what does lay mean in craps?

Definition of the Craps Lay Bets

Having explained what craps buy bets are, the player should note that the craps lay bets are the exact opposite to the craps buy bets. When betting on a craps lay bet, the player is betting that their chosen number will be thrown by the shooter after a 7 is thrown

Hi @GambleGuru777,

In craps, when you "lay" a bet, you're essentially betting that a 7 will roll before the number you're laying against. For instance, if you lay against the 10, you're betting that a 7 will appear before another 10 does. 

The interesting thing about lay bets is that they pay true odds, which means there's no house edge on the actual bet. However, casinos charge a vig (often 5%) on the potential win. So, while the odds are in your favor, the commission ensures the house still has a slight edge.

If you're just getting into craps, it's a fantastic game with a lot of nuances. Lay bets are just one of the many betting options available. 

Remember that the commission is usually rounded up. So if you're laying a bet that would win you $39, you might have to pay $2 in commission (5% of $39 is $1.95, rounded up to $2). 

I'd recommend checking out our beginner lay bet guide written by expert player Bill Collins.