Dice games have been played for centuries, and many of them have found a place in UK casinos and on licensed gambling websites.
This blog will walk you through some of the better-known dice games you might come across. Each one has different rules, betting options, and ways of playing.
Youāll also learn how fairness is protected, what to expect from the equipment used, and how to approach these games in a sensible way. If youāre new to all of this, donāt worryāeverything here is explained clearly and with beginners in mind.
Popular Casino Games Played With Dice
Not every casino offers the same dice games, and some are more commonly available online than in physical casinos. It can be useful to understand how each game works before placing any money on the table. Many of these games use betting layouts that show the different outcomes you can place a bet on. These can look complicated at first, but usually become easier to understand after a bit of practice.
Craps
Craps is played with two dice and often has its own section in a casino or online platform. Players take turns rolling the dice, but anyone at the table can place bets on the outcome.
You can bet on the total of the dice or whether certain numbers will be rolled. For example, betting on a total of 7 or 11 on the first roll is called a āPass Lineā bet. If that number comes up, it wins. Other types of bets, like āPlaceā or āComeā bets, can stay active for multiple rolls. The layout may seem busy, but many sites now offer simplified versions or tutorials.
Sic Bo
Sic Bo comes from China and uses three dice instead of two. The betting layout looks a bit like a board game, with lots of different boxes to choose from. You can bet on the total of the three dice, whether the total is in a high or low range (called āBigā and āSmallā), or if certain numbers may appear on one, two, or all three dice.
Some bets cover exact combinations, while others are broader. A common example is betting on a total of 10. The chance of winning depends on how specific the bet isāmore specific bets often come with higher payout potential, but lower probabilities.
Hazard
Hazard is an older British dice game thatās not often seen in modern casinos. It uses two dice, and one playerāknown as the casterāstarts each round by choosing a number between 5 and 9, known as the āmain.ā
The rules then change slightly, depending on which number is chosen. The goal is to try and roll a winning combination based on the main. Itās a more involved game and tends to be found in specialist settings or themed games online. It can be worth reading a full explanation if you ever come across it, as house rules can vary.
Chuck-a-Luck
Chuck-a-Luck uses three dice that are rolled inside a wire cage, which is spun like a wheel. Players place bets on what they think the dice will show.
For instance, you could bet that the number 4 will appear on at least one of the dice. If it shows up once, thereās a payoutāif it shows up more than once, the payout increases.
Thereās no need to guess all three numbers; even a single correct match can result in a win. This game is simple to understand, but not all UK casinos offer it regularly.
Klondike
Klondike stands out by using five dice and working more like a simplified version of poker. Players roll to try and make combinations such as āthree of a kindā, a āstraightā (five dice in a row), or a āfull houseā (a pair and three of a kind).
The better your hand, the more you could win. This game isnāt as widely offered at UK sites, but it may sometimes appear in themed collections or online variants. Each casino can decide its own paytableāthis is a list showing how much each hand is worth. It may be a good idea to check this before playing.
Do Casinos Use Weighted Dice?
In UK-licensed casinos, both online and land-based, all dice must meet high standards. The use of biased or altered diceāsometimes called āloadedā diceāis against the law and would be classed as cheating. Licensed operators are required by the Gambling Commission to ensure that every game runs fairly and without interference.
Many casinos use precision dice that are see-through and have sharp corners. These are checked regularly for any signs of damage. If thereās any issue, the dice are taken out of use. In physical casinos, games are observed closely by trained staff and overhead cameras. If anything looks unusual, the game can be paused, and the dice checked.
In online games, Random Number Generators (RNGs) take the place of real dice. These are pieces of software that simulate randomness. To ensure fairness, UK-licensed sites must have their RNGs tested by approved independent organisations. This testing ensures that the outcomes canāt be influenced by the casino, the software provider, or the player.
Casinos do not need unfair tools to make a profit. Each game includes a built-in statistical advantage for the house, often called the āhouse edgeā. This varies depending on the game and the bet. For example, in craps, a āPass Lineā bet has a house edge of around 1.41%, meaning that on average, over time, the casino keeps that percentage from all money wagered on it.
Why Do Casino Dice Have Sharp Edges & Holes?
Dice used in UK casinos are different to those you might find in a board game at home. One of the key features is the sharp corners. These allow the dice to roll cleanly and land quickly, making each outcome easier to spot. Rounded dice can spin for longer and can be harder to read.
Each number on the die is shown using dots, known as āpips.ā In casino dice, these pips are not just printed on the surfaceātheyāre drilled into the dice and filled with a substance that matches the overall weight. This keeps the balance even, reducing the chance of one side being heavier and appearing less often. Even small differences in weight can affect the roll, so casinos take this seriously.
Dice are swapped out regularly, especially if they show any signs of damage, like chips or scuffs. Casinos follow strict procedures for this. In a regulated UK venue, equipment like this is closely managed to help maintain fairness and transparency.
Play Casino Dice Games Online
If youād like to play dice games online, there are plenty of licensed UK sites to explore. Some casinos offer multiple dice games, while others may prioritise cards or slots, so take a look around to see what appeals to you. Online dice games use RNGs for fair outcomes, as outlined earlier.
Choosing a casino can be easier with help. Thatās why weāve assembled a comprehensive guide here, at Best Casino HQ, listing top UK sites offering a variety of casino gamesāincluding dice-based games. Youāll find licensing details, information on payment options, and features clearly explained.
Our guides let you compare sites in one place to find those with the games and features you want, along with guidance on checking rules and paytables, just as discussed in earlier sections.
You can enjoy exploring casino dice games with confidence by sticking to licensed operators and staying informed. For any questions about safer gambling, remember that support is available from organisations like BeGambleAware.
Dice games remain a highlight of casino play for many people, thanks to their blend of straightforward rules and entertaining choices. Staying aware of the rules, regulation, and your own limits can help you enjoy your experience responsibly.