Reading this history: The connection to modern casino dice games here is a comparison of equipment and mechanics. A direct Roman ancestry for Craps or Sic Bo is not demonstrated.
The unmistakable sound of dice tumbling across a felt table is a cornerstone of the modern casino experience. But this thrilling game of chance has roots that stretch back over two millennia, to the taverns, military camps, and villas of ancient Rome. The Romans were fanatical gamblers, and their favorite games, played with Tesserae (dice) and Tali (knucklebones), provide an ancient comparison for the equipment used in modern dice games. Their existence does not establish a direct line of descent to Craps.
The Tools of a Roman Gambler
The Romans used two primary types of random number generators for their games of chance:
- Tesserae: These were six-sided dice, virtually identical to the ones we use today. They were typically crafted from bone, ivory, wood, or bronze. The sides were numbered one to six, and just like modern dice, many examples use opposite faces that add up to seven, although ancient numbering and shapes varied.
- Tali: These were a different kind of throwing piece. They were the knucklebones of sheep or goats, which had four distinct long sides. These sides were assigned values, often 1, 3, 4, and 6. A typical throw involved tossing four Tali at once.
While Tali were common, the six-sided Tesserae, with their straightforward numerical outcomes, offer an easy equipment comparison with modern cubic dice.
The Unshakeable Roman Obsession with Dice
Roman literature records dice play and restrictions on gambling. Such sources should be read in their particular social and legal contexts, rather than as evidence that everyone played or that every restriction was universally ignored. Dice games were a social staple, a way to pass the time, settle disputes, and, most importantly, wager money—often heavily.
Roman literature and archaeological findings are filled with references to dice. Cheating was rampant, with loaded dice being a common complaint. The stakes could range from a few coins to entire fortunes, showcasing just how seriously the Romans took their games of chance.
The Casino Connection: Betting on the Sum
The core mechanic that connects these ancient pastimes to modern casino games is the act of betting on the sum of the roll. Both Craps and Sic Bo include bets involving totals, but this resemblance alone cannot identify their historical ancestors. Roman games revolved around specific outcomes from the thrown dice. A “Venus throw” with Tali (four different sides showing) was the best possible result, while a “Dogs throw” (four ones) was the worst.
With Tesserae, players would bet on whether the total sum would be high or low, or they might wager on specific numbers appearing. This is identical in principle to Craps, where players bet on the outcome of a roll of two dice—whether it’s a 7, an 11, or a specific point number. The equipment has been refined from carved bone to precision-engineered plastic, but the fundamental action of wagering on a random numerical result from a dice throw is a useful comparison across periods, not proof of uninterrupted transmission from Rome to a modern casino.
