What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo is an ancient Chinese dice game that has become popular in casinos worldwide. Three dice are shaken in a container, and players bet on the outcome. The game offers dozens of betting options with varying odds and payouts — from simple Small/Big bets (low house edge) to exotic combination bets (very high house edge).
How to Play Sic Bo — Simple Rules
📋 Step 1: Place Your Bet
Choose from multiple betting options on the table layout. You have about 15-20 seconds to place bets before the dice are shaken.
📋 Step 2: Dice Are Shaken
The dealer shakes the three dice in a covered container. In online Sic Bo, an RNG determines the outcome instantly.
📋 Step 3: Dice Are Revealed
The dice are shown to all players. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table.
📋 Step 4: Collect Winnings
If your bet matches the dice outcome, you're paid instantly. The next round begins with new bets.
Sic Bo Betting Options — House Edge & Payouts
| Bet Type | Winning Condition | Payout | House Edge | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (Best Bet) | Total 4-10 (no triple) | 1:1 | 2.78% | ✅ Always bet this |
| Big (Best Bet) | Total 11-17 (no triple) | 1:1 | 2.78% | ✅ Always bet this |
| Single Number | A specific number on 1-3 dice | 1:1 to 3:1 | 7.9% - 12.5% | ⚠️ Moderate house edge |
| Two Numbers | Two specific numbers appear | 5:1 or 6:1 | Ways16.7% | Ways❌ Avoid |
| Triple (All Same) | All three dice same number | 30:1 to 180:1 | Ways13.9% - 16.2% | Ways❌ Avoid |
| Any Triple | All three dice same (any number) | 30:1 | Ways13.9% | Ways❌ Avoid |
| Specific Double | Two specific dice show the same number | Ways10:1 | Ways18.5% | Ways❌ Avoid |
Small vs Big Bets — Your Best Strategy
The Small and Big bets are the only bets in Sic Bo with a reasonable house edge. Here's how they work:
🎯 Small Bet (Total 4-10)
You win if the total of the three dice is between 4 and 10. Exception: If the dice show a triple (all three the same number), you lose — even if the total is 4-10. House edge: 2.78%.
🎯 Big Bet (Total 11-17)
You win if the total of the three dice is between 11 and 17. Exception: If the dice show a triple (all three the same number), you lose — even if the total is 11-17. House edge: 2.78%.
Single Number Bets — How They Work
You can bet on a specific number (1-6) appearing on 1, 2, or 3 dice. The payout varies based on how many dice show your number:
| Number of Dice Showing | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 die | 1:1 | 7.9% |
| 2 dice | 2:1 | 12.5% |
| 3 dice | 3:1 (or 12:1) | 12.5% |
⚠️ AVOID COMBINATION BETS
Bets like Two Numbers (5:1 payout, 16.7% house edge), Specific Doubles (10:1 payout, 18.5% house edge), and Triples (30:1 payout, 13.9-16.2% house edge) are sucker bets. The payouts look tempting, but the odds are heavily stacked against you.
Sic Bo Payout Table — Complete Reference
| Bet Type | Winning Condition | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Total 4-10 (no triple) | 1:1 |
| Big | Total 11-17 (no triple) | 1:1 |
| Total 4 or 17 | Sum equals 4 or 17 | 60:1 |
| Total 5 or 16 | Sum equals 5 or 16 | 30:1 |
| Total 6 or 15 | Sum equals 6 or 15 | 18:1 |
| Total 7 or 14 | Sum equals 7 or 14 | 12:1 |
| Total 8 or 13 | Sum equals 8 or 13 | 8:1 |
| Total 9, 10, 11, 12 | Sum equals 9, 10, 11, or 12 | 6:1 to 7:1 |
| Single Number (1 die) | Number appears once | 1:1 |
| Single Number (2 dice) | Number appears twice | 2:1 |
| Single Number (3 dice) | Number appears three times | 3:1 to 12:1 |
| Any Triple | All three dice same (any number) | 30:1 |
| Specific Triple | All three dice same (specific number) | 180:1 |
| Specific Double | Two specific dice show same number | 10:1 |
| Two Numbers | Two specific numbers appear | 5:1 or 6:1 |
Sic Bo Bankroll Management
Sic Bo is a fast-paced game with 30-40 rounds per hour. Proper bankroll management is essential:
- The 1% Rule: Never bet more than 1% of your total bankroll per round. With a $500 bankroll, max bet is $5 on Small/Big.
- Session Limits: Allocate 20-30% of your total bankroll per session. With $500 total, bring $100-$150 to each session.
- Stop-Loss: Set a hard stop-loss at 20-30% of session bankroll. When you lose that amount, walk away.
- Win Goal: Set a realistic win goal (20-30% of session bankroll) and stop when you reach it.
📊 Sample Bankroll Plan
Total Bankroll: $500
Session Bankroll: $100
Small/Big Bet: $5 (1% of total)
Stop-Loss: $30 (30% of session)
Win Goal: $30 (30% of session)
Sic Bo Strategy FAQ
What is the best bet in Sic Bo?
The Small and Big bets have the lowest house edge at 2.78%. These are the only bets with a reasonable chance of winning over time. All other bets have significantly higher house edges (7.9% to 18.5%).
Can you beat Sic Bo with a system?
No. Like all casino games, Sic Bo has a built-in house edge that cannot be overcome with betting systems. The only winning strategy is to make the bets with the lowest house edge (Small/Big) and manage your bankroll effectively.
What is the difference between Sic Bo and Craps?
Sic Bo uses three dice and has dozens of betting options with varying payouts. Craps uses two dice and has a lower overall house edge (as low as 0.8% with odds). Learn more about craps strategy →
What are the odds of rolling a triple in Sic Bo?
The odds of rolling any triple (all three dice the same) are 1 in 36 (2.78%). The odds of rolling a specific triple (e.g., three 6s) are 1 in 216 (0.46%).
Should I bet on triples?
No. While the 180:1 payout on a specific triple looks tempting, the house edge is 13.9% to 16.2%. You're mathematically guaranteed to lose over time. Stick to Small/Big bets.
Where to Play Sic Bo Online
Find Sic Bo tables at these US-friendly casinos:
More Resources
- Baccarat Rules → — Another popular Asian casino game
- Craps Rules → — Dice game with better odds
- Other Games FAQ → — Common questions answered
- Other Games Glossary → — Key terms explained
