Dice game

What is a dice game?

A dice game is any casino game in which the primary outcome is determined by the roll (physical or virtual) of one or more dice. In regulated iGaming, every online dice game relies on a Random Number Generator (RNG) to produce outcomes, making dice a purely chance-based format with no player skill component affecting the result.

Two broad sub-categories dominate the market. Traditional table dice games — Sic Bo (three dice, numerous combination bets) and craps (two dice, sequential-roll betting phases) — replicate land-based formats in digital or live-dealer environments. Crypto dice games, sometimes called hash dice, strip the concept to its simplest form: a single virtual roll against a player-defined threshold (e.g., “roll under 50”), with outcomes verified through cryptographic provably fair algorithms.

Both sub-categories share a defining trait: the game math is transparent and derived directly from discrete probability (the number of equally likely dice outcomes), rather than from complex paytable engineering typical of slot games.

How does a dice game work?

The core workflow of an online dice game follows these steps:

1. Bet placement. The player selects a wager type and amount. In Sic Bo, this means choosing among dozens of bets (Big/Small, specific totals, doubles, triples). In crypto dice, the player sets a win-probability threshold using a slider.
2. RNG execution. The server generates a random outcome. In regulated environments, a certified pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) maps output to dice faces or a numeric range. In provably fair crypto dice, the result is derived from a combination of a hashed server seed, a player-supplied client seed, and an incrementing nonce.
3. Outcome resolution. The generated result is compared to the player’s bet. Winnings are calculated according to the game’s paytable or payout formula.
4. Verification (crypto dice). After each round, the player can independently verify the outcome by hashing the revealed server seed with their client seed and nonce, confirming the result was committed before the bet was placed.

The house edge is embedded in the payout structure: payouts are set slightly below true mathematical odds, guaranteeing the operator a long-run margin.

Examples of dice games

Sic Bo is a three-dice game of ancient Chinese origin, offered in most Asian-facing online casinos and increasingly in Western live-dealer lobbies (e.g., Evolution’s Super Sic Bo). With 216 possible outcomes per roll, Sic Bo offers a wide range of bets. The Big/Small wager — betting the total falls between 4–10 or 11–17, excluding triples — carries a house edge of approximately 2.78% and a win probability of 48.61%. Specific-triple bets pay up to 180:1 but carry a house edge exceeding 16%.

Crypto dice (Bitcoin dice) uses a virtual 10,000-sided die (or equivalent numeric range). A typical platform offers a fixed house edge of around 1%, with the payout multiplier calculated as (100 − house edge) / win chance. For example, choosing a 49.5% win chance at a 1% edge yields a 2× multiplier. This simplicity and transparency have made crypto dice the most-played game category on many blockchain casinos.

Sic Bo vs. crypto dice — a comparison. Sic Bo is a multi-bet, high-volatility format with house edges ranging from roughly 2.78% to over 30% depending on the wager. Crypto dice is a single-bet, player-configurable format with a consistently low edge (often ≤1%) and adjustable volatility — the player controls risk by moving the win-chance slider. From a product perspective, Sic Bo suits operators targeting entertainment-focused Asian markets, while crypto dice appeals to mathematically oriented, high-volume bettors in the crypto segment.

Tips / Best practices

Design. For traditional dice (Sic Bo, craps), ensure the UI clearly labels the house edge and win probability for each bet type. For crypto dice, expose the payout formula and allow client-seed customization within the interface.

Messaging. Highlight the provably fair verification process in player-facing materials. Offer a built-in verification tool and link to open-source code so players can confirm results without leaving the platform.

Measurement. Track dice game performance using GGR per active player, average bet volume, session length, and bet-type distribution. Because crypto dice enables extremely high bet frequency (hundreds of bets per minute via auto-bet), standard session-based metrics may need adjustment to avoid misleading comparisons with slower-format games.

Governance. Implement responsible-gambling safeguards specifically calibrated for the rapid pace of dice games: enforce mandatory loss limits, session timers, and auto-bet caps. Disclose RTP and house edge prominently in game rules and help sections.

Wrap-up

Dice games occupy a unique niche in the iGaming product mix: they combine mathematical simplicity with player-facing transparency, making them ideal for building trust — particularly in the fast-growing crypto casino segment. Operators can maximize dice-game potential by selecting formats that match their target audience (Sic Bo for Asian and live-dealer markets; crypto dice for blockchain-native players), ensuring crystal-clear odds disclosure, and implementing provably fair or third-party-certified RNG verification.

FAQ

What is the house edge in a dice game? It depends on the format and bet type. In Sic Bo, Big/Small bets carry roughly a 2.78% house edge, while proposition bets can exceed 15%. Craps Pass Line bets have a 1.41% edge. Most crypto dice platforms operate at approximately 1%.

Are online dice games fair? In regulated environments, dice games use independently certified RNGs. In crypto casinos, provably fair systems allow players to verify each outcome cryptographically. Both approaches ensure outcomes cannot be manipulated after a bet is placed.

What is the difference between dice games and slots? Dice games are resolved in discrete, simple probability events with transparent math. Slot games use complex paytables with many symbols, paylines, and bonus features. Slots typically have higher volatility and less transparent per-spin math, while dice games allow players (especially in crypto dice) to configure their own risk/reward ratio.

Can I use a strategy to beat a dice game? No betting strategy can overcome a negative-expectation house edge over the long run. Players can manage bankroll and select lower-edge bets, but the mathematical advantage always remains with the operator.