Buy Bet
A buy bet is a place bet that pays true odds instead of the posted place payout, in exchange for a 5% commission. It only makes sense on the 4 and 10, where paying true 2:1 drops the edge to 1.67%, well below the 6.67% place bet. On other numbers the commission eats the benefit.
1.67% edge on the 4 and 10 when the vig is charged only on wins.
Try the Buy Bet in the free game
How to place it
Hand chips to the dealer and say 'buy the 4' or 'buy the 10.' The dealer marks it BUY and collects a 5% commission, charged on the win in most houses.
Also called: buy the 4, buy the 10.
Frequently asked questions
When is a buy bet worth it?
On the 4 and 10, if the casino charges the 5% commission only on winning bets. That drops the edge to 1.67%, far better than placing those numbers at 6.67%.
What is the vig on a buy bet?
A 5% commission on the amount bet. Player-friendly tables collect it only when the bet wins, which is the model that keeps the edge low. Tables that charge it up front on every bet raise the cost.
Should I buy the 5, 6, 8, or 9?
Generally no. On those numbers the place payout is already close to true odds, so the 5% commission usually makes buying worse than placing.