December 4th is National Dice Day

What do Monopoly, Backgammon, Dungeons & Dragons and Craps have in common? All are games that are played by using dice. These are six-sided cubes with dots, called pips, on each side, which are rolled or thrown to display a random number from 1 to 6 when they land. Dice have been used by mankind for countless years and have been found in the ruins of the most ancient civilizations. Originally made from animal bones and later wood, today’s dice are usually made from a plastic called cellulose acetate. National Dice Day is a time to enjoy using dice, whether in board-games or in gambling. Casinos all over the world offer special promotions and games on Dice Day involving these small and cleverly designed gaming pieces. Many people purchase special dice souvenirs on this day, such as the popular dice clock which has an arrangement of dice around its face in place of numbers.