What's almost as much fun as playing craps....

Obviously a lot of things are almost as much fun as craps. But the one I want to talk about is how I became a craps and blackjack dealer for a private company in my area. I work a few times a month on the weekends usually, and I have found this to be a lot of fun. Companies hire us for corporate retreats, fundraising events, Christmas parties and it's all for funny money which takes a lot of the pressure off. I have to say that dealing craps is a lot of fun, it almost completely fulfills my desire to play craps for real money. A lot of the other dealers don't deal for the money ($25/hr or a flat $85 for a 3-4 hour night wouldn't be worth most people's time), but for the fun of it. Most of the players at these events haven't played before so there is an added benefit of being able to teach people how to play hopefully in a more conservative way. I know many of us on this site hate to hear casino dealer's tell someone they should make "bad" bets, such as the field because you "win on all those numbers." I can tell them instead there are 16 ways to win and 20 ways to lose, to give them a better idea that it is not a great bet. If they understand expectation (I have had the occasional actuary at the table), I can tell them the EV or HE on the bets. It's a lot of fun. I read a post recently about people who have had to stop gambling for various reasons, and maybe this would be like an alcoholic working in a bar, but I have found it to be a fun diversion from gambling and a (+EV) way to be at the craps table.

Many of those Party Pro dealers find that their audiences enjoy a pseudo-realistic atmosphere wherein you clap you hands before touching money or reaching into your pocket and you act as if there is a camera aimed at the layout and force people to put their money down on the layout etc. It gives you time to think and do math and it lets the players get a sense of a real casino night for their charity money.

Some of the payouts may be changed if its a charity gig and some bets can disallowed but its a fun gig to have things realistic.

I represent a company which puts on these events. You would be surprised at how successful such a business endeavor can be, especially if run correctly.

What's almost as much fun as playing craps.... What the hell can be less fun than playing craps ? Maybe a toothache.

Quote: FleaStiff

Many of those Party Pro dealers find that their audiences enjoy a pseudo-realistic atmosphere wherein you clap you hands before touching money or reaching into your pocket and you act as if there is a camera aimed at the layout and force people to put their money down on the layout etc. It gives you time to think and do math and it lets the players get a sense of a real casino night for their charity money.

Some of the payouts may be changed if its a charity gig and some bets can disallowed but its a fun gig to have things realistic.

That's what we try to do. A lot of it is more relaxed, but it's good to get someone used to the environment in case they go to a real casino. I always make the players put everything in the 'Come' box, count out the funny money like a casino does and everything. It's good to explain to the customers why such customs are adherred to and I think it makes them better casino patrons in the future.

Quote: midwestgb

I represent a company which puts on these events. You would be surprised at how successful such a business endeavor can be, especially if run correctly.

I'm in the midwest, too. Whereabouts are you located? I just saw an ad on craigslist for 20 different casino tables (including two full sized craps tables) and some accessories for $5,000. That would be a good deal for someone looking to start up their own company.