Dice games have been an enjoyable source of entertainment for thousands of years, with an incredible history that spans across a number of countries and cultures, including China, Egypt, Greece and Ancient Rome. In this article, we’ll explore their humble beginnings and how they’ve evolved into the dice games we know and love today.
Using Bones – And The Birth of Dice Games
Early dice were often made from the bones of animals, usually the knucklebones of animals like sheep or goats. They were also made from stone or ivory, and were carved into the familiar dice shapes that we still use today.
Some of the earliest known dice date back to around 3000 BC. In China, dice were not only a form of entertainment but they also had a deep spiritual significance. Similarly, the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used dice to make decisions, communicate with gods or even predict the future.
Dice became the symbol of fortune for many, so inevitably, these dice games became essential in some of the earliest forms of gambling, with bets being placed on the outcome of dice rolls. As the Roman Empire expanded, dice games travelled with it, influencing a number of cultures across Europe and beyond.
Dice Games in the Digital Era
In recent years, as online casinos have gained popularity, dice games were naturally added to the list. Today, many online platforms provide a wide range of dice games – for example, at https://www.askgamblers.com/casino-games/dice, AskGamblers allow players to explore a variety of dice games at the touch of a button, making it easy to find the games that best suit their preferences.
We have come a long way since the days of using animal bones! Now, online dice games come with advanced graphics, interactive features and the option to play with live dealers, which provides a fun and immersive experience. Although some players may prefer to roll a physical dice and watch in anticipation as it stops, using technology does come with certain benefits – for example, you can’t lose the dice under a table, or accidentally cause an injury if you throw the dice a little too enthusiastically!
Either way, it’s all about preference and playing in a way that you enjoy. Another plus of using online casinos is that they sometimes offer great perks, like a welcome bonus or promotions that keep things fresh and exciting. And lastly, another advantage to playing dice games online is the accessibility, as players no longer need to visit physical casinos to access a wide range of dice games.
Dice Games Popular in Casinos Today
Craps
Craps is a dice game in which players bet on the outcome of rolling two dice. A player, normally referred to as the ‘shooter’, rolls the dice. In the first roll, if the total is either 7 or 11, the shooter wins. If it’s 2, 3 or 12, they lose. If they roll any other number, like a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or a 10, that number becomes the ‘point.’ The shooter keeps rolling until they either roll the point again (they win) or if they roll a 7 (they lose).
Hazard
In Hazard, a player, called the ‘caster,’ will roll two dice and try to hit a specific number, and that number is called the ‘main’.
The caster will choose a main number, usually between 5 and 9, then rolls the dice. If they hit certain numbers on their first roll, like the main or another special number, they win, but if they hit other numbers, they lose. If neither happens, they continue rolling until they hit either the main or a losing number.
Chuck-a-Luck
Chuck-a-Luck is a simple dice game where three dice are used. Players will bet on what number or numbers they think will appear on the dice that are rolled. The dice are placed in a cage and spun, and if the number you bet on comes up, you’ll win. This is a very simple game based entirely on luck.
Banca Francesca
Banca Francesca is a quick betting game that’s also played with three dice. Players will bet on whether the total of the three dice will be a specific number, either 5, 6 or 7, or 14, 15 or 16. If the dice show one of these totals and you bet correctly, you win – if it’s any other result, you’ll lose. It’s really that simple.
Sic Bo
Sic Bo is a dice game that originated in China and is also played with three dice. Players will bet on the outcome of rolling the three dice, and you can bet on various results, such as the total of the dice, whether certain numbers will appear or if the total will be big or small. This gives you a few options and some variety, which can ramp up the excitement when playing.
Conclusion
The evolution of dice games, from ancient bone dice to the more sophisticated online versions with advanced sounds and graphics, demonstrates not only how far we’ve come but also the enduring appeal of these games through various time periods. Dice games have maintained their popularity for centuries and have captivated many players over the years, across a number of cultures. As technology continues to advance, it’s exciting to imagine how these games might evolve in the future.
FAQs
What kind of dice do casinos use?
Dice used in casinos are different to dice you are familiar with from board games at home. The casino dice are of higher quality and are produced in bright colors, making the dots easier to see.
What do casinos do with old dice?
Due to frequent use, casino dice wear fairly quickly, which may affect the outcome. Therefore, the dice in casinos are regularly changed, while used dice are discarded. Although some casinos will let you buy used casino dice as a souvenir, to prevent them from circulating again, used dice have holes punched in them, rendering them unusable.
Can I play dice games on mobile?
Of course you can – every online casino offers a mobile version of its website, or an app that features most games from its library. Dice games are no exception.
What is the most popular casino dice game?
Craps is by far the most popular casino dice game. Simple, exciting and sometimes rewarding, craps is played with two dice and an unlimited number of players. Most online casinos offer free versions of the game so that you can practice craps with no strings attached.
