What's the best way to tip dealers at craps?

Question: What's the best way to tip dealers at a craps table?

Answer: Consider tipping table game dealers who've been helpful and courteous. You can do it three general ways – make a bet for the dealers so they're in on the action, drop them money during play after a noteworthy round, or leave them something when you quit. One method doesn't preclude another, of course.

The most common bets made for craps dealers are longshots like the "hardways," "yo-eleven," or "any craps." The logic is that a small bet such as $1 on the hard four nets the dealers $10. Players usually bet for themselves and the dealers at the same time. To do so, drop two checks and call out whatever is appropriate, for instance "two-way hard six." This typically involves two equal $1 or $5 bets. But nobody will prevent you from going higher, or from betting unequal amounts. As an illustration, drop a $5 and a $25 check and call out "two-way yo;" the stickman will assume the $5 is for the dealers and the $25 is for you.

Craps players most often tip with two-way bets on hard numbers during long rolls when shooters are trying to make even points – four, six, eight, or 10; the two-way bet is made on the corre-sponding hard number. Two-way bets on propositions such as yo or any craps are generally made when the shooter is coming out.

Incidentally, to tip directly during or after a game, don't hand checks or cash to the dealer. Instead, drop your tip on the table and say something like "Thanks for the action, that's for you."