What Is a Shooter in Gambling?

In casino gambling, the shooter is the player who rolls the dice in the game of craps. This role is central to the game, as the shooter’s roll determines the outcome of each round and sets the pace for all betting decisions at the table.

How It Works

• Before rolling, the shooter must place a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet.
• The first roll is called the come-out roll:
  • Rolling a 7 or 11 wins (natural).
  • Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 loses (craps).
  • Rolling any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) establishes the point.
• After a point is set, the shooter keeps rolling until they either:
  • Roll the point again (win), or
  • Roll a 7 (lose, known as “seven-out”)

When the Shooter Changes

• The role of shooter passes to the next player clockwise when the current shooter “sevens out” or chooses to pass the dice.
• Every player at the table has the opportunity to become the shooter.

Etiquette and Tips

• Always use one hand to roll the dice, hitting the far wall of the table.
• Don’t slide or throw the dice too aggressively.
• Being the shooter is optional – you can bet without rolling.

The shooter is a key figure in craps, responsible for starting and ending each round with a dice roll. Understanding the shooter’s role adds to the excitement and strategy of one of the most social games in the casino.