What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo (meaning "precious dice" in Chinese) is a traditional Chinese gambling game played with three dice. Players bet on the outcome of a single roll — predicting specific totals, number combinations, or individual die values. The game is now a standard offering in both Asian brick-and-mortar casinos and online casino platforms globally.
How a Round Works
- Players place chips on their chosen bet(s) on the Sic Bo table layout.
- The dealer (or the digital system in online versions) shakes the three dice in a covered container.
- The result is revealed and winning bets are paid out according to the payout table.
- All chips are cleared and the next round begins.
Online Sic Bo rounds resolve very quickly. You can place multiple bets simultaneously, covering different areas of the layout in a single roll.
Sic Bo Bet Types and Payouts
Small and Big Bets
These are the safest bets in Sic Bo and the best starting point for beginners:
- Small: Total of the three dice is between 4 and 10. Pays 1:1. Loses if all three dice show the same number (triple).
- Big: Total is between 11 and 17. Pays 1:1. Also loses on any triple.
The house edge on Small and Big bets is approximately 2.78%, making them among the most player-friendly options on the layout.
Total Bets
You bet on the exact total of all three dice. The payouts increase as the totals become less likely:
| 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 |
While totals like 4 and 17 offer exciting payouts, their house edges are very high — often exceeding 15%. Use total bets sparingly.
Single Number Bets
Bet on a specific number (1 through 6) appearing on one or more of the three dice. If your number appears on one die, you win 1:1. Two dice: 2:1. All three dice: 3:1. The house edge here is around 7.87%.
Double Bets
Bet that two specific dice will show the same number (e.g., two 4s). Pays 10:1. House edge is high at around 18%.
Triple Bets
- Specific Triple: All three dice show the same chosen number (e.g., three 5s). Pays up to 180:1 but has a massive house edge of around 16%.
- Any Triple: All three dice show any matching number. Pays 30:1. Also a high house edge bet.
Combination Bets
Bet on two specific numbers appearing across the three dice. Pays 5:1. House edge is around 2.78% — one of the better options alongside Small/Big.
A Simple Strategy for Beginners
There is no strategy that overcomes Sic Bo's house edge — every roll is random. However, you can manage your exposure intelligently:
- Focus on Small, Big, and Combination bets — these offer the lowest house edge.
- Avoid triple and specific total bets as your main wagers. Use them occasionally if you enjoy the excitement.
- Cover multiple lower-risk bets per roll to stay engaged across more outcomes.
- Set a fixed bet size per round and keep it consistent. Sic Bo rounds are fast — variance can stack up quickly.
Sic Bo vs. Fan Tan
While both are traditional Asian casino games, Fan Tan uses buttons or beads rather than dice. A pile of objects is divided by four repeatedly until 1, 2, 3, or 4 remain — and players bet on that remainder. Fan Tan is slower and simpler than Sic Bo, with a very limited bet structure, but shares the same spirit of straightforward chance-based play. Sic Bo offers significantly more betting variety, making it more popular in modern online casino settings.