I'm not one to go to casinos, but If I do go, I don't mind giving away some money to play craps. I've read about dice mechanics and dice control and think it's possible but very difficult to master unless you have a ton of time on your hands. Well last night was something I don't think i've ever seen in my life. The guys who typically shoot at this place are terrible. The type that love to shake the dice, blow on them, and then hammer them into the back of the wall as if it were some type of competition to see who can dent the diamond bumpers. Anyways, this shooter next to the stickman came out and hit 7 off the bat then threw a 5 to set the point. Took him about 4 rolls to nail the 5. I thought nothing of it. Then he comes out again with a 9. He hit about three 6's, two 5's, a couple 10's and then bam another 9. Meanwhile he's betting like a jackass. $10 on the pass line and no odds. At that point i'm out for a quick bathroom break thinking he's just finished up his decent little run. I come back a minute later and as im walking up he hits the 8 he set. After this, his whips a wad of $1500 in chips out of his pocket and starts putting $150-$200 bets on only the pass line. By then I started to take some notes on his throwing. He had a few illegal throws that didn't get called but would methodically tap the bottom of the back wall. He also stood right next to the stickman (as mentioned) and he'd also stack the dice one on top of another (instead of the typical side to side) before throwing. 4 was always on the bottom with either a 1 or a 3 on top when shooting for the point. To come out, 1 was on the bottom with 2 on top. He'd also twist the dice so that'd they'd be facing a certain way (didn't catch which numbers where facing the wall). I really wish I had checked his grip too. He goes on a run for about another 50+ minutes and finished up probably around $800-1,000. Aside from the nonsensical betting I hadn't seen anything like it. His favorite number turned into 9 and could hit them without a problem. Now looking back he had all the hallmarks of a good dice mechanic. Positioned right next to the stick man, set the dice, angle looked fairly uniform, and would lightly brush the back wall. However if he knew what he was doing, his betting sure didn't show it. But aside from that it pretty much textbook. Either way it was fun and I took away that he was either extremely lucky (and threw in almost text book form) and didn't know it, OR he was a ringer. Regardless, it was one of the coolest things i'd ever seen. I'm sure there's plenty of stories of some random in Vegas going on a tear, but this was the first time i'd seen something like this. Just curious if anyone else had any experience with, or ever run into a dice mechanic.
I've spent more than my fair share of time bellied up to a craps table. I have seen several guys who thought they were dice mechanics, had all the moves of a dice mechanic, but never held the dice for all that long. The longest run I ever saw was about 40 minutes and this dude was no mechanic, just dumb luck. Was great fun at the table that night though. I suppose one can increase their odds with a whole lot of practice, but I've never seen anyone who I thought was truly manipulating the roll and actually winning for an extended stretch.
Haven't spent much time at craps for a few years, but I've seen some fairly long runs. I usually didn't bet them for some stupid reason. Probably because I usually bet against 'em from the Don't side! Us Don't guys tend to be very very quiet... I mostly look to press bets only when I roll. Not that I'm any better than anyone else. Haven't ever seen anybody that looked to be a successful mechanic. I suspect there are some very few that can swing the odds just enough in their favor. Humans can do some amazing things with enough practice.
I would hazard a guess that you'd never spot a actual dice mechanic. A smart guy would roll and go, not hanging around for long runs. Probably very few of them around just because of how difficult it would be to pull off on any kind of regular basis. It ain't like counting cards at a BJ table.
If you look at the table wall with the dimples once the dice hit that wall only true magic could control the results.How many employees were working the table? Those guys as well as the guys on camera above are trained to spot illegal activity.I have spent many hours taking my turn at the table and have witnessed many longer rolls.The only way to win is be at the table when they happen because when they truly happen you won't be able to reach the table to make a bet. Short runs of luck happen are not uncommon.
I have no affinity for craps, and have never even set foot in a casino, but that seems highly unlikely.
You should treat yourself to the craps table. It's worth the price just to be entertained by the eclectic bunch. The only way to have fun in a casino is to not take the game all that seriously, otherwise it's a job, and all jobs suck in the end.
I suppose that the people-watching side of it might be interesting. But the idea of (repeatedly) taking negative expectation bets holds absolutely no appeal; I can do that all day from the comfort of home while posting on ET.