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Lay Odds in craps is a distinctive wager that lets players take the opposite side of a traditional bet, rooting for a seven to appear before a specific point number. Often described as the casino’s version of fair betting, Lay Odds are placed behind an existing Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet and pay true odds, meaning there’s no built-in house edge on the odds portion.
This makes Lay Odds especially appealing to strategic players who prefer lower-risk bets and a more mathematical approach to the game. Understanding how Lay Odds work can add depth and flexibility to your overall craps strategy.
How Lay Odds Work: Betting Against the Number
This wager is made only after placing a Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet and once a point has been established. The Lay Odds bet is placed behind the original wager and directly opposes the point number, such as 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.
- If a seven appears first, the Lay Odds bet wins.
- If the point number rolls before the seven, the bet loses.
Because a seven is statistically more likely than most point numbers, this bet appeals to players who prefer lower volatility and betting with the odds.
Lay Odds and True Odds Explained
Lay Odds bets pay true odds, meaning payouts reflect the actual probability of a seven rolling before the chosen point number. Here’s the key probability comparison (ways to roll each number out of 36):
- 7: 6 ways (16.67% per roll)
- 4 or 10: 3 ways (8.33% per roll)
- 5 or 9: 4 ways (11.11% per roll)
- 6 or 8: 5 ways (13.89% per roll)
Once the point is set, the real question becomes: Which shows up first – 7 or the point? The “first to appear” odds are:
| Point | Ways to Roll Point | True Odds | Typical Lay Payout | What It Means | Winning percentage | Percentage of loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 3 | 1:2 | Risk $20 to win $10 | 7 is twice as likely | 66.67% | 33.33% |
| 5 or 9 | 4 | 2:3 | Risk $15 to win $10 | 7 is 1.5× as likely | 60.00% | 40.00% |
| 6 or 8 | 5 | 5:6 | Risk $12 to win $10 | 7 is only slightly more likely | 54.55% | 45.45% |
So even on the “worst” Lay Odds (against 6 or 8), you’re still winning a bit more than 54% of the time in that head-to-head race.
FAQ
What is a Lay Odds bet in craps?
A Lay Odds bet is an additional wager placed behind a Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet. It allows you to bet that a seven will appear before the established point number.
When can you place Lay Odds in craps?
You can place Lay Odds only after a point is set and only if you already have an active Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet on the table.
Do Lay Odds bets have a house edge in craps?
The odds portion of a Lay Odds bet has no house edge because it pays true odds. However, the initial Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet still carries a small house advantage.
How often is a 7 rolled with two dice in craps?
A 7 has 6 combinations out of 36, so it appears 16.67% per roll, making it the most common single total in craps.
