Why Are Some Crap Tables So Bouncy?

I have found some crap tables are very bouncy. It usually results in poor outcomes, since I’m a soft touch/landing dice thrower. Is there a standard on the material and bed of a crap table? This is something my daughters and I have all noticed in many sessions. Hope you can shed some light on this.

Traditionally, like most table games, crap tables are constructed with felt for the surface of the layout. Felt can be made from natural fibers, such as wool, fur, and hair fibers, that are matted together in an interlocking pattern. Felt can also be made from synthetic fibers like acrylic and rayon. Some felt is a combination of naturals and synthetics.

Our understanding is that natural felt, along with a beefed up underlayment of vinyl padding, creates more surface friction, which slows the bounce of the dice, while synthetic felt is more slick and slippery, which makes the table bouncier. In addition, at the two ends of the table are strips of what's called "diamond pyramid bumper rubber." The more or the newer the rubber, the bouncier at the backs of the table.

Casinos prefer synthetic-felt layouts for a few reasons. First, they're more durable, so they have to be replaced less often; second, they colors are more vivid; and third, they can be printed with more creative and intricate designs.

A fourth reason is that it discourages precision dice throwing, which according to proponents is predicated on the "three c's": control, consistency, and comfort. The first two benefit from a less bouncy table.

However, an unintended consequence of a bouncier table is that the dice bounce off the table much more frequently. Since most crapshooters want the same dice, someone has to chase the pesky cubes around the floor, then the boxman has to check them for damage and to catch loaded dice that might be switched in.

Of course, this slows down the game, which is frustrating to the players and cuts into the house edge.

To verify all this, we turned to friend of LVA, casino consultant, and former crap dealer Dennis Conrad, who told us the following.

"About eight years ago, I encountered a very bouncy layout at Harrah’s Reno, where I occasionally played and knew a few of the dealers. They confirmed that a new table-games manager had been hired and he was determined to stop what he considered the ‘controlled-dice-shooting epidemic. After he made all the adjustments to the crap tables, it took several months of no rolls with dice leaving the table, and numerous complaints from disgruntled players and dealers, before tables were slowed down again."

Dennis concluded, "At least the players will lose at a slower pace.”

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Comments

Dave_Miller_DJTB May-25-2022

“Felt”

While they continue to be called felt, actual felt is rarely used anymore. 

For all the reasons already mentioned, the material on dice tables tends to more closely resemble real felt, but at card tables, and particularly poker tables, they use something called ‘speed cloth’ which makes it easier for cards to slide.

Stewart Ethier May-25-2022

epidemic?

This raises the question of whether there has in fact been a "controlled-dice-shooting epidemic".

O2bnVegas May-25-2022

Not milk

I've knocked over enough drink glasses (blackjack tables) that whatever they've come up with to replace "felt" is easier to wipe clean.  

Fairly serious spills...they'd have to bring out the blow dryer; one time it was super serious...clear across most of the table, they had to replace the "felt" entirely.  Not really drunk; mostly just careless, though those two often go together.  LOL.

Candy

Raymond May-25-2022

Blaming the Table

At my local casinos, some of the rollers manage to throw them off without hitting the table--out of the hand and over the top.  Then they blame the table for being "too bouncy".  When they do manage to keep both dice on the table, they usually don't last long, about as long as the guys who get the dice and announce, "Watch this".  Their usual roll is 3-7-5-7-out, followed by excuses.

My question relates to the material UNDER the felt.  Does this vary, and could it account for layouts that have more bounce than average?

jay May-25-2022

Do not pass

There are more ways to make 7 with two dice than any other number. however there are still more "other" numbers than just 7 and as such there is a slight edge to betting the do not pass line even if it is not popular with other players or even the shooter at the table. After which just be boring - do not make random number bets. At worst its a slow bleed, while you ply your liver with casino grade ethanol. On the other hand you might make a few bucks but fer-sure its not a one hit to mass riches.

I would have thought that in addition to the felt there might be some form of underlay below the felt like there is on poker tables. I have often thought that the real answer to bouncy tables would be higher backwalls or backwalls with a lip.

Allen Emory May-25-2022

lol...this is awesome

... I love that I can now, while at a craps table, say why some tabels are more bouncy than others...and be able be convincing at it. Thanks LVA..

AL May-25-2022

Loaded dice?

I'm just curious:  When it comes to loaded dice, what kind of ammunition are they loaded with, and what would the firing mechanism be?

Question of the Day - 25 May 2022

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