Las Vegas Craps Etiquette

Getting into craps is more complicated than you might imagine. It's not like blackjack online, where you can play at your own speed. There are literally dice in the air every few minutes. There’s a lot to navigate. Even if you've played craps before at an online casino, it's always best to brush up on the rules before jumping into real-life play.

🎲 Craps etiquette

While craps players are having fun, they might be the most superstitious gamblers in the casino. Say the wrong thing, and you could be shunned by everyone at the table. 

Additionally, craps players and dealers have their own lingo. While it’s not as difficult to learn as a foreign language, it can be just as useful for anyone who wants to play craps.

There are dos and don’ts for every casino table game. Compared to blackjack etiquette, craps might have the most formalities of any game.

This sounds like a lot - and it is. The dealers are your friends and will help guide you through some of the intricacies of the game. 

New players might want to start by standing next to the stickperson so they can ask questions without yelling and bringing attention to themselves. They can also stick to playing the pass line to watch the action and learn about the quirks of playing craps. 

Here are some things to know before heading to the craps table.

🙂 Respect personal space

Since craps tables don’t have chairs, there’s no marker for where players should stand. There can be up to 16 players, and when a table is on a heater, people will try to squeeze in to get in on the action.

Give players enough room to feel comfortable. Most importantly, make sure the shooter has room to throw the dice. Craps is one of the most fun Vegas table games, and it's even more fun when personal space is respected. Think of it as being in a packed elevator, except there's money on the line and everyone is happy to be there.

💲 Buy in correctly

Dealers cannot take money from your hand, even if you're playing at a cheaper craps table. Place the money you want to exchange for chips on the table, and the dealer will give you the appropriate amount of chips. Wait for the dealer to pay all players before a player rolls. The best time to buy into a craps game is after a player craps out.

👀 Keep eyes on your chips

Craps differs from other casino staples, especially the relaxing table games. Keep an eye on your chips after you place them on the rack. It’s easy to get them mixed up with other players at a busy table. It’s also easy for someone to snag one while you're playing. Nobody wants their chips snagged. 

🕒 Come out roll bets

The come-out roll is the beginning of a game. Place a pass line bet to get in on the action. There are a handful of single-roll bets to make at this time, like a Yo. Gently toss a chip(s) towards the center of the table where these bets are located and tell the dealer what you’d like. 

💰 Place bets

After the point is established, you can place free odds behind your pass line bet. You can also place money on direct numbers, hardways, and other exotic bets. Gently toss the chips in the area of the bets and tell the dealers what you’d like. Craps dealers are great and will often remind you if you have specific bets on each roll. 

🔫 When you're the shooter

The stickperson will slide five dice in your direction. Select two and get ready to roll. Only use one hand to hold the dice. Always keep them above the table and visible. Las Vegas casinos will always ask you to hit the back wall. When you roll, make sure to avoid the chips on the table. Dealers don’t like sorting them, and players may find that to be bad luck.

💸 Act quickly when getting paid

Craps is a fast game. When you win money, quickly grab the chips so as not to slow down the game or get in the way. 

🤲 Hands!

Keep your hands above the table when not placing bets to taking money off the table. Definitely make sure not to interfere with the dice when a player is shooting. You also want to track your spending so you don't go overboard with your bets, but don't take out your phone during play. 

🫢 Don't say seven

Craps players look like they don’t care about what’s happening around them as long as they’re having fun, but they’re among the most superstitious gamblers in Las Vegas. Many don’t like it when you say the word “seven.” This is the number that ends a roll, and its players won’t take it well if you bring it up.

🦻 Learn the lingo

Craps is a game and language unto itself. Learning some of the basics before hitting the table will A) help you understand what’s happening and B) make you look like you’ve been there before. There are dozens of words that you won’t hear at any other table game in Las Vegas. Some terms to know are Yo, Horn, Press, Two Way, and Three Way. Know the difference between betting across, inside, outside, and downtown.

🚫 Don't be a jerk

Craps players often have fun, but it’s easy to get carried away. Don’t be a jerk to other players. There are many ways to enjoy the game, so not everyone is on the same side. Don’t mock losers. Dealers are there to help, and really appreciate politeness. Craps is a fun game. Keep it fun and civil.

🕺 Have fun!

This is often the most fun Las Vegas table game. Have a blast hootin’ and hollarin’ with your tablemates. Whether you're playing craps on a $100 budget or want to see where $10 takes you, enjoy yourself!