Quick Answer: Why Does Craps Need A Dealer Team?
Because one person can’t realistically:
- manage the dice
- watch bet placement
- track the puck and point
- pay dozens of different bet types
- handle chip transactions
- and keep the pace moving
all at the same time.
A craps team splits the work so the table stays fast and accurate.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
The Main Roles At A Craps Table
Most live craps tables have:
- stickman
- two base dealers
- boxman (supervisor at the table)
Some casinos may also have a floor supervisor nearby, but the core team is usually those three roles (with two dealers).
The Stickman (The Dice And The Calls)
The stickman stands in the middle on the long side of the table, holding the stick.
What The Stickman Does
- controls the dice (pushes dice to the shooter, collects them after rolls)
- calls the results out loud
- manages center bets (many prop bets are handled here)
- keeps the game rhythm steady
The stickman’s calls are a big part of the table energy, but they’re also functional:
- clear calls help prevent confusion and disputes
If you want the most common center bets explained, read Understanding Prop Bets In Craps (Horn, Yo, C&E, Etc.).
The Base Dealers (The Payout Machines)
The two base dealers stand on either side of the table. Each one covers a half of the layout and the players on that side.
What Base Dealers Do
- take line bets, place bets, come bets, and odds bets
- set and move bets as the game progresses
- pay winners and collect losers
- stack and manage chips for fast payouts
- keep track of player positions and working bets
This is the hardest “hands-on” job because payouts must be:
- accurate
- fast
- consistent
even when people are placing bets late or changing amounts.
The Boxman (The Table Manager)
The boxman sits behind the chips, facing the table.
They’re the “referee” and the quality control.
What The Boxman Does
- watches payouts for accuracy
- approves large payouts
- monitors unusual betting patterns
- handles disputes
- manages the bank (the chip inventory)
- communicates with the pit and floor supervisors
If a player argues a payout or claims a dealer made an error, the boxman is usually the one who steps in.
Why Two Base Dealers Matter
Craps doesn’t just have many bets. It has many bets happening at the same time.
A single roll can trigger:
- line bet results
- come bet movement
- odds payouts
- place bet hits
- field bet outcomes
- prop bet outcomes
So dealers split the work to avoid:
- mistakes
- delays
- missed bets
- and chaos
If you’re building a simple “base plan,” you’ll use fewer bet types, which also makes dealer interaction smoother.
How The Dealer Team Affects Game Speed
Dealer teams directly control pace.
Faster Team = More Rolls Per Hour
More rolls per hour means:
- more action
- faster wins and losses
- and higher total exposure over time
That matters because your expected loss is tied to:
- how much you wager
- how often you wager
So table speed isn’t just “fun.” It changes your session cost.
If you want the math side of that later, you’ll see it again when we break down expected losses and session pace.
Why Dealer Teams Protect Players, Too
It’s easy to think the casino team exists only to protect the house.
But a well-run team also protects players by:
- paying accurately
- catching mis-placed bets
- preventing late bets after the roll
- keeping the game fair when the table is crowded
A messy table creates mistakes, and mistakes usually hurt players more than the casino.
What You Should Do As A Player (To Make It Smooth)
You don’t need to be “perfect,” but these habits help:
- place bets early (not as the dice are flying)
- use clear words (example: “Place the six and eight for $12 each”)
- don’t touch chips once the roll is happening
- if you’re unsure, ask before the roll starts
- don’t argue mid-roll, wait for the outcome and ask calmly
This keeps the team working with you, not against you.
Common Myths About Craps Dealer Teams
Myth 1: Dealers Change The Dice Outcome
They don’t. They manage the game flow.
Myth 2: More Dealers Means The Casino Is “Scamming”
No. More dealers exist because the betting system is complex and speed is high.
Myth 3: A “Slow Dealer Team” Is Always Better
Slower pace can reduce how many bets you make per hour, but slow can also mean more confusion and more errors. You want smooth, not sloppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are There So Many Dealers In Craps?
Because craps has many bet types and fast pace. A team is needed to manage dice, bets, and payouts accurately.
What Does The Stickman Do In Craps?
The stickman controls the dice, calls the roll outcomes, and often manages center-table action.
What Does The Boxman Do In Craps?
The boxman supervises the table, monitors payouts, manages the chip bank, and handles disputes.
Do Dealer Teams Affect How Fast Craps Moves?
Yes. A sharp team can speed up the game, which increases rolls per hour and total exposure over time.
Can Dealers Make Mistakes In Craps?
Mistakes can happen in any fast game, which is why the team setup exists to reduce errors and catch issues.
Where To Go Next
You now know why craps uses a full dealer team: the stickman controls the dice and calls, base dealers handle bets and payouts, and the boxman supervises accuracy and the bank.
Next, we’ll look at table speed from your perspective: why craps can move faster than most casino games, and how that speed impacts your bankroll.
Continue with Why Craps Is Faster Than Most Casino Games.
