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 RatioAmount 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
| Number | Lay Odds | Win Probability | House Edge | To Win $20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1:2 | 66.7% | 2.44% | Lay $40 |
| 5 | 2:3 | 60.0% | 3.23% | Lay $30 |
| 6 | 5:6 | 54.5% | 4% | Lay $24 |
| 8 | 5:6 | 54.5% | 4% | Lay $24 |
| 9 | 2:3 | 60.0% | 3.23% | Lay $30 |
| 10 | 1:2 | 66.7% | 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.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
Amount to Lay
$20
to win $10
Net Win
$9.50
After $0.50 vig
Win Probability
66.7%
House Edge
2.44%