How to Lay Odds in Craps? | House Edge Explained

Craps is an exciting and fast-paced casino game that has been a staple in casinos for many years. While it may seem daunting at first, the game is relatively simple once you understand the basics. One of the most important concepts in craps is laying odds, which allows you to increase your chances of winning and potentially win big payouts. In this article, we will explore how to lay odds in craps and what it means to “lay” in craps.

Laying Odds in Craps

Laying odds in craps is a strategy that allows you to increase your chances of winning by betting on the point number after it has been established. When you lay odds, you are essentially betting that the point number will not be rolled before a 7 is rolled. If a 7 is rolled before the point number, the bet loses. However, if the point number is rolled before a 7, the bet wins.

How to Lay Odds in Craps?

To lay odds in craps, you must first make a pass line bet. This bet is made before the come-out roll and is placed on the pass line. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line bet loses. If the come-out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point number.

Once the point number is established, you can lay odds by placing additional chips behind your original pass line bet on the craps table. The amount of chips you can lay as odds varies depending on the casino, but the general rule is that you can lay up to 3 times the amount of your original pass line bet.

When you lay odds, you are essentially betting against the point number. If the point number is rolled before a 7, the pass line bet wins, and the odds bet pays out at the odds determined by the point number. For example, if the point number is 4, the odds payout is 2 to 1. If the point number is 10, the odds payout is typically 2 to 1.

Laying Odds and the House Edge

One of the reasons that laying odds is such a popular strategy in craps is that it has a low house edge. The house edge for laying odds varies depending on the point number, but it is generally between 0.6% and 0.2%. This is much lower than the house edge for many other bets in craps.

In addition to the low house edge, laying odds also has the potential for big payouts. If you lay the maximum amount of odds allowed by the casino and the point number is rolled, you can potentially win a large payout.

Understanding the Craps Table

To lay odds in craps, it is important to have a good understanding of the craps table and the different bets that can be made. The craps table can be intimidating at first, but once you understand the layout, it becomes much easier to navigate.

The craps table is divided into several different areas. The center of the table is the layout, where all of the bets are placed. The pass line is located on the left side of the table, and the don’t pass bar is located on the right side of the table.

To lay odds, you must place your additional chips behind your original pass line bet on the layout. The area of the layout where odds bets are placed is usually marked “odds.”

Alternatives to Laying Odds

If you are not comfortable laying odds in craps or are looking for alternative strategies, there are several other

bets that you can make in the game. These include:

1. Place Bets – Place bets are similar to laying odds, but they can be made on any number. With place bets, you are betting that a specific number will be rolled before a 7. Place bets have a higher house edge than laying odds, but they can also lead to big payouts.
2. Come Bets – Come bets are similar to pass line bets, but they can be made after the come-out roll. With come bets, you are betting that the next roll will be a 7 or 11. If the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the come point, and you can then lay odds on the come bet.
3. Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bets – Don’t pass and don’t come bets are essentially the opposite of pass line and come bets. With these bets, you are betting against the shooter, and you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number. These bets also allow you to lay odds.

While laying odds is a popular strategy in craps, it is not the only way to play the game. It is important to experiment with different strategies and find the one that works best for you.

Final Thoughts

Laying odds is an important strategy in craps that can increase your chances of winning and lead to big payouts. To lay odds, you must first make a pass line bet and then place additional chips behind the bet on the craps table. If the point number is rolled before a 7, the bet wins and the odds payout is determined by the point number.

While laying odds has a low house edge and the potential for big payouts, it is important to have a good understanding of the craps table and the different bets that can be made. If you are not comfortable laying odds, there are several other bets that you can make in the game, including place bets, come bets, and don’t pass/don’t come bets.

Ultimately, the key to success in craps is to experiment with different strategies and find the one that works best for you. By taking the time to understand the game and the different betting options available, you can increase your chances of winning and have a great time playing craps.