Craps is a popular dice game, where players wager on the results of the roll of a pair of dice. If you want to excel in craps, the first thing you need to understand is about the craps table personnel and the location where they sit. Usually, there will be dealers, a box person, and a stick person at a craps table. Players can bet several bets while playing craps, including pass line, place bets, hard ways, and craps & eleven. Apart from these bets, there is another bet players can use while playing craps, known as Lay bets. If you are a new player, then using lay bets might be difficult for you. However, if you master the basics of lay bets, it can be very useful to increase your chances of winning.
In this article, we will explore the basics of lay bet in craps, the odds for this bet, and some tips for using this bet to enhance your gaming experience.
What Is Lay Bet In Craps?
Craps is a game where players will bet against each other or against the dealer. Players use casino chips instead of real money to wager on the craps table. The individual who rolls the dice is referred to as the shooter.
You can use many bets while playing craps, but there is a bet known as lay bets that can be used to increase your chances of winning. Lay bet is one of the few bets available with a vig. It is used in craps to get true odds on a seven to be rolled. A lay bet will be placed only after the point number is rolled. It is possible for you to place a lay bet on the opening roll, but it is not recommended. The craps lay bet is exactly opposite to the craps buy bets.
Paying the Vig
Every player has to pay for a vig to place a lay bet in craps. The fee will be comparatively small when compared to the normal bet amounts. Most online casinos impose a 5% fee on your winnings as a vig. However, these casinos also offer certain discounts on these higher fees. There is also a no-vig option, you can choose to play craps.
Lay Bet Odds Table
The lay bet is placed only on one number, but you can consider the below table to understand the true odds.
| Lay Bet | House Edge | True Odds and Payout |
| 4 or 10 | 2.4% | 1:2 |
| 5 or 9 | 3.3% | 2:3 |
| 6 or 8 | 4.1% | 5:6 |
Sometimes the house edge might climb due to the climbing of the vig fee as a part of the payout.
It is best to place your lay bet on 4 or 10 because the house edge is 2.44%. Suppose you have wagered $100, in the long run, the average loss will be $2.44.
How to Place a Lay Bet in Craps?
The lay bet is renowned as a dark-side strategy because no one recommends this strategy while playing craps. There are many wrong bets in craps, but there is no mistake in placing lay bets. Since the lay bet is considered a bit of bad luck, many players around will make fun of you for placing this bet.
When to place a lay bet?
A point bet is introduced after the initial roll assuming the pass-line bet does not win or lose because of rolling the 7, 11. You must place your lay bet after the second roll as soon as possible. Always look to maximize the number of chances prior to 7. It is better to place your lay bet as early as possible since we cannot predict the arrival of seven.
Examples of Lay Bet
Winning Bet
- You place a lay bet on eight.
- The shooter will start rolling the dice in this order – 3, 4, 10, 7, 9, 8
- You will win because the eight will roll after the appearance of seven.
Losing Bet
- You place a lay bet on eight.
- The shooter will start rolling the dice in this order – 5, 10, 4, 6, 8, 2, 7, 4.
- You will lose immediately because the eight will roll before the appearance of 7.
Also Read: Surrender In Blackjack: Is It A Good Strategy?
Conclusion
Since lay betting is a dark-side strategy, new players who want to explore the craps table might see it as a difficult one to master. It is important to comprehend the craps table personnel and their location before delving into the craps table. Always consider the house edge and odds when placing your lay bets. Placing your lay bet without a plan will lead to certain losses. Always have proper bankroll management and invest your money responsibly to avoid huge losses.
