Casinos are establishments where the rules of probability govern the outcomes of games.
Among the various games offered, dice games hold a significant position. So, It's no surprise that many players often have queries about how casinos handle dice.
One frequently asked question is, "Why do casinos change dice?" This Wizard Slots blog aims to unravel this mystery.
Understanding Casino Dice
Before diving into the reasons why casinos replace dice, it's important to understand the unique characteristics of casino dice. These are not your run-of-the-mill dice used in board games. Casino dice, often referred to as precision dice, are carefully manufactured to try to maintain an unbiased outcome.
Why Do They Change Dice In Casinos?
Casinos replace dice for a variety of reasons, primarily to maintain the integrity of the games and ensure fair play.
Maintaining Randomness
Casinos are required to replace dice around every four to eight hours, primarily during a shift change. This action is part of the standard operating procedures of casinos, which helps maintain the randomness of the dice throws.
Preventing Dice Tampering
Dice tampering is a well-known method used by some unscrupulous players to try and cheat the casino. To prevent cheating, casinos frequently change dice. They also use dice made with serial numbers to minimise the possibility of "crooked" dice being used.
Ensuring Sharp Edges
The shape and design of the dice play a significant role in the outcome of the throw. Casino dice have sharp edges which ensure random rolls. Over time, these edges become rounded due to continuous use, which can affect the randomness of the outcome. Therefore, it becomes necessary to replace them.
How Often Do Casinos Switch Dice?
Casinos usually replace dice during each shift change, which typically happens every four to eight hours. However, they have the right to change the dice as often as they see fit. For instance, during a player's winning streak, the casino might replace the dice to ensure that the player's luck isn't due to tampered dice.
Do Casinos Use Special Dice?
Yes, casinos use special dice that are carefully designed to try and maintain fairness in the games. These dice are typically larger and made from high-quality materials. They also have special security features such as serial numbers and key letter spots that are unique to each casino.
Security Measures in Casino Dice
Casinos take extensive measures to ensure fair play and prevent any potential fraudulent activities. Here are some of the security features that can be found in casino dice:
- Serial Numbers: Casinos often imprint serial numbers on each dice. This helps them quickly identify if a different dice is used during the game.
- Key Letter Spots: Casinos often ask dice manufacturers to include a special monogram before painting the dice. This is invisible to players but can help casinos detect any fake dice.
- Glow Spots: Some casinos use dice with special epoxy-filled spots that change colour under UV light. This enables floor managers to check the legitimacy of the dice using a simple black light test.
- Cancellation: Dice wear out over time and need to be replaced. Before doing so, casinos may use a hand-operated press to imprint a circular marking on the dice surface. This indicates that the dice have been cancelled and are no longer in use.
Are Casino Dice Loaded?
Contrary to popular myths, casinos do not use loaded or rigged dice. Loaded dice are those that have been tampered with to favour a particular outcome. Casinos follow strict gambling regulations, and using such dice would be against these rules. Furthermore, casinos have no need to use rigged dice as they already expect an average profit from the house edge in the long run.
In conclusion, casinos change dice to try to maintain fairness, prevent any potential tampering, and ensure the integrity of the games. So, the next time you're at a casino, you can rest assured knowing that the dice you're throwing are as fair as they can be.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
