How to Play Sic Bo: Rules, Bets & Strategy Guide
Sic Bo is an ancient Chinese dice game that has become a staple in Asian casinos and is gaining popularity worldwide. Three dice are shaken in a container, and players bet on the outcome. With dozens of betting options ranging from simple high/low wagers to specific triple combinations, Sic Bo offers both straightforward gambling and complex betting strategies.
This guide covers everything about Sic Bo: how to play, the betting options, which bets offer the best odds, and what to expect at the table.
Table of Contents
- What Is Sic Bo?
- How to Play
- The Betting Layout
- All Betting Options
- Odds and House Edge
- Best and Worst Bets
- Sic Bo Strategy
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo (meaning "precious dice" in Chinese) is a casino game of chance using three dice. Players place bets on a table layout predicting the dice outcome, then the dice are shaken and revealed. Winning bets are paid according to fixed odds.
Origins and History
Sic Bo originated in ancient China and has been played for centuries. The game traveled with Chinese immigrants to North America and eventually found its way into Western casinos. Today, Sic Bo is a dominant game in Macau and popular throughout Asian gaming markets.
Sic Bo vs. Craps
Both games use dice, but they differ significantly:
| Feature | Sic Bo | Craps |
|---|---|---|
| Dice | 3 | 2 |
| Betting | Single roll | Multi-roll possible |
| House edge | Varies (2.8-30%+) | Can be under 1.4% |
| Complexity | Simple bets | Complex rules |
| Culture | Asian markets | Western markets |
Sic Bo is simpler to understand but generally has higher house edges than optimal craps bets.
Why Players Enjoy Sic Bo
Visual appeal: The electronic displays and lighting effects create excitement.
Simplicity: No complex rules—just pick bets and watch the dice.
Variety: Many different bets with various risk/reward profiles.
Cultural significance: Important in Asian gaming traditions.
How to Play
Sic Bo is straightforward: bet, shake, reveal, collect or lose.
The Equipment
Dice: Three standard six-sided dice.
Shaker: A covered container (often electronic) that shakes and displays the dice.
Layout: A betting surface showing all available wagers.
Electronic displays: Most modern tables show results and indicate winning bets.
Step-by-Step Gameplay
1. Place Your Bets Put chips on any betting area(s) on the layout. You can make multiple bets simultaneously.
2. Betting Closes The dealer announces "no more bets" and initiates the shake.
3. Dice Are Shaken The three dice are shaken in the container. In modern electronic versions, the container vibrates or tumbles automatically.
4. Results Revealed The container opens or the dice are displayed. The total and individual dice values determine winners.
5. Winning Bets Paid The dealer collects losing bets and pays winners according to the posted odds.
6. New Round Begins The layout clears and betting opens for the next round.
Speed of Play
Sic Bo moves quickly—typically 30-60 rounds per hour depending on the table and number of players.
The Betting Layout
The Sic Bo layout displays all available bets with their payouts.
Layout Sections
Top Section: Specific number bets, combinations, and totals Middle Section: High/low, odd/even, and combination bets Bottom Section: Triple bets and specific totals
Reading the Layout
Each betting area shows:
- The bet type (numbers, totals, etc.)
- The payout odds (e.g., 1:1, 6:1, 180:1)
- Visual indication of the bet requirements
Common Layout Configurations
Layouts vary slightly between casinos, but all include the standard bets. Payouts may differ—always check before playing.
All Betting Options
Sic Bo offers numerous betting possibilities. Understanding each bet is essential.
Small/Big Bets
Small (4-10): Bet that the total is 4-10 (loses on triples) Big (11-17): Bet that the total is 11-17 (loses on triples)
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1:1 | 2.78% |
| Big | 1:1 | 2.78% |
These are the best bets in Sic Bo.
Odd/Even Bets
Odd: Total is odd (loses on triples) Even: Total is even (loses on triples)
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Odd | 1:1 | 2.78% |
| Even | 1:1 | 2.78% |
Specific Totals
Bet on a specific total from 4 to 17:
| Total | Ways to Make | Typical Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 17 | 3 | 60:1 | 15.28% |
| 5 or 16 | 6 | 30:1 | 13.89% |
| 6 or 15 | 10 | 17:1 | 16.67% |
| 7 or 14 | 15 | 12:1 | 9.72% |
| 8 or 13 | 21 | 8:1 | 12.50% |
| 9 or 12 | 25 | 6:1 | 18.98% |
| 10 or 11 | 27 | 6:1 | 12.50% |
House edges vary based on the specific paytable used.
Single Number Bets
Bet that a specific number (1-6) appears on one, two, or three dice:
| Matches | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 of 3 | 1:1 | 7.87% |
| 2 of 3 | 2:1 | (included) |
| 3 of 3 | 3:1 | (included) |
Two-Dice Combinations
Bet on a specific two-number combination appearing (e.g., 1-2, 3-5, 4-6):
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Any specific combination | 5:1 | 16.67% |
There are 15 possible combinations (excluding doubles).
Double Bets
Bet that a specific pair appears (e.g., two 4s):
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Specific double | 10:1 | 18.52% |
Triple Bets
Specific Triple: Bet that all three dice show a specific number (e.g., three 5s)
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Specific triple | 180:1 | 16.20% |
Any Triple: Bet that any triple appears (1-1-1, 2-2-2, etc.)
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Any triple | 30:1 | 13.89% |
Four-Number Combination
Some layouts offer bets on three-number combinations or four-number ranges. These vary by casino.
Odds and House Edge
Understanding the mathematics helps identify smart bets.
Probability Basics
With three dice, there are 6 × 6 × 6 = 216 possible outcomes.
House Edge Summary
| Bet Type | House Edge Range |
|---|---|
| Small/Big | 2.78% |
| Odd/Even | 2.78% |
| Total 7/14 | 9.72% |
| Single number | 7.87% |
| Any triple | 13.89% |
| Specific totals | 9.72-18.98% |
| Specific triple | 16.20% |
| Combinations | 16.67% |
| Doubles | 18.52% |
Why House Edges Vary
Sic Bo payouts are set by the casino. Different casinos offer different odds. Some bets have reasonable payouts; others are severely underpriced.
Always check the specific paytable at your table.
Best and Worst Bets
Not all Sic Bo bets are created equal.
Best Bets (Lowest House Edge)
- Small/Big: 2.78% house edge—the best bet available
- Odd/Even: 2.78% house edge—equally good
- Total of 7 or 14: 9.72% house edge—best total bet
Worst Bets (Highest House Edge)
- Specific doubles: 18.52% house edge
- Total of 9 or 12: 18.98% (with 6:1 payout)
- Two-dice combinations: 16.67%
- Specific triple: 16.20%
The Middle Ground
- Single number bets: 7.87%—moderate but not terrible
- Any triple: 13.89%—reasonable for an exciting long-shot
Strategic Implications
If you want the best odds, stick to Small/Big or Odd/Even. Everything else carries significantly higher house edges.
Sic Bo Strategy
Sic Bo is purely luck-based, but bet selection matters.
The Optimal Strategy
Bet Small/Big or Odd/Even exclusively.
At 2.78%, these bets offer house edges comparable to roulette and better than most other Sic Bo options.
What Doesn't Work
Pattern tracking: Previous results don't influence future rolls. Each shake is independent.
Betting systems: Martingale, Fibonacci, and other progressions don't overcome the house edge.
Hot numbers: The dice have no memory. Trends are coincidence.
Combination bets: Covering multiple outcomes doesn't change the mathematics.
If You Want More Action
Some players find Small/Big boring. If you want variety:
- Single number bets have moderate house edge (7.87%)
- Total 7 or 14 offers decent odds with higher payouts (9.72%)
- Any triple adds excitement without the worst odds (13.89%)
Accept that these bets cost more in expected value.
Bankroll Management
At any house edge, manage your money:
Budget: Set a loss limit before playing.
Bet sizing: Keep bets small relative to your bankroll.
Session time: Don't chase losses with extended play.
Win goals: Consider leaving after significant wins.
Variations
Sic Bo appears in several forms.
Grand Hazard
A British variation using three dice with different betting options and payouts. Less common than Sic Bo but similar in concept.
Chuck-a-Luck
A simplified version popular in Western carnivals and some casinos. Uses three dice in a cage. More limited betting options with generally worse odds.
Super Sic Bo
A modern live dealer variation with random multipliers applied to certain bets each round. Multipliers can reach 1000x on specific bets. Higher variance than standard Sic Bo.
Electronic Sic Bo
Found in many casinos, electronic versions offer:
- Faster gameplay
- Touch-screen betting
- Lower minimums sometimes
- Same odds as live tables
Online Sic Bo
Available at online casinos with:
- Live dealer options
- Standard RNG versions
- Various paytable configurations
Check paytables carefully—online odds vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Sic Bo offers simple gambling excitement with dozens of betting options. Three dice determine your fate—no skill required, just luck and bet selection.
Key takeaways:
- Best bets: Small/Big or Odd/Even (2.78% house edge)
- Worst bets: Specific doubles (18.52%), many total bets
- No strategy changes the mathematical outcome
- Paytables vary—check before playing
For optimal play:
- Stick to Small/Big or Odd/Even
- Avoid high house edge bets unless you want excitement over value
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Accept that outcomes are purely random
Who should play Sic Bo:
- Players who enjoy dice games
- Those seeking visual excitement and quick rounds
- Players at Asian-focused casinos
- Anyone wanting simple gambling without decisions
Sic Bo won't make you rich, but it provides genuine entertainment with reasonable odds if you stick to the best bets. Avoid the tempting long-shots with terrible house edges, and enjoy watching the dice tumble.
Good luck at the table.