Players at the table may respond to the newcomer's question about the hot-cold table by saying, "The table is ice cold," or they may respond, "The table is hot," or they may simply shrug, possibly mumble, and ignore the newcomer. Dealers will typically shrug and say something equivocal like, "Oh, it's up and down."
Fascinatingly, some craps players will inquire of the dealers if a table was hot or cold before it emptied, as if the warmth and coldness will last forever.
Are there "hot" and "cold" craps tables in existence? Of course not, but don't tell it to superstitious gamblers who fervently hold that notion in their hearts, brains, and souls.
A table is simply a table, so remember that. Squeeze it. It's neither hot nor chilly. Just a table is what it is.
The new player wanted to know how the players at that specific table were performing. And how were they all doing? Or were they all receiving the boot in the head? Depending on their responses, the new player will decide whether to buy-in, observe from outside the table, or leave.
So let's say our new player finds out that half the players at the table are now leaving. Does this mean that the current will change from summer to summer? What if everyone at the table is gone? Would this indicate a temperature change? Remember that the table is just a table and the players who are out there have played in the past, but the future is yet to come. Nothing changes except that the bodies are asleep and the dealers may not have many games on their particular table until now.
So how come some players have such wild ideas about what will and won't happen anymore at the craps table? Many people do not understand why the numbers are the way they are; Often, they ignore the concept of probability as if mathematics has nothing to do with the short and long term results of the game of craps. They often ignore the nature of opportunity. Most players don't realize that streaks will happen all the time in random games, but what those streaks will be and how long they can last is a big 'unknown'.
The "hot" and "cold" table concept is just another type of popular betting concept, which in craps is the most popular form of incorrect analysis. The betting trend also has many manifestations. If a number has been shown several times in a short period of time, many players will jump on that number, hoping to ride it until the sun goes down. On the other hand, many other players will bet against this number that will repeat itself in the near future because it cannot continue to happen. No idea can be relied upon to work; If either were possible, there would be no casinos offering the game of craps. The bottom line for craps players in a random game is simple. The past is well known; the future is not. The Nostradamus of craps does not exist.