cons (What Beginners Should Know)

Despite its benefits, there are downsides to consider:

• Commission reduces profit – The 5% vig can eat into winnings, especially on smaller bets.
• Larger bankroll required – Lay Bets require more capital to properly match risk vs. reward.
• Against table flow – Betting against the shooter can feel socially uncomfortable at a lively table.
• Requires attention – Beginners can make mistakes with timing, leaving bets on or miscalculating the vig.

Winning Strategy: When and How to Use Lay Bets

💡 Knowing how to make a Lay Bet in craps is only half the story. The real skill lies in using it at the right time and on the right numbers. Professionals don’t just throw chips on the table — they apply strategy to reduce the house edge and protect their bankroll. The key to how to place a Lay Bet in craps successfully is strategy. 

The Best Numbers to Lay: A Strategic Breakdown (4 & 10)

The 4 and 10 are the best numbers to lay. The math favors you more strongly, as the 7 rolls twice as often.

Combining Lay Bets with a “Don’t Pass” Strategy

Advanced players sometimes combine Lay Bets with a Don’t Pass wager. This doubles down on betting against the shooter.

Using Lay Bets as a Hedge for Your “Pass Line” Bets

Some players hedge their large Pass Line bet by laying a number. This reduces volatility, though it can lower profits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Lay Bets

• Forgetting to account for commission.
• Laying the 6 or 8, where house edge is higher.
• Leaving bets “on” during the come-out roll without realizing.

Lay Bet vs. Other Important Craps Bets

The Lay Bet in craps often gets compared to other common wagers, especially the Place Bet and the Don’t Come Bet. All three involve point numbers, but the mechanics, payouts, and long-term value are very different. Knowing the distinctions helps players decide which bet fits their strategy.

Lay Bet vs. Place Bet (Why the Lay Bet is Statistically Superior)

At first glance, the Place Bet and the Lay Bet look like opposites — and that’s true. One bets with the shooter, the other bets against. Understanding how they compare helps players choose the right strategy.

• Place Bet — You bet that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will roll before a 7. This is one of the most common wagers at the craps table because it’s simple and keeps you aligned with the majority of players.
• Lay Bet — You bet that the 7 will roll before the chosen number. It’s mathematically stronger, but less popular because it goes against the table’s energy.

👉 The key difference lies in payout structure. Place Bets pay at slightly reducedcraps odds, which means the casino edge is hidden inside the payout. Lay Bets pay true odds, but you pay a 5% commission (vig). Over the long run, the Lay Bet is statistically more balanced.

Professionals often prefer Lay Bets on the 4 and 10 since the math is most favorable there. Place Bets on 6 and 8 are popular among casual players because they hit often, but they don’t offer the same long-term advantage.

Lay Bet vs. Don’t Come Bet (A Critical Comparison)

Both the Lay Bet and the Don’t Come Bet belong to the so-called “dark side” of craps. They share the same philosophy: betting against the shooter. Still, they work in different ways and appeal to different player types.

• Lay Bet — You directly choose a number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and bet that a 7 will roll before that number. You control exactly which number you’re betting against.
  
   
• Don’t Come Bet — Functions almost like a second “Don’t Pass” bet. Once you place it after the come-out roll, the next number rolled (other than 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12) becomes your “don’t come point.” You then hope a 7 comes before that number.

👉 The main difference is control vs. cost. With a Lay Bet, you pick the exact number, but you pay commission. With a Don’t Come Bet, you don’t pay commission, but you must accept whichever number the dice assign.

Many professionals use both strategically: a Don’tCome bet craps for long-term consistency and a Lay Bet for flexibility in targeting weak numbers like 4 and 10.