What is a Craps Lay Bet and How Does it Work?

October 1, 2024
9 Minute Read

Unlike traditional craps bets, where you really just hope the point number will hit before a 7, the lay bet allows you to bet that a 7 will appear first. This gives you the advantage of playing the lay odds in your favor, as rolling a 7 is more likely than hitting many of the point numbers.

In this expert article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the craps lay bet – how it works exactly, the odds you can most likely expect, and why it could be a valuable addition to your strategy.

What is a Lay Bet in Craps?

People playing craps at a lively casino, with multiple tables, slot machines, and chandeliers in the background, creating a classic casino atmosphere.

In craps, a lay bet allows players to bet against a specific point number, betting that a 7 will be rolled before that number appears again – we’ve established that. The numbers you can bet against include 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Essentially, you’re wagering that the shooter will not hit the point before rolling a 7. This type of bet is the opposite of a “pass line” or “come” bet, where players are betting that the point number will be rolled before a 7.

What makes the craps lay bet unique in our humble opinion is that it allows players to take advantage of the fact that 7 is statistically the most likely number to be rolled – don’t believe us? Well, you can look it up, it’s true! 

The casino offers different odds depending on the number you choose to bet against, which makes understanding the payout structure key to making smart bets, in case that’s even worth mentioning at this point. Despite the (sometimes ridiculous) house edge, savvy players often use the coveted lay bet as a safe and strategic option in their betting repertoire. 

Playing the Vig

If you want to place a craps lay bet, one important aspect to consider is the vig, or vigorish, if you’re feeling fancy, which is essentially the commission charged by the casino for placing the bet. The vig is typically 5%, and it’s applied to your potential winnings rather than the amount you bet. This means that even though the odds may be in your favor, you’ll have to account for this fee when calculating your potential profit.

The vig plays a critical role because it reduces the overall payout, making it essential to consider when placing larger bets. For example, if you win a lay bet against a 4 or 10, your payout will be based on the odds, but the casino will take a small cut. Understanding how the vig works is key to making informed decisions and using the lay bet craps effectively in your strategy.

Lay Odds in Craps

Never tell me the odds! But we’re going to do it anyway since this is what the article is about after all. So – what are they? Well, the odds for a craps lay bet vary depending on which point number you are betting against. Since 7 is the most likely outcome, the casino offers different odds based on the difficulty of rolling a particular point number before a 7. For instance, the odds for laying a bet against 4 or 10 are 1:2, meaning you need to bet $20 to win $10. On the other hand, laying a bet against 6 or 8 has odds of 5:6, where you bet $6 to win $5.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the odds for each point number when making a lay bet in craps:

Point Number

Lay Odds

4 or 10

1:2

5 or 9

2:3

6 or 8

5:6

By understanding these odds, you can better assess how much to bet and which numbers offer the best potential for returns. However, it’s important to remember that the lay odds you receive are reduced slightly by the casino’s vig, which we discussed earlier.   

Lay Bet Craps Payout

We’d bet, that now you know the odds, you’re interested in the payout, yes? The payout for a craps lay bet depends on the point number you’re betting against and the odds associated with that number. Since the 7 is statistically more likely to be rolled than any other number, the payouts for lay bets are structured to reflect this probability. For example, if you place a lay bet on 4 or 10, you’ll receive a payout of 1:2, meaning you have to wager $20 to win $10. Similarly, betting against 5 or 9 offers a payout of 2:3, and betting against 6 or 8 pays out at 5:6.

However, it’s essential to remember that the casino takes a 5% commission, (or vig, as we called it) on your winnings. This means that if you win $100 on a lay bet, the casino will take $5, reducing your net profit to $95. This commission ensures that the house maintains its edge even when you’re betting against numbers that are more likely to lose. After all, we wouldn’t like our favorite place to bet to close down, would we?

Craps Lay Bet Strategy Tips

When it comes to using the craps lay bet effectively, timing is everything. One of the most important tips is to place your lay bet when the shooter has established a point number that you believe is unlikely to hit. For instance, laying a bet against 4 or 10 can be an excellent choice, as these numbers are less likely to be rolled before a 7, making them favorable targets.

Another strategy is to use the lay bet craps as a hedge against other wagers. By placing a lay bet, you can balance out risks from more aggressive bets like the pass line or come bets. This approach allows you to minimize potential losses whilst still keeping your options open for a higher payout from your other bets.

Craps Lay Bet Basic Strategy

A solid strategy for the craps lay bet involves understanding when and how to place your wagers effectively. Start by observing the table and identifying the established point numbers. If you notice the shooter has set a point of 4 or 10, this is often a prime opportunity to place a lay bet, as these numbers are less likely to roll again before a 7.

Additionally, consider the table limits when placing your lay bets. Betting within your limits is crucial to managing your bankroll effectively. It’s wise to start with smaller lay bets to gauge the flow of the game before committing larger amounts. By using the lay bet craps strategically, you can enhance your overall gameplay and increase your chances of coming out ahead.

The Craps Lay Bet Dark Side Strategy

Welcome to the dark side! The Craps Lay Bet Dark Side Strategy is an advanced approach that focuses on betting against the shooter. This strategy effectively capitalizes on the likelihood of rolling a 7 (where have we heard that one before?), allowing players to make calculated bets that exploit the house edge. By laying bets against the most commonly rolled numbers, such as 4 or 10, players can position themselves to win when the shooter fails to hit their point.

Implementing this strategy effectively requires careful observation and timing. Placing lay bets strategically, especially when a shooter is on a roll, can enhance your chances of profit. It’s crucial to stay disciplined and avoid emotional betting; relying on the statistical advantage of the lay bet in craps is key to long-term success. By understanding the dynamics of the game and applying the dark side strategy, players can turn the odds in their favor.

Other Important Craps Bets

A group of players gathered around a craps table, placing bets and handling poker chips with excitement, highlighting a dynamic casino environment focused on table games.

Since we know, that the most common and statistically more valuable bets aren’t the only wager options our readers like to try, here are some more important Craps bets you should definitely give a try – tried and true bets, we personally recommend. 

  • Pass Line Bet: This is one of the most popular bets in craps, where players bet that the shooter will roll the point number before rolling a 7. It has a low house edge, making it a favorable option for beginners.
  • Don’t Pass Bet: The exact opposite of the pass line, this bet is placed against the shooter. Players win if a 7 is rolled before the point number, which can be appealing for those using a defensive strategy.
  • Come Bet: Similar to the pass line bet, this wager is placed after the point is established. Players win if the next roll is a 7 or the number they bet on, creating additional opportunities during the game.
  • Don’t Come Bet: This bet works like the don’t pass bet but is made after the point is set. Players win if a 7 is rolled before the number established by the come bet.
  • Field Bet: A one-roll bet that allows players to wager on whether the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. This bet offers high payouts for certain numbers but has a higher house edge.
  • Place Bets: Players can place bets on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to win if those numbers are rolled before a 7. The payouts vary based on the number chosen.

Our Conclusion – Play Craps at Lucky Block Casino

Ready to elevate your craps game? Understanding the craps lay bet can open new doors for your strategy, allowing you to play the odds like a pro. By betting against the point numbers, you’re not just in the game – you’re in control.

This savvy approach can turn the tables in your favor, making each roll a thrilling opportunity rather than a mere gamble.

Don’t forget to explore exciting crypto dice games at Lucky Block for even more chances to win big!

Learn more on craps:

Frequently Asked Questions

Got any more burning questions about craps lay bets? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries and their answers, to help you out:

How does a lay bet work in craps?

A lay bet allows players to wager that a 7 will be rolled before a specific point number appears. It’s a strategic way to bet against the shooter.

Are lay bets always working?

Lay bets remain in effect until you decide to remove them or the shooter changes. They can be effective, especially against less likely point numbers.

What happens if you lose a lay bet?

If you lose a lay bet, your wager is forfeited. This is similar to other bets in craps, so it’s essential to manage your bankroll wisely.

What is the liquidity of a lay bet?

Liquidity in this context refers to the availability of your bet to be cashed out or adjusted. Lay bets can typically be removed at any time before the outcome is determined.

Can you combine lay bets with other wagers?

Yes, many players use lay bets alongside other wagers, such as pass line or come bets, to hedge their overall risk while maximizing potential payouts.

What is the best strategy for using lay bets?

The best strategy involves observing the game and timing your lay bets against point numbers that are less likely to be rolled before a 7, enhancing your chances of winning.

Tom Middleton

Tom is a crypto gambling expert with more than a decade of experience in the industry and Master’s Degree in Journalism. He has written thoroughly researched guides and reviews for several major publications.

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