What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo (骰寶), which translates roughly to "precious dice," is a traditional Chinese gambling game played with three dice. It is one of the most popular casino games in Macau and across Southeast Asia, and has grown significantly in international online casinos.
The game's appeal lies in its fast pace and wide range of betting options — from simple even-money bets to high-payout specific triple bets. The outcome is determined entirely by the result of the three dice, and players simply choose which outcome to wager on before the dice are shaken.
How a Round of Sic Bo Is Played
- Players review the betting table and place their chips on one or more betting areas.
- The dealer (or a mechanical/electronic device) shakes three dice inside a covered container.
- The cover is lifted to reveal the result.
- Winning bets are paid out and losing bets are collected.
The game moves quickly, with rounds typically lasting less than a minute in live settings.
Core Bet Types in Sic Bo
Small and Big Bets
These are the most common bets and typically offer the lowest house edge:
- Small: The total of all three dice is between 4 and 10. Wins only if no triple (all three dice the same) appears. Pays 1:1.
- Big: The total of all three dice is between 11 and 17. Also loses on any triple. Pays 1:1.
Specific Total Bets
Players can bet on the exact sum of all three dice. Totals closer to the extremes (4 and 17) are less likely and pay more; totals in the middle range (10 and 11) are more common and pay less. Payouts typically range from 6:1 to 60:1 depending on the total.
Single Number Bets
Bet that a specific number (1 through 6) will appear on one, two, or all three dice:
- Appears on one die: pays 1:1
- Appears on two dice: pays 2:1
- Appears on all three dice: pays 3:1 (some tables pay more)
Double Bets
Bet that a specific number will appear on at least two of the three dice. For example, betting on "Double 4" wins if two or more fours appear. Typically pays 8:1 or 10:1.
Specific Triple Bets
Bet that all three dice will show the same specific number (e.g., all three show 5). This is a high-risk, high-reward bet typically paying 150:1 to 180:1.
Any Triple (General Triple)
Bet that all three dice will show the same number, without specifying which number. Less restrictive than the specific triple, and typically pays 24:1 to 30:1.
Pair Bets
Bet on a specific combination appearing on exactly two of the three dice (for example, a 2 and a 5 appearing together). Typically pays 5:1 or 6:1.
House Edge Overview
| Bet Type | Approximate House Edge |
|---|---|
| Small / Big | ~2.78% |
| Specific Total (10 or 11) | ~12.5% |
| Specific Triple | ~16% |
| Any Triple | ~11% |
| Single Number | ~7.9% |
Sic Bo Strategy Tips
- The Small and Big bets carry the lowest house edge and are the most balanced way to play.
- Spreading bets across multiple areas can make each roll more interactive, but it doesn't change the overall mathematical expectation.
- High-payout bets like specific triples are entertaining but carry a very high house edge — treat them as occasional side wagers rather than a core strategy.
Sic Bo is ultimately a game of chance, but understanding the bet types and their respective house edges allows you to approach the table with a clear picture of what you're wagering on.