Action

In craps, action typically involves the bets a player places on the outcome of dice rolls. Understanding what 'action' means is essential for players of all experience levels as it impacts bankroll management and the overall strategy of the game.

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What Does 'Action' Mean in Craps?

In craps, action refers to the total amount of money that a player has bet during a particular round of the game. For example, if a player places several different bets on the craps table, such as a Pass Line bet, a Place bet, and a Field bet, the sum of these wagers represents that player’s 'action.'

Action also refers to the engagement in the game, meaning that a player is actively betting or participating in the action on the table. Whether you're betting on the shooter to win or lose, or placing specific bets on dice combinations, you are said to be 'in action.'

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Types of Action in Craps

There are several ways ‘action’ can be interpreted in craps:

Betting Action

This refers to the total amount of money a player has placed on the table in bets. If you have multiple bets on the table, like a Place bet and a Come bet, your action is the total sum of all your active wagers.

Read more about craps betting with our Craps Beginners Guide!

Dealer's Action

This term can also refer to the activity on the table that the dealers need to manage. The dealers 'work the action,' meaning they handle the wagers, payouts, and game flow. Dealers are often referred to as being "in the action" when the game is busy, requiring constant attention and rapid handling of chips.

Rolling Action

Another interpretation involves the shooter and the dice. The shooter is said to be 'in action' when they roll the dice, and the table action heightens as everyone anticipates the outcome of the roll.

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Importance of Action in Bankroll Management

Understanding 'action' is important for managing your bankroll in craps. Since craps can be fast-paced with multiple bets on the table at once, the action can quickly add up. If a player isn’t careful, they might overextend themselves by placing too many simultaneous bets, which increases their risk of losing money faster than they realize.

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Action Beyond Craps: Casino Terminology

While the term 'action' is commonly used in craps, it has a broader meaning in the casino world. In general casino terms, action refers to the total amount of money being wagered by a player on any game, be it table games, slots, or poker. It’s also used by casinos to describe the overall betting activity or volume of play during a particular time period.

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Action in Craps FAQs

What is 'action' in craps?

In craps, 'action' refers to the total amount of money a player has placed in bets during a particular game round. It can also refer to the general level of betting activity at the table or a player's participation in placing wagers.

Does 'action' only refer to the total amount of money bet?

Not necessarily. While it does refer to the total wagered, 'action' can also describe the overall betting activity on a table or a player's involvement in the game. It may also refer to the shooter's activity when rolling the dice.

Why is understanding 'action' important for bankroll management?

Understanding action helps players keep track of how much they are betting at any given time. In a fast-paced game like craps, where multiple bets can be placed simultaneously, managing your action ensures that you don’t overextend your bankroll by making too many risky bets.

How is 'action' used by casinos to track player activity?

Casinos monitor the amount of 'action' each player brings to the table, often to determine eligibility for rewards or comps. High-action players, who bet large sums or consistently engage in betting activity, may receive better perks from the casino.

Can the term 'action' apply to games other than craps?

Yes, 'action' is a general casino term that can apply to any gambling game. In slots, poker, blackjack, and other table games, 'action' refers to the total betting activity or the amount of money a player has wagered.