Craps reference library

Place, Buy and Lay Bets

Compare direct number wagers, their payouts, and the effect of commission rules.

Bottom line: Place 6 and 8 are reasonable direct-number wagers; other place bets are often improved by buying the number when commission treatment is favorable.

Place bets

A place bet wins when its number appears before seven. Standard payouts are 7:6 on 6 or 8, 7:5 on 5 or 9, and 9:5 on 4 or 10.

The corresponding edges are about 1.515%, 4.0%, and 6.667%. Proper bet multiples avoid payout rounding.

Buy bets

A buy bet pays true odds but charges a commission, commonly five percent of the wager or of the win depending on house rules. Paying commission only on a win is more favorable.

Buying 4 or 10 is often better than placing them, but the break-even bet size can depend on how commission is rounded.

Lay bets

A lay bet wagers that seven arrives before the selected number. It pays less than the amount risked and charges commission.

Commission basis, timing, and rounding determine the effective edge. A generic lay-bet percentage can be wrong for a small bet with chip rounding.

Working and removal

Place, buy, and lay wagers are generally removable and can be called off. They may be off on the come-out roll by default, but procedure varies.

Turning a bet off changes how many rolls create action; it does not improve the edge on rolls when the bet is working.

Practical checklist

  • Use proper payout multiples
  • Check vig on bet or win
  • Ask when vig is collected
  • Account for rounding
  • Confirm come-out working status
Scope and review

Rules, probabilities, and payouts apply only to the model stated on this page. Posted casino rules control when they differ. Last reviewed September 20, 2026.