4 Craps Myths You Need to Stop Believing

If there’s a game in the casino, it’s likely that over time, some mythology has formed around it. Craps is no different.

With its relatively low house edge and small barrier to entry, it has become one of the most popular games on the casino floor for quite some time now. Throughout the years, a number of myths, superstitions, and misconceptions have been making players think twice before they place their bets.

It’s time to address the rumors and separate fact from fiction.

In this article, I’ll lay out the top craps myths and superstitions that could be keeping you from taking a chance to win big!

1 – The House Changes Dealers to Change the Luck

If you’re like most real money gamblers, when you’re on a hot streak, you don’t want anything to change. This feeling is even stronger when you’re talking about the dealer.

For good reason, people assign special significance to the dealer in terms of how the table is playing. Now, does that mean they’re actually impacting the game by doing something specific? Well, no, but if a dealer leaves while you’re in the middle of a successful run, it feels like reasonable cause for concern.

It’s for this reason that players get frustrated when the house swaps out craps dealers…which always seems to happen in the middle of a good run. So why does the casino do it to you? It turns out, it’s just the schedule.

It’s a common practice for dealers to rotate positions roughly every 20 minutes at the craps table. It’s done on a schedule, and has nothing to do with how well players are doing at the game itself.

The most traditional rotation would be 20 minutes dealing, 20 minutes as the stickman, 20 minutes as the boxman, and then 20 minutes taking a break away from the game.

I understand it can be difficult to watch your favorite dealer step away, but don’t worry – they’ll be back!

2 – There’s No Such Thing as a Good Shooter

This one is difficult to prove, but over the course of history I believe that there have been examples of players who throw the dice in a way that results in numbers which aren’t totally random.

It’s probably the game’s most controversial topic, and it makes sense why people might be skeptical of the concept. I will admit, even I didn’t think that it was possible to have any impact on the outcome of a dice roll regardless of experience or technique.

Known as “controlled shooters,” it’s theorized that certain people have developed a specific method to their roll that gives them a little more influence over the outcome. Now, this isn’t your standard “blowing on the dice” or other superstitious behavior. These throwing techniques involve complex components like grip, backspin, and arc. That is to say, the throwers maintain it has less to do with luck, and more to do with technique.

Obviously, there are a range of opinions in the gambling world, but there is something interesting about controlled dice throwing that might just suggest it actually works.

Over the years, it’s been said that pit workers and other casino employees have been adamant that when it comes to controlled throwers, no such thing exists. The fact that they have been in such denial over the possibility that it works makes me think that perhaps there is something to it after all.

In the end, it is difficult to say if whether or not controlled throwing actually works, or if some people are just luckier than others.

3 – Table Manners Don’t Manner

Out of all the games you’ll find in the casino, the one with the strictest etiquette might just be craps. In fact, if you don’t follow the rules (aka, the unofficial rules), you could be surrounded by a group of people who really wish you weren’t there hurting their luck.

While there are plenty of things to know when you head to the craps table, there are some that stand out as being more important than any of the others. These include:

Don’t Play with a Male First-Timer

If you hear anyone at the table talking about virgins, rest-assured they’re only referencing whether or not someone has played craps before.

The legend goes that it’s bad luck to play with a male who has never played before. On the flip side, it is supposed to bring good luck if you’re able to find a female player who has never played. These “virgins” are said to be a key component in your winning strategy.

Don’t Let the Dice Leave the Table

If the dice leaves the table, it understandably throws off the whole rhythm the shooter has developed. Regardless of your position at the table, do your best to make sure you aren’t responsible for it hitting the floor under any circumstances.

Never Mention the Number 7

This one is especially important for staying in the good graces of those you’re playing with at the table. Never mention the number “7” in the presence of other players. Bringing it up has long been considered bad luck and a rookie mistake to say it.

If you are referencing this number, some people have decided it’s acceptable to refer to 7 only as “it.” Some take things even a step further, by recommending that you simply call it “devil.”

Watch Your Hands

When players shoot, get your hands out of there. Although it won’t technically cause any problems in terms of the actual rules, if you touch the dice with your hands it’s said to be bad luck. In fact, players have said that if the dice touches anything besides the craps table, it can be risky to their future throws.

Leave the Shooter Alone

If you’re a fan of baseball, you might recognize this from the superstition that applies to a pitcher who is in the middle of a no-hitter.

If the thrower has been having good luck or is in the middle of a hot streak, do not, under any circumstances, talk to or touch him or her. Once they’re in the zone, the only thing that can break the luck is someone else intervening. Don’t be that person!

4 – You Can Only Play it in a Physical Casino

It’s easy to say a game like craps, which involves throwing of dice and involves real physics, wouldn’t translate well to an online platform. And in some ways, that is true. The gameplay that you experience in a casino cannot be fully replicated online. With that being said, there are some great options for real money craps online that nearly capture the excitement of the real thing.

You might be surprised at not just how much fun you can have playing craps online, but also how the quick, efficient pace of play impacts your strategy. Not to mention, there are many more options and variations of the game available online.

My recommendation is that if you aren’t near a casino, it’s a great idea to explore some of the online offerings. Furthermore, if you’re a new player and looking to get some experience with the game, finding a site you’re comfortable with can be an invaluable part of the learning process.

Regardless of your experience level, recognize that there’s money to be made by playing craps online. Simply do your research and find the best site for your needs. Explore things like sign-up bonuses, and don’t forget to do a quick background check to make sure the site you’re using is safe and secure.

Conclusion

Craps will always be one of the most popular games on the floor. If you’ve never given it a try, you’re missing out on some of the lowest house edges you can find anywhere.

Once you’ve obtained even the most basic knowledge about craps, you’re poised to make some cash. Grab a friend, mind your manners, and you might just have a new favorite game.