Sic Bo

Sic Bo is an ancient Chinese game based on chance and it is played with three dice, where players bet on the outcome of the roll.

The most important rule of the online Sic Bo is to read the payout table! For most beginners that looks complicated at first, but is quite simple and easy.

Sic Bo table shows us every possible combination that dice can produce along with payout odds for every combination.

Online Sic Bo tables at different casinos are not the same but all of them shows the payout odds.

Online Sic Bo at casino sites that we recommend can be played as Sic Bo free online game and for real money.

Below we are going to guide you through some Sic Bo online basic rules and tips to learn you how to play this dice game much better.

Types of online Sic Bo at casino

Sic Bo is a dice game that can be played in land-based casinos, but at online casino sites, this dice game can be played as:

1. Sic Bo RNG ( This is a type of online sic bo game where we play against the computer; the RNG – Random Number Generator)
2. Live Sic Bo ( Sic Bo is played online in real-time against the live players and real human dealer)

Online Sic Bo against the computer (RNG)

As we have said this type of game is played against the computer. It can be played as sic bo free online game and sic bo for real money.

Playing sic bo game free online is recommended to all beginners where they can increase the skill and chances to win before they decide to play for real money.

Live Sic Bo

This is a more popular type of Sic Bo game, where players can only play for real money in a real-time live casino.

Live Sic Bo is popular by attractive female dealers, and availability to chat live with other players while the game is on.

Our recommendation is to first test free sic bo game before you decide to gamble for real money against live dealers and other live players.

How online Sic Bo works?

As we have said Sic Bo is the three dice game where players put their bet on the outcome of the rolls.

At the Sic Bo payout table, we have all possible combinations and odds for them. So after the bets are placed the dealer shakes the dices.

The fact that every roll is random and any combination can come up at any time mean that online Sic Bo is a game with no skill or strategy needed! It is all up to the three dice!

Sic Bo game is different from other table games especially from dice game online craps because players don’t have contact with the three dice.

Dices are located in the shaker and the dealer rolls them using electric dice shaker.

• Sic Bo is three dice game
• The dice are rolled inside a box by the dealer (electric dice shaker)
• One the dice have been shaken; the dealer will then reveal the combination to the better during the game
• The main idea of the game is to get the dice in one’s favour
• Winning Sic Bo or Precious Dice is based on your luck and the luck of the house
• This is a game of chance, so it is best to stay prepared for any outcome

How to play online Sic Bo?

To play online sic bo first we have to visit an online casino, and after that, if we decided to play for real money we have to create an account a deposit.

After we have chosen the game it is time to play. Below we have explained in steps how the game is played.

• Create an account at an online casino
• Set your budget limit and deposit
• Buy chips
• Place bets
• Check the electric dice shaker
• Collect your winnings
• Repeat the process

Placing a bet in Sic Bo online

When placing bets in online sic bo we have several options, basically, we have the option to bet on what number will show up on one, two or three of the dice.

Second options are to bet on the total sum that dice add up to. All the possible results are illustrated on the table and placed in grouped based on their payout odds.

You don’t need to be good at maths in order to play Sic Bo!

Single number bets

Here in this image, we can see highlighted the single number bets that are bets on any number 1 to 6 that coming up on the next roll of the 3 dice.

Example: If we place an NZ$10 on the single number bet, like two (see image below).

• If the any of the three dice rolls a two, we instantly win NZ$ 10
• If two of three dice rolls a two we win NZ$20
• If all three of dice rolls a two we win triple 30NZ$
• Odds are 1:1 on one dice. 2:1 on two dice, 3:1 on three dice

Combination bets

Second popular bet is the “combination bets”. On these type of bets, players bet on the chance of two specific numbers appearing among the three dice. This outcome is less likely to happen but that is why the payout odds are higher. If we look on the sic bo table the second row from the bottom shows the total bets (see image below).

Total bets

If we look at the third row from the bottom at online sic bo table we see the total bets. When placing bets on these options, players bet on the total sum of the numbers appearing on all three dices, like for example rolling three fives for 15 (see image below).

Specific double bets

If we see the image below we can see highlighted boxes ” Each double 1 wins 10″ on the left side and another one “Each Double 1 wins 10” on the right side. These two boxes are where we can bet on a specific double where our selected number appears on two of the three dice, or in a specific triple where all three dice land on the same number.

Bet on any triple

Below, this image shows us field where we can place a bet on any triple (1 Wins 30, Each triple 1 wins 180) where we win if all three dice come up with any of the same three numbers.

Small and Big bets

Small and big bet remind us of roulette where we place a bet on red or black. Payout odds are the same 50:50 or in this case 1:1 for Small and the Big Bet. These two bets are based on a total of all three dice. Here players can bet that the total sum of the numbers will be from 4 to 1 (Small Bet) or that the total sum of the numbers will be from 11 to 17 (Big Bet). Below on the image, we can see where are located in the table the Small and the Big Bet.

House edge for different bets

Sic Bo is a game of many variations when it comes to betting. The luck, the big and small wins make the game even more excited. The betting probability on the options is between 0.46% to 48.61%. The bets depend on the region one is in.

• Small and Big (Hi-Lo) is the safest wager. The small is 4 to 10 and significant ranges from 11 to 17. It is the most common usage for gamblers of the game. For small/big it is 1:1 and 2.78% chance facing off with the house edge.
• Odds and Even is another betting type for gamblers. Players participating can place bets on the dice outcome being even or odd, that is the dice combination as a whole. This betting type is not common in most casinos. Odd/Even both are a 1:1 to the 2.78 % when facing the odds against the house edge.
• Specific Triples also are known as Alls is when a player bets on a certain number that the dice would show being three of a kind. This betting type is very risky but can prove to have the best payout if won. The odds of this coming out to win is 180 to 1 with the house edge being 16.2% chance.
• Specific Doubles is betting on a certain number. Two out three dice have to show the same number that is bet on. The odds of this one is 10 to 1 and 18.52% chance of losing against the house.
• Any Triple or All is not like the Specific Triple, this betting type allows any win on a three of a kind. This has a lower ration versus to that of its riskier counterpart. The odds are 31 to 1 against a 13.89% house edge on the player.
• Three Dice Total has many ranges of betting lines when adding up the total of the dice. It ranges from 4 to 17, 10, and 11 have a higher chance of winning. 10 and 11 do not have a high payout versus to other numbers. The odds range from 12.5% house edge versus a 62:1 to 6:1 up against house edge of 12.5%, 6:1 with House’s edge being 2.8%.
• Single Dice Bet is when the player places a wager on a particular number. The house edge with this type of bet is 3.7%. The odds of winning are based on the dice with one dice is 1:1, with two dice it is 2:1, and with three dice it is 12:1.
• Four-Number Combination is when the player chooses a four unique number for their bet. The bet will pay 7 to 1 if the roll matches with three of the chosen numbers. The house edge on this bet type os 11.1% with the odds of winning being 7 to 1.
• Three Single Number Combination is when the dice shows a specific combination of three different numbers. The odds of this winning is 30 to 1. The house edge against the player is 13.9% chance.
• Specific Double and Single Number is when two dice show the same number while the last one shows an entirely different number. The house edge against the better is 15.3%. The odds at earning a payout with this bet type is 60 to 1.

Below on the table, we have listed possible bets and payout odds for each bet, as well the number of combination and the house edge.

Bet	Payout odds	Number of combinations	House edge
4,17	60:1	3	15.28%
5,16	30:1	6	13.89%
6,15	17:1	10	16.67%
7,14	12:1	15	9.72%
8,13	8:1	21	12.50%
9,12	6:1	25	18.98%
1,11	6:1	27	12.50%
Triple	180:1	1	16.20%
Any triple	30:1	6	13.89%
Small, Big	1:1	105	2.78%
Double	10:1	16	18.52%
Any number	1-3:1	75.,15, 1	7.87%
Two dice combination	5:1	30	16.67%

Players decision in Sic Bo

Balanced Bets: Understanding the High or Low strategy is great, but if a gambler is feeling edgy or explorative, then one can participate in the balanced bets strategy. The Balanced Strategy in Sic Bo is betting on the number 9 or 12. These give the best chance at a win when going up against probability. Place a bet on the chosen total then add to the three to double the bets. Keep in mind choosing doubles that have a better chance of being rolled. This is to ensure that the player still wins even if their total bet loses. It is how they bet on the dice.

A Big-Payout: Players who are searching for bigger Payouts seek no further! This strategy is for Sic Bo players who want to win big. The big payout strategy is when betting on a certain triple payout. This for big risk-takers and not for those who want to play it safe or cautious. If the player feeling lucky and risky, this strategy is the one for them when playing Sic Bo.

Middle-of-the-Road: Middle-of-the-Road strategy in Sic Bo is when betting on a specific double, on a full three-dice roll, or any other betting scenario. It is less risky than the Big Payout strategy. It is safe to do but can still offer a decent size payout. Not sure what to bet on, the table or online screen will always show the payout in according to each bet.

Multiple-Bets: The Multiple-Bet strategy is when the player can place as many bets during the roll of the dice. Doing a safe bet, the risky bet, and the middle bet on the dice can rear a better payout. It is a way to give the Sic Bo player the better odds against the dice. Additionally, it adds fun for those looking for something exciting during their Tai Sai game.

Most popular variations of Sic Bo

There are two variants, one is the Grand Hazard, and the other is Chuck-a-Luck. These are the more English version of Tai Sai.

• Grand Hazard is the English version of Sic Bo. This variant is also played with the classic three dice. The name origin comes from another gambling game that is played with two dice. Grand Hazard dice are thrown with a cup or down a chute instead of shook inside of a box. The payouts for Grand Hazard is 18 to 1. Three of a kind are also known as raffles.
• Chuck-a-Luck or Birdcage is the United States variant of Sic Bo. This version came from its English counterpart. The dice instead of a box, cup, or tumbled down a chute it is kept in a wireframe birdcage. The birdcage is pivoted at the centre by the dealer. The dice would then fall from the bottom of it. This game version allows only a single number of wages. Triples are viable to add to the wagers if the dice come out like that. The odds of this is 30 to 1. Chuck-a-Luck use to frequent the Nevada casino tables until the original (Sic Bo) took of the tables. The game is much rarer in the States now and days.

Top beginner tip: Be on the defence!

Beginners who are playing Sic Bo for the first time it is best to play on the defence. It means for newer players of the old game that play smart, safe, and patiently.

With this style of play, it would allow more money in the bank account, and they can play longer.

Focusing on the small and big bets with some combination bets will allow players to gain decent profit throughout the game.

The rate of this profit range is near 2.78%. This only and only if one plays on the slower side.

• Related: Learn 5 Sic Bo beginners tips!

Sic Bo history

Sic Bo was invented in China around 1,900 years ago. The rules of this game through history has not changed much if not at all. The dice game is also known as Tai Sai or Dai Siu. Dai Sui means Big Small. The game was first played with a brick before replacing the heavy object with a pair of six-sided dice. Sic Bo moved along with labourers to the United States around the 19th century.

It took around two generations (the 1920s and the 1940s) before the people of the States learned about Sic Bo. The gambling game was made a carnival by the Americans; hence, the name Chuck-a-Luck came forth. Across the Atlantic, the game in the United Kingdom was mingled with a game called Hazard to form a variant known as Grand Hazard.

The original way of playing Sic Bo maintained through the years gaining popularity throughout the world. The game around 1960, Stanley Ho opened the Hotel Lisboa that featured Sic Bo but other gambling games. With this success, others began to open tables featuring the old game to Chinese guest. The game was on the main floor of casinos in the 1990s when China wealth grew.

It wasn’t until 2002 that Sic Bo was legalized for the gambling tables in the New Zealand The game popularity in New Zealand is slowly gaining traction now. Sic Bo is still fun and exciting while being all over the world still maintaining its popularity in many avenues it started in like Macau. At one point when the game was growing, in 1995 a casino in Biloxi, Mississippi has a mishap with the odds and payout rates. It took a significant loss to discover the correct payout rates for Sic Bo.

Sic Bo glossary

• Any Triple: A three of a kind on the dice.
• Any Double: A bet of any paid made on the dice.
• Any Pair: A different term for the combination bet.
• Birdcage: A Sic Bo game variant where dice are rolled in a birdcage.
• Betting Limits: The minor max amount that is allowed to be wagered on.
• Hi-Lo: A Sic Bo variant with the same rules but played primarily in the Philippines-payouts varies.
• Spin: A spin is another term for shaking or rolling the dice in the container they are in depending on the casino.
• Even: An even bet made when the total of the dice equals to that of an even number-available in certain casinos.
• Prominent: Wager place on the sum of a number 11 and 17 (Three of a Kind does not apply) during a round of Sic Bo.
• Cage: A small device used for rolling or shaking up the dice during a game of Sic Bo, the cage can be glass or a wooden chest.
• Odd: A wager in Sic Bo where it is dependent on the total of the three dice coming to be odd-only available in certain casinos.
• Small: A wager made where the total of the three dice equals to a number between 4 to 10, three of a kind does not apply to this.
• Any One Number: A wager where the player bets on a specific number to appear on the dice, the more the number appears higher the win.

FAQ

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic_bo
• The Official World Encyclopaedia of Sports and Games 1979