Gambling terms, explained straight

In everyday English, "rolling dice" can mean any casual dice game. In casino slang it specifically refers to the physical act of throwing the dice in craps.

Casino & Table Games

Rolling dice slang

Rolling dice is the general gambling term for throwing the dice; in casino slang it refers to the act of making a roll rather than a specific named outcome or bet.

Also called
throwing the dice, shooting (in craps) 1
Applies to
craps and other dice games where a player physically rolls the dice 1
Key rule
Dice must reach the far wall; short rolls may be ruled a "no roll" 2

Key points

  • In craps, the shooter rolls two dice and the outcome determines wins, losses, or point resolution depending on the bet. 1
  • Rolling dice is not a specific outcome — it is distinct from terms like snake eyes (1-1) or boxcars (6-6). 3
  • Casino rules require the dice to be tossed so they hit the far wall; invalid rolls are sometimes called a "no roll." 2

Not the same as

  • Dice slang terms — a broader glossary covering many dice-related expressions, not just the act of rolling
Casino games Craps slang for numbers Explains the nicknames for dice totals in craps, such as 'yo' for 11. Casino games Sic bo dice game An ancient Chinese dice game played with three dice, now found in many casinos. Casino games Funny craps slang for numbers A lighthearted look at the colourful nicknames used for craps outcomes. Casino games Casino An overview of how casinos operate and the games they offer. Casino games Blackjack A popular card game where players aim to beat the dealer without exceeding 21. Casino games Roulette wheel The spinning wheel used in roulette, with numbered slots that determine winning bets.

Sources

  1. Craps en.wikipedia.org Provides the definition of rolling dice as slang and explains the craps shooting process.
  2. Casino security - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Details casino security rules about dice throws, including the 'no roll' rule.
  3. Dice en.wikipedia.org Distinguishes rolling dice from specific named outcomes like snake eyes and boxcars.

Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.

Written and maintained by Ellis Warrender, writer and maintainer.

Last updated 28 July 2026. Spotted an error? Tell me and it gets fixed and logged on the corrections page.