How to Use Overlay Bets in Craps

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ByLucas Portela
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Learn how to use Overlay bets in craps. Discover how to bet directly against specific numbers, understand true odds, and the 5% commission.

Last Updated: 25 June 2026

Sometimes, you do not want to wait for a Don’t Come bet to travel to a random number. If you want to bet directly against a specific number on the board straight away, you can make a wager called an Overlay.

Key Takeaways: Lay Bets (Overlays)

  • Targeted Defence: Allows you to bet that a 7 will appear before a specific number, bypassing the Don’t Pass line entirely.
  • Total Flexibility: You are not locked into a contract. You can place, remove, or turn off Lay bets at any time between rolls.
  • The Commission (Vig): You must pay a 5% commission on your potential winnings to receive true mathematical odds from the casino.
  • Best Targets: Laying the 4 or 10 is mathematically the smartest move because they are the absolute hardest numbers to roll.

Betting Against a Specific Number

An Overlay is a direct bet that a 7 will roll before a specific number of your choosing, such as a 4 or 10. Just tell the dealer your number. They will place your chips behind it and mark them with a ‘LAY’ button, so everyone knows you are betting against the shooter.

The 5% Commission

Overlays pay out in true odds. Because a 7 is the most likely number to roll, the casino charges a small 5% commission (often called the ‘vig’) to allow the wager. However, unlike Buy bets, you only pay this 5% commission on your potential winnings, rather than the total amount you bet.

The Minimum Win Rule

To keep the maths simple for the casino, your Overlay must be sized to win at least £20. This creates a minimum £1 commission fee, as 5% of £20 is £1. For example, to Overlay the 4 or 10, you must wager £40 to win £20, and hand the dealer a £1 chip to cover the commission.

❓ Overlay Bets FAQ

What is an Overlay bet in craps?

An Overlay is a direct wager that allows you to bypass the Don’t Come process entirely. You simply pick a specific number on the board and bet that a 7 will roll before that chosen number appears.

How is the commission calculated on an Overlay wager?

Because Overlays pay out in true odds and heavily favour the player, the casino charges a 5% fee. However, this small commission is strictly calculated based on your expected winnings, rather than your initial bet amount.

What is the minimum amount I need to win on an Overlay bet?

To make the commission calculations easy for the casino dealers, your wager must be sized to win at least £20. This guarantees the house collects a minimum commission fee of exactly £1.

Author:

Lucas Portela

Lucas Portela

Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP

Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.

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