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🎤 Meet “Mike” – A Veteran Craps Dealer with 12 Years in Vegas
(Note: Name changed for privacy. Content based on aggregated interviews and dealer Q&As.)
Mike has dealt craps at major properties including The Orleans, Harrah’s, and a long stint at The Cromwell. We caught up with him during his off hours to talk about what really happens behind the dice.
💬 Q: What’s the most important thing new players don’t understand about craps?
Mike: People think it’s just about yelling and betting on whatever looks fun. But there’s actually a flow and rhythm to craps that matters. New players jump into the deep end, betting on every box number, hardways, the horn… without even knowing the basics of Pass/Don’t Pass. If you want to last, start small and watch a few shooters before tossing chips.
💬 Q: Is there really such a thing as a hot table?
Mike: Hot tables are real—but it’s not mystical. It’s just a statistical anomaly where a shooter catches a run. But people feed into the energy and start betting bigger, which fuels the feeling. As a dealer, we feel it too. The cheers get louder. Tips go up. People buy in just to feel part of it. But remember—it always turns.
💬 Q: What’s something players do that annoys dealers?
Mike: Three things: talking over us when we’re calling bets, tossing chips late, and buying in mid-roll. The last one really sets off the table. Also, don’t throw the dice off the table—that’s not lucky, it just slows down the game. And don’t blow cigarette smoke in our faces. You’d be amazed how often that happens.
💬 Q: What’s the weirdest superstition you’ve seen?
Mike: Oh man. One guy rolled with a jar of pickles he said were lucky. Another guy wore different shoes for every number on the come-out. I’ve seen players whisper to the dice in Russian. But the funniest was a woman who slapped the table three times and said, “Papa needs rent money!” every single roll.
💬 Q: What are the best types of players?
Mike: The best are the ones who know the game, tip modestly, and keep the energy up without being jerks. You don’t need to be a big spender. Just know your bets, don’t hold up the game, and have fun without making it all about you. Some of the nicest players are low-rollers who treat the dealers with respect.
💬 Q: Do dealers root for the players?
Mike: Absolutely. Happy players tip. When a shooter is on fire and the rail is winning, everyone eats. We’re not the enemy—we want a hot table. That’s when dealers get cut into the fun. Cold tables suck for everyone.
💬 Q: Have you ever seen someone win big at craps?
Mike: Plenty of times. I saw a guy turn $300 into over $40,000 in two hours at Harrah’s. He was betting the line and pressing his odds every single time. It was surgical. But the key is he knew when to walk away. Most don’t. I’ve seen people win $10k and lose it all trying to push their luck.
💬 Q: What do high rollers do differently from average tourists?
Mike: High rollers don’t waste time. They make clean, sharp bets. No shouting, no second guessing. They know the layout better than some dealers. Also—they tip better. Most throw us black chips without blinking. They treat the table like a business transaction, not a party.
💬 Q: What advice would you give to someone playing craps in Vegas for the first time?
Mike: Don’t be intimidated. Stand back for a few minutes and learn the rhythm. Ask questions—it’s okay! Start with a Pass Line bet and add odds behind it. That’s the best play in the casino. And remember, craps is social. Don’t be a jerk and the table will take care of you. It’s one of the few games where strangers cheer for each other. Ride that energy.
🧠 Final Thought
Dealers like Mike are the unsung heroes of Vegas gaming—keeping the game moving, managing egos, and keeping the energy high even after eight-hour shifts. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned player, it helps to see the game from their side of the table. Respect the crew, tip when you can, and above all—don’t be the person who slows down a hot table.