Some Casino Tips!

[Jhaulotte]

Sports books are too confusing for me. I like hanging out at table games/poker room cause you meet some interesting people.

Interesting people? You obviously have not spent a lot of time in a sportsbook

[Jhaulotte]

Does anybody else prefer the Sportsbook over table games? I think drunk cheering for you team is much more fun that drunk cheering for blackjack.

I'm an equal opportunity gambler. I usually prefer a sportsbook during the day....somewhere to grab a bite to eat and figure out what happened the previous night while wagering a few dollars on whatever game piques my interest. I'll usually hit up table games at night as a way to pre-game for a club, etc. Drunk cheering for anything is usually a winner in my book.

That is usually our routine also

[D7KIK]

Does anybody else prefer the Sportsbook over table games? I think drunk cheering for you team is much more fun that drunk cheering for blackjack.

I'm an equal opportunity gambler. I usually prefer a sportsbook during the day....somewhere to grab a bite to eat and figure out what happened the previous night while wagering a few dollars on whatever game piques my interest. I'll usually hit up table games at night as a way to pre-game for a club, etc. Drunk cheering for anything is usually a winner in my book.

Iv heard that if your gambling, drinks are usually free ?
How much truth is in that story?

[Chuck]

Does anybody else prefer the Sportsbook over table games? I think drunk cheering for you team is much more fun that drunk cheering for blackjack.

I'm an equal opportunity gambler. I usually prefer a sportsbook during the day....somewhere to grab a bite to eat and figure out what happened the previous night while wagering a few dollars on whatever game piques my interest. I'll usually hit up table games at night as a way to pre-game for a club, etc. Drunk cheering for anything is usually a winner in my book.

Iv heard that if your gambling, drinks are usually free ?
How much truth is in that story?

Slots and table games...ALWAYS...generally not in the sportsbook...although the last time I was at Aria's sportsbook we got served free drinks for 4 hours while we watched a football game. I bet like $40 on the game. Some other guys sitting next to us had a bunch of drink tickets they were using and bought us one round. But after they left, we kept drinking, and never paid for anything. I was tipping the waitress $5 per round as I recall...so like $25 over the course of the game...maybe that's what did it, maybe the guys with the drink tickets donated them to us without me knowing...really don't know.

[Douglife]

This may sound dumb but craps is the only pit game I have never really played. Mainly because it seems like an intimidating game. I've tried to watch a few videos but still am confused as mainly i'm a hands on learner. Is there pits in Vegas where they "teach" you how to play the game hands on? I know they run things like this for poker and blackjack?

Also I've been reading that while playing at the slots, mainly the ones on the bar, that you have to bet max in order to receive free drinks? If my memory serves me correctly I never bet max and have received free drinks? Can anyone clarify this?

[Jhaulotte]

This may sound dumb but craps is the only pit game I have never really played. Mainly because it seems like an intimidating game. I've tried to watch a few videos but still am confused as mainly i'm a hands on learner. Is there pits in Vegas where they "teach" you how to play the game hands on? I know they run things like this for poker and blackjack?

Also I've been reading that while playing at the slots, mainly the ones on the bar, that you have to bet max in order to receive free drinks? If my memory serves me correctly I never bet max and have received free drinks? Can anyone clarify this?

They have training tables at most casinos nearly every single day. If you cant find one just ask any pit boss or dealer and they wil let you know where it is. Also, you dont have to bet max to get free drinks, shit you barely have to play to get free drinks. Throw in a 20 and throw out a tip and drinks will come.

[cheese]

Is there pits in Vegas where they "teach" you how to play the game hands on? I know they run things like this for poker and blackjack?

Find an empty table and tell the dealers you've never played. They'll help you out. Just make sure you tip them.

[sparadise]

Some casinos will have a pro that will teach classes. I learned to play craps on my first trip. About 2-3pm, the floor was pretty dead, they opened up a couple table games where they have interactive lessons with dealers that would help. The table minimums were pretty low too, they honored the mins until the last person from the class at the table left.

I've since seen announcements in the various casinos where they still hold 'how-to' sessions. You should definitely ask the about them. They are typically held in early afternoon.

[msavard]

MY 6 STEP CRAPS SYSTEM:
1) Find Table
2) Order Drink
3) Place Bet on PASS LINE
4) Drink
5) If Bet goes away, replace it. If it multiplies, pick up the extra (this is the complicated part)
6) Drink

In all seriousness... if all you did was do the following then you'd have the basics of craps down just fine and would look like you knew what you were doing:

CRAPS PHASE 1: PLAYING THE PASS LINE

Walk up to the table and look for the "puck" . If it's on OFF and off to the side, feel free to put a bet (lets assume $10 is table minumum) on the Pass line in front of you. Congrats. You're playing craps.

The shooter will throw the dice to the opposite wall. On the come out roll 2/3/12 are "Craps" or a loss (You will have to put $10 out again). 7/11 are wins (You will pick up the extra chips you just won). Anything else will "establish the point" meaning they will move the puck onto that number, ON side up. That is now your number. Root for it to hit before the shooter rolls a "7". Once the table is ON (puck on a number) then the only roll that can hurt you is a 7.

TLDR: Put $10 on passline when table is OFF... wait for number to be ON...root for that number, and avoid 7. Simple enough?

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CRAPS PHASE 2: TAKING ODDS

You want to know what the best bet in the casino is? "Taking Odds" on a pass line bet in a craps game. There is ZERO house edge. Kinda cool eh? Yep. Once a number is established (ON Puck is placed on a number), you can place anywhere from your original bet, up to MAX ODDS (varies by table) behind your original passline bet (looks like you're placing it out of bounds.

TLDR: Once your passline bet has a number ON, put $10+ right behind your passline bet to add 0% house edge action.

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CRAPS PHASE 3: PLACING THE 6 AND 8

Once you've mastered the art of placing pass line bets, and then taking odds on your bet... you're ready to move up to ways to get even MORE money in play. Let's be honest... sometimes it gets boring just rooting for that one number. The 6 and 8 are the best odds of the place bets. I suggest starting with them. Once the table is ON (remember the white puck?)... you set $12 on the table (Preferably in the COME bet area) and tell your dealer clearly "PLACE 6" or PLACE 8". He will put that bet in the right spot for you and congrats, you're now playing 6 or 8 too. Do NOT throw the money at the dealer. Do NOT try to put it on the number yourself. Set it in the middle of the table and speak clearly where he/she can see/hear you. Once you master 6/8 you can place other numbers.

TLDR: When table is ON, pace $12 in center of table and say "PLACE 6" Or "PLACE 8".

AT THIS POINT:
At this point you've got a great basic knowledge of how to play craps. If you follow this guide you can walk up to any table and folks will assume you know what you're doing (and you do, now). However for those playing long session, or those looking to ramp up for big wins, there are some other options to flesh out your craps bet repertoire. Does this include playing in the "middle" of the table? No. Those bets are all terrible (double digit house edge) and should be avoided unless for sheer fun factor. Here are two ways you can adapt your play for a higher degree of "difficulty" and potentially fun.


END OF BASIC CRAPS LESSON : BEGIN MORE DETAILED TECHNIQUES



CRAPS PHASE 4: PRESSING YOUR BETS (Great for HOT Tables)
Most gamblers are familiar with the term "Let it ride"... meaning to take your winnings and add them to your original bet in an effort to go "Double or nothing". Pressing is the same thing for placed bets in craps. Let's say you place $12 on 6 and it hits. The dealer will place $14 (winnings) behind to your pass line bet and leave the 12 out there. If you wish, you can say "Press my bet, please" and the dealer will up your bet on the 6 by one unit ($12..making it $24) and hand you $2 extra. You've increased your risk but next time that 6 hits you will be paid $28 instead of $14. You can take this to another level by continuing to "press 1 unit" for each hit. This can add up to BIG wins if the table gets hot.

EXAMPLE:
1) PLACE $12 on 6. Shooter throws a 6. You WIN $14 but say "press my 6". RESULT: $2 WIN // $24 Bet on 6
2) Shooter throws another 6. You WIN $28 but say "Press 1 unit on my 6". RESULT: $16 WIN // $36 Bet on 6
3) Shooter throws ANOTHER 6. You win $42 but say "Press 1 unit on my 6". RESULT: $30 WIN // $48 Bet on 6.

Let's look at where things are now after 3 hits.. comparing normal bets and pressing 1 unit:
NORMAL $12 BET: You've won $36 and have a $12 bet on the 6. Total $48
PRESSING 1 UNIT: You've won $48 and have a $48 bet on the 6. Total $96
If there is a good roll, you can capitalize with this exponential betting strategy.

TLDR: If you're trying to win big. Say "Press 1 unit" every time you hit a placed number bet.

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CRAPS PHASE 5: THE COME BET (Great for COOL/CHOPPY Tables)
Ever been at a table where it seems like the shooter hits a 7 on the first or second roll every time? That is NOT fun and can cost you some cash quick. Luckily the game of craps has a bet built in to help offset that. It's indicated by the LARGE surface on either side called "COME" . This bet is designed to make the table act just like the "come out roll" on the pass line (table is OFF). See Craps Phase 1 above.

When you play the COME, this is what happens (similar to a pass line bet):
1) 2/3/12 rolled = You Lose
2) 7 or 11 rolled = You Win
3) Anything else, and bet goes to that number as if placed (Yes, you can take odds ala CRAPS Phase #2 above)

What this means is instead of, say, placing 6 and 8, exposing yourself to 3 bets immediately. Now you're "protected" somewhat by at least getting a win on that COME bet if a 7 is rolled immediately. Thus somewhat offsetting the "Choppy Table".

EXAMPLE: Let's assume the shooter throws a 5 on the come out roll, and then a 7. Let's also assume you're placing the 6 and 8 as stated in PHASE #3 above.

NORMAL CRAPS: To Start you place $10 on pass line
ROLL IS A 5: You put $10 in odds behind your pass line then place $12ea on 6 and 8 (TOTAL RISK: $44)
ROLL IS A 7: You lose all your bets (TOTAL LOSS $44)

PLAYING "COME BET" : To Start you place $10 on the pass line
ROLL IS A 5: You put $10 in odds behind your pass line bet then place $10 on COME (TOTAL RISK: $30)
ROLL IS A 7: You LOSE your $10 pass line and $10 odds. Your $10 COME bet pays $10. (TOTAL LOSS: $10)

NOTES:
• Most folks will only play 2 COME bets after the number is established.
• If your bankroll supports, it's smart to take odds on COME Bets that turn into numbers...still 0% house edge on those!


TLDR: If the table is choppy, place $10 pass line, then $10 on COME for the next two rolls to protect against a quick 7-OUT.

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BASIC CRAPS ETIQUETTE
1) Keep your drink away from the chip rail and NEVER over the felt.
2) Keep your hands/arms/head/genitalia from extending beyond the chip rail where they can be hit by dice.
3) Do NOT late-bet...reaching out to place bets while the shooter is throwing. Once the dice are out, stop betting.
4) Pay attention. If you're paid, pick up the chips or they will be live action
5) Do not say "seven" while the table is ON... that is the one bad number and people are superstitious.
6) When shooting, using ONLY 1 hand pick up TWO dice, keep them over the playing surface (not chip rail) and toss them to hit the opposite wall.
7) Don't be afraid to have fun. Cheer for your numbers. Yell "ATTA SHOOTAH!". Clap loudly. etc. Just try not to be TOO far above the average excitement level of the table. At the same time, don't be a slug if everyone else is partying it up.

STUFF YOU'LL HEAR AT THE TABLE:
1) DOLLA YO! - This is a $1 bet on the next roll being exactly 11. Bad bet but fun to yell.
2) PRESS MY ______ - That player is doubling up a bet on a number they just hit. (See Craps PHASE 4 above)
3) SAME BET - The player is declining "pressing" a bet and wants to pocket his/her winnings (not required to say).
4) NO FIELD 5 - Dealers will often verbally reference whether the field bet has hit on a roll.
5) HARD 6, HARD 8, etc - In Craps a "HARD WAY" refers to hitting that number by getting a pair. Hard 6 means 3-3 on the dice.
6) TWO WAY - Splitting a bet half for the player and half for the dealers (as a tip). Example, a "2-way $20 Nine" is betting $10 on 9 for the person making the bet, and $10 for the dealers.

Hope this helps guys... good luck at the tables.

[shaunmac9128]

thanks for the quick how-to...from that I feel comfortable enough to throw a few $10 bets on a craps table now.

[44inarow]

This may sound dumb but craps is the only pit game I have never really played. Mainly because it seems like an intimidating game. I've tried to watch a few videos but still am confused as mainly i'm a hands on learner. Is there pits in Vegas where they "teach" you how to play the game hands on? I know they run things like this for poker and blackjack?

Also I've been reading that while playing at the slots, mainly the ones on the bar, that you have to bet max in order to receive free drinks? If my memory serves me correctly I never bet max and have received free drinks? Can anyone clarify this?

They have training tables at most casinos nearly every single day. If you cant find one just ask any pit boss or dealer and they wil let you know where it is. Also, you dont have to bet max to get free drinks, shit you barely have to play to get free drinks. Throw in a 20 and throw out a tip and drinks will come.

If you're playing video poker at a bar, then they'll generally want to see that you're playing the max bet in order to comp you. On the other hand, sitting at the bar means that it's easier to get nicer drinks (think more martinis or specialty drinks that are a pain to order on the floor), and you definitely don't have to be playing nonstop.

[releaseYourself]

Holy shit msavard. That is one great post. I've read many guides on craps and have never understood, but yours made perfect sense.

[44inarow]

TLDR: When table is ON, pace $10 in center of table and say "PLACE 6" Or "PLACE 8".

Your writeup is fantastic, but I have one slight correction. Because the 6 and the 8 both pay out at 7-6 on a place bet, you want to actually put down $12. If you don't, the dealer will tell you to; don't be surprised by this. That way, your $12 bet pays $14, as opposed to a $10 bet which would require fractions and long division and all those other things you don't want to make people deal with.

[CB3]

TLDR: When table is ON, pace $10 in center of table and say "PLACE 6" Or "PLACE 8".

Your writeup is fantastic, but I have one slight correction. Because the 6 and the 8 both pay out at 7-6 on a place bet, you want to actually put down $12. If you don't, the dealer will tell you to; don't be surprised by this. That way, your $12 bet pays $14, as opposed to a $10 bet which would require fractions and long division and all those other things you don't want to make people deal with.

+ 1. Adding this detail back into the great post above would make it a perfect/easy to understand guide for a new player.

[msavard]

Good catch guys! Sorry about that oversight! I knew that but it was an oversight during the writeup. Thanks for the correction.

Also added the suggestion to place the bet in the COME area to minimize confusion while announcing the bet to the dealer.

:thumbup:

May do a writeup detailing a couple common more "advanced" tactics for getting more bets out there... but using the same clear format.

• Pass line + Come Bet (plus odds) + Come Bet (plus odds) "system" to mitigate choppy tables
• "Pressing" bets (a unit at a time or exponentially) to get more in play on bigger runs

Think there is a demand for that to help folks flesh out their bet options a bit?