Casino Tech

Dice Control and Dice Setting: Can You Really Beat the Craps Table?

Of all the claims made by advantage gamblers, few are more controversial than dice control. Proponents insist that with years of practice, a skilled shooter can influence the outcome of casino dice enough to overcome the house edge. Skeptics counter that it's physically impossible and mathematically absurd. The truth, as with many gambling debates, lies somewhere in a complex middle ground of physics, probability, and casino countermeasures.

Unlike card counting — where mathematical proof exists that skilled players can gain an edge — dice control occupies murky territory. There's no definitive scientific study proving it works, yet some respected gamblers swear by it. Understanding this controversy requires examining what dice control actually claims to accomplish and whether the physics support those claims.

The Core Claim: Dice control proponents don't claim to "choose" specific numbers. They claim to slightly reduce the randomness of throws, influencing axis rotation to avoid certain combinations (particularly the seven) just enough to shift the mathematical edge from the house to the player.

What Is Dice Control?

Dice control — also called precision shooting, controlled shooting, or rhythm rolling — is a technique that attempts to influence the outcome of a craps roll by controlling how the dice are thrown. The theory rests on several key principles:

Dice Setting

Before throwing, the shooter arranges the dice in a specific configuration called a "set." The most famous is the "3V" set, where the threes form a V-shape on top of both dice. Different sets are designed to minimize the chances of specific outcomes.

Common dice sets include:

3V Set (All Sevens): Threes form a V on top; minimizes sevens when executed properly
2V Set (Hardways): Twos form a V; favors hardway combinations
Crossed Sixes: Sixes face each other; used after establishing a point
Flying V: Similar to 3V but with different axis alignment

The Throw

After setting the dice, the shooter attempts to throw them in a way that maintains their axis orientation. The ideal throw keeps both dice rotating together on a single axis (like wheels on an axle) without tumbling independently. According to the UNLV International Gaming Institute, this is sometimes called "on-axis" throwing.

Key elements of the controlled throw include:

Grip: How the shooter holds the dice (pinch grip, three-finger grip, etc.)
Backspin: Applying slight backward rotation to reduce bounce
Arc: The trajectory height and angle of the throw
Landing zone: Aiming for a specific spot on the table
Force control: Consistent throwing force every time

The Goal: Avoiding the Seven

In craps, the seven is the most common roll (appearing once every six rolls on average). After a point is established, rolling a seven means losing your pass line bet. Dice controllers claim that by keeping the dice on-axis, they can reduce the frequency of sevens from the expected 16.67% (one in six) to perhaps 14% or lower.

The Math: Even a small reduction in seven frequency can theoretically flip the house edge. If you can reduce sevens from 16.67% to roughly 14.5%, the pass line bet shifts from a 1.41% house advantage to a player advantage. The question is whether this reduction is physically achievable — and provable.

The Physics: Is It Even Possible?

To evaluate dice control claims, we need to understand what happens when dice are thrown on a craps table. The physics involved are surprisingly complex.

The Randomizing Factors

Casino craps tables are specifically designed to randomize dice outcomes:

The back wall: Covered with pyramid-shaped rubber, the back wall is designed to tumble dice unpredictably. Casinos require dice to hit this wall.
The felt: The table surface creates friction and absorbs energy unpredictably.
Dice construction: Casino dice are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances (within 1/10,000 of an inch) to ensure randomness.
Required distance: Shooters must throw from the opposite end of a 12-14 foot table.

Scientific Studies

The scientific literature on dice control is limited, but some research has examined the question. A study published in physical review journals on dice mechanics found that even small variations in release conditions can lead to dramatically different outcomes. The chaotic nature of dice collisions — especially against the pyramid rubber — means that tiny differences in initial conditions (imperceptible to humans) produce random-seeming results.

Research from chaos theory suggests that dice throws exhibit "sensitive dependence on initial conditions" — the hallmark of chaotic systems. This means perfect control would require precision beyond human capability.

What Proponents Say

Dice control advocates don't claim to eliminate randomness — only to reduce it slightly. They argue:

Not every throw needs to be controlled; reducing randomness on even 10-20% of throws could matter
The pyramids on the back wall don't always fully randomize dice that hit softly
Practice can develop muscle memory for consistent throws
Some throws that don't hit the back wall directly (while still technically legal) may retain more axis control

Famous Dice Control Proponents

Several gambling authors and players have built reputations around dice control, though none have provided definitive scientific proof of their abilities.

Dominic LoRiggio ("The Dominator")

Perhaps the most famous dice control advocate, LoRiggio has taught dice control seminars for decades and co-authored books on the subject. He claims to have won millions from casinos using controlled shooting techniques. He developed the "Golden Touch" method and has trained thousands of students.

Frank Scoblete

A prolific gambling author who has written extensively about dice control, Scoblete partnered with LoRiggio to teach seminars. His books detail specific techniques and the mathematics behind advantage craps, though critics note the lack of independent verification of his claimed results.

Stanford Wong

The famous blackjack author conducted some of the few quasi-scientific studies of dice control. His tests found that skilled shooters could achieve a slight edge — but the results were controversial and not replicated under fully controlled conditions. Wong is well-known in advantage gambling circles for his work on card counting techniques.

Skeptic's Challenge: James Randi, the famous skeptic who offered $1 million to anyone demonstrating paranormal abilities, reportedly extended similar challenges to dice controllers. To date, no one has demonstrated statistically significant dice control under controlled laboratory conditions with proper sample sizes.

The Mathematics Problem

The biggest challenge facing dice control claims is mathematical verification. Here's why proving dice control is so difficult:

Sample Size Requirements

To demonstrate a statistically significant deviation from random dice outcomes, you need thousands of documented throws. According to statistical methodology from the American Statistical Association, detecting a 2% reduction in seven frequency would require approximately 5,000+ documented throws to achieve statistical significance at the 95% confidence level.

Claimed Edge	Seven Reduction Needed	Rolls Required for Proof
2% player edge	~14% sevens (vs. 16.67%)	~5,000 rolls
1% player edge	~15.3% sevens	~10,000 rolls
0.5% player edge	~16% sevens	~20,000+ rolls

No Controlled Studies

Despite decades of claims, no dice control advocate has demonstrated their skill under scientific conditions with:

Proper randomization controls
Sufficient sample sizes
Independent observers recording results
Casino-standard equipment and table conditions
Peer review of methodology and results

Variance and Confirmation Bias

Craps has significant short-term variance. A shooter might have an excellent session with few sevens purely by chance. The psychological tendency to remember successes and forget failures (confirmation bias) makes self-reported results unreliable. This same phenomenon affects gamblers who believe in lucky rituals and superstitions.

Casino Countermeasures and Response

If dice control worked reliably, casinos would have strong incentives to stop it. Their actual response tells an interesting story.

Minimal Counter-Measures

Unlike their aggressive response to card counting in blackjack, casinos have implemented relatively few anti-dice-control measures. This suggests they don't view controlled shooting as a serious threat. According to the American Gaming Association, craps tables remain largely unchanged in design over decades.

Existing Rules

Casinos do enforce certain rules that limit potential dice control:

Must hit the back wall: Throws that don't reach the pyramid rubber are typically called "no roll"
One-hand rule: Dice must be thrown with one hand only
Dice must leave the table: Cannot slide or short-throw the dice
Dice must stay visible: Cannot cup or hide the dice from surveillance

Occasional Responses

Some casinos have reportedly taken action against suspected dice controllers:

Asking shooters to change their grip or throw
Changing out the dice mid-session
Requiring throws to hit the back wall more forcefully
In rare cases, backing off suspected controlled shooters

However, these responses are far less systematic than the industry's approach to card counters, suggesting casinos don't believe dice control provides a meaningful threat to their bottom line.

The "Chicken Test"

One compelling argument against dice control comes from a simple observation: if it worked, why aren't casinos losing money on craps?

Craps has been played in casinos for over a century. If controlled shooting provided a reliable edge:

Professional gambling teams would have exploited it systematically
Casinos would have experienced unexplained craps losses
The game would have been modified or removed (like many beatable games were)
Insurance companies that cover casino liability would have demanded changes

None of this has happened. Craps remains a profitable game for casinos year after year. While this doesn't definitively disprove dice control, it's circumstantial evidence that any edge achieved is negligible or non-existent.

Industry Perspective: Gaming industry executives have noted that they actually appreciate dice control believers — they tend to bet larger, play longer, and ultimately contribute more to casino profits because they believe they have an edge. The psychological investment in the technique may actually increase the house's take.

What the Skeptics Say

Critics of dice control raise several compelling points:

The Physics Are Against It

Dr. Richard Epstein, author of "The Theory of Gambling and Statistical Logic," has argued that the chaotic dynamics of dice bouncing on felt and hitting pyramid rubber make meaningful control impossible. The sensitivity to initial conditions means that variations below human perception would produce random outcomes.

Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence

The claim that humans can beat a game designed to be random requires substantial proof. After decades, that proof hasn't materialized. Compare this to card counting, where mathematical proofs and casino acknowledgment confirm the technique works.

Financial Incentives for Advocates

Many dice control proponents sell books, seminars, and training programs. Critics note that their income comes from teaching the technique rather than from casino winnings — a potential conflict of interest. Similar skepticism applies to sellers of various gambling systems and devices throughout history.

The Middle Ground: What Might Be True

A nuanced view suggests several possibilities:

Slight Influence May Be Possible

It's plausible that a skilled, practiced thrower can achieve some reduction in randomness under ideal conditions. However, this reduction may be:

Too small to overcome the house edge
Inconsistent and unreliable
Dependent on table conditions that vary
Quickly negated when the dice hit the back wall properly

Practice Improves Consistency

Even if dice control doesn't provide a mathematical edge, practicing controlled throws might improve consistency. More consistent throws could reduce variance, making bankroll management easier even without changing long-term expectations.

Psychological Benefits

Believers in dice control often report enjoying craps more. The ritual of setting dice, the focus required, and the sense of control may enhance the entertainment value of the game — which is ultimately what most gambling is about. However, these same psychological patterns are exploited by near-miss psychology and casino design.

How Casinos Actually Make Money on Craps

Understanding why casinos aren't worried about dice control requires understanding craps economics. The house edge on standard craps bets is relatively low (1.41% on pass line, 1.36% on don't pass), but casinos profit through:

Volume: Craps is a fast game with multiple betting opportunities
Proposition bets: High-edge bets in the center of the table (up to 16.67% house edge)
Player error: Many players don't know optimal strategy
Time on device: Entertainment value keeps players at the table

For detailed analysis of craps odds and house edge, see our Craps Odds Calculator.

Should You Try Dice Control?

For most players, dice control is not worth pursuing as a serious advantage play strategy. However, there are considerations:

As Entertainment

If you enjoy craps and find the ritual of dice setting entertaining, there's no harm in it. Setting dice takes a few extra seconds and doesn't affect other players. Just don't expect it to change your long-term results.

As Investment

Spending thousands of dollars on dice control seminars, practice tables, and books is unlikely to be financially rewarding. The money would be better spent on understanding basic craps strategy and proper bankroll management.

The Honest Assessment

Even if dice control provides a tiny edge under perfect conditions, achieving those conditions in a casino environment is virtually impossible. The house edge on pass line bets is low enough that proper play and discipline matter more than any throwing technique.

The Real Edge: You can definitely reduce the house's advantage at craps — not through dice control, but through proper bet selection. Taking full odds behind pass line bets reduces the combined house edge toward zero. Avoiding proposition bets saves far more money than any claimed dice control technique.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Dice Control

After decades of claims and controversy, the honest answer to "Does dice control work?" is: probably not in any meaningful way.

While it's theoretically possible that skilled throwers can achieve slight influence over dice outcomes, no one has demonstrated this ability under controlled conditions. The physics of dice bouncing on casino tables — especially against the pyramid-rubber back wall — make meaningful control extremely difficult if not impossible.

The continued profitability of craps games in casinos worldwide suggests that any edge achieved through dice control is negligible. Casinos haven't modified craps tables or implemented serious countermeasures, indicating they don't view controlled shooting as a threat.

For gamblers, the lesson is clear: enjoy craps for its social atmosphere and entertainment value. Make smart bets (pass/don't pass with maximum odds), manage your bankroll wisely, and don't fall for the allure of a secret technique that will beat the house. The real edge in gambling comes from understanding the mathematics, not from believing you can control chaos.

As with many gambling myths, the appeal of dice control lies in the human desire to find patterns and exert control over random events. It's the same psychology that drives roulette bias hunters and believers in gambling superstitions. Understanding why we want to believe can be more valuable than the belief itself.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not gambling advice. Craps, like all casino games, carries a mathematical house edge that ensures most players will lose money over time. For information about problem gambling resources, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700.