Interested in playing casino games but want to keep things straightforward? Dice games can offer relatively simple rules, quick rounds and clearly defined outcomes.
Whether you’re new to online casinos or simply interested in games with uncomplicated mechanics, dice games can be understood without having to learn extensive rules or betting systems. The outcome of a roll is determined by the game’s rules and, for software-based games, the relevant random outcome system.
If you want to learn about different dice games available online, this guide explains how they work, what to consider when choosing a game and some of the safeguards that apply to regulated online gambling in Great Britain.
Gambling involves financial risk and is not a way to make money. Only gamble if you are 18 or over, and only spend what you can afford to lose.
A simple dice game generally has rules that can be understood relatively quickly. Core features may include a limited number of betting options and outcomes that are resolved within a short period.
Many dice games centre on straightforward wagers, such as predicting a total, betting on a particular range or selecting a specific number. The available options vary between games, so it is important to read the individual rules and paytable before placing a bet.
Gameplay can also be relatively immediate. Depending on the game, you select a wager, confirm your stake and receive the outcome of the roll. However, simple mechanics do not mean that the game is low risk: the outcome remains uncertain and the operator’s mathematical advantage, where applicable, means players can lose money over time.
Understanding the rules, potential payouts and applicable odds can help you make an informed decision about whether a particular game is suitable for you. You do not need to use a betting system to understand the basic mechanics of a dice game, and no betting strategy can remove the financial risk involved.
Here are a few dice games that may be available online. Availability, rules, bet types and payouts vary between operators and individual game versions.
Sic Bo uses three dice and typically provides a range of betting options. Depending on the version, bets can include predictions about totals, individual numbers or particular combinations.
Common bet types can include:
The different wagers have different probabilities and payouts. A higher advertised payout does not necessarily mean a better chance of winning, so check the game’s rules and paytable before playing.
As with all casino games, individual results are uncertain and previous outcomes do not provide a reliable indication of what will happen on a future roll.
Craps uses two dice and has a number of different betting options. Although the table can initially appear complicated, some wagers have relatively straightforward rules.
Examples include:
The rules and house advantage differ between bet types. Before playing, make sure you understand how the relevant wager works, when it wins or loses and what payout applies.
Craps involves repeated opportunities to place bets, so it can be useful to decide on a spending limit before starting rather than increasing stakes in response to previous results.
Lightning Dice is a live casino dice game based around three physical dice. The game is presented through a live video feed, with bets placed on the available outcomes before the roll.
Depending on the game version, features can include:
The format may be visually engaging, but additional features do not change the underlying financial risk. Check the rules, available bets and payout information before deciding whether to play.
Each of these games has its own rules, probabilities and potential payouts. There is no guaranteed way to win, and no casino game should be treated as a source of income. If you choose to gamble, set limits on both spending and time and stick to them.
Online dice games use software and systems designed to determine game outcomes in accordance with the applicable rules and technical standards.
For software-based games, a Random Number Generator (RNG) is used to produce random outcomes. The way an individual game converts those outcomes into dice results depends on its design and technical implementation.
Live casino formats use physical dice and a live video presentation. The exact procedures depend on the individual game and operator.
Licensed remote gambling operators in Great Britain must comply with the Gambling Commission’s Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards (RTS). These standards cover areas including game rules, result determination and the generation of random outcomes.
The Gambling Commission also requires relevant games and RNGs to undergo testing in accordance with its testing requirements. Approved test houses carry out specified testing, including examination of RNG implementation and game mathematics and functionality.
These requirements provide a regulatory framework for the operation and testing of applicable remote gambling games, but they do not make individual outcomes predictable or guarantee that a player will win.
Yes. Dice games may be offered by online gambling operators licensed to provide remote gambling to consumers in Great Britain. The specific games available depend on the operator and its game suppliers.
Operators providing remote gambling facilities to consumers in Great Britain generally need the appropriate Gambling Commission licence. Licensed operators must comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including technical standards and social responsibility requirements.
Before depositing or playing for real money, check that the operator is appropriately licensed and read its terms and conditions. You should also check the age and identity requirements that apply to the account.
Real-money gambling is restricted to adults aged 18 and over in Great Britain. Gambling should not be treated as a way to generate income or recover financial losses.
When considering an online dice game, start by checking the operator’s regulatory status and the information it provides about the game.
Next, review the rules and paytables for the particular game. Look at the available bets, potential payouts and any information about probabilities or RTP information that the operator provides. Do not assume that a larger potential payout represents a better chance of winning.
Where available, free-play or demonstration versions can allow you to familiarise yourself with the interface and rules without staking real money. Remember, however, that a demonstration mode does not replicate the financial consequences of real-money gambling.
It is also worth deciding on personal limits before playing. Consider how much money you can afford to lose and how much time you are comfortable spending. Deposit limits, time limits and other responsible-gambling tools may be available through licensed operators.
Finally, check the operator’s customer support and responsible-gambling information. Make sure you know how to access account controls and where to find help if gambling becomes difficult to manage.
Licensed online gambling products are subject to technical and regulatory requirements relating to game fairness and the determination of outcomes.
For software-based games, the Gambling Commission’s technical standards include requirements relating to random outcome generation. Relevant games and RNGs are subject to testing requirements, including independent testing by approved test houses in applicable circumstances.
Operators are also required to provide information about games, including rules and relevant information about the likelihood of winning, under the applicable technical standards.
Depending on the game and operator, information available to players may include:
Live games use physical equipment and procedures appropriate to the particular game. The precise controls and processes can vary between operators and suppliers.
These safeguards are designed to support compliance with the applicable technical and regulatory requirements. They do not mean that a player is guaranteed to win. Casino outcomes remain uncertain, and the house advantage applicable to a particular wager means that players can lose money.
A few persistent ideas can cause misunderstandings about dice games.
One common misconception is that previous results determine what happens next. In an appropriately functioning random game, previous outcomes do not provide a reliable method of predicting a future outcome. A sequence of similar results does not by itself establish that a different result is “due”.
Another misconception is that observing patterns can reveal a system that reliably predicts future results. Random sequences can contain apparent patterns, but those patterns do not necessarily provide useful information about the next outcome.
There is also a common belief that betting systems can change the underlying odds of a casino game. A staking system can change the amounts a player bets and the way wins and losses are experienced, but it does not change the underlying probabilities or house advantage of the game.
Understanding these points can help maintain realistic expectations. No betting system can guarantee a profit or remove the risk of losing money.
Gambling should be treated as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Setting boundaries before playing can help you keep your gambling within limits that are appropriate for you.
Decide in advance how much money and time you are prepared to spend, and do not exceed those limits. Where available, use responsible-gambling tools such as deposit limits, time limits, reality checks or other account controls.
Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money you have lost. Previous losses do not make a future win more likely.
Taking regular breaks can also help you keep track of how much time and money you are spending. Never gamble with money needed for essential expenses, and avoid gambling when you are trying to deal with financial difficulties.
If gambling stops feeling like entertainment or you are concerned about your gambling, consider using the support and self-assessment resources provided by the operator or an appropriate gambling-support organisation. You can also consider restricting or stopping your gambling.
Only gamble if you are 18 or over, and remember that gambling involves financial risk. There is no guaranteed strategy for winning.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.