Dice games have been a staple in gambling and entertainment for centuries, offering a blend of luck, strategy, and excitement. Whether played in a casino or during a friendly gathering, these games can provide hours of fun. In this article, we dive deep into the top 10 gambling dice games, explaining their rules, sharing player experiences, and offering insights on how to play them. We’ll also provide guidance on purchasing the necessary equipment and answer frequently asked questions.
1. Craps
Craps is one of the most iconic and widely played gambling dice games, known for its high energy and numerous betting options. Played in casinos worldwide, players bet on the outcome of a roll or a series of rolls with two six-sided dice. The game is fast-paced, with players placing bets on the Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, or other more advanced bets such as Come and Don’t Come. The excitement comes from players rooting for the shooter (the person rolling the dice) to hit certain numbers that benefit everyone at the table.
How to Play:
- The shooter rolls two dice.
- Players bet on whether the roll will result in a "natural" (7 or 11), which wins on the Pass Line bet, or a craps (2, 3, or 12), which results in a loss.
- If the shooter rolls a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), players can place odds bets that have no house edge, which increases their potential winnings.
Materials Needed: Craps table, a pair of dice.
Buy it here: Craps Table starting at $150 USD.
2. Sic Bo
Originating in ancient China, Sic Bo is a simple yet thrilling game played with three dice. Players place their bets on various potential outcomes, such as specific triples, sums, or combinations. A dealer shakes the dice in a small chest, revealing the result. The variety of betting options makes Sic Bo a favorite in Asian casinos, although it is gaining popularity worldwide.
How to Play:
- Players bet on the outcome of the three dice rolls.
- The possible bets range from predicting the total sum to betting on specific dice combinations like triples or doubles.
- The dealer reveals the dice roll after shaking them in a chest, and the bets are paid out accordingly.
Materials Needed: Three dice, Sic Bo table.
Buy it here: Sic Bo Set starting at $30 USD.
3. Chuck-a-Luck
Also known as Birdcage, Chuck-a-Luck is a carnival-style dice game where three dice are placed inside a wire-frame cage. Players place bets on numbers or combinations, and the cage is spun. The result is determined when the dice settle.
How to Play:
- Players place bets on individual numbers, specific totals, or combinations.
- The cage is spun, and the dice settle, determining the winning numbers based on the outcome.
Materials Needed: Three dice, a wire-frame cage.
Buy it here: Chuck-a-Luck Cage for $25 USD.
4. Klondike
A lesser-known dice game, Klondike combines elements of poker with dice rolling. Players aim to roll specific combinations, such as a full house or four of a kind using five dice.
How to Play:
- Players take turns rolling five dice.
- The objective is to form poker-style hands using the rolled dice. Each player can make strategic bets based on the combinations they roll.
Materials Needed: Five dice, poker chips.
Buy it here: Poker Chips and Dice Set starting at $20 USD.
5. Hazard
An ancestor to Craps, Hazard is a historic dice game that involves betting on the outcome of a two-dice roll. The shooter rolls to hit a "main" number, and players bet whether the shooter will succeed or fail.
How to Play:
- The shooter rolls two dice to hit the "main" number.
- Players bet on the success or failure of the shooter based on the main roll.
Materials Needed: Two dice, betting layout.
Buy it here: Hazard Dice Set for $30 USD.
6. Bank Craps
A variation of traditional craps, Bank Craps has players betting against the house rather than each other. The game is faster-paced and offers various strategic betting options.
How to Play:
- Players place bets on different outcomes, such as the pass line or odds bets.
- Players can also bet against the bank in a variety of ways, including side bets and propositions.
Materials Needed: Pair of dice, craps table.
Buy it here: Bank Craps Table starting at $150 USD.
7. Klondike Fever
A variant of Klondike, Klondike Fever adds wild dice to increase the odds of getting higher-value poker hands. This variation is a more exciting version of the classic game, with added elements that keep players on their toes.
How to Play:
- Players roll five dice to form poker hands.
- Wild dice can be used to complete hands, making for even higher-stakes gameplay.
Materials Needed: Five dice, poker chips.
Buy it here: Poker Chips and Dice Set for $20 USD.
8. Yablon (Red Dog)
Yablon, also known as Red Dog, is a betting game where players bet on whether the third dice roll will fall between the first two dice in value. It's simple, quick, and easy to learn.
How to Play:
- Players bet on whether the third dice roll will land between the first two rolls.
- The game is won if the third roll falls between the two numbers, otherwise, the player loses.
Materials Needed: Three dice, betting layout.
Buy it here: Yablon Set for $20 USD.
9. Left Center Right (LCR)
Left Center Right is a fun, fast-paced dice game that’s perfect for large groups. Players roll dice to determine the distribution of chips, with the ultimate goal of being the last player holding chips. LCR is easy to learn and offers a fun and engaging experience for all ages. To play LCR, you'll need three custom dice and a set of chips or tokens.
How to Play:
- Players roll custom dice with symbols for Left, Center, and Right.
- Players pass their chips based on the roll, and the last person with chips remaining wins.
Materials Needed: Custom dice, chips or tokens.
Buy it here: LCR Dice Game Set for $10 USD.
10. Gem City Dice
In Gem City Dice, players roll a D-20 die to establish a point, similar to craps. Players also have the option to place side bets, increasing the excitement and strategy of the game. Gem City Dice is straightforward to learn and well-suited for large groups. To play Gem City Dice, you'll need a D-20 dice and a set of gems.
How to Play:
- Players roll a D-20 die to set a point.
- They continue rolling to win a "pot of gems," and side bets can be placed to influence the game.
Materials Needed: D-20 dice, gems.
Buy it here: Gem City Dice Set for $15 USD.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the rules for the 10,000 dice game (Greed)?
In Greed (also known as 10,000 or Farkle), players take turns rolling six dice. Specific combinations, such as three of a kind or straights, earn points. The goal is to reach exactly 10,000 points. Players can choose to stop and keep their points or risk losing them if they roll no scoring combinations.
2. How do you play the 5-dice game?
The 5-dice game (often referred to as Yahtzee) is a game where players aim to roll specific combinations, such as three of a kind or a full house, with five dice. Players can roll up to three times per turn, keeping desired dice and re-rolling others to complete combinations.
3. What are the instructions for the 6-5-4 dice game?
In the 6-5-4 dice game, players roll five dice and try to roll a 6, 5, and 4 in order, followed by scoring the remaining two dice. The highest total wins the round.
4. How do you play the gift exchange dice game?
This fun holiday game involves rolling dice to exchange wrapped gifts among players. Specific dice rolls determine how gifts are swapped around the circle.
5. What are some popular dice drinking games?
Popular dice drinking games include Drunk Dice and Mexicali. In Drunk Dice, players roll to determine how many drinks to take or assign to others, while Mexicali involves rolling higher combinations than previous players, with losers drinking.