Quick Answer: The Core Dice Rules
Most casinos follow some version of these rules:
- use one hand to pick up and throw the dice
- throw the dice so they hit the back wall
- don’t slide or gently “drop” the dice
- don’t take forever with long rituals
- if a die leaves the table, let the dealers handle it
- if the roll is invalid, the dealer calls “no roll”
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Casinos Care About Dice Handling
Craps is built on randomness.
If players could control outcomes by:
- sliding dice
- setting dice forever
- or barely tossing them
the game would be compromised.
So casinos enforce rules that make sure the dice:
- tumble
- bounce
- and behave like real random objects
Whether dice control is “real” or not, casinos don’t want anything that even looks like a controlled roll.
One-Hand Rule (Yes, It Matters)
Most casinos require the shooter to:
- pick up the dice with one hand
- throw the dice with that same hand
Why?
Because using two hands opens the door to:
- switching dice
- palming dice
- or doing weird stuff dealers can’t verify
So if you’re shooting:
- choose your two dice
- keep them in one hand
- and toss them cleanly
The Back Wall Rule (The Most Important Rule)
At the end of the table is a rubber wall with little pyramid bumps.
Most casinos require the dice to:
- hit that back wall on the throw
Why?
Because the back wall forces extra randomness.
A toss that doesn’t reach the wall can look like:
- a controlled “drop”
- a slide
- or a too-soft toss
What Happens If You Miss The Back Wall?
Usually:
- the dealer warns you
- “Hit the wall, please.”
If it keeps happening:
- the casino can call “no roll”
- or stop your turn
- or change the dice more often
The best approach is simple:
toss with enough arc and speed to reach the wall every time.
What “No Roll” Means
“No roll” means the result does not count.
If the dealer calls “no roll,” the table resets and the shooter rolls again.
This usually happens when:
- dice don’t meet rules
- a die lands crooked or blocked
- something interrupts the roll
It’s not personal. It’s just a rule call.
Common “No Roll” Situations
Rules vary by casino, but these are common.
1) A Die Leaves The Table
If a die flies off the table, it’s almost always “no roll.”
The dealer will:
- retrieve the die
- often swap in a new die set
- then continue
As a player, don’t chase the die. Let staff handle it.
2) Dice Don’t Hit The Back Wall Repeatedly
Many casinos allow a warning or two.
But repeated short tosses can trigger “no roll” calls.
3) The Dice Don’t Bounce (Sliding Or Dropping)
If the dice slide across the felt, the dealer may call:
- “No roll.”
Sliding is a big red flag because it reduces randomness.
4) A Die Lands On Chips Or A Bet Stack (Sometimes)
Some casinos treat this as:
- a valid roll if the outcome is clear
Others call: - “no roll” if the dice are blocked or unclear
This depends on house policy.
5) The Shooter Throws Before “No More Bets”
In live craps, dealers may call timing.
If the shooter releases too early while bets are still being settled, the dealer may call:
- “no roll”
so the table stays fair.
How To Shoot Without Stress (Simple Routine)
You don’t need a long ritual.
A clean routine looks like this:
- pick two dice
- set them quickly if you want (briefly)
- toss with one hand
- aim for the back wall
- don’t overthink it
Most tables prefer a shooter who keeps the game moving.
If you want to know more about the etiquette side, read Why Craps Etiquette Is So Important At Live Tables.
What To Do If The Dealer Warns You
If a dealer says:
- “Hit the wall,” or
- “One hand,”
Just nod and adjust.
Arguing is the fastest way to make the table awkward.
Remember: the dealer is enforcing rules for everyone, not targeting you.
Can You Set The Dice?
Many casinos allow dice setting, as long as:
- you don’t delay the game
- you use one hand
- you still hit the back wall
- and you don’t slide the dice
Dice setting is controversial and we’ll cover it in depth later.
For now, the key point is:
if you set, keep it quick and still throw properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have To Hit The Back Wall In Craps?
In most casinos, yes. It’s one of the most common shooter rules to ensure randomness.
Why Is It One Hand Only?
To prevent dice switching or suspicious handling, and to keep the game clean and fair.
What Does “No Roll” Mean?
It means the roll doesn’t count and the shooter must roll again.
What Happens If A Die Falls Off The Table?
The roll is usually “no roll,” staff retrieves the die, and sometimes the dice are replaced.
Can I Set The Dice Before Rolling?
Often yes, but keep it fast and still follow one-hand and back-wall rules.
Where To Go Next
You now know the key casino rules for handling dice: one hand, hit the back wall, avoid sliding, and understand what triggers “no roll.”
Next, we’ll get into one of the most famous craps traditions: why players yell “Yo!” and other table calls, and what those calls actually mean.
Continue with Why Players Yell “Yo!” And Other Craps Table Traditions.
