Sic Bo, which translates to “precious dice” in Chinese, is an ancient dice game that has captivated players across Asia for centuries. This fast-paced game of chance uses three dice and offers an extensive variety of betting options, from safe even-money bets to high-risk wagers with substantial payouts. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about playing Sic Bo, from understanding the betting layout to identifying the best value wagers.
What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll of three dice. Unlike craps, which has complex rules about shooters, points, and sequential rolls, Sic Bo is straightforward—each round is independent, with bets placed before the dice are shaken and revealed. The dealer (or an automated shaker in electronic versions) rolls three dice, and winning bets are paid according to specific odds whilst losing bets are collected.
The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity and variety. With dozens of betting options ranging from predicting specific numbers to wagering on total sums, Sic Bo accommodates both cautious players seeking frequent small wins and risk-takers chasing substantial payouts. The game requires no skill or strategy beyond choosing your bets wisely—outcomes are purely determined by chance.
The Sic Bo Table Layout
The Sic Bo table features a betting layout displaying all available wagers. Whilst layouts vary slightly between casinos, they typically include:
Small and Big Bets: Large sections for the most popular even-money bets
Specific Number Bets: Areas showing dice faces 1 through 6 for betting on specific numbers appearing
Combination Bets: Boxes showing two-dice combinations
Total Sum Bets: Numbers 4 through 17 representing possible dice totals
Triple Bets: Areas for betting on specific triples or any triple
Double Bets: Sections for betting on specific doubles
The layout is designed for easy chip placement, with each betting area clearly marked with odds and payouts.
Types of Sic Bo Bets
Sic Bo offers numerous betting options with varying probabilities and payouts. Understanding each bet type is essential for informed play.
Small and Big Bets
The most popular and simplest Sic Bo bets.
Small Bet: Wager that the dice total will be 4-10. Pays 1:1 (even money). Loses if any triple appears.
Big Bet: Wager that the dice total will be 11-17. Pays 1:1 (even money). Loses if any triple appears.
Probability: 48.6% (slightly less than 50% due to triple exclusion)
House Edge: 2.78%
Strategy: These are the best bets in Sic Bo, offering the lowest house edge and highest win frequency.
Specific Number Bets (Single Dice Bet)
Bet that a specific number (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) will appear on one, two, or all three dice.
Payouts:
- Number appears on one die: 1:1
- Number appears on two dice: 2:1
- Number appears on all three dice: 3:1 (some casinos pay 12:1 or higher)
Probability:
- Appearing at least once: 34.72%
- Appearing on two dice: 6.94%
- Appearing on all three: 0.46%
House Edge: Approximately 7.87% (varies by casino payout structure)
Strategy: Moderate house edge makes these reasonable for adding variety, but not as good as Small/Big bets.
Two Dice Combination Bet
Bet that two specific numbers will appear on the three dice (e.g., 2 and 5).
Payout: 6:1 (some casinos pay 5:1)
Probability: 13.89%
House Edge: 2.78% (with 6:1 payout); 16.67% (with 5:1 payout)
Strategy: Excellent bet at 6:1 payouts, ranking with Small/Big as the best house edge in Sic Bo. Avoid entirely at 5:1 payouts.
Specific Total Bets
Bet that the three dice will total a specific number from 4 to 17.
Payouts and House Edges (vary by total):
- 4 or 17: 60:1, probability 1.39%, house edge 15.28%
- 5 or 16: 30:1, probability 2.78%, house edge 13.89%
- 6 or 15: 18:1 (or 17:1), probability 4.63%, house edge 16.2% (or 11.1%)
- 7 or 14: 12:1, probability 6.94%, house edge 9.72%
- 8 or 13: 8:1, probability 9.72%, house edge 12.5%
- 9 or 12: 7:1 (or 6:1), probability 11.57%, house edge 7.41% (or 18.98%)
- 10 or 11: 6:1, probability 12.5%, house edge 12.5%
Strategy: Generally poor bets with high house edges. If playing these, favour totals 9 and 12 at 7:1 payouts, which have the lowest house edge among total bets.
Specific Triple Bet
Bet that all three dice will show the same specific number (e.g., three 4s).
Payout: 180:1 (some casinos pay 150:1 or other amounts)
Probability: 0.46% (1 in 216)
House Edge: 16.2% (at 180:1); significantly higher at lower payouts
Strategy: Terrible house edge makes this a sucker bet. Play only for entertainment with small amounts.
Any Triple Bet
Bet that all three dice will show the same number, regardless of which number.
Payout: 30:1 (some casinos pay 24:1)
Probability: 2.78%
House Edge: 13.89% (at 30:1); worse at lower payouts
Strategy: Poor value. Avoid unless playing recreationally with small stakes.
Specific Double Bet
Bet that at least two of the three dice will show a specific number (e.g., at least two 3s).
Payout: 10:1 (some casinos pay 8:1 or 11:1)
Probability: 7.41%
House Edge: 18.52% (at 10:1); varies significantly with different payouts
Strategy: High house edge makes this generally inadvisable. Payouts vary widely between casinos, so check before playing.
Four Number Combination Bet
Available at some casinos, allowing bets on specific four-number combinations.
Payout: Varies
House Edge: Varies
Strategy: Less common bet type. Evaluate specific paytables if available.
Understanding Sic Bo Probabilities
Grasping basic probabilities helps you make informed betting decisions.
Dice Total Probabilities
- 4 or 17: 1.39% (3 combinations out of 216)
- 5 or 16: 2.78% (6 combinations)
- 6 or 15: 4.63% (10 combinations)
- 7 or 14: 6.94% (15 combinations)
- 8 or 13: 9.72% (21 combinations)
- 9 or 12: 11.57% (25 combinations)
- 10 or 11: 12.5% (27 combinations each—most probable totals)
The distribution forms a bell curve with 10 and 11 being most likely, whilst 4 and 17 are rarest.
Most Common Outcomes
- Small (4-10) and Big (11-17) each win approximately 48.6% of rolls
- The most frequent individual totals are 10 and 11 at 12.5% each
- Any specific number appearing at least once occurs about 34.72% of the time
- Triples occur 2.78% of the time (once every 36 rolls on average)
Sic Bo Strategy and Tips
Focus on Low House Edge Bets
Small and Big Bets: At 2.78% house edge, these are your best options for consistent play.
Two Dice Combinations (at 6:1): Also 2.78% house edge, rivalling Small/Big as the best bets.
Specific Numbers (Single Dice Bets): At approximately 7.87% house edge, these are acceptable for variety but inferior to the above options.
Avoid High House Edge Bets
Specific Triples: 16.2%+ house edge makes these terrible value.
Any Triple: 13.89% house edge—poor bet.
Most Total Bets: Generally 9-18% house edges make them inadvisable.
Specific Doubles: 18.52% house edge at standard payouts—avoid.
Bankroll Management
Set Session Limits: Determine how much you’re willing to lose before playing.
Bet Consistently: Don’t chase losses by increasing bet sizes.
Take Breaks: Sic Bo plays quickly. Step away periodically to maintain perspective.
Focus on Longevity: Stick to low house edge bets to maximize playing time.
Don’t Fall for Betting Systems
No betting system can overcome the house edge in Sic Bo. Each roll is independent, and progressive betting systems like Martingale are dangerous, potentially leading to catastrophic losses.
Understand It’s Pure Chance
Sic Bo is entirely luck-based. No skill, strategy, or pattern recognition affects outcomes. Past results don’t influence future rolls.
Check Paytables Before Playing
Payouts vary significantly between casinos, especially for combination bets, specific numbers, and total bets. Always verify payouts before placing bets, as these differences dramatically affect house edges.
Common Sic Bo Mistakes
Betting on Specific Triples and Totals
The allure of massive payouts tempts players to make these bets despite terrible odds. The house edge on these wagers is so high that they’re virtually unplayable for any serious gambler.
Chasing Losses
Increasing bet sizes after losses accelerates bankroll depletion. Maintain consistent betting regardless of results.
Spreading Bets Too Thin
Placing small bets across numerous options increases overall house edge exposure. Focus on fewer, better bets.
Believing in “Hot” and “Cold” Numbers
Dice have no memory. Previous rolls don’t affect future outcomes. Numbers aren’t “due” to appear.
Ignoring House Edge
Focusing solely on potential payouts rather than house edges leads to poor betting decisions. Always consider the mathematical expectation.
Playing Too Fast
Sic Bo’s rapid pace can lead to impulsive decisions and excessive losses. Slow down and think about each bet.
Not Understanding Paytables
Failing to check specific payouts before playing can result in accepting inferior odds unknowingly.
Sic Bo Variations
Grand Hazard
An English variation of Sic Bo with slightly different betting options and rules. Less common than standard Sic Bo.
Chuck-a-Luck
An American carnival game similar to Sic Bo but with simpler betting options and slightly different payouts. Generally features worse odds than Sic Bo.
Dai Siu (Big Small)
A simplified version focusing primarily on the Big/Small bets with fewer total betting options.
Electronic Sic Bo
Modern casinos often feature electronic Sic Bo machines with automated dice shaking and digital displays. These offer the same game with lower minimum bets and faster play.
Online Sic Bo vs Land-Based Sic Bo
Advantages of Online Sic Bo
- Play at your own pace
- Lower minimum bets typically available
- Convenient 24/7 access
- Can reference strategy guides whilst playing
- Statistics and history displays help track patterns (though they don’t predict future outcomes)
- Free-play options for practice
- No intimidation factor for beginners
Advantages of Land-Based Sic Bo
- Social atmosphere and excitement
- Physical dice and tangible experience
- Traditional casino ambiance
- No concerns about RNG fairness
- Immediate dealer interaction
- Can observe dice shaking process
Live Dealer Sic Bo
Many online casinos offer live dealer Sic Bo, streaming real dealers and physical dice to your device. This combines online convenience with authentic casino atmosphere and transparency.
Sic Bo Etiquette
At Land-Based Casinos
- Place bets only during the betting period
- Don’t touch the dice or shaker
- Keep hands away from the table during dice reveals
- Don’t delay the game unnecessarily
- Be respectful to dealers and fellow players
- Celebrate wins modestly without disrupting others
- Tip dealers occasionally, especially after significant wins
- Don’t offer unsolicited advice to other players
- Stack chips neatly for easy handling
Online Sic Bo
- In live dealer games, be respectful in chat functions
- Don’t slow down play unnecessarily
- Follow minimum and maximum bet limits
- Report technical issues promptly
Tips for Playing Sic Bo
Start with Small/Big Bets
These offer the best odds and help you understand the game’s rhythm without excessive risk.
Gradually Add Combination Bets
Once comfortable, incorporate two-dice combination bets (if paying 6:1) for variety whilst maintaining low house edge.
Avoid Exotic Bets Initially
Skip specific triples, totals, and other high house edge bets until you’re experienced and playing purely for entertainment.
Set Win and Loss Limits
Decide beforehand when you’ll walk away—both after winning a target amount and after losing your budgeted amount.
Take Advantage of Bonuses
Online casinos often offer bonuses. Read terms carefully, as Sic Bo may have different contribution rates toward wagering requirements.
Practice Online Free
Use free Sic Bo games to familiarise yourself with the betting layout and game flow without risking money.
Track Your Bets
Keep mental or written notes of which bets you’re making to avoid unconsciously increasing your exposure to high house edge wagers.
Stay Disciplined
The game’s simplicity and speed can lead to careless betting. Maintain focus on your strategy and limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best bet in Sic Bo? Small and Big bets, along with two-dice combination bets (at 6:1 payouts), offer the lowest house edge at 2.78%.
Is Sic Bo purely luck? Yes. Unlike poker or blackjack, Sic Bo involves no skill. Outcomes are entirely random, and the best strategy is simply choosing low house edge bets.
Can I predict dice outcomes? No. Each roll is independent and random. Past results don’t influence future rolls, and no pattern recognition or betting system can predict outcomes.
Why do Small and Big bets lose on triples? This rule increases the house edge from 0% to 2.78%. Without it, Small and Big would be even-money bets with no house advantage.
Are specific number bets good value? They’re moderate value at approximately 7.87% house edge—acceptable for variety but inferior to Small/Big and combination bets.
Should I ever bet on specific triples? Only for entertainment with small amounts you can afford to lose. The 16.2% house edge makes these terrible value mathematically.
Do casinos cheat at Sic Bo? Reputable, licensed casinos use fair dice and transparent shaking methods. Electronic versions use certified random number generators. Stick to regulated establishments.
How fast does Sic Bo play? Very fast—often 30-40 rolls per hour at busy tables, or even faster at electronic machines. This rapid pace requires careful bankroll management.
Conclusion
Sic Bo offers straightforward, fast-paced dice gambling with an extensive array of betting options. Whilst the game requires no skill or strategy beyond bet selection, understanding which wagers offer reasonable value versus which are essentially sucker bets is crucial for responsible play.
The key to enjoying Sic Bo is focusing on low house edge bets—primarily Small, Big, and two-dice combinations (at 6:1 payouts)—whilst avoiding the tempting but terrible-value wagers like specific triples, totals, and doubles. These exotic bets may offer massive payouts, but their house edges are so high that they rapidly drain bankrolls.
Approach Sic Bo as pure entertainment rather than a money-making opportunity. The house maintains a mathematical edge on every bet, ensuring long-term casino profitability. With proper bankroll management, realistic expectations, and disciplined bet selection, Sic Bo provides exciting gambling action that can be enjoyed responsibly.
Whether you’re playing at a bustling casino in Macau, a local casino with a Sic Bo table, or online from the comfort of your home, the ancient game of precious dice offers simple thrills and the chance for occasional wins. Stick to smart bets, manage your money wisely, and enjoy one of Asia’s most enduring gambling games.