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Casino Terms Glossary
Bones — is casino slang for dice, most commonly at the craps table, rooted in the old practice of casting knucklebones as randomizers. On the casino floor, “roll the bones” simply means to throw the dice. In some contexts, players may also use “bones” to describe domino tiles or, informally, chips or dollars, but dice is the primary meaning.
Understanding Bones
In gambling, Bones meaning refers primarily to the dice used in craps. The formal Bones definition in a casino context is the pair of cubic dice players throw to resolve bets on the layout. The term matters because craps outcomes drive odds, house edge, and table etiquette. Knowing how bones are handled (stickman control, one-hand rule, hitting the back wall) helps any player stay compliant and focused on fair play. At 101RTP, we explain table-game slang, dice probabilities, and, for slot-focused players, how variance and bankroll discipline mirror craps risk management.
Examples of Bones
Here are common examples showing how players use bones:
- “Coming out—let’s roll the bones!” A shooter announces the start of a craps round before the dice leave the rail.
- “Bones to the back wall.” The stickman reminds the shooter to hit the rubber pyramid wall for a fair, random bounce.
- “He plays bones, not slots.” A player prefers craps over machines and table games.
- “Old-school bones” used casually to describe domino tiles in a non-casino setting or “a few bones” meaning dollars in casual gambling talk.
FAQs
What is Bones in a casino?
In casino terms, bones means dice—especially at the craps table. When dealers or players say “roll the bones,” they’re referring to throwing the dice to resolve bets. While the slang can sometimes mean dominoes or dollars in casual speech, the core casino usage is the dice themselves.
How did the Bones term originate in gambling?
Bones comes from ancient gaming with animal knucklebones used as randomizers long before standardized dice. The slang endured as gambling evolved into modern casinos. Today, craps players still say “rattle the bones” or “roll the bones,” keeping the historical link alive while using precision-made casino dice.
Can Bones refer to anything besides dice?
Yes. Although the primary casino meaning is dice, some players use bones to describe domino tiles in casual games, or dollars/chips in informal talk (“a few bones”). Context decides the meaning: at a casino table, the term almost always points to the dice in craps.
Is rolling the bones affected by shooting technique?
Casinos require a fair, random roll: one hand, clean toss, and the dice must hit the back wall. Claims of “controlled shooting” remain controversial and unproven in regulated casino play. For practical bankroll management, treat each roll of the bones as independent with house edge determined by the bet you choose.
Do casinos let you handle the bones however you want?
No. The stickman controls dice movement, and shooters must follow rules: use one hand, keep dice in view, avoid excessive arc, and strike the back wall. These procedures protect game integrity and fairness for every player at the craps table and help the house verify random outcomes.
Why does Bones matter for new gamblers?
Understanding bones—dice, outcomes, and etiquette—helps a new player grasp craps quickly. Knowing which bets carry lower house edge, why 7 appears most often, and how to handle the dice avoids mistakes and improves the overall casino experience. The term is a gateway to learning table-game fundamentals.
How can I learn dice odds and etiquette around bones at a casino?
Study basic probability for two dice and read clear rules on come-out rolls, points, and required back-wall contact. For curated explanations and casino reviews, 101RTP guides cover bones, craps odds, and table conduct so you can approach the game confidently and avoid common beginner errors.
Can I use tools to plan bankroll and bonuses if I mostly play slots, not bones?
Yes. While bones refers to dice, slots demand similar risk planning. 101RTP offers a Slot Simulator to model stake size, bankroll, and session outcomes, plus a Bonus Value Score calculator to estimate which games and bet levels best clear wagering with higher profitability potential.
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