Understanding the difference between lay and buy bets sharpens your edge in casino craps and keeps your risk under control. These wagers operate in opposite directions on the same point numbers, so knowing how each one works helps you align your play with your goals.
This guide breaks down how lay and buy bets function, compares their true costs, and explains when each option fits your strategy. You will see side by side how house edges, commission, and win odds stack up so you can choose with confidence.
| Bet Type | Direction | House Edge (no commission) | Standard Commission | Win Odds (true price) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay | Betting against the shooter | 1.36% on 6 and 8 | 5% on win (removed after point is established) | True odds minus 5% commission |
| Buy | Betting for the shooter | 1.67% on 6 and 8 | 5% on win (removed after point is established) | True odds minus 5% commission |
| Lay 4 or 10 | Craps outcome loses immediately | 9.09% if come out roll is 3, 4, 10, 11 | 5% on win | Risk per unit is higher due to short odds |
| Buy 4 or 10 | Craps outcome loses immediately | 9.09% if come out roll is 2, 3, 12 | 5% on win | Risk per unit is higher due to short odds |
How lay bets work against the dice
A lay bet is a wager that the shooter will roll a seven before hitting your chosen point. You are effectively betting against the shooter, and the casino pays you when the point is rolled before a seven. Because you are taking the opposite side of a number, the house edge is slightly lower than on the buy bet, but a commission is still applied.
Lay bets on the 6 and 8 offer the best lay odds in the game because the frequency of rolling those points makes the risk more balanced. On the other hand, laying the 4 or 10 exposes you to the come out roll, where craps (rolling a 2, 3, or 12) causes an immediate loss. Understanding these nuances helps you decide where to place your chips.
Commissions are typically 5% of the win amount and are collected when the bet resolves. Managing your stack and knowing when to reduce or remove a lay bet can improve your session longevity. Skilled players weigh the lower house edge against the emotional complexity of betting against the shooter.
How buy bets work for the shooter
A buy bet is a wager that the shooter will roll your chosen point before rolling a seven. This bet mirrors the pass line action but with higher payout odds due to the short money on the board. Like the lay bet, the buy bet is subject to a 5% commission on any winnings.
Buy bets on the 6 and 8 provide true odds pricing, making them efficient choices when the point is established. However, buying the 4 or 10 carries more risk because those numbers can be crapped out on the come out roll. Tracking the frequency of sevens versus your point helps you manage these bets more effectively.
Many players use buy bets to amplify action when they are confident in the shooter. The key is to compare the slightly higher edge on buy 6 and 8 versus lay 6 and 8 after factoring in commission and win probability. Choosing the right moment to buy can make a measurable difference in expected loss.
Key differences at a glance
The layout below distills the most important contrasts between lay and buy bets so you can compare risk, edge, and payout structures quickly. Use this as a reference when deciding which style fits your session plan.
| Aspect | Lay Bet | Buy Bet | Risk per Unit on 6/8 | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Against the shooter | With the shooter | Medium (pays less than true odds) | Backing the shooter or fading them |
| House Edge | 1.36% (6, 8) | 1.67% (6, 8) | Similar after commission | Slight edge to laying when ignoring commissions |
| Commission | 5% on win | 5% on win | Reduces effective payout | Factor into volatility calculations |
| Come Out Risk | Lose immediately on craps | Lose immediately on 2 or 3 | Higher on lay 4/10 and buy 4/10 | Prefer established points on 6/8 |
| Psychology | Fading the shooter can feel counterintuitive | Betting with the shooter feels natural | Emotional discipline matters | Choose based on comfort and table energy |
Advanced considerations for lay versus buy
Bankroll management is critical because both lay and buy bets expose you to immediate loss on the come out roll when placed on 4 or 10. Seasoned players often restrict these wagers to the 6 and 8 to minimize volatility. Tracking how often the point is made versus how frequently sevens appear can guide adjustments to bet sizing.
Table dynamics also influence your choice. In a hot shooting game, buying 6 and 8 can capitalize on positive momentum. In contrast, laying 6 and 8 may appeal when the dice appear cold, since you profit from the frequency of seven while maintaining a low house edge. Observing the flow of the game helps you time your decisions.
Commissions may seem small, but they compound over multiple decisions, especially on the 4 and 10. Calculating expected value per round, including commission and immediate craps loss, clarifies why many experts prefer simple pass line action with odds instead of layering buy or lay wagers. Understanding the real cost of each bet keeps your strategy transparent.
Final strategy takeaways for lay and buy decisions
- Focus on lay and buy bets primarily on the 6 and 8 to minimize come out roll risk.
- Compare effective house edge after commission to see why pass line plus odds is often superior.
- Use smaller lay or buy bets on the 4 and 10 only if you accept the immediate craps exposure.
- Track table momentum and adjust your approach rather than relying on rigid patterns.
- Manage your bankroll with clear loss limits and avoid chasing numbers with high immediate risk.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is it better to lay or buy the 6 and 8 in craps?
For most players, buying the 6 and 8 is simpler and feels more natural because you bet with the shooter. Laying the 6 and 8 offers a slightly lower house edge before commission, but after the 5% charge, the difference narrows. Choose based on whether you prefer betting for or against the shooter and how comfortable you are with the immediate craps risk on the come out roll.
What happens if I lay or buy the 4 or 10 in craps?
Laying or buying the 4 or 10 is riskier because those numbers can be crapped out on the come out roll, causing an immediate loss. If the point is established, the payouts are attractive due to the true odds, but the frequency of early losses increases volatility. Many players avoid these wagers or reduce their size to manage risk.
Should I remove my lay or buy bet after a point is established?
Once the point is established, the come out roll no longer threatens your lay or buy bet, so removing it is unnecessary unless you want to adjust your exposure. Some players lower their stake or take a portion of the action off to control variance. Evaluate your table image and bankroll goals before deciding to adjust these bets mid round.
How does commission impact lay and buy bets over time?
The 5% commission is taken only on winning bets, which gradually erodes edge compared to true odds. Over many rolls, this fee slightly increases expected loss, especially on bets with high action like the 6 and 8. Factoring commission into simulations helps you see that simpler pass line and odds plays often remain more efficient.