What Are “Snake Eyes” in Gambling?

Snake eyes is a slang term used in dice games to describe the roll of two 1s (a total of 2) on a pair of dice. The name comes from the visual appearance of two single dots, resembling a pair of snake eyes.

Where Snake Eyes Are Used

• Craps: Snake eyes is one of the “craps numbers” (2, 3, and 12) on the come-out roll. Rolling snake eyes on this first roll results in an immediate loss for players who bet on the Pass Line.
• Other Dice Games: In some casual or home games, snake eyes might also be considered unlucky or have special consequences.

Snake Eyes Payouts and Odds

• Snake eyes is the least likely roll in craps, with odds of 1 in 36 (about 2.78%).
• Certain proposition bets in craps allow players to bet specifically on snake eyes, often with high payouts (typically 30:1 or more), but these carry a high house edge.

Cultural Meaning

• The term “snake eyes” has become widely used outside of gambling to describe bad luck or a losing situation.
• In films and pop culture, it often symbolizes failure or misfortune.

Why It Matters

• Knowing what snake eyes means is important for understanding basic craps strategy.
• It’s a high-risk outcome that affects specific bets and table momentum.

Snake eyes may be rare, but it’s a memorable and symbolic roll in gambling – especially in craps. Whether you’re betting against it or trying your luck on a long shot, it’s a term every dice player should know.