What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo (meaning "precious dice" in Chinese) is a dice-based table game originating from ancient China. Players bet on the outcomes of three dice shaken in a covered container. It's a game of pure chance — there's no skill in rolling the dice — but understanding the bet types and their odds is essential to playing intelligently.
You'll find Sic Bo in many Asian-themed casinos and increasingly in online casino lobbies worldwide.
How a Round of Sic Bo Works
- Players place chips on the various betting areas of the Sic Bo table layout.
- The dealer shakes a chest containing three dice (often electronically in modern casinos).
- The dice are revealed, and winning bets are paid out according to the result.
The Main Bet Types
The Sic Bo table can look overwhelming at first, but the bets fall into a few clear categories:
Small and Big Bets
These are the safest bets in Sic Bo, similar to Even/Odd in Roulette:
- Small: Total of the three dice is between 4 and 10 (excluding triples). Pays 1:1.
- Big: Total is between 11 and 17 (excluding triples). Pays 1:1.
Both carry a house edge of around 2.78%, making them the best recurring bets for beginners.
Totals Bets
You bet on the exact sum of all three dice. Totals range from 4 to 17, with payouts varying by probability:
| Total | Payout |
|---|---|
| 4 or 17 | 60:1 |
| 5 or 16 | 30:1 |
| 6 or 15 | 17:1 |
| 7 or 14 | 12:1 |
| 8 or 13 | 8:1 |
| 9, 10, 11, or 12 | 6:1 |
Double and Triple Bets
- Specific Double: Bet that two of the three dice show a specific number (e.g., two 4s). Pays around 10:1.
- Specific Triple: All three dice show a specific number. Pays up to 180:1, but the house edge is very high.
- Any Triple: Any three-of-a-kind result. Pays 30:1, but also carries a large house edge.
Combination and Single Bets
- Combination: Two specific different numbers appear among the three dice. Pays 5:1.
- Single Number: Bet that a specific number (1–6) appears on at least one die. Pays 1:1 for one match, 2:1 for two, 3:1 for three.
Which Bets Should You Make?
The golden rule in Sic Bo: stick to the Small and Big bets as your foundation. They offer near-even odds and a manageable house edge. Use small stakes on Total bets for variety and excitement, but avoid the high-payout Triple bets as regular plays — the house edge on those can exceed 30%.
Final Thoughts
Sic Bo is fast, vibrant, and easy to understand once you know the bets. It's an excellent game for players who want the energy of dice action without the complexity of Craps. Focus on the low-edge bets, enjoy the spectacle of the shake, and pace yourself through each round.