If you want to add variety to your betting strategy, the lay bet in craps could be precisely what you’re looking for.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about lay bets, including how to make them, the odds and payouts, and when they can be beneficial.
We’ll also provide tips on how to master the lay bet and win more often, as well as some situations where lay bets might not be the best option.
Key Highlights on the Lay Bet
- Understanding Lay Bets: Lay bets in craps allow players to bet against a number (the “point”) being rolled before a 7, offering an alternative strategy to traditional pass line bets.
- Making Lay Bets: To place a lay bet, chips are placed on the “LAY” space for the chosen point number on the craps layout. Winning occurs if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
- House Edge and Commission: Lay bets come with a house edge that varies by point number and a 5% commission on wins, impacting the overall profitability of these bets.
- Odds and Payouts: The odds and payouts for lay bets depend on the point number, with more favorable conditions typically found on the 6 and 8 due to their lower house edge.
- Strategic Use of Lay Bets: Lay bets are most advantageous when betting against point numbers with a lower house edge and can be used to complement pass line bets for a diversified strategy.
- Situations to Avoid: Avoid lay bets when the point number has a high house edge or when it conflicts with other bets you’ve placed, such as the pass line bet on the same number.
What is a Lay Bet in Craps?
A lay bet in craps is a bet that a certain number will not be rolled before a 7 is rolled. The number you bet against is called the “point” in craps.
For example, if the point is 5, a lay bet means you’re betting that you will roll a 7 before a 5.
Lay bets are made on the craps layout, and you can place a lay bet on any point number except the 4 and 10, which have their own special lay bet odds.
How to Make the Lay Bet
You’ll need to place your chips in the appropriate space on the craps layout to make a lay bet.
For example, if you want to make a lay bet on the 6, you’ll need to place your chips on the “LAY 6” space. The dealer will then place your chips on the 6 point.
Wait for the shooter to roll the dice. You win the lay bet if a 7 is rolled before the point number. You lose the lay bet if the point number is rolled before a 7.
Lay Bet House Edge and Commission (a.k.a. “bet vig”) Explained
Like all bets in craps, lay bets come with a house edge, which is the casino’s advantage over the player. The house edge for lay bets varies depending on the point number you’re betting against.
For example, the house edge for a lay bet on 6 and 8 is 1.52%. At the same time, the house edge for a lay bet on the 5 and 9 is 4%.
In addition to the house edge, lay bets also come with a commission, also known as “bet vig,” which is a fee that the casino charges for making the bet.
The commission for lay bets is typically around 5%, so if you place a $100 lay bet, you’ll pay a $5 commission to the casino.
The Craps Lay Bet Odds and Payouts
The odds and payouts for lay bets depend on the point number you’re betting against. Here are the odds and payouts for some common lay bets:
- Lay bet on the 4 or 10: odds of 2:1, payout of $20 for a $10 bet
- Lay bet on the 5 or 9: odds of 3:2, payout of $15 for a $10 bet
- Lay bet on the 6 or 8: odds of 6:5, payout of $12 for a $10 bet
As you can see, the odds and payouts for lay bets vary depending on the point number, so it’s essential to consider these factors when deciding which lay bet to make.
When is the Lay Bet Not the Best Idea?
While lay bets can be a valuable addition to your craps betting strategy, it’s essential to be aware of situations where they might not be the best option.
For example, if you’re betting on the pass line and the point is 6, you might also be tempted to make a lay bet on the 6.
However, this is generally not a good idea because if the shooter rolls a 6, you’ll lose both the pass line bet and the lay bet.
Another situation to watch out for is when the point is a number that has a high house edge for lay bets, such as 5 or 9.
While these numbers may seem like good candidates for lay bets because they’re common point numbers, the high house edge means that you’re more likely to lose in the long run.
Maximizing Lay Bet Strategies
Lay bets offer a unique angle in the game of craps by allowing players to bet against a number being rolled before a 7. To maximize the effectiveness of lay bet strategies, understanding the nuances of this bet type and knowing when to employ it are crucial.
Advanced Lay Betting Techniques
- Selecting Optimal Numbers: The best numbers to lay against are typically those with a lower house edge, such as 4 and 10. These numbers have fewer ways to be rolled compared to 6 or 8, making them statistically less likely to appear before a 7. Analyze the current table trends and the shooter’s roll history to make informed decisions.
- Timing Your Bets: Place lay bets when you sense a shift in the game’s momentum or if you observe that the table is “cold,” meaning that shooters are frequently sevening out. This timing can increase your chances of winning lay bets.
- Managing Your Bankroll: Given the commission (vig) on winning lay bets, manage your bankroll effectively by setting aside a specific portion for these bets. Ensure that you account for the 5% commission in your bet sizing to maintain profitability over time.
Combining Lay Bets with Other Strategies
- Hedging with Pass Line Bets: If you have an active pass line bet and the point established is not favorable, consider laying against numbers that are more likely to roll before the point, as a form of hedging.
- Leveraging Free Odds: While lay bets themselves offer no free odds, combining them with bets that do, like the pass line or don’t pass bets with odds, can diversify your strategy. This approach balances the risk across different bet types with varying house edges.
- Dynamic Betting: Adjust your lay betting strategy based on the game’s flow. Increase lay bet sizes during cold streaks and reduce or remove them during hot streaks where points are hit more frequently.
Pro Tip: When Are Lay Bets in Craps a Great Option?
One of the best times to consider making a lay bet in craps is when you’re betting on the pass line, and the point is a number with a relatively low house edge for lay bets, such as the 6 or 8.
This way, you’ll have the opportunity to win both the pass line bet and the lay bet if the shooter rolls a 7 before the point.
Another good time to consider a lay bet is when you feel confident about the shooter’s ability to roll specific numbers.
If you feel like the shooter is rolling a lot of 6s and 8s, consider laying your bets on the 5 or 9. This way, you’ll have the chance to win both the pass line bet and the lay bet if the shooter rolls a 7 before the 5 or 9.
Advantages of Making Lay Bets vs. Other Bets
There are several advantages to lay bets in craps, especially compared to other bets. One of the main benefits is that lay bets allow you to win on both the pass line and the point number.
This means that you’ll have more chances to win, and you’ll also have the opportunity to get a bigger payout if you’re lucky enough to roll a 7 before the point number.
Whether or not lay bets are a good option in craps depends on various factors, such as the point number you’re betting against and the house edge for that point number.
Overall, lay bets can be a valuable addition to your craps betting strategy, but it’s essential to understand the odds and payouts and be strategic about when to make them.
By mastering the lay bet, you’ll be able to increase your chances of winning and add some excitement to your craps play.
Lay bets can be an excellent choice when you’re betting on the pass line, and the point is a number with a relatively low house edge for lay bets, such as the 6 or 8.
This way, you’ll have the opportunity to win both the pass line bet and the lay bet if the shooter rolls a 7 before the point.
On the other hand, lay bets may not be the best option when the point is a number with a high house edge for lay bets, such as 5 or 9. In these situations, you’re more likely to lose in the long run, so it might be better to stick with other bets.
Lay Bet Variations and Alternatives
While lay bets are a compelling option, understanding their variations and alternatives can provide additional strategic depth to your craps play.
Lay vs. Buy Bets
- Key Differences: Lay bets involve betting that a 7 will roll before a specific number, with a commission charged on wins. Buy bets, conversely, are wagers that a specific number will roll before a 7, with the commission usually charged upfront. The choice between lay and buy bets often depends on the expected outcome of the roll and the point number’s house edge.
- Strategic Considerations: Opt for lay bets on numbers with higher house edges (e.g., 4 and 10) where the true odds are more favorable, and consider buy bets for numbers with lower house edges (e.g., 6 and 8).
Exploring Alternative Betting Options
- Don’t Pass and Don’t Come Bets: As alternatives to lay bets, these wagers also involve betting against the shooter but are placed at different stages of the game. They can serve as a simpler alternative with a similar strategic intent but without the complexity of calculating commissions.
- Place to Lose Bets: In casinos that offer them, Place to Lose bets are similar to lay bets but without the commission. These bets can be a more straightforward option for betting against a number, although they may not always offer the same payout potential as lay bets.
When to Explore Alternatives
- High Commission Costs: If the commission on lay bets significantly impacts your winnings, consider alternatives like Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bets, which do not incur a commission.
- Strategy Diversification: To spread risk and capitalize on different aspects of the game’s flow, integrating a mix of bet types, including lay, buy, and place bets, can create a more resilient betting strategy.
By understanding and applying these advanced strategies and considering the various alternatives and variations to lay bets, players can enhance their craps gameplay, making informed decisions that balance risk and reward effectively.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – the complete guide to the lay bets in craps.
We hope you are ready to make a lay bet at the craps table. It can always be a great addition to your betting strategy, but it’s essential to understand the odds and payouts and the situations where lay bets may not be the best option.
By mastering the lay bet and using it wisely, you’ll be able to increase your chances of winning and add some variety to your craps play.
Thanks for reading, and happy betting!
