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You should always take the time to learn how to play Sic Bo before you attempt this traditional Chinese dice game at online casinos. Meaning “Big Small” in Cantonese, Sic Bo dates back to the 19th century and is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its low house edge of 2.78% and multiple bet options.
Our guide covers everything you need to know to get started, including important information about payouts, winning combinations, popular strategies, and more.
What is Sic Bo and How to Play it?
Sic Bo is a dice game of ancient Chinese origin that gained popularity in the US during the 1980s and 1990s. It’s a simple game in which three standard dice are shaken in a dice cup, often called a cage, and then rolled. You bet on the outcome of the dice roll, and there are several different ways to bet on the outcome.
These ways can be divided into two elements: betting on the dice total or certain numbers showing on the dice face. Here we take a look at how to play Sic Bo once you've registered at an offshore casino in the US.
Join a Sic Bo Table
Once you’ve considered the various Sic Bo tables and launched the game, the next step is to place bets. First, you must click or tap on the chip denomination you want to use. These are usually at the bottom of the screen, and there are several chips with different ranges of values.
Place Bets
You can place the bet once you’ve selected the chip value you want to use for your bet. A Sic Bo table has dozens of different betting options to choose from.
Roll the Dice
Once you’ve placed all the bets you want to place, then click on the “roll” button or dice “tumbler icon.” If you are playing a live version, you won’t need to press any icon, and the dealer will automatically roll the dice. When the outcome is revealed, the table will be cleared. If you place a winning bet, you will automatically receive your payout in your wallet. The dealer keeps all the chips from losing bets.
Breaking Down Sic Bo
Sic Bo rules are simple. However, there are some key aspects that you must be aware of. We have outlined the tools used to operate Sic Bo Games at online casinos.
- The Table: Sic Bo is played on a table featuring multiple dice combinations. Each possible bet is shown alongside its odds.
- Dice: Sic Bo game rules indicate that three dice must be used. You bet on the outcome of each role.
- The Shaker: The shaker is the name given to the tool that electronically rolls the three dice.
- Digital Board: Where the results of each game are displayed. Remember that the outcome of every role is random.
- Dealers: Two dealers are used to exchange chips, monitor bets and ensure that the rules are followed.
Sic Bo Table Bets
When learning how to play Sic Bo, you first need to know the available bets. We’ve looked at them briefly previously but will go into all the possible bets on a Sic Bo board in more detail in this section.
A bet that a specific number from 1 to 6 will show on at least one of the dice faces. The payout depends on how many dice the number you bet on appears.
For example, if you bet on two appearing and once the dice shows a two, the payout is 1:1. If two of the dice show a two, the payout is 2:1, and if all three show a two, then the payout out is 3:1.
| Payout | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 3:1 | 0.46% | 7.9% |
Small and big bets are based on the outcome of the total sum of the dice. The small bet wins if the total sum is between 4 and 10. The big bet wins if the total is between 11 and 17.
It’s important to know that if there is a triple, then small and big bets lose automatically. For example, if you bet on Big and the individual dice show a 6,6,3 for a sum of 15, you win. However, if the individual dice were 5,5,5 for a sum of 15, the big bet would lose as it’s a triple.
| Payout | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 48.61% | 2.78% |
A domino, also called a combination bet, is a wager on there being a specific combination of numbers on two dice. The available combinations are 1 4, 1 2, 2 4, 1 3, 2 3, 3 4, 2 5, 2 6, 3 5, 4 5, 3 6, 1 5, 1 6, 4 6 and 5 6.
| Payout | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 6:1 | 2.8% | 13.9% |
Total bets, also known as sum bets, are wagers on the exact sum of the three dice. For example, betting on a sum of 10 means all three dice combined equal 10. You can bet on all possible totals except 3 and 18.
| Total | Payout | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 or 11 | 6:1 | 12.5% | 12.5% |
| 9 or 12 | 7:1 | 11.6% | 7.4% |
| 8 or 13 | 8:1 | 9.7% | 12.5% |
| 7 or 14 | 12:1 | 6.9% | 9.7% |
| 6 or 15 | 18:1 | 4.6% | 12% |
| 5 or 16 | 30:1 | 2.8% | 9.7% |
| 4 or 17 | 60:11 | 1.4% | 15.3% |
A bet that at least two of the dice will show a specific number. For example, two sixes.
| Payout | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 10:1 | 7.41% | 18.5% |
A bet that all three dice will show the same of any of the numbers.
A bet that at least two of the dice will show a specific number. For example, two sixes.
| Payout | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 30:1 | 2.8% | 13.9% |
A specific triple is betting that all three dice will show a specific number. For example, three fours.
| Payout | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 180:1 | 0.46% | 16.2% |
How to Place a Sic Bo Bet
Placing a bet is one of the easiest things to learn when mastering how to play the Sic Bo casino game. There are just three easy steps you need to follow.
- Select your bet value by clicking on one of the chips.
- Select the bet type or types you want to place. You can select different values for each bet.
- Tap the “Start” button or dice icon and then wait for the outcome.
Sic Bo Casino Game Payouts Explained
You should have a firm grasp on Sic Bo odds and the payouts of a Sic Bo casino game before you start putting your money on the line. Our table shows you each bet’s standard payouts and house edge.
| Bet Type | Payout | Winning Combos | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small or Big Bet | 1:1 | 105 | 2.78% |
| Sum of 4 or 17 | 60:1 | 3 | 15.28% |
| Sum of 5 or 16 | 30:1 | 6 | 13.89% |
| Sum of 6 or 15 | 17:1 | 10 | 16.67% |
| Sum of 7 or 14 | 12:1 | 15 | 9.72% |
| Sum of 8 or 13 | 8:1 | 21 | 12.50% |
| Sum of 9 or 12 | 6:1 | 25 | 18.98% |
| Sum of 10 or 11 | 6:1 | 27 | 12.50% |
| Single Dice Bet | 1:1/2:1/3:1 | 75/15/1 | 7.87% |
| Double Bet | 10:1 | 16 | 18.25% |
| Two Dice Combo | 5:1 | 30 | 16.67% |
| Specific Triple Bet | 180:1 | 1 | 16.20% |
| Any Triple Bet | 30:1 | 6 | 13.89% |
Pros & Cons of Playing a Sic Bo Game
There are both pros and cons of playing Sic Bo. One of the main benefits is that the Sic Bo game rules take a matter of minutes to learn. The rules also allow for different strategies and systems. This is due to the range of payouts and bet types. You will find a way to play whether you are a beginner or a high roller.
Of course, it is important to weigh up the limitations of Sic Bo too. Firstly, Sic Bo is viewed as a game of luck, rather than skill. This will put players who enjoy more strategic games off. Elsewhere, some Sic Bo bets have a house edge that does not entice you into placing real money bets.
They are particularly high when compared with other game types, such as video poker and blackjack. Before you decide whether to play online Sic Bo, check out the list of pros and cons below.
Pros:
- 8 different bet types.
- Free-to-play and real money versions.
- Bet limits to suit beginners and high rollers.
- Super, Mega, and other modern variants are playable.
- The simple rules and gameplay make it a good option for beginners.
Cons:
- Bets have a house edge of up to 18.98%
- The basic gameplay makes forming a strategy difficult.
Tips for Playing at a Sic Bo Table
It’s important to remember that this game is purely based on luck and no outcome can be predicted. However, when you learn to play Sic Bo, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you bet more effectively, such as the ones listed below.
Different Sic Bo Variations
Many Sic Bo sites offer game variations that slightly differ from the original in some way. Super Sic Bo and Mega Sic Bo are newer game versions that add multipliers to random Sic Bo bets. If you win your bet with a multiplier, your payout is multiplied by 2x – 1,000x. Another popular variation is Dragon Sic Bo, which adds a fourth dice to the game.
There are also Western versions of the game named Chuck-a-Luck and Grand Hazard. These are basically the same game but with fewer betting options. The reduced betting options mean these two aren’t as popular in recent times and are not commonly found at new online casinos.
Other Useful Guides On ReadWrite
If you want to learn more about other popular casino games, check out some of our other expert guides on classic casino games.
Conclusion
Learning how to play Sic Bo involves mastering the different betting options and payouts. Unlike many other casino games, there aren’t multiple variants of Sic Bo. Develop a strategy that fits your budget and objectives.
Then place bets, which have odds of up to 48.61%. You can take advantage of live and RNG Sic Bo games, which come from OneTouch, Voltent, and other providers.
FAQ
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Responsible Gambling
It’s estimated that 3%-4% of Americans suffer from a gambling disorder or have a gambling problem. This is a serious issue, as gambling problems can result in severe financial problems, strained relationships with loved ones, and it can be seriously detrimental to your mental health.
This is why responsible gambling is so important. You must always take precautions when gambling and seek assistance if you feel you have a problem controlling your gambling. Below we have listed a few useful sites that offer advice and/or assistance to those who struggle with responsible gambling.
