Quick Answer: Do Superstitions Change Craps Outcomes?
Superstitions don’t change the dice.
But they do change player behavior.
That’s the real impact:
- people bet bigger
- chase more
- copy others
- and break their plan because “the table energy says so”
So superstitions can absolutely change your results, even if they don’t change the roll.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Craps Creates Superstitions So Easily
Craps is the perfect superstition machine because:
- streaks happen naturally
- everyone reacts together
- wins feel shared and dramatic
- losses feel personal
- and you’re always looking for a “reason”
When a shooter hits the point three times, people want a story:
- “He’s hot.”
- “His dice set works.”
- “The table is lucky tonight.”
That story feels better than:
- “variance happened.”
The Most Common Craps Superstitions (And What They Do To Bets)
1) “Don’t Say Seven”
This is the classic rule.
People believe saying “seven” will “call it” into existence.
The real effect is social:
- it builds table unity
- it creates a shared ritual
- and it increases emotion when a 7 shows up anyway
The danger is when superstition turns into blame:
- players get mad at someone who “jinxed” it
- emotions rise
- chasing starts
If you want to learn why emotions spike after seven out, read Why Chasing Losses Is Especially Dangerous In Craps.
2) “Hot Shooter” Belief
Players assume a shooter is “hot” and will stay hot.
This drives behaviors like:
- pressing faster
- adding more numbers
- firing prop bets
- ignoring stop-win rules
Hot shooters exist in the moment, but they don’t change probability.
If you want to learn the myth angle, read The Myth Of Controlled Shooting In Craps.
3) “Cold Table” Belief
Players assume the table is “cold,” so they:
- stop playing their plan
- jump between bets
- chase with props to “break it”
- or leave too late after damage is done
A cold stretch is just variance.
The danger is how you react to it.
4) “The Dice Are Due”
This is the most expensive superstition.
Examples:
- “We haven’t hit a yo in forever.”
- “Hard eight has to come.”
- “The point is due.”
This belief encourages:
- repeated props
- bigger bets
- and chasing
But each roll is independent.
If you want to know why outcomes aren’t “steerable,” read How Dice Bouncing Affects Randomness In Craps.
5) “New Dice Will Change Everything”
When a table is cold, someone always wants new dice.
Sometimes casinos change them anyway for procedure, but the superstition effect is:
- it resets emotions
- it makes players feel hopeful
- and hope often turns into higher risk
6) Lucky Rituals And “Lucky Spots”
Players tap the table, kiss dice, blow on them, or always throw from the same spot.
These rituals can be harmless if they stay quick.
They become harmful when they:
- slow the game
- create tension with dealers
- or become excuses for changing bets
If you want to know what casinos actually enforce, read How To Handle Dice Properly (Casino Rules).
How Superstitions Quietly Increase Risk
Superstitions usually don’t say:
- “bet bigger now.”
They whisper:
- “just add one more bet.”
- “just one horn.”
- “press it, he’s hot.”
- “don’t leave, it’s about to turn.”
That’s how a simple session becomes:
- too many bets working
- too much exposure
- too much volatility
If you want to learn about volatility, read Understanding Volatility In Craps Betting Sequences.
How To Enjoy Superstitions Without Letting Them Control Your Wallet
Here are simple rules that work.
Rule 1: Treat Superstitions As Entertainment
You can play along with the vibe without believing it changes odds.
Rule 2: Keep Your One-Sentence Plan
Example:
- “Pass Line + small odds + place 6/8, no props.”
If a superstition pushes you away from that plan, it’s costing you.
Rule 3: Use A “No New Bets When I’m Down” Rule
This is the best defense against superstition-driven chasing.
If you want the chase framework, read Why Chasing Losses Is Especially Dangerous In Craps.
Rule 4: Don’t Argue With The Table
You don’t need to “debunk” people at the table.
Smile, keep your plan, and enjoy the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Craps Superstitions?
Not saying seven, believing in hot shooters, thinking numbers are due, and wanting new dice after a cold stretch.
Do Superstitions Affect Dice Outcomes?
No, but they affect player behavior, which can change your results through bet size and bet choice.
Is Dice Setting A Superstition?
For most players, yes. It can be a routine, but it doesn’t automatically mean control.
Should I Follow The Table’s Superstitions?
You can follow harmless rituals for fun, but don’t let them push you into bets you didn’t plan.
What’s The Biggest Money-Losing Superstition?
Believing you’re “due” and repeating props or raising bets to chase a specific number.
Where To Go Next
You now understand how craps superstitions influence betting: the dice don’t change, but your behavior can—especially through “due” thinking, hot shooter belief, and pressure to add action.
Next, we’ll zoom in on one of the strongest myths at the table: the psychology of hot shooters and long rolls, why they feel like proof, and how to avoid over-betting when the table is fired up.
Continue with The Psychology Of Hot Shooters & Long Rolls.
