If you have ever had a seat at a craps table in a busy casino, you are sure to know how chaotic things can become.  In the midst of all the commotion you need to be able to get chips for cash, make bets, and rake in your winnings.  Al while making sure the dealer is not making any errors.  So what are you responsible for doing, and what will all the employees be doing to make sure everything gets done in an orderly fashion?

When you find the craps tables do not sit down in the first open seat you see.  Check out the table limits.  This means table maximum, table minimum, and the table odds if you choose to take advantage of the odds bet.  Find a table that will allow you to make bets you are comfortable with.  Too low and you will quickly grow bored.  Too high and you risk going bust before you are really ready to leave.  Take your time to pick a good table the first time.  Also to make sure get a good experience try to pick a table with smiling, cheering players.  There is no reason to get stuck surrounded by downers.

After you have a seat you are going to need some chips to play with.  That means giving the dealer your cash and getting chips in return, but as with so many things in the world casinos, it is not quite so simple.  You need to drop your money on the table and pull your hand away as you say “change” (don’t hand your money to the dealer).  The dealer will pick up your cash and pass it along to the boxman who counts it and instructs the dealer how many chips to give you.  Then the dealer will count out the chips place them on the table in front of you and you are free to touch them.  Pick up your new chips and place them in the groove in the table that is designed specifically to organize your chips and you are ready to get rolling (no pun intended).

It is true that things often become hectic with so much going on at once, and as such, occasionally the dealer (or other employees) can make mistakes.  Do not worry though, just keep track of what should be happening and if your chip stack comes up short, or if the dealer takes your winning bet simply stop them and inform them that a mistake has been made.  If there is any confusion, the casinos have world-renowned surveillance cameras that protect them, and you.  They can always go to the tape and make sure everyone is getting what they deserve.

There is much more that goes into playing from observing strict craps etiquette, to optimizing your play.  As you get more experienced there is a great deal to learn to improve your experience as much as possible.  As always make sure you gamble responsibly, and if you believe you may have a gambling problem you should seek help immediately.