How to Lay Odds in Craps

Experienced players know that one of the best ways to bet in craps is to take or lay odds. This kind of bet is referred to as free odds since the house has no advantage. The bettor gets the true price dictated by the odds.

Casinos allow players to take or lay odds but they require a flat bet (Come, Don't Come, Pass, Don't Pass). Once the flat bet is made, a player can take odds if he is on the Come/Pass side, or lay odds if he is on the Don't Come/Don't Pass side.

The allowed number of odds differ from one casino to the next. Typically, establishments offer double odds. It means a player can take or lay odds equivalent to twice his flat bet amount. For instance, a flat bet amounting to $20 will allow up to $40 free odds bet.

For a Come or Pass bet, the amount a player can get depends on what number he establishes. This is how a player will get paid:

• If the established point is a 4 or a 10, payout is 2 to 1. Example, a $5 free odds bet is paid $10.
• If the established point is a 5 or a 9, payout is 3 to 2. Example, a $5 free odds bet is paid $7 (rounded down).
• If the established point is a 6 or an 8, payout is 6 to 5. Example, a $5 free odds bet is paid $6.

For a Don't Come or Don't Pass bet, payout amount is smaller. The following shows how much a player must lay for the odds:

• If the established point is a 4 or a 10, payout is 1 to 2. Example, a $10 bet wins $5.
• If the established point is a 5 or a 9, payout is 2 to 3. Example, a $3 bet wins $2.
• If the established point is a 6 or an 8, payout is 5 to 6. Example, a $6 bet wins $5.