You guys know of any places on the strip offering free craps lessons? Bills was the only one I knew of that did...

Pretty sure Venetian still offers them (think I saw a sign for twice daily lessons last time I passed through). Friend of mine mentioned getting craps lessons at Excalibur. I know Stratosphere offered them in the past; not sure if they still do.

Excellent. I'm going back in August and was hoping to be able to learn a new method of losing my money. Thanks!

Any idea if Mirage or Mandalay Bay offer lessons? My stay will be split between the two.

I've also seen lessons at NYNY...but it's been awhile since I was there.

I seem to recall seeing a sign for them at Luxor (which is next to Mandalay Bay) so you might check there.

I remember Excalibur offering free lessons.

Many places freely offer lessons...Is there an easier way to get money than from a betting novice

Most casinos do this, just ask the dealers or any casino employee.

Google simple 'Don't' strategies for Craps, find one that is fairly simple and straightforward and look for a choppy table that rolls a few numbers then 7s-out on a regular basis. You'll earn money slow and steady, relatively low stress, but the downside is you can get a little hurt if someone gets on a roll and keeps shooting numbers, although after a couple made points plus some 7s on the come-out, it's time to find another table anyway.

Here is what I do when I find a choppy table:

1. bet Don't Pass, get a point
2. if point is not 6/8, add Odds to my Don't Pass and add a betting unit to the Don't Come box
3. once the Don't Come point is set, I will wait for the 7 and collect
4. If the point is a 6/8, I tend to wait for the decision before adding money at step 2 unless the table is really choppy

On a table with a really good rhythm of point-roll-roll-roll-roll-7out, I will add another Don't Come bet to get paid an extra bet before the shooter 7s out again.

The concepts of "choppy table" or "good rhythm" are basically in your head. This is not a technique, it's just luck. Much like streaks while playing baccarat.

I'm not saying it's necessarily bad to follow such things, but since this is a "beginner" thread, I would hate for someone to think these are "real" concepts.

The house edge, is the house edge, is the house edge.

Another suggestion is to review the Wizard of Odds page on craps.

With that being said, I think the EASIEST way for a new player to play (and, not be a DON'T PLAYER; which is basically considered *evil* at most tables... and we know, someone new to craps does NOT want to be considered the arse at the table ), is to just place the 6 & 8. Low house edge. Most common numbers to be rolled (after a 7). No worries or thoughts about odds (and no need to have the bankroll for odds). Also, the math is easy. Get paid one or two times, press your bet. Keep pressing periodically, but only after getting paid. Easy way to break into the game, IMHO.

^ this, Gambler's Fallacy. Fair dice do not have memory!

^ this too. The miniscule advantage of the don't just isn't worth the lack of fun for a new player. I've won more money, but I've never had more FUN than playing pass line at a busy craps table that had a big hot streak.

As usual, bubbala, I agree with everything you say. BTW, I gave in and got the CZR CC.

1) There are no streaks, patterns or anything else.
2) Betting the pass line is more fun. You can cheer along with everyone else. The difference in the odds is very tiny. Consider that part of the "fun" quotient.

OP, craps is a really fun game when there are lots of people at the table. You can cheer along with everyone else and all root for the same numbers. Don't let yourself get confused by all the odds bets. In general, the greater the payoff, the bigger the house advantage.

You'll understand all the terminology once you learn the basics.

Mike

I would disagree with you slightly here, there are absolutely streaks, there just is no predictive value in the fact that one is going on. ie, a shooter can hit 10 numbers in a row (that's a streak), but that doesn't mean that he's any more or less likely to hit #11.

Yep,
but "virgin" female rollers with large breasts always roll well. Now, that's a qualified fact.

Lots of seemingly sound advice in this thread. Thanks, guys.

I'm a Vegas junkie but really not a huge gambler (I like the dining, people watching, excitement and extravagance above all else). I've been known to frequent the blackjack table on occasion, but certainly no pro. I've always wanted to learn the craps game, it seems to me like the most exciting table game (when things are going good for the table, at least).