Rock \"n Roll Dice

Introduction

Rock 'n Roll Dice is a unique dice game that I discovered at the Wynn on May 2, 2010. It has similarities to craps and is played on a table similar to that used for blackjack. A shaker, about the size of a cookie jar, is utilized to roll the dice. Below, I will outline the rules concerning the bets that you can place.

Rules

Much like in craps, there are a variety of betting options available. To make it clearer, I will explain each type of bet one by one.

Players Circle

This bet can be likened to the pass line bet found in craps, but with the distinction that rolling an 11 results in a push, and a 12 also leads to a push instead of a loss. For those who aren't familiar with the rules of craps, I will share the comprehensive rules here.

1. The initial roll that follows your bet is termed the 'come out roll.' If this roll results in a 2 or 3, the player loses. A roll of 7 signifies a win for the player, while rolling an 11 or 12 results in a push with no change to your wager.
2. If the outcome of the 'come out roll' is neither a 2, 3, 7, 11, nor 12 and instead is one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this rolled number becomes designated as 'the point.' The dice will continue to be shaken until either the original point number is rolled again or a 7 appears. Rolling a 7 before hitting the point results in a loss, while rolling the point first grants the player a win.
3. Winning bets typically pay out at even money, except in instances where a point is hit 'the hard way', meaning both dice show the same number. In such cases, a successful bet pays out at 6 to 5.

The Numbers

These bets resemble the odds bets in craps; however, players are permitted to place them as long as they have made a Players Circle bet. This means they aren't restricted to betting solely on the current point. Additionally, players cannot wager more on any single number than what they have risked in their Players Circle bet. For those unfamiliar with the rules of craps, the comprehensive rules can be found here.

1. If a player rolls any point number on the come out roll, they are then allowed to place Numbers bets. There are four available Numbers bets, specifically targeting the numbers 5, 6, 8, and 9.
2. Each Numbers bet pays out if the specific number is rolled before a 7. Conversely, if a 7 is rolled first, the bet on the Numbers will lose.
3. A win on the 5 and 9 pays 3 to 2.
4. A win on the 6 and 8 pays 6 to 5.
5. Players can choose to place or remove Numbers bets at any time following the 'come out roll.' However, they cannot wager more than their Players Circle bet amount on any single Number.

Juke Box

The Juke Box bet functions similarly to the field bet in craps, with the exception that rolling a 9 results in a loss instead of a win, and it also offers some payouts that exceed what the field bet provides. To elaborate, here are the detailed rules of craps for those who might need them.

1. You can place Juke Box bets at any moment, and each bet is settled after just one roll of the dice.
2. A 2 or 12 pays 3 to 1.
3. A 3 or 11 pays 2 to 1.
4. A 4 or 10 pays 3 to 2.
5. A 5 to 9 loses.

Analysis

The table below illustrates how the return for the Players Circle bets is calculated, with the bottom right cell indicating a house edge of 3.32%.

The next table depicts how returns for Numbers bets on 5 and 9 are determined, showing no house edge of 0.00% in the lower right cell.

Another table details how the returns for Numbers bets on 6 and 8 are calculated, again reflecting a house edge of 0.00% in the lower right cell.

Additionally, there is a table showing how the return on Juke Box bets is assessed, featuring a house edge of 2.78% in the lower right corner.

Strategy

The Numbers bets present the lowest house edge, indicating they are favorably structured. However, players must first place a Players Circle bet to qualify. I would recommend making that Players Circle bet and then placing the maximum allowable wager on all four Numbers bets. When you combine all five types of bets, the total house edge settles at 0.90%.

Should another casino permit players to wager more than 1X on each Number, the following table outlines various combined house edges, based on several multiples of Numbers bets relative to the Players Circle bets, under the assumption that all four Numbers are placed.

Links

Visit rocknrolldice.com for the official game website.

Written by: Michael Shackleford