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Tipping in craps: bets for the dealers

In craps, players often tip by placing a bet for the dealers instead of handing them chips. If the bet wins, the crew keeps the winnings and the bet. A line bet with odds gives the crew the best chance to win.

Reviewed Oct 15, 2026

Answer first

90s

01Say “for the dealers” or “for the boys” when you place the bet.
02A pass line bet with odds is the most dealer-friendly toke.
03Hard ways and hop bets are popular tokes, but they lose more often.

Key numbers

Craps tokes in four numbers

$1 to $5Common tokePer shooter or roll

1.41%Pass line edgeGood toke

9.09%Hard 6 or 8 edgePopular toke

4Dealers on a crewBox, stick and two base

In short

Key takeaways

Dealer bets are a normal way to tip at craps.
Tell the dealer clearly that the bet is for the crew.
Line bets with odds give the crew the best value.
Tokes are shared among the crew.

Cheat sheet

Common dealer bets

Glance the pips — compare in one second.

1Pass line for dealers
Placed next to your line bet
2Hard 8 for dealers
A fun toke; pays 9 to 1
3Yo for dealers
One-roll 11; pays 15 to 1
4Seven-out
Most tokes lose here

Dealer bet options

Bet	Pays	House edge
Pass line with odds	1 to 1 plus true odds	Under 1.41%
Place 6 or 8	7 to 6	1.52%
Hard 6 or 8	9 to 1	9.09%
Yo (11)	15 to 1	11.1%
Any craps	7 to 1	11.1%

The crew keeps any win.

How to place a toke

Place your chip next to your own bet, or hand it to the dealer, and say it is for the dealers. For a line bet, the dealer puts it on the line beside yours and may ask if you want odds for the crew.

Some casinos let you keep the toke working until it loses; others pull it after one win.

Toke example per shooter

Player bet	Toke	Share of action
$10 pass line	$1 pass for dealers	10%
$25 pass line	$2 hard 8	8%
$50 pass plus odds	$5 pass with odds	10%
$5 pass line	$1 yo	20%

There is no set rule; tip what fits your budget.

Why dealers like line bets

A pass line bet for the crew wins about 49% of the time, and odds behind it pay true odds. A hard way wins much less often, so the crew usually ends up with less.

Some dealers will mention this; most are glad to get any toke.

Sequence

Tipping at craps

Step 01
Decide a budget
For example, $1 per shooter.
Step 02
Pick a bet
Pass line with odds is best.
Step 03
Say it clearly
“Pass line for the dealers.”
Step 04
Let it ride or collect
Ask house policy.
Step 05
Thank the crew
When you color up.

Hand tips

You can also tip with chips when you leave or after a big win. Some players prefer it because the crew gets the full amount, with no chance of losing it.

Either way is welcome.

Floor rules

Toke terms

Know before you sit

Toke: A tip for dealers.
For the boys: Common phrase for a dealer bet.
Two-way: A bet split between you and the crew.
Crew: Boxman, stickman and base dealers.

Two-way bets

A two-way bet splits one chip between you and the crew. A $2 yo two-way means $1 for you and $1 for the dealers on the 11.

It is common on hop and one-roll bets.

Who is on a craps crew

Role	Job
Boxman	Watches money and settles disputes
Stickman	Moves dice and calls rolls
Base dealers	Pay and take bets on each end
Floor supervisor	Oversees several tables

Tokes go to the dealers, not the floor.

How dealers see tokes

Crews notice players who include them, and a friendly table often runs smoother: dealers may remind you about odds you forgot or a bet that is still working.

Good service does not depend on tips, but tipping is part of craps culture in most US casinos.

Common mistakes

Not saying who the bet is for: Say it clearly.
Only toking on long-shot bets: Line bets are better.
Tipping more than you can afford: Set a budget.
Forgetting to tip after a big hit: A small toke is polite.

Keep reading

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After the 90 seconds

Questions before and after you play

A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.

01Basics

How do you tip at craps?

Most players place a bet for the dealers or hand them chips. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

What is a two-way bet?

A bet split between you and the dealers, such as a $2 yo two-way. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Do dealers share tips?

Yes. Tokes are pooled and shared. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

02Best bets

What is the best bet for dealers?

A pass line bet with odds. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Are hard ways good tokes?

They are fun but lose more often. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Can I add odds to a dealer bet?

Yes, at most tables. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

03How much

How much should I tip?

Many players toke $1 to $5 per shooter. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Should I tip if I lose?

It is optional; tip based on service. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Is tipping required?

No, never. Dealers appreciate tips, but you can play every roll without giving one.

Sources

Wizard of Odds — Craps Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Bets and edges
Wizard of Odds — Craps appendix Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Odds and edges
Nevada Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 15, 2026Approved games and gaming revenue reports
National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER