A Buy bet is not defined by “better odds” alone—the vig rule matters.
Buy bets pay true odds before commission. Whether the commission is charged up front or only after a win can materially change the effective edge.
| Number | Place-to-win | Buy, 5% vig paid up front | Buy, 5% vig on wins only |
|---|---|---|---|
| House edge per bet resolved | |||
| 4 / 10 | 6.67% | 4.76% | 1.67% |
| 5 / 9 | 4.00% | 4.76% | 2.00% |
| 6 / 8 | 1.52% | 4.76% | 2.27% |
| House edge per roll | |||
| 4 / 10 | 1.67% | 1.19% | 0.42% |
| 5 / 9 | 1.11% | 1.32% | 0.56% |
| 6 / 8 | 0.46% | 1.46% | 0.69% |
Corrected October 2026: an earlier version compared Place edges per bet resolved with Buy edges per roll. Both measures are now shown separately.
Why table rules change the ranking
With commission always charged, traditional guidance favors placing 6/8 and buying 4/10, while 5/9 depend more closely on the exact pricing. If the vig is collected only on a win, Buy bets become substantially more attractive. Minimum commission increments can also matter at small wager sizes.
Verify the actual vig
Record the percentage, whether commission is based on the bet or potential win, when it is collected, and whether the casino rounds to fixed chip increments. A quoted “5% vig” is incomplete without those details.