10 Ways to Look Like a Pro at the Craps Table

I talk to a lot of casino gamblers in my daily work routine. I’m always seeking new perspectives and fresh ideas.

Time and time again, players come around to craps. Frequently, players go into detail about how they wish they knew how to bet and behave when playing craps.

You no longer need to wait in the wings while you watch players having an exciting evening playing craps. Here are 10 ways to look like a pro at the craps table.

1 – How to Join a Casino Craps Game

Knowing when to buy-in is critical. Too many times. I’ve watched players try to buy chips as the shooter was trying to roll the dice.

You should have your cash ready, and when the dice are in the middle of the table, you may lay your money on the table.

The dealers won’t take cash from a player; it must be placed on the table first. If you’re unsure, look to the dealer for cues.

Casino dealers are highly trained professionals and will keep the game running smoothly. Never hesitate to use their expertise and guidance.

Make sure all the auction has concluded before you slap your cash on the table, and you’ll slide into the game like a seasoned pro.

2 – Let the Dealer Run the Game

As I mentioned, the craps dealers are highly skilled professionals. The craps table can become a bit of a chaotic scene, and the dealers are experts in driving the game efficiently.

There are several aspects to a game of craps, and the dealers must check several mental boxes before they can move forward with the game.

You should strive to assist the dealer in moving the game along as smoothly as possible. When you’re unsure of how to act, it’s best to look to the dealer.

Their instructions and cues will tell you exactly when to place craps bets and shoot the dice. Still, if there’s any confusion whatsoever, you’ll do much better by asking the dealer for guidance.

Remember, the dealer is captaining the craps game, and we’re all mere passengers.

3 – Act Like You’ve Been There Before

Look, most of looking like a pro on the craps table is not annoying your fellow gamblers or the dealer. Shooting the dice is no different.

Becoming the shooter is not your 15 minutes of fame. It’s best to keep the game flowing and not anger the dealer or other players.

I completely understand that many players have a unique routine they follow when shooting. To be fair, it’s part of what makes craps such an entertaining game.

However, you mustn’t slow the game excessively. Act like you’ve been there before; I would avoid blowing on the dice.

4 – Keep the Table Clear

The great railing around the craps table is for keeping your hands and arms out of the playing area. The barrier is not intended to be storage space for your cell phone, drink, smokes, purse, or anything else.

As you can probably imagine, I’ve seen many crazy things happen in my casino gambling life. Short of cheating, nothing will draw dealers and fellow players’ ire like spilling something onto the craps table.

I’ve seen unwitting players instantly become universally hated by everyone around the table. It’s incredibly uncomfortable to witness, and you definitely won’t want to be the guilty party.

Instead, use the cubby underneath the table. You’ll be able to store your drink or stash an ashtray without ever worrying about interfering with the game.

5 – Always Be Courteous

Craps tables are regularly among the most crowded spots on the casino floor. This means you’ll need to pay special attention to not burgeoning your fellow players.

On a busy night, you’ll immediately notice that space is at a premium around the craps table. You will help make a better experience for everyone by paying attention to others and respecting personal space.

One of my closest friends hovers over most people at 6 feet 7 inches tall. He has become accustomed to standing in the second row.

This allows others to have a clear view of the table and isn’t much of a nuisance for him because of his birds-eye-view.

You can also enhance the experience of everyone on the table by staying positive and friendly. Remember, we’re all in this together and looking to be entertained.

6 – Take Care of the Dealers and Servers

The dealers work extremely hard to ensure the game is running like a well-oiled machine. They are also partly responsible for the number of enjoyment players are getting out of play.

The dealer will keep an eye out for the player while also acting in the casino’s best interest. This chore is often underappreciated.

Cocktail servers are also an essential cog in the vast casino machine. This hard-working group remains incredibly friendly and fast despite having an incredibly difficult job.

These casino employees’ action is non-stop, and they are tasked with dealing with the worst of the casino patrons. Yet, they keep the refreshments flowing with a smile on their face.

Take care of the ones taking care of you, and you’ll be making your way toward becoming a casino pro.

7 – Place Your Bets and Clear the Table

Placing your bets like a pro comes down to thinking ahead. Before you are ever in a position to bet, you should know what your next bet is going to be.

That includes where you’ll bet and also your bet size. Excessive waiting will draw some nefarious stares from your tablemates and the dealer.

Once your bet is on the table, clear your hands from the playing area completely. Remember that exquisite rail we discussed earlier?

Well, now is your opportunity to put it to some good use. Keep your hands and arms away from the shooter’s alley.

8 – Don’t Pass Line for More Wins

Now that you’ve got the do’s and don’ts of etiquette on the craps table let’s look at some of the wagers that will help you pass yourself off as a pro.

The first bet you can make on the craps table to look like a pro is the “Don’t Pass Line.” This is a wager that the shooter will crap out.

The “don’t Pass” has one of the lowest house edges in the casino. This detail makes it extremely popular with many savvy casino craps gamblers.

However, you’re going to be betting against the shooter and most of the table when you bet the “don’t pass line.” So, be prepared for some lighthearted jeering from your fellow players.

Ultimately, you’re going to keep your money for slightly longer and win more often by making “don’t pass” bets.

9 – Pass Line Wager for More Fun

The “Pass Line” wager is betting with the shooter. This bet is the most popular on the craps table by far.

You won’t win as often as the “don’t pass line,” but you’ll barely notice the difference. The house edge on the two bets is within 0.5% of each other.

You may notice that the “pass line” provides much more fun for the player. You’ll instantly become part of a team.

The shooter will either lead your new clan to great victory or humbling defeat. Still, the ride is what makes craps one of the most entertaining casino games in the world.

10 – Go With the Odds

The odds bet in craps is possibly the best wager you can make in the casino. This bet has a house advantage of 0.0%.

You merely place your bet behind your initial bet on the pass line or don’t pass line after the point is set.

The odds vary and are designed in such a way to eliminate any natural house edge. These odds bets are among the best practices in the casino to pocket some cash.

Laying odds bets in craps is a surefire way to look like a pro at the craps table.

Bonus – Never Mention the Number 7

Suppose you wish to approach your craps experience with an abundance of caution. In that case, you should always avoid any and all references to the number 7.

Some players consider this a cardinal sin and will immediately lash out for such behavior.

I, on the other hand, couldn’t care less. You can scream and shout whatever you please, and the dice will be none the wiser.

You see, dice haven’t got ears or any form of cognitive thought. So, it’s not likely the number 7 being said aloud will bring bad luck.

Conclusion

Craps is genuinely one of the most rewarding casino games on the planet. It’s not going to make you a winner every time you walk through the doors; that doesn’t exist.

Still, the tremendous excitement found around the craps table is second to none. These 10 ways to look like a pro at the craps table will enhance your overall experience in the casino.