The "hot button" for casino gamblers these days is to have the "badge of honor" that goes with being called an "advantage player."
There are different conditions that make you an "advantage player" depending on the game you are playing in a casino.
For example, in video poker an advantage player would:
A. Play games with a positive expectation pay table
B. Take advantage of casino comps and perks and free play promotions
C. Use bankroll management
D. Know the game and the strategy that is proper
In blackjack an advantage player would:
A. Know the proper strategy
B. Use bankroll management
C. Take advantage of casino comps and perks and free play promotions
D. Have an ability to "count cards" to know when it is best to increase bets
In craps an advantage player would have:
A. Bankroll management. You have to be smart with your money and you have to preserve your bankroll for when the good rolls come.
B. Betting management. You lose points if you are a horn better or a field better, and even if you are a hardways bettor you are shifting too much advantage to the house.
C. Comps and bonuses. Even craps players get comps and bonuses and free play and promotions, and you have to take advantage of these.
Right there are three elements and we haven't even mentioned anything controversial yet. Can anyone disagree with the first three? Any other NON CONTROVERIALS elements of craps advantage play?
Now, let's get to the controversial element:
D. Dice influencing. The reality is everyone tries to make the dice go "their way." Some do it by hoping or wishing, and some try to make the dice go their way through prayers. And then there are those who try to throw the dice a certain way. Some stack the dice, some set the dice, some throw the dice with a high loft without a spin, some try a soft roll, some aim for a certain spot on the table, and so forth. EVERYONE TRIES TO INFLUENCE THE DICE. I personally would rather bet on a player -- ANY PLAYER -- who physically tries to make the dice go his way, than a shooter who picks them up and just heaves them. Just the ATTEMPT at dice setting or a controlled throw gives me just a bit more confidence than if someone just picked up the dice, shook them in his/her hand, and heaved them.
I am not trying to pass judgment on dice influencing or dice control or the effectives of dice setting, or the effectiveness of any grip or toss or table position.
I am just saying that those four elements define craps advantage play. And if you have three out of the four (one, two and three) I think it puts you ahead of what otherwise would be a negative expectation game.
Craps is more of a luck game than video poker and blackjack where there are particular skills that are commonly known and respected. But even in the game of casino craps there are some "skills" which can help you win at the game or lose less money.