Lay Bets Craps Calculator: Betting the Seven

Lay bets are the opposite of Buy bets—you're wagering that 7 will appear before a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). You're laying true odds but paying a 5% commission. Our calculator reveals why Lay 4/10 at 2.44% edge can be a smart "dark side" play.

What Are Lay Bets?

Lay bets are wagers that 7 will roll before a specific point number. You're essentially acting as the house—paying true odds but with a 5% commission (vig) on your potential winnings. Like Don't Pass, you're betting against the number hitting.

Quick Answer: Lay bets = bet 7 hits before a number. Pay 5% commission on winnings. Lay 4/10: 2.44% edge (best). Lay 5/9: 3.23% edge. Lay 6/8: 4.0% edge. You're the favorite. Risk more to win less. Dark side betting on specific numbers.

How to Use Our Calculator

Use the Lay Bets Calculator →

Calculate lay bet costs and expected value.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Select Number to Lay: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10
Enter Win Amount: What you want to win
Calculate Bet Amount: What you must risk
View Commission: 5% vig
See House Edge: True cost

Input Fields Explained

Field	Description	Example
Number to Lay	Against which number	4
Desired Win	Target profit	$20
Amount Risked	What you bet	$40
Commission	5% of win	$1
True Odds	Fair payout	1:2
House Edge	With vig	2.44%

How Lay Bets Work

You're the Favorite

7 vs each number:

7 vs 4: 6 ways vs 3 ways (2:1 favorite)
7 vs 5: 6 ways vs 4 ways (3:2 favorite)
7 vs 6: 6 ways vs 5 ways (6:5 favorite)
7 vs 8: 6 ways vs 5 ways (6:5 favorite)
7 vs 9: 6 ways vs 4 ways (3:2 favorite)
7 vs 10: 6 ways vs 3 ways (2:1 favorite)

You win more often than lose
But risk more to win less

True Odds Payouts

Lay bet payouts (true odds):

Lay 4 or 10: Risk $2 to win $1 (1:2)
Lay 5 or 9: Risk $3 to win $2 (2:3)
Lay 6 or 8: Risk $6 to win $5 (5:6)

These are mathematically fair
Commission creates edge

The 5% Commission

How vig is calculated:

Commission = 5% of potential WIN
Not 5% of amount bet

Lay $40 to win $20 on 4:
Commission = $20 × 5% = $1
Total cost to make bet: $41
Win: $20
Lose: $40

House Edge by Number

Lay 4 and Lay 10

Best lay bets:

Risk $40 to win $20
Commission: $1 (5% of $20)

Probability: 66.67% win, 33.33% lose

House edge calculation:
EV = 0.667 × 20 - 0.333 × 40 - 1
= 13.33 - 13.33 - 1
= -1 per $41 risked
= -2.44%

Excellent edge for dark side

Lay 5 and Lay 9

Middle lay bets:

Risk $30 to win $20
Commission: $1 (5% of $20)

Probability: 60% win, 40% lose

House edge: 3.23%

Still reasonable
Worse than Lay 4/10

Lay 6 and Lay 8

Worst lay bets:

Risk $24 to win $20
Commission: $1 (5% of $20)

Probability: 54.55% win, 45.45% lose

House edge: 4.0%

Same as Place 5/9
Not terrible, not great

Comparison Table

All Lay Bets

Lay bet breakdown:

| Number | Risk:Win | Prob Win | Edge |
|--------|----------|----------|------|
| 4 | 2:1 | 66.7% | 2.44% |
| 5 | 3:2 | 60.0% | 3.23% |
| 6 | 6:5 | 54.5% | 4.00% |
| 8 | 6:5 | 54.5% | 4.00% |
| 9 | 3:2 | 60.0% | 3.23% |
| 10 | 2:1 | 66.7% | 2.44% |

4 and 10 are best

Lay vs Buy

Opposite bets:

Buy 4/10: 4.76% edge (bet FOR)
Lay 4/10: 2.44% edge (bet AGAINST)

Lay is better value!
Same commission structure
Better probabilities for layer

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Lay 4 Win

Seven before four:

Bet: Lay $40 to win $20 on 4
Commission: $1 upfront

Rolls: 5, 9, 8, 11...
Roll: 4-3 (Seven!)

Result: WIN $20

You were 2:1 favorite
Expected outcome

Example 2: Lay 4 Loss

Four hits:

Bet: Lay $40 to win $20 on 4
Commission: $1 upfront

Rolls: 9, 5, 8...
Roll: 2-2 (Four!)

Result: LOSE $40

33.33% probability
Painful but expected sometimes

Example 3: Lay 6 Decision

Closer matchup:

Bet: Lay $24 to win $20 on 6

7 vs 6: 6 ways vs 5 ways
Win probability: 54.55%

Barely favorite
Higher edge (4.0%)
Marginal value

Example 4: Multiple Lays

Covering numbers:

Lay $40 on 4 (win $20)
Lay $40 on 10 (win $20)
Lay $30 on 5 (win $20)
Lay $30 on 9 (win $20)
Commission: $4 total

Total risk: $144
7 wins all: +$80
Any number: Lose that bet

Diversified dark side

Strategy Considerations

When to Lay

Good lay opportunities:

Lay 4/10: Best value (2.44%)
As Don't Pass alternative
When expecting cold table
For specific number hedge

Lay vs Don't Pass

Comparison:

Don't Pass: 1.36% edge
- But random point assigned

Lay 4: 2.44% edge
- Choose your number
- Always have best probability

Trade-off: Edge vs control

Commission Timing

Two commission structures:

Pay on bet: 5% of win amount upfront
Pay on win: 5% only if you win

Pay on bet is more common
Pay on win is better (rare)
Ask before playing

Common Mistakes

1. Laying 6 or 8

Mistake: Thinking all lays are equal Problem: 4.0% edge is mediocre Fix: Focus on Lay 4/10

2. Wrong Bet Sizing

Mistake: Random amounts Problem: Incorrect payouts Fix: Bet proper multiples

3. Expecting Quick Wins

Mistake: Impatience Problem: Lay bets can take time Fix: They resolve when they resolve

4. Ignoring Commission

Mistake: Forgetting the vig Problem: Underestimating true cost Fix: Factor 5% into calculations

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best lay bet?

Lay 4 or Lay 10 at 2.44% house edge. Both have identical math and are the best lay values.

How is the commission calculated?

5% of your potential WIN, not your total bet. Lay $40 to win $20, commission is $1 (5% of $20).

When do I pay commission?

Usually upfront when placing the bet. Some casinos charge only on wins—ask first.

Can I remove lay bets?

Yes. Like most craps bets, you can take them down anytime.

Is laying better than Buy bets?

For 4/10, yes. Lay 4/10 = 2.44% vs Buy 4/10 = 4.76%. You're the favorite when laying.

Are lay bets "wrong" betting?

Yes, you're betting against the number. Similar philosophy to Don't Pass.

Pro Tips

Lay 4/10 best: 2.44% edge
Skip Lay 6/8: 4.0% not great value
Commission on win amount: Not total bet
You're the favorite: 7 has most ways
Dark side play: Betting against numbers

Craps Odds Calculator - Main game
Don't Pass Calculator - Similar concept
Buy Bets Calculator - Opposite bet
Place Bets Calculator - Compare
House Edge Calculator - Compare games

Conclusion

Lay bets put you in the favorable position—betting 7 appears before a number. Our calculator reveals why Lay 4/10 at 2.44% edge offers better value than Buy bets, and how the 5% commission on winnings creates manageable cost for dark side players.

Calculate Lay Bet Odds Now →

Risking $40 to win $20 sounds unfavorable until you realize you'll win 66.7% of the time. Our calculator shows why laying beats buying on 4 and 10.