How to Play Sic Bo: Rules and Gameplay Guide

If you're curious about the sic bo rules and would like to get into one of the most iconic dice games found in live and online casinos, you've arrived at the right place. Sic Bo is a game of chance that has captivated gamblers for centuries with its simple rules and wide range of wagers. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned gambler looking for variety, Sic Bo offers a fresh twist on traditional casino entertainment.

What Is Sic Bo?

Sic Bo is one of the only casino games played with dice—three, to be precise. It's a fast-paced betting game that originated in ancient China, and the name literally means "precious dice." Although Sic Bo remains extremely popular in Asian casinos like those in Macau and the Philippines, it has also become very popular in the United States and other countries through Chinese immigrants who brought the game to their new homelands in the 20th century.

Today, you can find Sic Bo played at most internet casinos, even live dealer games where the dice are rolled live. There are also computer versions offered at a few casinos, where a machine shakes the dice without a dealer.

Sic Bo Rules: How the Game Works

The game is played with three six-sided dice. Players wager on what they think the outcome of the roll will be, utilizing a table layout that could look like a roulette betting board. The layout contains all the different types of bets available, from simple number predictions to more complex combinations.

Following bets, the computer (or dealer) shakes the dice in a small container. The results are revealed, and the payouts are made according to the odds of each of the bets made.

Common Sic Bo Bets

Let's consider the most common bets to be found in Sic Bo:

  • Big: Bet the three dice add up to 11 through 17 but aren't a triple (i.e., 4-4-4). Pays 1:1.
  • Small: Bet the total will be 4 to 10, except for triples. Pays 1:1.
  • Even/Odd: Bet whether the total will be even or odd.
  • Specific Triple: Bet all three dice will all be the same specific number, like 3-3-3. Pays 150–200:1 depending on casino.
  • Any Triple: Bet that any triple will be rolled, regardless of the specific number. Pays 30–34:1.
  • Specific Double: Bet that two or more of the dice will show a specified number. Pays 10–12:1.
  • Domino (Two Dice Combination): Bet on a specified two-dice combination like 4 and 6. Pays 5–6:1.
  • Single Die Bet: Choose one number, say 5. Win 1:1 if it appears on a single die; 2:1 if it appears on two dice; and on all three, up to 10–15:1.
  • Total Sum Bet: Place a bet on the total sum of the three dice. A bet on a sum of 9 or 12 is higher than for less common sums of 10 or 11.

History of Sic Bo

Sic Bo has a rich and long history that dates back thousands of years in ancient China. The game was played with bricks or other solid material in place of the modern dice. It evolved into an Asian gaming phenomenon over time and is now a staple in casinos across Macau and the Philippines.

Its translation in Chinese, "precious dice," fails to capture other names it's known by, including Dai Siu and Hi-Lo. It wasn't until the beginning of the 1900s that Sic Bo was introduced into the United States by Chinese immigrants. It wasn't legalized until 2002 in the UK and is since available in European casinos as well.

Sic Bo Variants

There have been many regional variations of Sic Bo over the years:

  • Grand Hazard: This is the British version, using three dice, but rolled out of a cup or special chute. Some of the payouts are slightly different, with some combinations paying 18:1.
  • Chuck-a-Luck: An American variant of Sic Bo with the three dice held in a revolving wire cage. This game was very popular once in Nevada casinos but has largely been replaced by standard Sic Bo nowadays.

Is There a Sic Bo Strategy?

Since Sic Bo is entirely luck-based, there is no surefire strategy that can guarantee winnings. However, you can manage risk by knowing the odds of different outcomes.

High-return bets such as specific triples are extremely unlikely to hit, so they're best reserved for small side bets. If you like playing it safe, keep Big or Small bets, which offer nearly 50/50 chances and pay even money (1:1).

Others diversify their bets as well—placing one conservative bet and one more risky bet—to ensure maximum chances of both consistent and big wins. In general, however, it's always better to have a budget and gamble responsibly.

Final Thoughts

Sic Bo is a great option for those looking to branch out from the more ubiquitous roulette, blackjack, or slots. Even though it may not be as widely offered in online casinos as some other games, it's very available—especially in Asian-player-friendly sites or extensive table game offerings.