The Ultimate Sic Bo Casino Game Guide

You have probably seen SicBo, among other casino games, on various platforms. This game originated in China and is widespread in Asia, especially in Macau and Hong Kong casinos. Its popularity has grown significantly since you can play it in any American or European casino. But what is it, and how to play Sic Bo? Here, I will answer these questions and provide several options with which you can increase your chances of winning. Make yourself comfortable and get ready to learn more!

Game Development 🎲

SicBo is an ancient Chinese game played with three dice. Translated from Chinese, its name means “dice pair,” which is the main part of the meaning of this game. There is also a version translated from ancient Chinese that the game’s name means “precious dice.” The game began to develop 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty, that is, in 206 BC. Initially, the game used dice with intricate symbols drawn, but then the game began using the usual dice we know. 

Chinese immigrants brought it to the United States in the early 20th century, and it has taken root well in the West. Thanks to the active development of gambling worldwide, it can be played in almost any online and offline casino.

That is an excellent option for beginners in casino games, as the rules are easy to learn and remember. The main goal of Sic Bo games is a feeling of excitement and, to some extent, adrenaline. However, you must know how to play Sic Bo and betting options to place a successful bet. 

Rules of Play 📋

It is one of the games with the fastest-growing player base among online games, second only to Roulette. That is unsurprising since its rules are simple, and any newcomer to the gambling world can play it. 

The SicBo game is based on the player’s luck. Your main goal is to predict the result of rolling three dice, and if luck smiles on you, you collect your reward. 

Even though this casino entertainment can still be called a simple game for beginners, it is still more difficult than Roulette or Dice. In this game, all three dice are six digits. You place casino chips on the board to place a bet and receive your winnings by the offered odds. The game goes as follows:

Please note that all your bets must be placed before the dealer closes the dice chest. The dealer hands out chips to the winner and can also indicate if bets are no longer allowed.

Betting and Payouts 💰

Just like in Roulette, SicBo has a wide selection of bets. Its rules allow you to place several bets, too. 

Seven betting options are available in the game; I will describe them in detail.

👉 Total

This bet is the simplest in Sic Bo games and is based on guessing the number of common three dice. It can range from 4 to 17 (3 and 18 are excluded from the bet because they are threes). Payouts may differ in each game variant due to the probability of a hit, shown in each field.

Each betting box will show the payout, allowing you to adjust your choice better. For example, if you bet on the number 4, you will get 60:1. That means you can win 60 units for every unit you bet.

👉 Small and big bets

In this case, you bet on the sum of three dice — big or small. If you bet on small dice, it can range from 4 to 10. If you want to bet on big dice, it can range from 11 to 17.

By placing this bet, a gambler can get a 1:1 result on both big and small dice. That is similar to online casino Roulette bets. If you are familiar with the rules of Roulette, then this type of bet may be a great start. If you make such a bet, you choose a low-risk strategy.

👉 Two-dice combination 

It consists of choosing 15 possible combinations of two dice. It is associated with the numbers on each of the three dice. An example can be a combination of 2 and 4. You win if the dice show 1, 2, and 4. If you make this bet, the payout is 6:1, and for each unit of the bet, the player will win 6 units. That may also differ from the full bet, as the payout will depend on the specific total. Based on this, the two-dice combination bet represents a medium-risk strategy. 

👉 Single bet

That is another simple bet to understand. You bet on a specific number that must appear on at least one of the dice. With this bet, the player’s payout depends on how many times this number appears on the dice. If the number you bet on is shown on one dice, you receive a payout of 1:1. If it appears on two dice, the payout is 2:1, and if it appears on three — 12:1. 

👉 Double bet

Everything is the same as in the previous bet, but the number you bet on must appear on two dice this time. For example, if you bet Double 4 and it comes up as 4, 4, 3, then you win. In this case, the payout is 10:1 for any number bet from 1 to 6. This bet is much riskier than the previous one, so I do not recommend choosing it for beginners. 

👉 Triple bet

That is perhaps the riskiest bet a player can make. The conditions are still the same, only this time, the number you bet on must appear on all three dice. The payout will be 30:1 if you do not select any specific number. However, for a certain triple, the payout will be 180:1, the highest payout on the playing field. The risk of failure is high, but the reward corresponds to it. If this is your first time at the Sic Bo table, I do not recommend you choose this bet. 

👉 Even or odd

In this case, you bet on a certain number that should appear as the sum of the numbers that all three dice will show. Like small and big bets, the player also loses when a three is rolled (and the casino wins). You win if the total sum of the dice gives an even or odd number (depending on what kind of bet the player made). 

Strategies and Tactics 🧐

Even though casino Sic Bo is a game of luck, you can still increase your advantage by properly planning the course of the game. Normally, when playing the games of luck, I focus on strategies that help me control my bankroll. 

I have identified five main strategies for players of different levels so that you can choose what suits you best. 

1. Low-risk strategy ⚡

Low-risk strategy involves choosing bets with the best advantage for you and the highest probability of your gambling success. Small and big bets offer almost equal chances of winning and excellent payouts. Such bets do not require special skills, and it will be easy for you to work with them as a beginner. 

A combination bet is also a good option as it has high probabilities and a low house edge. Please avoid bets you are unsure about yet and try not to deviate from this strategy. The most important thing is not to chase big wins while learning the game.

2. 1-3-2-4 strategy ⚡⚡

This strategy is not about what type of bet you choose but what amounts you bet. It is suitable for betting on dice with almost equal chances and consists of increasing the bet in a certain order. For example, if you start this casino game with a bet of $1, your next bet should be $3, then $2 and $4. If you are lucky, you continue to increase your bet this way. If you lose, you return to your original bet of $1.

This strategy is useful for gamblers of any level and is used not only in Sic Bo games. If you are interested in other casino games of luck, it will be useful in gambling Dice games or Roulette. The main thing to remember is that if you lose, you cannot continue to increase your bet.

3. Medium-risk strategy ⚡⚡

You can move to the next level if you have mastered the game rules and learned how to play Sic Bo games. You can try to bet on at least four different numbers to get bigger winnings. Technically, even if you lose all four of your bets, the amounts you win subsequently will make up for your loss. 

However, you must be careful not to chase huge winnings being at the average level. There is a certain pattern in the SicBo game; namely, the casino advantage increases for each bet according to its payout. Therefore, if you decide to make larger bets, increase them gradually and do not rush to become a high-roller. Remember that bets should be within your bankroll limits. 

4. Bet of 3 currency units strategy ⚡⚡⚡

This strategy is popular among both average and professional SicBo players. It involves placing a bet of 3 currency units on 9 and 2 units on doubles 1, 5, and 6. Another suitable option would be to bet three currency units on the 12 and 2 units on the double 1, 2, and 6. Both combination bets offer a return of 24 units if 9 or 12 wins. Players get the same amount if your double bet is successful.

5. High-risk strategy ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡

A high level, to a greater extent, implies both experience and wealth since the amount of winnings is greater and the chances of winning are lower. You can try playing with multiple bets. Although some will have a relatively low probability, the total payout can be high enough to cover losses and generate significant profits. However, it is important to consider the chances of winning each bet. Calculate whether the combination you choose will be profitable for you. 

I can advise you on two winning strategies for pro players that may be useful to you:

These strategies are only suitable for high-risk games. Your chances of winning may increase (in theory), but the house edge cannot be eliminated. Of course, these strategies do not guarantee victory; they only increase your chances, so I do not advise you to play at a high level of risk if this could harm you financially.

Sic Bo Variations 🪑

It may seem that since the game looks simple and is based on the player’s luck, or it has no variations, but this is not the case. It is played worldwide, and many countries have adapted its rules to suit their gambling habits. Before you start playing at the Sic Bo table, make sure that you are playing a game with rules that you are familiar with. If you miss this point and apply the rules from another variation, this may lead to a loss.

9 approved variations of SicBo are common in different countries and regions:

• Grand Hazard: An English variant of SicBo that strongly resembles Hazard.
• Chuck-a-Luck: This is a simpler version of the game whose main feature is that three dice are placed in an hourglass-shaped device. This variation can often be seen at carnivals or in informal gaming environments.
• Chuck Luck: This variation combines elements of SicBo and Chuck-a-Luck. It typically involves three dice in a cage.
• Yee Hah Hi (Fish-Prawn-Crab): This option is more popular in Asia. The main difference from the original is that the dice have symbols (fish, shrimp, crab, coin, pumpkin, and rooster) instead of numbers. 
• Dai Siu (Big Small): Mostly common in Macau. Players bet on whether the three dice will be small (4-10) or large (11-17). This variation is simpler and has fewer bets. 
• In the United States: The American version is not much different from the original. But betting patterns may vary, and some casinos may offer additional side bets or progressive jackpots.
• Super Sic Bo: This modern game variation uses random multipliers to increase potential winnings. Once bets are placed, random multipliers are applied to some or all bets, allowing you to increase your payouts significantly (Most popular in live online casinos).
• Electronic Sic Bo: Some casinos offer electronic versions of the game, where players place bets using electronic terminals. This format allows for faster gameplay and may include additional features not found in the traditional version of the game.
• In Online Casinos: Online casinos often provide variants with additional features, graphics, and betting options. Virtual games can offer a variety of themes and settings to enhance your online gaming experience.

Some of these variations are difficult to confuse with each other, but some are very similar. So, I recommend that you pay attention before your game even starts. 

Common Mistakes in Sic Bo ❌

Everyone makes mistakes in the beginning, which is normal. But if you can avoid it, you should do it for your good. That can have a positive impact not only on your winnings but also on your gaming experience.

Conclusion 👋

SicBo is a game of luck, but you still have the opportunity to bring this luck to your side. Even though it only includes three dice and chips, its rules vary depending on which variation you play. It is also important to remain attentive and analyze your next moves to remain a winner. 

I hope I helped you understand the rules. The strategies I provided have been tested for decades and are still widely used among players. I believe that if you adopt this information in practice correctly, you will get what you have come for.