Craps Lay Bet Calculator

Calculate how much to lay, commission costs, and house edge for Lay bets in craps. Bet on 7 appearing before a point number.

Formula:Lay Amount = Win Amount ÷ Pay Ratio

Amount to Lay

$20

to win $10

Net Win

$9.50

After $0.50 vig

Win Probability

66.7%

House Edge

2.44%

Lay 4 or 10 for best odds

$

How much you want to win

Ask your casino's rules

Lay Bet Reference Chart

NumberLay OddsWin ProbabilityHouse EdgeTo Win $20
41:266.7%2.44%Lay $40
52:360.0%3.23%Lay $30
65:654.5%4%Lay $24
85:654.5%4%Lay $24
92:360.0%3.23%Lay $30
101:266.7%2.44%Lay $40

Lay Bet Strategy

  • • Best value: Lay 4 and 10 (2.44% house edge)
  • • Avoid: Lay 6 and 8 (4.00% edge) - if you must play 6/8, use Don't Come
  • • Risk: You're risking more to win less - manage bankroll carefully
  • • Timing: Lay bets can be made at any time, not just after a point is set

Why Do I Lay More to Win Less?

Seven is the most common dice outcome (6 ways to roll it). Points have fewer ways: 4 and 10 have 3 ways, 5 and 9 have 4 ways, 6 and 8 have 5 ways. Since you're betting on the more likely outcome (7), you must risk more to win less - these are the true odds of the event.

Key Facts

  • •Lay bets: You bet 7 comes before the point number
  • •You lay more to win less (7 is more likely than any point)
  • •Lay 4/10: 2.44% edge (best Lay bets)
  • •Lay 6/8: 4.00% edge (worst Lay bets)
  • •Commission is 5% (usually on win amount)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Lay bet in craps?

A Lay bet is a wager that 7 will be rolled before a specific point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). Since 7 is the most common outcome, you must lay (bet) more to win less. A 5% commission is charged.

How much do I need to lay to win?

For 4 or 10: lay $2 to win $1 (2:1). For 5 or 9: lay $3 to win $2 (3:2). For 6 or 8: lay $6 to win $5 (6:5). These are true odds, with commission charged separately.

What is the house edge on Lay bets?

Lay 4/10: 2.44% house edge. Lay 5/9: 3.23% edge. Lay 6/8: 4.00% edge. These are relatively low edges, making Lay bets reasonable choices compared to many other craps bets.

When should I make a Lay bet?

Lay bets are used by "wrong" bettors who prefer to bet with the house. They're often used after a point is established to hedge or to capitalize on the higher probability of rolling 7.