Craps Table Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules You Should Follow

When to Join the Table in Craps

Online craps players can start and stop games at any time, but players at brick-and-mortar casinos must wait for the next round of betting.

Waiting for a new shooter used to be a rule enforced by some casinos, but that is no longer the case. You do not need to wait for a new shooter; however, many players prefer to do so. Joining the table mid-game can interrupt the flow of the shooter and is considered bad luck.

When to Leave the Table in Craps

Your main goal when leaving the craps table is to not disrupt the action, so the best time to go is when there is a break in the action like a change of shooters.

Also, if you are playing at a brick-and-mortar casino, make sure to “color up” your chips. Cashing in your smaller ships for larger ones ensures the dealer has enough small chips for future players. Carrying fewer, higher-value chips is also less cumbersome.

Craps Betting Etiquette

Betting on a shooter mid-roll is not the only craps betting etiquette faux pas players should avoid. Some other common mistakes made by new players that are considered bad etiquette include:

• • Betting late, such as when the dealer is passing the dice to the shooter
  • Not knowing the minimum bet
  • Placing “incorrect” bet amounts
  • Throwing your chips instead of placing them
  • Not announcing your bets
  • Removing your bet before you are paid

Many of the examples above are self-explanatory. One that new players should pay special attention to, though, is betting incorrect amounts on a wager.

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Some craps bets, such as the horn bet, are multiple wagers rolled into one. So, you should make sure that the amount you wager can be split evenly among all the bets in the wager.

The common thread for the mistakes above is that they can and will slow down the game for other players. In general, anything that will inconvenience the other bettors at the craps table is considered bad etiquette.

Craps Betting Superstitions

Craps players can be very superstitious. So, even if you are not superstitious, you should avoid the following so as not to upset other players:

• • Saying “7”
  • Betting against the shooter
  • Using “unlucky” dice
  • Changing your pre-roll ritual

Seven is the most likely outcome in craps, but it usually means the shooter “craps out” and their turn is over. Over the decades, many have come to believe even saying “seven” can cause the shooter to seven-out.

Also, betting against the shooter, such as by placing a don’t pass bet, is seen as bad luck. You only win if the shooter, and anyone betting on them, lose.

Using “unlucky” dice, such as a pair that just had a bad roll, is also frowned upon. If you are multiple rolls into your turn as the shooter, you can also spook players by changing your pre-roll ritual.

Many players have their own unique superstitions as well, such as stick changes being bad luck. You do not need to cater to every superstition, but minding the most common ones will help you stay on the good side of the other players at the table.

Dice Throwing Etiquette in Craps

Throwing, or shooting, the dice correctly is crucial in craps. There are many strategies you can use, such as dice setting, but your craps dice-throwing etiquette should stay largely the same.

First and foremost, you only pick up the dice with one hand. This makes it more challenging for shooters to try to switch the dice for a loaded pair.

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Also, once you have picked up the dice, you should keep them over the table at all times. Once again, this makes it easier for the dealer to watch your hand and make sure you do not try and swap out the dice with your pair.

Like many casino goers, craps players are notoriously superstitious, and many have their own “good luck” rituals. Having one or two quick rituals is okay but try to keep them to a minimum as they slow down the pace of the game.

When you are shooting the dice, you must hit the bank wall for your roll to count. However, you do not want to throw the dice so hard that they leave the table.

Another important etiquette tip is not to blow on the dice. Despite its popularity in pop culture, blowing on the dice is forbidden by many casinos. Any moisture that gets on the dice, such as your spit, can change the roll.

Etiquette for Non-Shooters at the Table

The position of the shooter rotates so every player who wants a turn with the dice gets one. However, that also means a good portion of your time in craps will be spent as the non-shooter.

As mentioned above, you should avoid joining the game or making new bets mid-roll.

Also, when you are standing at the table and someone else is the shooter, be mindful of your hands. For instance, if your hands are in the area of play, they could get hit by the dice and interfere with the roll. Using the rail around the table to hold your drinks or food is also frowned upon.

You can pass on your turn as the shooter. To do this, simply inform the dealer of your decision when they attempt to hand you the dice.

Craps Tipping Etiquette

Tipping dealers at land-based casinos is also good etiquette for players, regardless of the table game you are playing. Dealers appreciate tips even more when players follow correct craps tipping etiquette.

The best times to tip in craps are:

• • When you win a bet
  • After you finish playing and are leaving the table

Also, be sure to indicate which chips are “for the croupier” so they are not confused with other players’ wagers.

Dealers are not allowed to accept cash, so you must tip with your chips. Alternatively, you can place “two-way” bets, and half of your winnings will go to the croupier.