What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo is a traditional Chinese dice game that has found a home in casinos around the world, particularly in Asia and increasingly in online casinos globally. The name roughly translates to "precious dice" in Chinese. Three dice are shaken in a container, and players bet on the outcome of the roll. The Sic Bo table may look complex at first, but once you understand the categories of bets, it becomes quite manageable.
How the Game Works
- Players place their chips on the betting area of the table.
- The dealer shakes three dice (in a covered container or electronically).
- The result is revealed, and winning bets are paid out accordingly.
That's the entire flow of a round. The variety and complexity of Sic Bo comes entirely from the wide range of bets available — not from any gameplay decisions.
Bet Types and Payouts
Big and Small Bets
These are the most beginner-friendly bets and carry the lowest house edge.
- Big: Total of three dice is between 11 and 17. Pays 1:1. Loses on any Triple (all three dice showing the same number).
- Small: Total is between 4 and 10. Pays 1:1. Also loses on any Triple.
The house edge on Big/Small bets is approximately 2.78%.
Odd and Even Bets
Similar to Big/Small in concept. You bet on whether the total of all three dice will be an odd or even number. Pays 1:1 and also loses on any Triple.
Totals Bets
You bet on the specific total of all three dice (ranging from 4 to 17). Payouts increase significantly for less common totals:
| 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 |
Single Dice Bets
You bet on a specific number (1–6) appearing on one or more of the three dice.
- Appears on one die: Pays 1:1.
- Appears on two dice: Pays 2:1.
- Appears on all three dice: Pays 3:1 (or up to 12:1 in some casinos).
Double Bets
You bet that a specific number will appear on at least two of the three dice. For example, "Double 4" wins if two or more dice show a 4. Typically pays 10:1.
Triple Bets
- Specific Triple: All three dice show a specific number (e.g., three 6s). Pays around 180:1 — the highest payout on the table, but extremely rare.
- Any Triple: All three dice show the same number, regardless of which number. Pays around 30:1.
Two-Dice Combination Bets
You bet on a specific combination of numbers appearing across any two of the three dice (e.g., a 2 and a 5). There are 15 possible combinations, each paying 6:1.
Which Bets Offer the Best Odds?
As a general rule, the simpler the bet, the lower the house edge:
- Best bets: Big, Small, Odd, Even — lowest house edge (~2.78%).
- Moderate bets: Two-dice combinations and specific totals in the middle range.
- Worst bets: Specific Triples — extremely high house edge despite the eye-catching payout.
Getting Started with Sic Bo
If you're new to Sic Bo, start with Big and Small bets to get comfortable with the game flow. As you build familiarity, explore combination and total bets for variety. Understanding which bets offer the best value will help you enjoy longer sessions and make more informed decisions at the table.