Craps Tipping Etiquette
February 16th, 2016 at 6:00:44 PM
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I voted in the poll and read as many of the comments as my limited attention span would allow, so I'm not asking for opinions regarding whether or when to tip. Assume for the sake of this thread that one is going to tip and the dealers are friendly and capable, regardless of whether players are winning or losing.
My question relates to how to tip. I had understood dealers appreciate a player making a bet as a tip and assumed they understand the inescapable math of craps better than most players, so making a "smart" bet (i.e., with a low house edge) would be preferable. In other words, I tend to tip an occasional bet that is the same as my typical bet (Pass/Come). That way, I feel the dealers are "with" me. Maybe that's nuts.
Anyway, does such a bet have to be the table minimum? Also, at the risk of re-opening the discussion about tipping when winning, I admit I tend to tip more generously when I can afford to. Would dealers expect a simple Pass/Come w/odds bettor like me to put odds on their tip?
My question relates to how to tip. I had understood dealers appreciate a player making a bet as a tip and assumed they understand the inescapable math of craps better than most players, so making a "smart" bet (i.e., with a low house edge) would be preferable. In other words, I tend to tip an occasional bet that is the same as my typical bet (Pass/Come). That way, I feel the dealers are "with" me. Maybe that's nuts.
Anyway, does such a bet have to be the table minimum? Also, at the risk of re-opening the discussion about tipping when winning, I admit I tend to tip more generously when I can afford to. Would dealers expect a simple Pass/Come w/odds bettor like me to put odds on their tip?
February 16th, 2016 at 6:58:20 PM
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You can tip $1 bets. If the game has quarters (i.e.: jokers wild) you can bet $0.25 chips...but preferably more!
Best to tip alongside your bet, on the pass (or don't pass) line. Odds are also appreciated, but not something you have to do.
Best to tip alongside your bet, on the pass (or don't pass) line. Odds are also appreciated, but not something you have to do.
February 16th, 2016 at 7:08:13 PM
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Quote: RSYou can tip $1 bets. If the game has quarters (i.e.: jokers wild) you can bet $0.25 chips...but preferably more!
That a hint that that's where you work?
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
February 16th, 2016 at 8:08:47 PM
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Some casinos will require the toke bet to be the minimum, but only if you make a toke bet that you're not also making for yourself - a very rare situation. So, if you bet next to your own bet, they combine it so you already have met the minimum. They'll just divvy up the winnings.
A dealer will never tell you they prefer the low edge pass line toke rather than a hard way toke. To do so is like telling you you're dumb for making the high edge bet for your own bets.
The only exception is the preference for place bet tokes in Atlantic City. Here's why:
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/tables/9306-best-dealer-toke-craps-place-1-on-5-6-8-and-9-pays-2-and-piggyback-it/
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Note: Jokers Wild no longer has 25¢ chips.
A dealer will never tell you they prefer the low edge pass line toke rather than a hard way toke. To do so is like telling you you're dumb for making the high edge bet for your own bets.
The only exception is the preference for place bet tokes in Atlantic City. Here's why:
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/tables/9306-best-dealer-toke-craps-place-1-on-5-6-8-and-9-pays-2-and-piggyback-it/
---
Note: Jokers Wild no longer has 25¢ chips.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 16th, 2016 at 8:31:24 PM
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i believe dealers appreciate tips directly to the "boys" or "crew" via the boxman since the house gets no vig on it. But for some reason it does seem awkward to just give a tip outside of coloring up so it kind of adds to the game when you put a $1 beside your bet and say: "Dealer on the line". I have read about "capping" or "riding along" with the dollar sitting half on top of the pass line bet, but got the impression it was frowned upon.
Or put up some hard way bet(s) and throw a dollar(s) for "Hard way, Dealer's choice".
I have never put odds with a tip bet.
Or put up some hard way bet(s) and throw a dollar(s) for "Hard way, Dealer's choice".
I have never put odds with a tip bet.
February 16th, 2016 at 8:45:35 PM
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Back when it was the Horseshoe downtown, maybe late 90's or early 2000's, I was playing and made a hardway bet for the dealers. My base dealer said that he'd rather have his toke bet on the line. Before that, I had never noticed anyone making a line bet for the dealers, and had always made dealer bets in the center of the table, like everyone else.Quote: DJTeddyBearA dealer will never tell you they prefer the low edge pass line toke rather than a hard way toke. To do so is like telling you you're dumb for making the high edge bet for your own bets.
So, I had him pull the bet down and put it on the line. Made perfect sense to me. Also, back then, it was a "go for your own tips" joint, and I came to the realization that "go for your own" dealers have a more vested interest in having their tokes on better paying bets than "pooled tip" dealers.
I haven't seen a dealer make this type of suggestion since. I don't think I have played at a "go for your own" table since, either.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
February 16th, 2016 at 8:50:45 PM
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If it is an exceptional dealer, or an exceptional roll, I'll occasionally give the dealers "shoes."Quote: HornHighYo11I have never put odds with a tip bet.
Last month when I was in Biloxi, I made a line bet for the dealers on a come-out during a hot roll. When the point was made, the guy next to me handed me a few chips to make an odds bet behind my toke bet. That was a first for me, but I obliged him.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
February 16th, 2016 at 9:39:04 PM
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"shoes" that's cool.
Was at a really hot table my first visit to vegas; at the Venetian. Guy next to me was making a fortune on the 9. Table was getting rowdy around 3 am and lots of "party drunks" were hanging on the rail. The dealers had to call out several times "no swearing, please" So this guy on the 9 started throwing $5 chips at the box, yelling "swear jar!" after inevitable "F###'n 7!" Security actually dragged a young girl away (drunk and not really playing) for swearing and tipping her cigarette ashes into the dice tray one too many times. It was quite the show.
Was at a really hot table my first visit to vegas; at the Venetian. Guy next to me was making a fortune on the 9. Table was getting rowdy around 3 am and lots of "party drunks" were hanging on the rail. The dealers had to call out several times "no swearing, please" So this guy on the 9 started throwing $5 chips at the box, yelling "swear jar!" after inevitable "F###'n 7!" Security actually dragged a young girl away (drunk and not really playing) for swearing and tipping her cigarette ashes into the dice tray one too many times. It was quite the show.
February 16th, 2016 at 10:51:53 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearSome casinos will require the toke bet to be the minimum, but only if you make a toke bet that you're not also making for yourself - a very rare situation. So, if you bet next to your own bet, they combine it so you already have met the minimum. They'll just divvy up the winnings.
A dealer will never tell you they prefer the low edge pass line toke rather than a hard way toke. To do so is like telling you you're dumb for making the high edge bet for your own bets.
The only exception is the preference for place bet tokes in Atlantic City. Here's why:
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/tables/9306-best-dealer-toke-craps-place-1-on-5-6-8-and-9-pays-2-and-piggyback-it/
---
Note: Jokers Wild no longer has 25¢ chips.
They used to have 25c chips. Then they took them away approximately 2 years ago. Then they came back, probably 6 months later or even a year.
Are you saying they took them out again?
February 17th, 2016 at 5:27:53 AM
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$5 and single odds or $1 and max odds. I, personally, would feel tacky giving them a $1 pass line bet without odds on a $10 table.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
February 17th, 2016 at 5:44:28 AM
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Quote: RSYou can tip $1 bets. If the game has quarters (i.e.: jokers wild) you can bet $0.25 chips...but preferably more!
Best to tip alongside your bet, on the pass (or don't pass) line. Odds are also appreciated, but not something you have to do.
The dealers have shoes!
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
February 17th, 2016 at 5:55:21 AM
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No. I haven't been there since they were taken away. This is the first I have heard that they're back. Gotta put them back on my list of places to visit. Did thier poker room return too?Quote: RSThey [Joker's Wild] used to have 25¢ chips. Then they took them away approximately 2 years ago. Then they came back, probably 6 months later or even a year.
Are you saying they took them out again?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 17th, 2016 at 7:12:39 AM
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I've watched and it would appear the dealers know the odds. Out here they prefer a toke in their hand to one on the layout.
February 17th, 2016 at 5:12:41 PM
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Where is "out here"? I understand dealers know any craps bet (except odds) has a house edge and they might prefer being given the sure thing tip to any bet, but it just feels to me friendly dealers enjoy getting in on the action. I suppose I could just ask but, being a guy, asking directions doesn't come naturally!
Glad to know most casinos would not require a pass/come tip bet be the table minimum (at least as long as it's beside my minimum bet, according to one comment). I tend to agree, though, a $1 bet would be a tacky tip, as I think about it.
Glad to know most casinos would not require a pass/come tip bet be the table minimum (at least as long as it's beside my minimum bet, according to one comment). I tend to agree, though, a $1 bet would be a tacky tip, as I think about it.
February 17th, 2016 at 5:27:51 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearNo. I haven't been there since they were taken away. This is the first I have heard that they're back. Gotta put them back on my list of places to visit. Did thier poker room return too?Quote: RSThey [Joker's Wild] used to have 25¢ chips. Then they took them away approximately 2 years ago. Then they came back, probably 6 months later or even a year.
Are you saying they took them out again?
Last time I was there (few months ago), there was still no poker room.
February 17th, 2016 at 10:02:46 PM
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Every dealer has his or her own personal preference. Most enjoy being in the action, but some prefer the sure thing of a hand-in versus risking it to get a match from the house. (I don't like gambling with dealers who dislike gambling.) However, I'm sure most dealers would prefer playing the toke on the line or placing the 6/8 rather than playing it in the middle of the table.
I have mostly been toking with $6 player-control bets on the 6 and/or 8 ever since I asked a dealer how he would like his toke played and he said as a place bet. (With player control, the $6 is placed offset on top of your own place bet [I read somewhere this also adds to your rated average wager.] Each time the number is hit, the dealers get the $7 win and the $6 bet stays in play. A dealer informed me that the player-control toke can also be pressed. If the toke bet is not player control, it is placed in the middle of the number's box. When the number hits, the dealers keep the $6 bet and $7 win.)
Occasionally, I'll make a $1 toke bet on the pass line next to my pass line bet and will place full 345x odds. (If the point isn't 6 or 8, I've saved a dollar or two versus a $6 toke bet placed on the 6 or 8.) The only time I hand-in a toke is when I color-in and feel generous with some "loose change."
I have mostly been toking with $6 player-control bets on the 6 and/or 8 ever since I asked a dealer how he would like his toke played and he said as a place bet. (With player control, the $6 is placed offset on top of your own place bet [I read somewhere this also adds to your rated average wager.] Each time the number is hit, the dealers get the $7 win and the $6 bet stays in play. A dealer informed me that the player-control toke can also be pressed. If the toke bet is not player control, it is placed in the middle of the number's box. When the number hits, the dealers keep the $6 bet and $7 win.)
Occasionally, I'll make a $1 toke bet on the pass line next to my pass line bet and will place full 345x odds. (If the point isn't 6 or 8, I've saved a dollar or two versus a $6 toke bet placed on the 6 or 8.) The only time I hand-in a toke is when I color-in and feel generous with some "loose change."
February 17th, 2016 at 10:46:58 PM
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If you're ever playing in NJ and want to tip the dice dealers, I recommend placing one dollar each on the six and eight for them. This pays off at 2 to 1 ($3 total for each number) for a massive edge on the toke.
If you feel like $2 at a time is too low, remember you can repeat it as needed.
If you feel like $2 at a time is too low, remember you can repeat it as needed.
February 18th, 2016 at 6:54:07 AM
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I'm running my gambit in St. Louis.
Also,
I really like the 2 toke 6-8 I did not know you could do that. But then again I don't study ways to tip very often.
Also,
I really like the 2 toke 6-8 I did not know you could do that. But then again I don't study ways to tip very often.
February 19th, 2016 at 12:44:58 PM
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West Virginia (at least Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack) too. A $1 5&9 also pays 3 for 1 (2-1 and down).Quote: sodawaterIf you're ever playing in NJ and want to tip the dice dealers, I recommend placing one dollar each on the six and eight for them. This pays off at 2 to 1 ($3 total for each number) for a massive edge on the toke.
If you feel like $2 at a time is too low, remember you can repeat it as needed.
A hand-in is always the best tip, except if you are playing at the above places.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
February 22nd, 2016 at 11:10:52 AM
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The topic of toking is so ambiguous for many reasons. The mindset of the dealers changes from club to club, depending if they are splitting their money with the rest of the pit or going "table for table"... I have been a craps dealer, in predominately "go for your own" stores for over 30 years and while I don't care to bet tokes on props, I don't recommend them to the players either. But I do like betting the "line, not only do we have a fairly good shot at winning a bet and doubling the $$, but it also shows the players that while the House gives us a place to work, we're not really in their corner like employees are in regular jobs. We WANT to see players win...we don't have to concern ourselves if the House books a losing shift. If it happens every shift for an unGodly amount of time, the Floor Bosses and Boxmen get the heat, not us...but yeah, if you feel like you're receiving top shelf service, the dealers are friendly and helpful and professional, either a hand in or a 'line bet with possibly odds ( it can be as low as $1 + $1) is the preferred toke wager. Now, if you find yourself at a table with a dealer crew of incompetents that haven't done anything for you but give you heartburn, you might throw a buck or two when coloring up to leave the game. When you totally stiff a crew, your saying that they are total assholes, or you are.
February 22nd, 2016 at 11:26:02 AM
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Exactly my experience from the other side of the rail. And the class operatives in working the game are that way, too, in dealing with tokes. Makes the whole situation far nicer all the way around. Even the grumpiest of bowmen or floor supervisors acknowledge in their taciturn way the friendlier players.Quote: rudeboy99If you feel like you're receiving top shelf service, the dealers are friendly and helpful and professional, either a hand in or a 'line bet with possibly odds ( it can be as low as $1 + $1) is the preferred toke wager.
February 22nd, 2016 at 11:38:47 AM
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Thanks for the insights, rb99! I know there are a handful of experienced dice dealers here, and I always appreciate hearing about what it's like on the other side of the table.Quote: rudeboy99The topic of toking is so ambiguous for many reasons. The mindset of the dealers changes from club to club, depending if they are splitting their money with the rest of the pit or going "table for table"... I have been a craps dealer, in predominately "go for your own" stores for over 30 years and while I don't care to bet tokes on props, I don't recommend them to the players either. But I do like betting the "line, not only do we have a fairly good shot at winning a bet and doubling the $$, but it also shows the players that while the House gives us a place to work, we're not really in their corner like employees are in regular jobs. We WANT to see players win...we don't have to concern ourselves if the House books a losing shift. If it happens every shift for an unGodly amount of time, the Floor Bosses and Boxmen get the heat, not us...but yeah, if you feel like you're receiving top shelf service, the dealers are friendly and helpful and professional, either a hand in or a 'line bet with possibly odds ( it can be as low as $1 + $1) is the preferred toke wager. Now, if you find yourself at a table with a dealer crew of incompetents that haven't done anything for you but give you heartburn, you might throw a buck or two when coloring up to leave the game. When you totally stiff a crew, your saying that they are total assholes, or you are.
Are there still quite a few "go for your own" places in Vegas? I always felt I got more personal service from those as opposed to "pooled tips" places. Though, I could be wrong -- small sample size and all!
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
February 22nd, 2016 at 2:56:37 PM
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Interesting Washington Post interview regarding research on the topic of tipping in the USA.
I didn't know that the practice has its roots in slavery. According to the interview, tipping started in Europe, and was carried to the USA. Eventually, populist sentiment following the Civil War started a movement to abolish the practice in favor of fair wages for all. The populist movement spread to Europe and killed the tipping culture that once existed there. Unfortunately, the rapidly expanding USA went the other direction, as the burgeoning restaurant and hotel industries looked for ways to cut costs by not paying a regular wage to workers who were in fields receiving tips (not coincidentally, these jobs were mostly held by former slaves.)
I didn't know that the practice has its roots in slavery. According to the interview, tipping started in Europe, and was carried to the USA. Eventually, populist sentiment following the Civil War started a movement to abolish the practice in favor of fair wages for all. The populist movement spread to Europe and killed the tipping culture that once existed there. Unfortunately, the rapidly expanding USA went the other direction, as the burgeoning restaurant and hotel industries looked for ways to cut costs by not paying a regular wage to workers who were in fields receiving tips (not coincidentally, these jobs were mostly held by former slaves.)
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
February 22nd, 2016 at 9:02:40 PM
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Joeman, I'm located in Reno...back in the '90s there were quite a few go for your own joints here, now just 2 or 3...I believe there are also 2 or 3 in the Vegas area, but I don't know where.
Last edited by: rudeboy99 on Feb 23, 2016
February 23rd, 2016 at 7:00:14 AM
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I bet 2 way Yo on every come out roll. Eventually a few hit and the dealers all seem to like that.
If I have played for a while without a Yo I will add some line bets to try and get the crew something.
If I bet hardways I usually do that 2 way as well.
My favorite tipping story involved a trip to Vegas for a conference a few years back - staying at the Paris. After having a great week on the tables (5 pt fire bet twice for example) - my last nite tables were brutally cold. Nothing was hitting and I was down to my last $25 for the session. I had had enough and turned to leave and tossed the green chip to the crew apologizing for not hitting anything - guy caught it and tossed it back and said you've been great to us all week - hold on to that one!
If I have played for a while without a Yo I will add some line bets to try and get the crew something.
If I bet hardways I usually do that 2 way as well.
My favorite tipping story involved a trip to Vegas for a conference a few years back - staying at the Paris. After having a great week on the tables (5 pt fire bet twice for example) - my last nite tables were brutally cold. Nothing was hitting and I was down to my last $25 for the session. I had had enough and turned to leave and tossed the green chip to the crew apologizing for not hitting anything - guy caught it and tossed it back and said you've been great to us all week - hold on to that one!
February 23rd, 2016 at 7:21:29 AM
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On a winning session, after I color up, I bet the "remainder" for them. For instance if I get $1023, I put the $23 on the field, pocket the $1000 and leave. The next shooter will determine the win or loss.
On a losing session, I will bet what I have left, the same way as you said above.
In addition, when I make some oddball bets like any craps or a hard way. I'll throw an extra one or two down and yell "One (or two) for the stick.
I've noticed that so many people do not tip anything at all these days.
On a losing session, I will bet what I have left, the same way as you said above.
In addition, when I make some oddball bets like any craps or a hard way. I'll throw an extra one or two down and yell "One (or two) for the stick.
I've noticed that so many people do not tip anything at all these days.
February 23rd, 2016 at 8:48:29 AM
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I've concluded that the easiest way for me to be consistent about tipping is to give the extra dollar to the crew when I press my initial six dollar place bet on the six and / or eight. Dealers will actually root for me to hit those & it keeps them paying attention to my action - win-win!
February 23rd, 2016 at 8:27:21 PM
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I only tip when I lose.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
