Gaming Guru

Why Are Craps Dice Red?

Dear Mr. Scoblete,

I have two questions about craps:

1. Why do casinos mostly use red dice for craps? I ask because I collect casino dice and I like to have other colors than red to round out my collection, and I can hardly ever find any color but red.

2. I understand, over the long term, placing maximum odds will lower the house edge on pass and come bets. But, in the short term, placing more than 2X odds really eats through my bankroll. I have run a few simulations using spreadsheets and found if I place more than 2X odds, my bankroll is devastated. What do you recommend?

Thank you for your time,
Jason

Dear Jason:

The color red allows the white pips of the dice to be seen clearly and this is one reason why red is used on them more than any other color. Red is easier for the dealers and boxmen to see. However, some casinos will use other colors. I have seen blue, lavender, green, and orange.

Now to betting. You have to bet in proportion to what you have as a bankroll. The fact that the odds bet doesn't have a house edge is a nice thing, but you will still have big swings in your bankroll owing to random streaks. If you are putting too much up in odds, a bad swing can obliterate your money. You are right to stick to 2X odds if that is what you can safely afford.

All the best in and out of the casinos.

Frank Scoblete