In this post, we will focus on the craps lay bet, which is a bet rarely used at the craps table. Craps is a popular dice game at casinos, and there are many different types of bets that can be placed on the craps table.
We will cover how the lay bet works, whether it is a good bet to place, the odds of winning, and other important information about lay bets.
2.4-4%
House
Advantage
47.6-46%
Chance to
Win
Good Bet?
How the Lay Bet works – Lay Betting Explained
A lay bet is a bet that the shooter will roll a seven before they roll a specific number. In other words, you’re betting against a specific number.
The craps lay bet is the opposite of a buy bet, where you’re betting on a specific number to come up before a seven. With the lay bet, you are betting that number will not show up before the 7.
Lay bets can be placed on box numbers including the 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
To place a lay bet, simply place your money on the layout and ask the dealer to “Lay the 4” for example. The dealer will place your chips on the corresponding number and put a “lay” token on top of your bet. Your bet wins if the shooter throws a 7 before they throw a 4. It is a losing bet if they throw the 4 first.
Learn more about how to play craps here.
Odds of Winning a Lay Bet
The chance of winning a lay bet is between 46% and 47.6%, depending on the number you choose to lay. It’s not the best bet in the casino, but it’s also not the worst!
Related – Advanced Craps Betting Strategy
Laying the 6 or 8 has a win percentage of 46%
Laying the 5 or 9 has a win percentage of 46.77%
Laying the 4 or 10 has a win percentage of 47.6%
House Edge on Lay Bets
The house edge on craps lay bets varies depending on the number you lay, but ranges from 2.44% to 4%
Laying the 6 or 8 carries a house edge of 4%
Laying the 5 or 9 carries a house edge of 3.23%
Laying the 4 or 10 carries a house edge of 2.44%
Craps Lay Bet Payout
The odds payout for lay bets are as follows:
Laying the 6 or 8 pays 5 for 6
Laying the 5 or 9 pays 2 for 3
Laying the 4 or 10 pays 1 for 2
Payouts are determined by local gaming commission regulations, most states follow the same payouts as listed above, but these could vary from one jurisdiction to another. The above are from NV.
Craps Lay Bets FAQs:
Final Thoughts
The lay bet is not a popular bet at the tables, it’s simply not used very often. It is used most often as a hedge when the table is hot and someone has a chance at hitting a bonus. Others will use the Lay bet as numbers are rolled, effectively betting they will not be rolled again before the 7 is thrown.
Personally, I am not a dark side bettor, so I typically stay away from lay bets. But, I can certainly see why many players use them as a hedge.
Good luck on the tables!
