What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo (meaning "precious dice" in Chinese) is a traditional dice game of Chinese origin now found in live casinos around the world. Three dice are shaken inside a container or electronic shaker, and players bet on the outcome before the result is revealed. Despite looking complex at first glance, Sic Bo is straightforward once you understand its bet types.
The Sic Bo Table Layout
The Sic Bo table displays all possible betting areas. Each section corresponds to a different outcome based on the three dice. Payouts vary dramatically — from even money on simple bets to 180:1 on a specific triple.
Types of Bets in Sic Bo
Big and Small Bets
These are the most beginner-friendly bets in Sic Bo:
- Small: Total of 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 bets carry a house edge of roughly 2.78%, making them the safest options on the table.
Odd and Even Bets
Similar in simplicity to Big/Small. You bet on whether the sum of the three dice will be odd or even. Triples lose. Pays 1:1 with a comparable house edge.
Totals Bets
You bet on the exact combined total of all three dice (ranging from 4 to 17). The closer a total is to the extremes, the higher the payout — but also the higher the house edge.
Single Number Bets
You pick a number from 1 to 6 and win based on how many dice show that number:
- One die matches: Pays 1:1
- Two dice match: Pays 2:1
- All three dice match: Pays 3:1
Double and Triple Bets
- Specific Double: Two dice show a specific number. Pays 11:1.
- Specific Triple: All three dice show a specific number. Pays 180:1 — but with a very high house edge (~16%).
- Any Triple: Any three-of-a-kind appears. Pays 30:1.
Combination Bets
You bet on two specific numbers appearing among the three dice. Pays 6:1 with a house edge around 2.8%.
Bet Comparison Table
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Big / Small | 1:1 | ~2.78% |
| Odd / Even | 1:1 | ~2.78% |
| Combination | 6:1 | ~2.78% |
| Single Number | 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1 | ~7.87% |
| Any Triple | 30:1 | ~13.89% |
| Specific Triple | 180:1 | ~16.2% |
Smart Sic Bo Strategy
There's no strategy that changes the fixed odds in Sic Bo, but you can make smarter decisions:
- Stick to Big/Small or Odd/Even if you want consistent, low-risk play.
- Use Combination bets for moderate risk with decent payouts.
- Avoid Specific Triples — the 180:1 payout is enticing, but the house edge is among the highest on the table.
- Spread bets cautiously — covering too many areas reduces the benefit of any single win.
Summary
Sic Bo is an exciting, fast-paced game once you know your way around the betting board. Focus on the low-edge bets as your foundation, and treat high-payout bets as occasional additions rather than a primary strategy.