Craps is the most social game in the casino. The energy is real, the crowd is loud, and the whole table wins or loses together. But that social element means there are unwritten rules that can make you feel like an insider or mark you as a tourist. None of these will get you kicked out. All of them will make your experience better.
Place Your Cash on the Felt Do This
Never hand money directly to a dealer. Security cameras need to see every transaction clearly. Place your bills flat on the felt in front of you and say "Change, please." The dealer will count it, announce the amount, and slide your chips over.
Wait for the Right Moment Do This
Do not walk up mid-roll and drop cash on the table. Wait until the dice are in the center of the table (between rolls) or right after a seven-out when the round resets. If you are not sure, just ask: "Is now a good time to buy in?" Dealers answer this question a hundred times a day.
One Hand Only Do This
When you are the shooter, pick up the dice with one hand and keep them visible. Do not cup them, blow on them, or bring them below the table edge. Casinos are watching for dice switches. Keep it clean and simple.
Hit the Back Wall Do This
Both dice must hit the rubber back wall of the table. This is not optional. The pyramids on the back wall are designed to randomize the outcome. If your throw falls short, the stickman will politely remind you. Consistently short throws will get you replaced as shooter.
Do Not Let the Dice Hit Your Hands Avoid
Keep your hands out of the landing zone. If the dice bounce off your hand, the table will groan. If the result is a seven-out, you will hear about it for the rest of the session. Hands up, drink back. The stickman will call "Hands high, dice are out!" as a warning.
You Can Decline to Shoot Good to Know
When the dice come around to you, it is your choice whether to shoot. Just wave them off and the stickman will pass them to the next player. There is zero judgment. Plenty of experienced players prefer not to shoot.
Do Not Say "Seven" Avoid
This is pure superstition. The dice cannot hear you. But the players around you genuinely believe it brings bad luck, and saying it during the point phase will get you real dirty looks. Call it "the devil," "big red," or just do not mention it at all. Play along. It is part of the fun.
Collect Your Winnings Promptly Do This
When you win, the dealer pushes your chips toward you. Pick them up before the next roll. Chips left in the betting area may be treated as a new bet. Leaving a winning bet in place is called "letting it ride," which is fine on purpose but expensive by accident.
Do Not Dangle Over the Table Avoid
Keep your arms and drinks away from the felt during a roll. Spilled drinks stop the game and require a full felt change. Dealers will not be happy, the pit boss will not be happy, and the other players definitely will not be happy.
Announce Dealer-Placed Bets Clearly Do This
The Pass Line and Odds bets you place yourself. But Come bets, Place bets, and anything in the center of the table require the dealer to position them. Hand your chips to the dealer, state your bet clearly ("$12 Place on the 6, please"), and let them handle the rest. Eye contact helps.
Tip the Dealers Do This
Craps dealers work hard and a huge part of their income comes from tips. The most common way to tip is to place a chip on the Pass Line before a come-out roll and say "for the dealers" or "for the boys/girls." They will place their own bet and cheer when it wins. This is one of the best parts of the social experience at a craps table.
How Much to Tip Good to Know
There is no fixed rule. A $5 bet for the dealers every 20 to 30 minutes is generous at a low-minimum table. Some players tip on a big win. Some tip at the end of a good session. Any amount is appreciated. If a dealer gives you a helpful pointer, that is a great moment to toss a chip their way.
Pick Any Open Spot Good to Know
There is no assigned seating. Stand anywhere along the rail where there is space. Near the ends is slightly more relaxed. Near the center (by the stickman) puts you closer to the action. Both are fine.
Color Up Before You Leave Do This
When you are ready to go, place all your chips on the felt and say "Color me up, please." The dealer will exchange your small chips for larger denominations so you are not walking through the casino with a mountain of reds. Wait for the exchange, then head to the cashier.
Nobody Cares That You Are New Good to Know
This is the most important thing. Craps dealers deal with beginners constantly. Other players at the table were beginners once. If you make a mistake, the dealer will correct you gently, and the game moves on. Nobody is judging you. The energy at a craps table is welcoming because everyone is literally on the same team (unless you are betting the Don't Pass, in which case, quietly).
🎯 The Short Version
- Cash on the felt, not in the dealer's hand
- One hand on the dice, hit the back wall
- Keep your hands out of the landing zone
- Do not say "seven" during the point phase
- Pick up your winnings before the next roll
- Tip the dealers occasionally
- Relax. Everyone was new once.
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