Sic Bo is an ancient Chinese dice game of pure chance played with three dice. Popular in Asian casinos and increasingly worldwide, it offers diverse betting options with varying odds and payouts.
Sic Bo, meaning precious dice in Chinese, is an unequal game of chance with ancient origins that has captivated players for centuries. Also known as tai sai, dai siu, big and small, or hi-lo, this three-dice game combines simplicity with exciting betting variety. While it shares some similarities with Western dice games like craps, Sic Bo operates on fundamentally different principles that make it unique in the casino landscape.
The game was introduced to the United States by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century and has since spread to casinos worldwide. It became legal in UK licensed casinos in 2002 and is now a staple in most major gambling establishments, particularly in Asia where it remains extremely popular in Macau and Hong Kong casinos.
Understanding Sic Bo begins with recognizing its fundamental nature as a game of pure chance. Unlike poker or blackjack where skill and strategy can influence outcomes, every roll in Sic Bo is completely independent and random. There are 216 equally likely possible combinations when rolling three six-sided dice, though only 56 of these combinations are distinguishable due to the interchangeable nature of the dice.
The Sic Bo table layout resembles a roulette table in its complexity, with numerous betting areas corresponding to different dice outcomes. Each betting area clearly displays the payout odds, making it straightforward for new players to understand potential returns. This transparency is one of Sic Bo's greatest strengths, as players can immediately see the risk-reward ratio for any bet they consider.
The game moves quickly, with rounds completing in under a minute. This rapid pace creates an energetic atmosphere but also requires players to manage their bankroll carefully, as losses can accumulate faster than in slower-paced games.
The Sic Bo table is the centerpiece of the game, featuring a grid of betting options that cover all possible dice combinations. The table is typically divided into sections for small and big bets, specific number totals, single number bets, doubles, triples, and two-dice combinations. Each section is clearly labeled with its corresponding payout ratio.
Three standard six-sided dice are used in Sic Bo. In traditional settings, these dice are placed in a small covered chest that the dealer shakes before revealing the result. Modern casinos often use electronic dice shakers, which are transparent containers that tumble the dice mechanically. These electronic shakers ensure complete randomness and eliminate any possibility of dealer manipulation, providing players with confidence in the game's fairness.
Most Sic Bo tables have two dealers who manage the game flow. They exchange cash for chips, monitor bet placement, operate the dice shaker, and handle payouts. Many tables also feature digital displays showing the results of recent rolls. While these displays provide interesting information, players should remember that each roll is independent, and past results have no influence on future outcomes.
Sic Bo offers a remarkable variety of betting options, each with different probabilities and payouts. Understanding these options is essential for making informed decisions at the table.
The most popular and straightforward bets in Sic Bo are Small and Big. A Small bet wins when the three dice total between 4 and 10, while a Big bet wins when the total is between 11 and 17. Both bets pay even money at 1:1 odds. However, both Small and Big bets lose if the three dice show the same number, which is why these bets don't quite offer 50-50 odds despite covering roughly half the possible totals.
These bets have a house edge of approximately 2.78 percent, making them among the best options available on the Sic Bo table. Their simplicity and favorable odds make them ideal for beginners and conservative players.
Players can bet on the exact total of all three dice, ranging from 4 to 17. The payouts vary significantly based on probability. Totals of 4 and 17 are the rarest, each having only one possible combination, and typically pay 60:1 or 50:1 depending on the casino. Mid-range totals like 9, 10, 11, and 12 are more common and offer lower payouts, usually between 6:1 and 7:1.
The house edge on specific total bets varies considerably, from around 2.8 percent on some mid-range totals to over 15 percent on the extreme totals of 4 and 17. This makes careful selection important for players who want to minimize the house advantage.
Sic Bo is played on a specialized table featuring all possible betting combinations with their corresponding payouts clearly marked. Players place chips on their chosen bet areas before the dice are rolled. In traditional casinos, dealers use a small chest or electronic shaker containing three dice.
Once all bets are placed, the dice are shaken and revealed. Winning bets are paid according to the odds displayed on the table, while losing bets are collected. The process repeats immediately, making Sic Bo one of the fastest-paced table games available.
Single number bets allow players to wager that a specific number from 1 to 6 will appear on one, two, or all three dice. If your chosen number appears on one die, the payout is typically 1:1. If it appears on two dice, the payout increases to 2:1. If all three dice show your number, the payout is usually 3:1, though some casinos offer higher payouts for this outcome.
The house edge on single number bets ranges from approximately 2.8 to 3.7 percent depending on the specific payout structure, making them reasonably favorable compared to many other Sic Bo bets.
A double bet wins when at least two of the three dice show the same specific number. For example, betting on double fours wins if the roll shows 4-4-X, where X is any number. Double bets typically pay 10:1 and have a house edge around 18.5 percent.
Triple bets come in two varieties. A specific triple bet wins only when all three dice show the same chosen number, such as 6-6-6. This bet usually pays 180:1 or 150:1 and has a house edge between 16 and 30 percent depending on the payout. An any triple bet wins when all three dice match, regardless of the number. This bet typically pays 30:1 or 24:1 with a house edge around 13 to 30 percent.
While the payouts on triple bets are attractive, the extremely low probability of winning makes them high-risk propositions suitable only for players comfortable with long-shot wagers.
These bets win when two specific numbers appear on any two of the three dice. For example, a combination bet on 2 and 5 wins if the roll shows 2-5-X, where X is any number except another 2 or 5. There are 15 possible two-dice combinations, and these bets typically pay 6:1 or 5:1 with a house edge around 2.8 to 16.7 percent depending on the payout structure.
While Sic Bo is purely a game of chance with no way to influence the dice outcome, strategic betting can help manage risk and maximize entertainment value. The key is understanding which bets offer the best mathematical value.
The most mathematically sound approach is to concentrate on bets with the lowest house edge. Small and Big bets offer the best odds at approximately 2.78 percent house edge. Single number bets and certain two-dice combination bets also provide reasonable value. By sticking to these options, players can extend their playing time and reduce the rate at which the house advantage erodes their bankroll.
While the large payouts on specific triples and extreme totals are tempting, these bets carry house edges that can exceed 30 percent. The probability of winning is so low that even the generous payouts don't compensate for the risk. Occasional small wagers on these bets can add excitement, but they should never form the core of a betting strategy.
Many players fall into the trap of believing that past results influence future rolls. If Big has won five times in a row, some players assume Small is due to hit. This is the gambler's fallacy. Each roll is completely independent, and the dice have no memory of previous outcomes. The digital displays showing recent results can be entertaining but should never guide betting decisions.
Given Sic Bo's fast pace, disciplined bankroll management is essential. Set a budget before playing and divide it into betting units. Avoid the temptation to chase losses by increasing bet sizes after losing streaks. The rapid game flow means that poor bankroll management can deplete funds quickly.
Sic Bo is often compared to craps, the other major casino dice game. While both use dice, they differ fundamentally in structure. Craps involves sequential rolls where some bets require specific patterns across multiple rolls before resolving. Sic Bo, by contrast, resolves all bets with a single roll, making it simpler but also faster-paced.
The house edge in Sic Bo varies more widely than in craps, ranging from under 3 percent to over 30 percent depending on the bet. Craps offers some bets with house edges below 1.5 percent, making it slightly more favorable for knowledgeable players. However, Sic Bo's straightforward betting structure makes it more accessible to beginners who might find craps intimidating.
Online casinos have embraced Sic Bo, offering both standard digital versions and live dealer games. Digital Sic Bo uses random number generators to simulate dice rolls, providing instant results and allowing players to set their own pace. Live dealer Sic Bo streams real dealers operating physical or electronic dice shakers, creating an authentic casino atmosphere.
Online play offers several advantages including lower minimum bets, the ability to play from home, and often better payout structures than land-based casinos. Many online casinos also offer free play modes, allowing new players to learn the game without risking money.
Sic Bo combines ancient tradition with modern casino excitement, offering a unique dice game experience that differs from Western alternatives. Its straightforward rules make it accessible to beginners, while the variety of betting options provides depth for experienced players. Success at Sic Bo comes not from predicting dice outcomes, which is impossible, but from understanding the mathematics behind each bet and choosing options with favorable house edges.
The game's popularity continues to grow beyond its Asian origins, with more Western casinos adding Sic Bo tables and online platforms expanding their offerings. Whether you're drawn to the simple appeal of Small and Big bets or the excitement of chasing high-payout combinations, Sic Bo offers an engaging gambling experience rooted in centuries of tradition.
Sic Bo translates to precious dice in Chinese. The game is also known by other names including tai sai, dai siu, big and small, and hi-lo, all referring to the same three-dice game of chance.
The Small and Big bets offer the best odds with a house edge of approximately 2.78 percent. Single number bets and certain two-dice combination bets also provide reasonable value, typically with house edges under 5 percent.
Sic Bo is purely a game of chance, so no strategy can influence the dice outcome. However, strategic bet selection focusing on low house edge options can help manage risk and extend playing time.
While both games use dice, Sic Bo uses three dice and resolves all bets with a single roll. Craps uses two dice and some bets require multiple rolls to resolve. Sic Bo is generally simpler but faster-paced than craps.
The house edge varies significantly depending on the bet type, ranging from approximately 2.78 percent on Small and Big bets to over 30 percent on some triple and extreme total bets.
Licensed online casinos use certified random number generators or live dealers with physical dice to ensure fairness. Electronic shakers in both online and land-based casinos eliminate the possibility of manipulation.
Play Sic Bo at these reputable online casinos
Learn the fundamentals of craps, the other major casino dice game, and discover how it compares to Sic Bo in terms of odds and gameplay.
Explore another popular Asian casino game with simple rules and favorable odds that shares Sic Bo's appeal to both beginners and experienced players.
Major online casino providers are launching live dealer Sic Bo in European and North American markets, bringing authentic Asian gaming experience to Western players.
Land-based casinos are installing electronic Sic Bo terminals that allow multiple players to bet simultaneously while maintaining the traditional game structure.
A major Macau casino has announced the first international Sic Bo tournament series, featuring competitive play formats and substantial prize pools.