The Unwritten Rules Observed in Craps
Other than the actual game rules, there are certain unwritten rules regarding etiquette in craps. These unwritten rules are expected to be followed and all players should be familiar with them.
One unwritten rule in craps is if for some reason you do not want to play the role of shooter, you are allowed to pass the dice to the next player. The game is played in rounds and at each round 1 player should act as the "shooter".
Other unwritten rules play on luck or bad luck. After the shooter makes the come out roll it is considered bad luck for anyone to say the word "seven". Instead, players ought to say "Big Red" or some other nickname for the number 7.
Whenever you're the shooter remember that it is also said to be bad luck if you change dice in the middle of a roll. So if the dice is taken out of play (it bounced out of the table etc.) you may request it be used again.
If you're the shooter and have made a winning come-out roll, don't leave the table just yet while someone else shoots. At least let that round finish. It is considered bad luck by many players if you leave immediately after a successful shoot.
Wrong bettors are considered to bring bad luck to the table. Wrong bettor is a slang term for players who only play Don't Pass and/or Don't Come on the table.
Other unwritten rules have to do with courtesy to other players. For instance, a player making a "late bet" is considered being rude. A warning will be given due to excessive late betting. The chip rail should be kept clear of food and drinks. It is also considered rude to comment on a player's roll or his choice of bet. Players come to the table to enjoy the game. It is an unwritten rule to let others enjoy the time (and money) they spend as they see fit.
You may hear the stickman say something like "dice are out, hands high". He often will say this when the shooter is about to make his roll. All the players at the table are obliged to take their hands off the table so the dice would be clear of interference.
There are also unwritten rules that pertain to playing etiquette. For instance, you toss your chips on the table (i.e. at its center) if you intend to make a center bet. After which you would call out the bet you are making. Your chips will then be placed properly by the stickman. Remember that dealers and other table officials/casino employees are not allowed to touch the players.
Another unwritten rule of this nature is that place bets and come line bets are to be tracked by the dealers. They will also award the winnings. Though the stickman deals with hardway and other proposition bets the dealers are the ones to give the payoff according to instructions from the stickman.
An unwritten rule covers tipping. When giving a tip simply say "for the house", "for the dealers", or "for the boys". Another way to do this is to place a bet next to yours and call out "dealers."
Unwritten rules are kept just like other rules. They may be a matter of etiquette, game play, or just for luck. Whatever the reason they reflect the culture of the craps table and players are expected to abide by them. Knowing these unwritten rules should be a matter of course for a player to be able to act accordingly when playing.