diff --git a/r2/r2/models/bidding.py b/r2/r2/models/bidding.py
index 6486a08e0..f1d5876d6 100644
--- a/r2/r2/models/bidding.py
+++ b/r2/r2/models/bidding.py
@@ -591,5 +591,6 @@ def to_date(d):
     return d
 
 # do all the leg work of creating/connecting to tables
-Base.metadata.create_all()
+if g.db_create_tables:
+    Base.metadata.create_all()