How to Play Sic Bo: The Complete Guide for New Players

Sic Bo is a high-octane Chinese dice game based on predicting the outcome of three dice. You can play Sic Bo at the casino or online, with virtual tables or live dealers. Learn the lingo, the secrets, and how to play Sic Bo in our beginner’s guide.

What Is Sic Bo? A New Player’s Guide

Sic Bo is a fast-paced casino game where players bet on the outcome of a roll of three dice. The aim is to predict what numbers will appear: a specific total, a combination of dice, or a pattern of numbers.

You place your chips on the Sic Bo table, choosing areas on the layout that match your prediction. If the dice fall in your favor, you win. It’s that simple.

In many ways, Sic Bo is what you would get if you combined craps and roulette; like roulette, the table layout is complex, with dozens of options. However, three dice – not a roulette wheel – determine the outcome.

Sic Bo is a well-established casino classic in Macau and throughout Asia. Many Las Vegas casinos now feature Sic Bo tables. It’s gradually gaining traction in the West as more curious casino players try it.

Sic Bo Game Equipment and Setup

• Betting surface: The Sic Bo table layout features 50 betting options and areas, including totals, triples, doubles, small/big bets, and combinations.
• Dice: Three standard six-sided dice are used.
• Dice Shaker: either an electronic or manual shaker rolls the dice. Sadly, it’s a ‘hands-off’ approach for the players.

Making Your First Bet: Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Play Sic Bo

Sic Bo is not a complex game. Playing it is as easy as one, two, three, and four. Here’s what a sample round of Sic Bo plays out like:

Step 1: Place Your Bet

You start by placing chips in the betting area that match your prediction. In this example, you place:

• One chip on “Small” (4–10)
• One chip on the “six & three” combination bet

This means you’re betting that:

• The total of the three dice will be between four and ten (excluding triples)
• Two of the dice will show the numbers six and three (in any order)

Step 2: Dealer Shakes Dice

The dealer uses a dice shaker or dome in a live casino to roll the dice. The system or live dealer rolls them electronically or manually in online games. The dice result in this example: Six, three, one.

• Total = Ten
• Dice show both six and three

Step 3: Evaluate the Outcome

Your bets are checked against the outcome:

• Small bet wins (total is ten)
• Combination bet (six & three) wins

Step 4: Collect Payouts

Congratulations: you’ve rolled a winner. This is what you collect:

• Small bet pays 1:1. You win 1 chip
• A combination bet pays 5:1. You win five chips
• Total winnings: Five chips (1 + 5), plus your original two chips are returned.

Sic Bo Symbols and Markings 

The Sic Bo table layout features all the various bets players can make, as well as their odds:

Big and Small Bets

They are labeled ‘Big’ (大) and ‘Small’ (小) and are usually found at the center or top of the layout. They are also often highlighted or boxed for easy access. These are the simplest bets:

• Small (4–10): wins if the total is between 4 and 10 (excluding triples)
• Big (11–17): wins if the total is between 11 and 17 (excluding triples)

Total Sum Bets (4–17)

They are a row or two of numbered boxes labeled 4 to 17. They represent bets on the exact total of the three dice. Each box shows the payout odds below the number. The extreme totals (4, 5, 16, 17) have higher payouts due to lower probability. 

Specific Triple Bets

These are marked with three identical dice faces (for example: ‘1-1-1’, ‘2-2-2’). Usually placed in a horizontal or vertical block, betting here means you’re wagering all three dice will show the same exact number. These bets enjoy high payouts at about 150:1 or more.

Any Triple Bet

It’s sometimes written as ‘Any Triple’ or marked with ‘All’ or three asterisks/dice icons. It’s one large space that covers any triple outcome, regardless of which number it is. It offers a lower payout than specific triples, often around 24:1.

Double (Pair) Bets

Pair bets are represented by two matching dice faces (for example: ‘2-2’, ‘5-5’). Betting here means you predict that two dice will show the same number. The payout is moderate enough, usually around 8:1 or 10:1.

Dice Combination Bets

These bets are labeled with pairs of different numbers (for example: ‘two & five’, ‘three & six’). There are 15 possible two-dice combinations. It pays if both those numbers appear on any two of the three dice in any order. Dice combination bets usually pay 5:1.

Single Number Bets

A single-number bet is the simplest wager. You choose a specific number between 1 and 6. You win if that number appears on any of the three dice. The payout depends on how many times your chosen number shows up: if it appears on one die, you’re paid 1:1; on two dice, 2:1; and on all three, 3:1.

Deciphering Dice Combinations

The result of the three dice determines the outcome of every game round. The combinations are what fuel the variety of betting options. Here are some examples:

• Small Total (4–10, excluding triples)
• Big Total (11–17, excluding triples)
• Specific triples (2-2-2) or any triple
• Doubles (two of a kind)
• Combinations (a three and a five appearing together)

Popular Sic Bo Lingo

Here’s a handy guide to all the phrases and terminology you will likely hear playing Sic Bo.

Sic bo

The name of the game means ‘precious dice’ in Chinese.

Big bet

A bet that the total of the three dice will be between 11 and 17, excluding triples.

Small bet

A bet that the total of the three dice will be between four and ten, excluding triples.

Triple (specific triple)

A bet that all three dice will show a specific number.

Any triple

It’s a bet that any triple will be rolled, regardless of the number.

Double (pair)

A bet that two of the three dice will show the same specific number.

Combination bet

A bet on two different numbers shows up on any two of the dice (for example, two and five).

Single number bet

A bet that a specific number (one through six) will appear on one, two, or all three dice.

Total bet (sum bet)

A bet on the total of all three dice (for example, betting the dice will total nine or 14). 

Shaker/dice cup

The container is used to shake and roll the dice (manual or electronic). 

Dice dome

The clear, glass-like dome is used in automated Sic Bo tables to shake the dice. 

Payout odds

The ratio shows how much you win if your bet is successful (for example, 6:1 means six units won for every one wagered).

Layout

The printed or digital table surface shows all possible betting areas.

RNG (random number generator)

Used in digital versions of Sic Bo to simulate fair dice rolls. 

House edge

The casino’s statistical advantage over the player. 

Live dealer sic bo

A streamed version of the game with a real dealer and dice is popular in online casinos.

Sic Bo Betting Options Explained

Like roulette and keno, there is no established betting strategy for Sic Bo. It’s all down to Lady Luck and your preferred deity.

Small and Big Bets

Small and Big bets are the most popular and beginner-friendly options on the Sic Bo table. They are easy to understand, offer relatively even odds, and are often placed in prominent positions on the table layout.

What Is a Small Bet?

• You win if the total of the three dice is between 4 and 10
• Excludes triples (for example: 2-2-2 is an automatic loss even though it totals 6)
• Marked as ‘Small’ or sometimes with the Chinese character

What Is a Big Bet?

• You win if the total is between 11 and 17
• Also excludes triples (for example: 6-6-6 loses even though it totals 18)
• Marked as ‘Big’ or with the character 大

Sic Bo Odds and Payouts

These bets are considered the safest options in Sic Bo, ideal for players who want steady, low-risk gameplay.

Bet Type	Winning Total Range	Payout	House Edge
Small	4–10 (except triples)	1:1	~2.78%
Big	11–17 (except triples)	1:1	~2.78%

How to Play Virtual Sic Bo Online

There is plenty to take into consideration when playing virtual Sic Bo online, but rest assured, as our casino expert will cover all you need to know about how to play the virtual version of this popular game.

Finding Reputable Online Casinos

When playing online, choose trusted platforms with:

• ✅ Proper licensing
• ✅ Clear game rules and payout structures
• ✅ Live dealer options (for a more authentic experience)
• ✅ User-friendly interfaces
• ✅ Clear and open auditing

Whether you’re learning how to play Sic Bo online or sharpening skills for a trip to the casino, online versions make it easy to practice.

• Virtual Sic Bo: Played with software; fast-paced with instant results.
• Live Sic Bo: Features real dealers and dice, streamed in real time.
• Perks of online play: Play anytime, lower minimum bets, and access free demos.

Conclusion

Confused by craps? Bored with roulette? Fed up with blackjack? Sic Bo may be the game you’re looking for.

It’s a genuinely thrilling experience. It combines the excitement of craps with the betting options of roulette. Like slots and keno, there is no strategy, but Sic Bo is a blast to play. The house edge ranges from reasonable (2.78%) to insane (16.2%), with everything in between.

Now you know the rules, the odds, and where to play, why not try your luck at the Sic Bo table, in person or online? Stick with the beginner-friendly bets as you get a feel for the dice and enjoy the ride. Have fun, stick to your limits, and play responsibly.

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