Ready to roll the dice and potentially win some cash? This guide explores exciting dice games for money, from classic casino staples to casual games perfect for a night with friends. But first, a crucial reminder: responsible gambling is key. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Set a budget before you start, stick to it religiously, and be aware of the risks. We’ll cover various types of dice games, where you can play them, and important factors to consider, like legality and betting limits. Now, let’s explore the thrilling world of dice games!
Explore: Casino card games & strategies for winning
1. Craps

So, you’re ready to experience the thrill of Craps? This classic casino dice game can seem intimidating at first, with its flurry of bets and fast-paced action. But once you understand the basics, you’ll see it’s not as complex as it looks.
How to Play Craps:
Craps is played on a specially designed craps table. The game revolves around the “shooter,” the person rolling the two dice. Everyone else at the table places bets on the outcome of the shooter’s rolls.
The Come-Out Roll: This is the initial roll that sets the tone for the round.
- 7 or 11: Instant win for Pass Line bets.
- 2, 3, or 12 (Craps): Instant loss for Pass Line bets.
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10): This number becomes the “point”.
After the Point is Established: The shooter keeps rolling until they either roll the point again or a 7.
- Rolling the point: Win for Pass Line bets.
- Rolling a 7 (Seven-Out): Loss for Pass Line bets. A new round begins with a new shooter.
Odds & Payouts:
Here’s where things get interesting.
- Pass Line Bet: Pays even money (1:1). A fundamental bet in craps.
- Don’t Pass Bet: Bet against the shooter. Also pays even money (1:1).
- Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line, but placed after the point is established. Pays even money (1:1).
- Don’t Come Bet: Opposite of the Come Bet. Pays even money (1:1).
- Odds Bet (Taking or Laying Odds): A bet made after the point is established. The payout varies depending on the point and whether you are taking or laying odds. In some casinos these wagers offer some of the best odds in the house as their house edge hovers at 0%. This is how you make money playing Craps!
- Place Bets: Bets made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to be rolled before a 7. Payouts range from 9:5 (on the 4 and 10) to 7:6 (on the 6 and 8) depending on the number.
- Proposition Bets (“Prop Bets”): Single-roll bets, typically located in the center of the craps table layout, with high payouts but also high house edge (generally not recommended for novices). Examples include betting on specific dice combinations like “Snake Eyes” (two 1’s).
Betting Strategies & Bankroll Management:
- Start with Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come: These bets have a relatively low house edge (around 1.4%).
- Take or Lay Odds: Maximize your winnings by taking or laying odds after the point is established. This is where you significantly reduce the house advantage, so max these bets out as much as the table allows.
- Avoid Proposition Bets: Unless you enjoy giving your money away, steer clear of prop bets. Their high house edge makes them a losing proposition in the long run.
- Effective Bankroll Management: Crucial for any responsible gambler. Set a budget before you play Craps (whether online or in a casino) and stick to it. Don’t chase losses, and know when to walk away.
Example Round:
- You bet $10 on the Pass Line.
- The shooter rolls a 6. The point is now 6.
- You decide to maximize the allowed odds bet, betting an additional $20 behind your original $10 wager (odds bets can vary between casinos).
- The shooter rolls an 8, then a 4, then a 6.
- You win $10 on your original Pass Line Bet and $22 on your Odds Bet (odds bet payout varies depending on the point established and the casino odds rules) for a total win of $32!
What’s Next? This is just a taste of the exciting world of Craps. While this overview gets you started, exploring our Craps resources dedicated to Craps strategy and advanced betting techniques will further enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of winning. Craps is a thrilling game when approached with the right mindset and a strategy that plays the odds and avoids sucker bets.
2. Sic Bo

Sic Bo, also known as Tai Sai or Big and Small, can appear daunting at first glance. The Sic Bo table layout, with its numerous betting areas, might seem like something from a science fiction film. However, this casino dice game is surprisingly straightforward once you grasp the fundamentals. It’s essentially a fast-paced, exciting game of predicting the outcome of three dice.
How to Play Sic Bo:
You’re wagering on the outcome of three dice shaken in a container (or virtually rolled using provably fair algorithms at online casinos). The Sic Bo table layout displays a variety of betting options, each with its own payout and house edge.
Odds & Payouts:
- Big/Small: These are the simplest and most popular bets in Sic Bo. Wager on the total sum of the three dice. Small (4-10), Big (11-17). Pays 1:1. However, any triple (three of a kind, e.g., 3-3-3) results in a loss for Big/Small bets. These bets offer the lowest house edge, typically around 2.78%.
- Specific Totals: You can wager on a specific total from 4 to 17. Payouts vary depending on the probability. For example, a total of 4 or 17 pays significantly more (60:1) than a 9 or 10 (6:1) because they are statistically less likely to occur. However, these bets tend to have a higher house edge.
- Single Dice: Bet on a specific number (1-6) appearing on one, two, or all three dice. Payouts increase accordingly (1:1 for one die, 2:1 for two, and 3:1 for three).
- Doubles: Bet on two specific dice showing the same number (e.g., two 4s). Pays 8:1 for two dice showing the same number, or 10:1 for a chosen Double/pair. The house edge for double bets is typically around 18.5%.
- Triples: Bet on all three dice showing the same number. Offers high payouts (30:1 for any triple, 180:1 for a specific triple) but carries a high house edge (around 13.9% for any triple, and approximately 16% for a specific triple).
- Two Dice Combinations: Wager on a specific combination of two dice (e.g., a 3 and a 5). Pays 5:1. This bet carries a house edge of 16.7%.
Betting Strategies & Bankroll Management:
- Prioritize Big/Small: These bets offer the best odds in Sic Bo due to their low house edge. A good starting point for beginners and fundamental even for advanced players.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Sic Bo, like all casino games, requires responsible bankroll management. Set a budget before you play (whether at a physical casino or an online Sic Bo platform) and adhere to it. Don’t chase losses.
- Understand Probabilities: While basic strategies can improve your chances, Sic Bo is ultimately a game of chance. Familiarize yourself with the probabilities of different outcomes to make informed decisions.
Example Round:
- You bet $5 on Big and $2 on a total of 9.
- The dice are rolled and show 4, 5, and 3.
- The total is 12 (Big). You win $5 on your Big bet.
- You lose your $2 bet on the total of 9.
Sic Bo is all about managing risk and reward. Start with the simpler bets, then explore the more exotic options once you get comfortable. Good luck!
3. Cee-Lo (4-5-6)

Cee-Lo (also known as Four-Five-Six, See-Low, or simply Dice) is a classic street dice game blending luck and strategic decision-making. It’s all about rolling three dice to create the best possible combination. Popular in many communities, Cee-Lo offers a fast-paced, engaging gambling experience.
How to Play Cee-Lo:
Each player rolls three six-sided dice. The highest-ranking combination wins the round.
- 4-5-6: The highest roll, an automatic win. It’s often considered the equivalent of rolling a natural in Craps. Think of it as hitting the jackpot.
- Trips (Three of a Kind): Three identical numbers, also an automatic win. Higher triples beat lower triples (6-6-6 is the best, 1-1-1 is typically the lowest).
- Point: A pair and a single die. The value of the singleton determines your “point.” Higher points beat lower points (e.g., 4-4-6 with a point of 6 beats 2-2-5 with a point of 5).
- 1-2-3 (Ace Out – in some variations): In some variations of Cee-Lo, rolling a 1-2-3 results in an automatic loss. This rule significantly impacts the odds and should be clarified before the game begins. This adds to the house edge when playing in a banking format.
- Dead Roll: Any combination that isn’t 4-5-6, trips, a point, or 1-2-3 (if using that rule). Roll again until you get a scoring combination.
Odds, Payouts, and Betting Structures:
Cee-Lo is typically played for money in two main ways:
- Banking Cee-Lo: One player acts as the “bank.” All other players wager against the bank. The banker has a statistical advantage because they win on both 4-5-6 and trips. The house edge for the banker can vary based on the specific rules used, especially regarding the treatment of 1-1-1, but it’s generally substantial ranging from approximately 5% to as high as 40%. Payouts are typically even money, but variations exist where 4-5-6 and trips offer double or even triple payouts.
- Pot Cee-Lo (or “Cee-Lo for the pot”): All players contribute equally to a central pot. The winner of the round takes the entire pot.
Betting/Playing Strategies:
- Banking: If you’re the bank, manage your bankroll carefully, even with the house advantage. The more volatile nature of winning or losing all wagers can mean breaking the bank can happen too.
- Pot Game: Patience is key. 4-5-6 and trips are statistically less frequent. Don’t deplete your bankroll chasing these outcomes.
- Know the Rules: Cee-Lo has regional variations, especially concerning the “Ace Out” rule (1-1-1 being an automatic loss) and how points are scored. Clarify these rules with all players before the game begins.
Example Round (Pot Game):
- Three players each contribute $5 to the pot.
- Player 1 rolls 4-5-6. They win the $15 pot.
- If another player also rolled 4-5-6, a “shootout” would occur where the tied players re-roll to determine the winner.
Dive Deeper: Cee-Lo isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Explore Cee-Lo Rules Explained: Master the Dice Game to learn more about Cee-Lo’s rich history, regional variations, and advanced strategies to enhance your gameplay.
4. Liar Dice

Liar’s Dice, a classic bluffing game, tests your deception skills and your ability to read your opponents. It’s a game of hidden dice, bold bids, and psychological warfare. Do you have the nerve to lie your way to victory?
How to Play Liar’s Dice:
Each player starts with five dice and an opaque cup to conceal them. Everyone rolls their dice in secret and takes a peek without revealing their roll to the other players.
Bidding and Challenging:
The first player starts the bidding round by making a bid, guessing the total quantity of a specific die face value across all the cups, including their own. For instance, a bid of “three fives” suggests the player believes there are at least three dice showing a five among all players’ hidden dice.
Subsequent players have two choices:
- Raise: Increase either the quantity (e.g., “four fives”), the face value (e.g., “three sixes”), or both (e.g., “five threes”). Note that Aces (ones) are typically considered low, but this convention can vary in different game versions.
- Challenge: If a player suspects the current bid is a bluff, they can call “Challenge!” or “Liar!”.
Resolving a Challenge:
- Correct Bid (or higher): If the bid is correct or there are more of the specified face value than bid, the challenger loses one die. They then set aside the lost die for the remainder of the game.
- Incorrect Bid: If the bid is wrong (there are fewer dice showing the specified face value than were bid), the bidder loses one die.
- Spot On: If the bidder’s quantity is exactly correct, all other players lose one die.
Winning and Losing:
Liar’s Dice is a game of elimination. The last player with any dice remaining wins the game and claims the pot, if one is being used.
Playing Liar’s Dice for Money:
While traditionally played for bragging rights, Liar’s Dice easily adapts to various wagering formats:
- Winner-Take-All: Each player contributes to a pot. The winner collects the entire pot.
- Ante per Die: Players can ante an amount per die they lose. This increases the stakes with each round.
Strategies for Liar’s Dice:
- Early Game Boldness: With more dice in play, bluffs have a higher probability of success. Be bold with your initial bids.
- Late Game Precision: As players lose dice, adjust your strategy and assess the risk more carefully.
- Watch for Tells: Observe your opponents for any behavioral cues that might reveal their true hand strength.
- Probability Awareness: While precise probability calculations are complex in Liar’s Dice, a general understanding of odds will improve your decision-making, especially as fewer dice are left in play.
Example Round:
- Four players each roll their five dice.
- Player 1 bids “three fours”.
- Player 2 raises to “four fours”.
- Player 3, suspecting a bluff, challenges.
- All players reveal their dice. There are only two fours. Player 2 loses a die.
Explore More: Ready to up your game? Explore Liar’s Dice Rules & Bidding to discover Liar’s Dice variations, advanced bluffing strategies, and tips on calculating probabilities to improve your chances of winning.
5. Left Center Right (LCR) dice game with money

Left Center Right (LCR) is a simple, fast-paced dice game known for its chaotic fun and easy-to-learn rules. It’s a great party game suitable for players of all ages and experience levels – think of it as a dice-rolling version of musical chairs. While ridiculously simple, LCR can also be adapted into a dice game for money.
How to Play LCR:
LCR uses three specialized dice, each with the letters L, C, R, and three dots. Each player begins with three chips (or any agreed-upon markers).
On your turn, you roll up to three LCR dice (rolling only as many dice as you have chips). The symbols rolled on the dice dictate your actions:
- L: Pass one chip to the player to your left.
- C: Place one chip into the center pot.
- R: Pass one chip to the player to your right.
- Dot: Keep the chip.
Winning LCR:
Play continues clockwise until only one player has chips remaining. That player wins the center pot and is declared the LCR champion.
Playing LCR for Money:
Several wagering methods can transform LCR into a gambling game:
- Ante Up: Players contribute an equal amount to create the center pot at the beginning of the game.
- Pay Per Chip: Assign a monetary value to each chip. This determines the final payout based on the number of chips won.
Strategies and Tips:
While LCR is largely a game of chance, there are a few strategic considerations:
- Early Game Aggression: With more chips in play early in the game, taking risks is often advantageous.
- Mid-Game Adaptation: As the game progresses, observe players’ chip counts and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Late Game Caution: When only a few players remain, every chip becomes crucial. Play conservatively to avoid early elimination.
- Chip Placement Matters: Ideally, you want players with more chips to your left and right, creating a buffer against rapid chip loss.
Example Round:
- Four players each start with three chips and ante $5 to create a $20 pot.
- Player 1 rolls L, C, dot. They pass one chip left, one to the center, and keep one.
- Player 2 rolls R, R, L. They pass two chips right and one left.
- Play continues until a single player remains. The last player standing wins the entire $20 pot.
Explore More: Want to spice things up? Learn more about different LCR game variations, probability analysis for LCR dice, and alternative betting structures to make your LCR games even more exciting. Discover why LCR has become such a popular party game, perfect for casual gatherings and social events.
6. 6-5-4 dice game with money

The 6-5-4 Dice Game is a simple and engaging dice game, perfect for casual players and families. Easy to learn and quick to play, it’s a great option for those new to dice games or looking for a fun, low-pressure gambling experience.
How to Play 6-5-4:
The standard game uses five dice and has a target score of 50 points. Players take turns rolling all five dice. The objective is to roll a 6, a 5, and a 4 within three rolls.
Scoring:
Once a player successfully rolls a 6-5-4, they score the sum of the two remaining dice. For example: If the remaining two dice after obtaining 6-5-4 are a 3 and a 2, the player scores 5 points for that round (3 + 2 = 5). If all 3 rolls don’t result in a 6-5-4, no points are scored for that round. The first player to reach or exceed 50 points wins the game!
Playing 6-5-4 for Money:
While typically played for fun, here are some variations to introduce real money wagers:
- Fixed Payout: Players agree on a set amount per point (e.g., $1 per point). Simple and easy to calculate winnings.
- Winner-Take-All: All players contribute equally to a pot. The first player to 50 wins the entire pot. High-stakes excitement, but can be highly volatile.
- Sliding Scale Payout: The payout per point increases as the game progresses, adding a strategic layer. For example, $1 per point for rounds 1-10, $2 per point for rounds 11-20, and so on. Or, double the payout each time someone surpasses 50 without winning, adding a level of risk/reward and extending game play.
- Bonus Rolls/Payouts: Reward high-scoring rolls (e.g., 6-5-4-6-6) with bonus rolls or bonus cash, adding excitement and encouraging risk-taking.
- Penalty for Failure: Players who don’t roll 6-5-4 within their three rolls pay a penalty into the pot, increasing the pot and adding a consequence for unsuccessful turns.
Example Gameplay:
- Three players each contribute $10 to the pot, using the Winner-Take-All variation.
- Player 1 rolls 2, 3, 5, 6, and 6. They reroll the 2 and the 3 hoping to get a 4. They roll a 1 and 4 to complete 6-5-4 with remaining dice being 5, 6, 1, totaling 12 points for the round.
- Player 2 rolls 1, 4, 5, 6, and 6. They roll again hoping for another 6. They roll 1, 1, 1, 2 and 5 so no points are scored for this round.
- Play continues until one player reaches 50 points and wins the $30 pot.
7. 7 11 dice game for money

The 7-11 Dice Game, also known as Sevens, Elevens, and Doubles, is a fast-paced, simple dice game perfect for parties and casual gambling. Adapted from a popular drinking game, 7-11 offers a fun, exciting way to wager with friends. It is a dice rolling game that’s easy to learn and quick to play.
How to Play 7-11:
Using two standard six-sided dice, players take turns rolling. The goal is to roll a 7, an 11, or any doubles (pairs). These specific combinations represent the winning rolls.
Winning Rolls:
- 7: The highest probability winning roll.
- 11: Less likely than a 7 but still a winning roll.
- Doubles (Pairs): Rolling two of the same number (e.g., two 3s, two 6s).
Any other roll requires passing the dice to the next player.
Playing 7-11 for Money:
Here are popular betting variations for adding a gambling element:
- Winner-Take-All: All players ante an equal amount to create a pot. The first player to roll a 7, 11, or doubles wins the entire pot. This is the simplest and most common way to bet on the 7-11 dice game.
- Point-Based: Assign dollar values to each winning roll. For instance, 7s and 11s could be worth $1, while doubles could be $2. Keep track of scores over multiple rounds. This variation is suited for longer game play.
- Loser Pays: Each player antes up. If a player doesn’t roll a 7, 11, or doubles, they add a predetermined amount to the pot. The first player to roll a winning combination takes the accumulated pot.
Probabilities and Strategy:
- Probability of Winning Rolls: The probability of rolling a 7 is the highest (6/36 or 1/6), followed by 11 (2/36 or 1/18), and then doubles (6/36 or 1/6). Understanding these probabilities is key for strategic betting. If playing the point-based system consider these probabilities when setting the dollar amounts of the different winning rolls.
- Limited Strategy: 7-11 is primarily a game of chance, so strategy is limited. However, understanding the probabilities can inform your betting decisions in point-based games.
Example Round (Winner-Take-All Variation):
- Four players each put $5 into the pot.
- Player 1 rolls a 4. They pass the dice.
- Player 2 rolls an 11. They win the $20 pot!
8. Hazard

Hazard. It’s the historical precursor to Craps, often considered its more complex and challenging ancestor. While it was once a popular gambling game in 17th and 18th century England, Hazard has faded into relative obscurity. However, for those who appreciate historical games or enjoy a challenging and intricate dice game experience, Hazard might be worth exploring.
How to Play Hazard:
Hazard is played with two dice and involves a “caster” and a “bank” (usually the other players).
- Setting the Main: The caster selects a number between 5 and 9, called the “main.” This number is crucial as it determines the initial winning and losing rolls.
- The Initial Roll: The caster rolls the two dice.
- Nicking (Winning): If the caster rolls the main, they win immediately (“nicking”).
- Outing (Losing): Rolling a 2 or a 3 results in an immediate loss (“outing”).
- 11 or 12: The outcome of rolling an 11 or 12 depends on the chosen main. A table outlining these specific scenarios can be found.
- The Chance: If the caster rolls any number other than the main, 2, 3, 11, or 12, that number becomes the “chance.”
- Rolling for the Chance: If a “chance” is established, the caster rolls again.
- Winning: If the caster rolls the chance number again before rolling the main, they win.
- Losing: If the caster rolls the main before rolling the chance, they lose.
Odds and Payouts:
Hazard involves betting between the caster and the bank.
- Initial Roll: Nicking on the initial roll pays even money.
- Chance Bets: Once the “chance” is established, additional bets can be made on whether the chance will be rolled before the main. The odds for these bets are calculated based on the probability of each number being rolled given the dice in play.
Strategies and Tips:
- Main Choice: Choosing 7 as the main offers the caster the best odds. This strategic advantage significantly influences the probability of winning.
- Odds Bets: Calculating the appropriate odds for side bets after the chance is established is a complex process.
Example Round:
- The caster chooses 7 as the main.
- They roll a 5. This establishes the “chance.”
- They roll again and get a 6. Play continues.
- They roll a 5 (the chance). They win!
Craps: Hazard Simplified:
Craps evolved from Hazard by streamlining the rules and betting structure. In Craps, the “main” is always 7, effectively eliminating the initial phase of Hazard and making gameplay faster and simpler. The betting options in Craps are also more standardized, unlike Hazard’s complex odds calculations.
A Game for History Buffs:
While less popular than its descendant, Craps, Hazard holds a unique place in gambling history. Its complex rules and betting system offer a challenging experience for dice game enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the historical roots of modern casino games.
9. Pig

Pig is a simple yet deceptively strategic dice game perfect for casual gamblers and family game nights. It’s a quick, engaging game with just the right amount of tension. The core mechanic revolves around pushing your luck: roll the die to accumulate points, but roll a 1, and you lose everything for that turn.
How to Play Pig:
Pig is a turn-based game played with a single six-sided die. The objective is to be the first player to reach a target score, typically 100 points.
On your turn, roll the die and add the result to your turn total. You can continue rolling to accumulate more points, but if you roll a 1, your turn ends immediately, and you lose all points accumulated during that turn. The decision to “hold” (bank your turn total) or “roll” (risk losing it all) creates the core strategic element of the game. After any non-1 roll, you may choose to add that roll value to your score, or you may continue rolling until you either get a 1 or decide to stop rolling.
Playing Pig for Money:
While traditionally played without wagering, Pig can easily be adapted for gambling:
- Winner-Take-All: Everyone antes up; the first to reach 100 wins the pot.
- Set Amount Per Point: Agree on a dollar value per point. The first player to reach the target score wins the accumulated cash.
Pig Dice Game Strategy:
- Target Turn Total (TTT): Instead of rolling blindly, choose a target turn total (e.g., 20 or 25 points). Reaching your TTT reduces the probability of rolling a 1 and losing your accumulated points.
- Probability Awareness: There’s a 1/6 (approximately 16.7%) chance of rolling a 1 on any given roll. The probability of not rolling a 1 decreases with each subsequent roll, making the decision to hold or roll increasingly crucial.
- Endgame Strategy: As you approach the target score, become more conservative with your rolls to avoid losing your lead.
Example Round:
- Player 1 rolls a 4, then a 6, then a 5 (turn total: 15). They decide to roll again.
- They roll a 1. They lose all 15 points from that turn, and their turn ends. Player 2 begins their turn.
Explore More: Pig is a fantastic game for family fun or casual gambling. Want to learn more? Discover exciting Pig dice game variations, like Two-Dice Pig or Big Pig, explore advanced Pig strategies.
10. Poker Dice

Poker Dice. It’s a dice game based on poker, but with a simplified format. Think of it as poker for those who prefer the tactile thrill of rolling dice or who want a quicker, more casual gaming experience. No need to memorize complex card combinations – just roll your way to the best poker hand.
How to Play Poker Dice:
Poker Dice is played with five dice, each marked with the following faces: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, and 9. You get three rolls to create the best possible five-card poker hand. After each roll, you can choose to hold any number of dice and re-roll the rest. This strategic element of choosing which dice to hold and reroll adds depth to the game and makes informed decision making crucial for optimizing your odds.
Poker Dice Hand Rankings:
Standard poker hand rankings typically apply (but variations exist, so confirm the rules before playing):
- Five of a Kind
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
Odds, Payouts, and Betting:
While Poker Dice is often played for fun, here are popular ways to incorporate wagering:
- Winner-Take-All: All players ante, and the highest-ranking hand wins the entire pot.
- Hand Ranking Payouts: Assign predetermined payouts based on hand rankings. Five of a Kind would receive the highest payout, followed by Four of a Kind, and so on.
Betting Strategies & Probabilities:
Probability Awareness: Understanding the probability of rolling different poker hands is crucial for strategic play. For instance, rolling One Pair is much more common than rolling Five of a Kind. Adjust your strategy based on these probabilities. The probability table below displays the relative frequency of rolling each winning hand combination.
Hand | Probability |
---|---|
Five of a Kind | 0.08% |
Four of a Kind | 1.93% |
Full House | 3.86% |
Straight | 3.09% |
Three of a Kind | 15.43% |
Two Pair | 23.15% |
One Pair | 46.30% |
Risk vs. Reward: Balancing risk and reward is key. Do you hold a pair and try for Three of a Kind, or risk it all for a Straight or higher?
Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget before you start gambling and stick to it.
Example Round:
- Player 1 rolls two Kings, a Queen, a Jack, and a 10. They hold the Kings and reroll the other three dice.
- They roll another King and two 9s. They now have Three Kings and two 9s—a Full House.
- Player 2 rolls…
Poker vs. Poker Dice:
Poker Dice shares similarities with traditional poker but is simpler and faster-paced. The use of dice instead of cards eliminates the element of suits, simplifying hand rankings and making the game more accessible to casual players.
11. Chuck-a-Luck

Chuck-a-Luck, also known as birdcage, is a fast-paced dice game often found at carnivals and fairs, though less commonly seen in traditional casinos. It is similar to Sic Bo, using three dice, but differs in its betting options and equipment. Chuck-a-Luck is known for its high house edge, giving the game an element of risk and thrill of chance. However, be prepared, as it’s also known for its higher than average probability of losing.
How to Play Chuck-a-Luck:
Chuck-a-Luck is played with three standard six-sided dice housed within a spinning cage-like device shaped like an hourglass, often referred to as a birdcage. The dealer spins the birdcage, tumbling the dice. Players place bets on individual numbers from 1 to 6.
Odds & Payouts:
- One Die: If your chosen number appears on one of the three dice, you win even money (1:1).
- Two Dice: If your number appears on two of the three dice, you win 2:1.
- Three Dice: If your number appears on all three dice, the payout can vary. Some versions pay 3:1, while others offer a seemingly more attractive 10:1. However, regardless of the payout, the house edge remains significant when wagering on all three dice.
Understanding the House Edge:
Chuck-a-Luck has a notoriously high house edge, typically ranging from 7.87% to as high as 11.11% depending on the specific payouts. This high house edge is due to the number of possible outcomes and the way payouts are structured. While the odds of your chosen number appearing on at least one die are reasonable, the higher payouts for two and three dice do not adequately compensate for the significantly lower probability of these outcomes occurring.
Betting Strategies (or Managing Expectations):
Due to the substantial house advantage, there isn’t a viable strategy to consistently beat Chuck-a-Luck. It’s largely a game of chance.
Chuck-a-Luck vs. Sic Bo:
While both games use three dice, Chuck-a-Luck is generally simpler in terms of betting options. Sic Bo offers a much wider array of wagers, including combinations, totals, and specific doubles/triples. Chuck-a-Luck’s unique birdcage device also distinguishes it visually from Sic Bo, which typically uses a covered bowl or an electronic display.
Example Round:
- You bet $5 on the number 4.
- The dealer spins the birdcage. The dice show 2, 4, and 6.
- You win $5 (even money).
Chuck-a-Luck is a simple, fast-paced game that relies heavily on luck. It’s an exciting choice for casual players at carnivals and fairs, but it’s important to gamble responsibly and understand that the odds are generally not in your favor. If you prefer games with more strategic depth, explore other casino dice games like Craps or Sic Bo.