Lay Bets Craps Calculator: Betting on 7 Before the Number (2026)
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
Calculate lay bet costs and expected value.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Select Number to Lay: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10
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Enter Win Amount: What you want to win
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Calculate Bet Amount: What you must risk
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View Commission: 5% vig
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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
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Lay 4/10 best: 2.44% edge
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Skip Lay 6/8: 4.0% not great value
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Commission on win amount: Not total bet
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You're the favorite: 7 has most ways
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Dark side play: Betting against numbers
Related Calculators
- 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.
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.
