Lay Bet Strategy — Small, Tall, and the All: Sizing the Hedge Correctly

The lay bet becomes strategically interesting when it is used as a hedge against a bonus that is about to pay. The All Tall Small bonus at many Midwest casinos creates exactly this opportunity: when one number stands between you and a significant payout, a lay bet on that number provides partial protection if the 7 arrives first.

What the ATS Bonus Pays

ATS payouts vary by casino but typically run 34:1 on Small or Tall and 175:1 or more on the All. On a $5 ATS bet that is $170 for Small or Tall and $875 or more for the All. These are not trivial amounts — which is why protecting the path to them matters when you are one number away.

The Small or Tall Hedge ($50 Lay)

One number away from completing Small or Tall. That number is a box number. Take all your other bets down — you do not want a place bet on that number fighting the lay bet. Lay it for $50. Now two outcomes:

• 7 comes first: lay collects. On a $50 lay against the 4/10 you net roughly $23-$24. On 5/9 you net roughly $31. On 6/8 roughly $39. The ATS is over but you collected something.
• Number hits first: Small or Tall is complete — collect the ATS bonus (typically $170+ on a $5 bet). The $50 lay loses. Net on the bonus: $170 minus $50 = $120. Still a strong result.

The All Hedge (Bigger Lay)

One side has already won. You are now chasing the All — the largest ATS payout. One number still needed and it is a box number. The All pays $875+ on a $5 bet. The lay should be larger — $100 or more — because the payout you are protecting is dramatically bigger and the $50 offset is too small relative to what the 7 costs you at this stage. Size the lay in proportion to what the All bonus is worth at your specific casino. Bluffin With Aces covers the sizing decision live on YouTube when the All is in play.