The Craps Table Crew – Boxman & Dealers

T he crew for a standard-size casino craps table comprises five people: one boxman and four dealers.  The boxman is more senior than the dealers in terms of experience and status with the casino, and she’s in charge of the game.  The dealers take turns being the stickman.  Three dealers (i.e., two dealers and the stickman) at a time work the table, while the 4th is on break.  The dealers rotate positions every 20 minutes so each dealer gets a 20-minute break each hour.

Lucky Red Casino

✔️A great online casino for real money accepting USA Players with 400% Bonus.

Visit Casino NOW

Crypto Reels

✔️ USA Online Casino with nice casino bonus. Nr 1 Bitcoin Crypto Casino

Visit Casino NOW

The boxman is the table boss.  She sits in the middle of the table in front of all the casino’s chips.  The boxman observes everything ensuring the game runs properly.  She watches the dealers to ensure they give the proper payouts and don’t cheat the players or casino.  She watches the players to ensure they don’t cheat the casino or other players.  She serves as the judge for disputes between a dealer and a player (e.g., a player sometimes claims that a dealer paid incorrect odds or forgot to pay a winning bet).  She has the power to deny someone a spot at the table, or to have a player removed from the table for making the game unpleasant for others.  The boxman’s focus is on the game.  She seldom talks to the players, so don’t be offended if you try to start a conversation with her and all she says is, “Good evening.”  If you want conversation, talk to the dealers or other players because the boxman is not interested in chatting.  When you drop your money on the table and ask for chips, the dealer picks it up and hands it to the boxman.  The boxman then puts the cash on the table usually with the back side facing up to make it easier for the cameras to see the denominations.  When the boxman verifies the count, she instructs the dealer to give you your chips.  She then uses a “paddle” to push the bills through the slot in the table where they fall into the drop box that’s fastened to the underside of the table.  The name “boxman” was coined because of her responsibility for getting the cash into the drop box.

The two active dealers stand on either side of the boxman and handle players’ bets in the side sections of the layout.  They sometimes help the stickman handle bets in the center section of the layout when there’s a lot of action.  Each dealer is like a bank teller, giving and taking money.  When you win a bet, the dealer puts your winning chips in the “apron” directly in front of you.  When you lose, the dealer takes down your losing bets.  With a packed table and lots of action, it’s fun to watch a fast dealer moving from player to player knowing exactly how many chips everyone gets.  To us, it seems like calculus, but to them it’s like adding 2 + 2.  If the table is dead or there’s not much action, you can carry on a conversation with the dealer.  Most of the time, dealers try to be polite, try to help you if they see you’re a novice, and want to be your friend because they want you to tip them.  They generally make minimum wage so they rely on your tips to make a decent living.  When a dealer auditions for a new job at a casino, a good personality and people skills are more valuable than dealing skills.  The casino would rather have a dealer who’s slow but can interact amiably with the players than one who’s lightning fast but never says a word.  The casino knows a new dealer’s counting skills will develop quickly, but good interpersonal skills are a lot harder to develop.  Most of the time, your experience with the dealers will be pleasant and enjoyable; however, on occasion you’ll come across a dealer who’s simply having a bad day.

The stickman stands at the center of the table on the opposite side of the boxman and dealers.  He controls the pace of the game, but if he’s too slow, the boxman will encourage him to speed it up.  The stickman manages the bets made in the center section of the layout.  He uses a long L-shaped, wooden stick (called a “mop” or a “whip”) to gather the dice after each roll and give them to the shooter for the next roll.  The stickman calls each roll of the dice, usually adding banter that makes the game more fun.  It’s entertaining to listen to a good stickman spouting funny rhymes, such as, “Six with ease, like spaghetti and cheese,” and, “Seven’s a bruiser, the front line’s a loser.”  The stickman also tries to persuade players to make those center-section bets that have a high house advantage.  The casino loves a good stickman because they can talk players into making bets that they normally wouldn’t make.  The stickman can be very tempting, so be careful not to fall into his trap.  It’s okay to laugh at his banter, but when he calls you out and tries to talk you into making a bet that you know you shouldn’t, simply smile and say, “No thanks.”  He’ll soon learn that you’re a smart player and will stop trying to influence your bets.

FAQs

1. What positions comprise a Craps table crew?
   • The main positions in a Craps table crew are the Boxman, Stickman, and two or more Dealers.
2. What is the role of the Boxman?
   • The Boxman supervises the game, manages the chips, and ensures that the rules are followed. They sit between the dealers and opposite the stickman.
3. What is the role of the Stickman?
   • The Stickman manages the dice, announces the results of rolls, and engages with players to keep the energy of the game lively. They use a stick to collect and distribute the dice.
4. What is the role of the Dealers?
   • The Dealers manage bets, distribute winnings, and collect losing bets. They interact with players, explaining the rules of the game and ensuring fair play.
5. How is the Craps table crew trained?
   • Members of a Craps table crew usually go through a casino-specific training program which includes learning the rules of the game, mastering the required skills, and understanding casino procedures and customer service standards.
6. Is experience required to be part of a Craps table crew?
   • While some casinos might prefer individuals with experience, many casinos provide training for new hires, so experience is not always necessary.
7. What skills are important for a Craps table crew member?
   • Important skills include excellent customer service, sharp mathematical abilities, good hand-eye coordination, and a thorough understanding of the game of craps.
8. Can Craps table crew members participate in games?
   • No, casino employees, including Craps table crew members, are typically prohibited from gambling at their place of employment to avoid conflicts of interest.
9. How are disputes resolved at the Craps table?
   • Disputes are usually resolved by the Boxman or the floor supervisor. They will review the situation, consult the casino rules, and make a decision accordingly.
10. Do Craps table crew members work long hours?
    • The hours can be long and often include nights, weekends, and holidays since casinos are usually open 24/7. The schedule may vary depending on the casino and its operating hours.

Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Craps table crew can enhance the gaming experience, especially for those new to the game of Craps.

We have other articles that we believe you will also enjoy reading and we list them below:

• The Craps Table Layout
• The Table
• Proper Etiquette at the Craps Table
• Craps Table Limits
• The Proper Way to Get and Protect Your Chips at a Craps Table
• Your Table Position Can Make or Break Your Playing Experience
• You should also read about Bubble craps “the electronic craps machines”

You can now head over to the table of contents to find more great content. Practice at Sun Palace, Casino Max, or Slots Plus to later play craps for real money. Here you will learn how to play craps, find the best craps strategy and also how to win at craps