Quick Answer: Why Does Table Speed Matter In Craps?
Table speed matters because the more decisions you make per hour, the more often the casino edge gets applied.
Even if your bets have a low house edge, a high-speed table can still cost more per hour because:
- you’re cycling money through bets more often
Craps is one of the fastest table games, so speed is a big deal.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
What Is “Table Speed” In Craps?
Table speed usually means:
- rolls per hour
A roll is one decision point that settles some bets:
- place bets
- field bets
- hardways (sometimes)
- props
- and eventually line bets when the point resolves
Rolls per hour can vary a lot depending on:
- table crowd size
- how fast dealers run the game
- how often people make complicated bets
- how many players are setting dice, taking time, or arguing
- how often the dice go off the table
Why Faster Tables Increase Expected Losses
Expected loss isn’t a prediction of what will happen tonight.
It’s a long-run average cost.
A simple way to think about it:
Expected Loss Per Hour ≈ (Your Average Total Bet Per Roll) × (House Edge) × (Rolls Per Hour)
You don’t need to compute exact numbers. The key idea is:
- if rolls per hour goes up, expected loss per hour usually goes up too
Two Players, Same Bets, Different Speed
Imagine two identical players making the same average bets.
Player A plays at a slow table:
- fewer rolls per hour
Player B plays at a fast table:
- more rolls per hour
Even with the same betting plan, Player B is putting more total money into action each hour. That’s why the cost per hour rises.
Speed Multiplies The “Repetition Problem” With Props
Table speed hits hardest when you’re making:
- one-roll prop bets
- field bets every roll
- constant center action
Because those bets resolve instantly, you can repeat them fast.
A $5 horn bet “just this roll” at a fast table can turn into:
- a lot of money in 30 minutes
If you want to learn the warning, read The Hidden Dangers Of Center Table Betting.
Why Fast Tables Feel More Dangerous Emotionally
Fast tables don’t just increase cost.
They also increase:
- emotional swings per hour
- chasing temptation
- and the feeling of “I can get it back quickly”
That’s how a session becomes a blur.
If you want the discipline tools, read How To Stay Disciplined During High-Energy Craps Sessions.
How To Protect Yourself On A Fast Craps Table
You don’t have to avoid fast tables. You just need adjustments.
1) Lower Your Total Bets Working At Once
If speed is high, keep your plan simpler.
Example:
- limit how many numbers you place
- avoid stacking multiple side bets
2) Reduce Prop Frequency
If you play props, use a rule like:
- “one prop per shooter”
not: - “same bet every roll.”
3) Use Shorter Session Blocks
Instead of playing two hours straight, play:
- 30–45 minutes
then take a break
This reduces exposure and resets your brain.
4) Keep Odds Size Consistent
Fast tables can tempt you to increase odds quickly.
If you’re using odds, pick a consistent size and stick to it.
If you want odds explained, read Free Odds In Craps Explained: What It Means.
5) Use A “Cost Per Hour” Mindset
A fast table is like playing more hands per hour in blackjack.
It can be fun, but it costs more.
So ask yourself:
- “Do I want a long session or a fast session?”
Signs You’re On A Fast Table
- the dice are moving constantly
- bets are being called quickly
- players aren’t slowing things down with complex calls
- the stickman is pushing pace
- you’re barely thinking between rolls
Fast can be fun. But you need limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A Faster Craps Table Change The Odds Of The Dice?
No. It doesn’t change probabilities. It changes how many outcomes you experience per hour.
Why Do I Lose Faster On Fast Tables?
Because you’re making more decisions per hour, so more money cycles through the casino edge.
Should I Avoid Fast Tables?
Not necessarily. Just reduce exposure: fewer bets working, fewer props, shorter sessions.
How Can I Slow Down My Own Play?
Skip a roll, take a breath, make fewer bet changes, and avoid repeated props.
Do Dealers Control Table Speed?
They influence it, but crowd size, players, and betting complexity often matter more.
Where To Go Next
You now understand why table speed matters: faster tables mean more rolls per hour, which usually raises your expected losses per hour by cycling more total money through the casino edge—especially if you’re repeating one-roll bets.
Next, we’ll get practical: how to pick the best craps table in a busy casino, what to look for in limits, dealer pace, crowd behavior, and table features that match your bankroll and style.
Continue with How To Pick The Best Craps Table In A Busy Casino.
