‘Snake Eyes’ Meaning | Casino & Gambling Terms Explained

In the world of gambling, particularly in the game of craps, the term “Snake Eyes” carries a weight of both chance and superstition. It refers to a roll of the dice where both come up showing one pip each, resembling the eyes of a snake. This outcome is significant for several reasons, both in terms of gameplay and the culture of gambling.

The Statistical Rarity of Snake Eyes

The game of craps is played with two six-sided dice, and the combination of Snake Eyes occurs when both dice land on one. The probability of rolling Snake Eyes is 1 in 36, or approximately 2.78%. This rarity contributes to its notoriety; it’s an event that doesn’t happen often, and when it does, it’s memorable.

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Cultural and Superstitious Significance

The term itself likely originated in the 1930s and has since become entrenched in gambling lore. The roll of Snake Eyes is often considered a harbinger of bad luck, which is somewhat ironic given that in some bets in craps, such as the “Any Craps” bet, rolling a two can actually be a winning outcome. However, for the most part, rolling a two is not beneficial in the game of craps, as it usually results in a loss for the most common types of bets.

Gameplay Implications

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In the standard rules of craps, rolling Snake Eyes on the come-out roll (the first roll of a new round) results in an immediate loss for Pass Line bets, the most common wager in the game. However, for Don’t Pass Line bets, it’s a win, except during the come-out roll, where it’s a push (no win, no loss).

Snake Eyes in Popular Culture

The imagery of Snake Eyes has transcended the craps table and entered popular culture. It’s often used in movies and literature to depict a moment of bad luck or a dramatic turn of events. The visual representation of the dice showing ones is iconic and instantly recognizable.