Learn how to play Sic Bo easily with our beginner’s guide. Understand rules, bets, payouts, and strategies to enjoy this fast-paced dice game smartly.

How to Play Sic Bo – Complete Rules and Beginner’s Guide

Sic Bo is one of the oldest and most exciting dice games in the world. Originating from ancient China, its name literally means “dice pair” or “precious dice.” Today, Sic Bo is enjoyed in casinos across Asia, Europe, and the West — both online and in live casino tables. Though it may look complex at first glance, Sic Bo is quite easy to understand once you learn the basic rules and betting types.

This guide at sabong explains how to play Sic Bo step-by-step, including the betting table, dice outcomes, and popular strategies. By the end, you’ll be ready to enjoy the game with confidence, whether at a physical casino or online platform WOW888.

What is Sic Bo?

A dice-based casino game that uses three dice. The objective is to predict the outcome of the dice roll — whether that’s the total sum, a specific number, or a particular combination. It’s a game of chance, much like roulette, but it moves faster and offers a wide range of betting options.

Each round, players place their bets on a specially designed Sic Bo table that displays all possible combinations and outcomes. Once bets are placed, the dealer (or automated system in online versions) shakes the dice in a transparent container. The result determines which bets win or lose.

Quick Fact: Sic Bo is sometimes called “Tai Sai” or “Dai Siu” in Chinese casinos, meaning “Big Small,” referring to one of its most common betting types.

The Equipment and Setup

A traditional game includes the following components:

• Three dice – Standard six-sided dice with values from 1 to 6.
• A transparent shaker – Used by the dealer or machine to roll the dice.
• The Sic Bo table – Displays all the available betting options, including totals, pairs, triples, and more.
• Chips or betting credits – Used to place wagers on specific outcomes.

In online casinos, all of these are presented virtually, but the mechanics are the same. Many live-dealer Sic Bo games use real dice and broadcast the action through a live stream, maintaining the same authenticity as playing in person.

The Objective of Sic Bo

Your main goal is to predict the outcome of the three dice. You can bet on the total, individual numbers, combinations, or patterns. Each bet has its own payout rate depending on the probability of winning.

The beauty of Sic Bo is its flexibility — you can place multiple bets at once to cover various outcomes. Some bets have a higher chance of success but smaller payouts, while others are riskier but offer large rewards.

Basic Sic Bo Rules

• Three dice are shaken in a covered container or machine.
• Players place bets on one or more outcomes displayed on the table before the dice are revealed.
• Once all bets are in, the dice are revealed and the winning bets are paid according to the odds.
• You can mix different bets on a single round for diverse risk management.

Each bet type represents a unique probability. The more specific the bet, the lower the odds of winning — but the bigger the payout.

Sic Bo Betting Options and Payouts

Let’s break down the most common types of bets in Sic Bo and their typical payout ratios. Note that some casinos may have slightly different payout structures.

Bet Type	Description	Typical Payout
Big	Total of dice is between 11–17 (excluding triple numbers)	1:1
Small	Total of dice is between 4–10 (excluding triple numbers)	1:1
Specific Triple	All three dice show the same number (e.g., 2–2–2)	180:1
Any Triple	Any three-of-a-kind combination	30:1
Specific Double	Two of the three dice show the same number (e.g., 4–4)	10:1
Total Sum	Predict the total of all three dice (ranges from 4 to 17)	6:1 to 60:1 (depending on total)
Single Number	Bet on a specific number (e.g., 2) appearing on any of the dice	1:1 for one die, 2:1 for two dice, 3:1 for three dice
Combination Bet	Predict that two specific numbers will appear together	5:1

Each bet has its own thrill — “Big” and “Small” bets are the safest, while triples are rare but pay significantly higher.

Step-by-Step: How to Play

Follow these simple steps to start playing Sic Bo confidently:

1. Choose your betting amount: Select the value of your chips or credits for the round.
2. Place your bets: Click or place your chips on the sections of the Sic Bo table you want to bet on. You can select multiple bets at once.
3. Wait for the dice roll: The dealer shakes the dice in a sealed container, or the system rolls automatically.
4. Outcome revealed: The total and dice combination are displayed on the screen or table.
5. Payouts distributed: Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, while losing bets are removed.

In online versions, each round usually lasts 20–30 seconds, making Sic Bo a fast-paced game ideal for both beginners and advanced players.

Tips and Strategies for Playing 

Important Note: Sic Bo is a game of pure chance — no strategy guarantees consistent wins. However, smart betting can improve your long-term results.

• Start with low-risk bets: “Big” and “Small” bets have a house edge around 2.7%, making them ideal for beginners.
• Avoid specific triples at first: Although they pay the most, their odds are extremely low (1 in 216).
• Mix safe and risky bets: Combine one low-risk bet with one medium-risk bet to balance your session.
• Set a budget: Decide your spending limit before starting and stick to it.
• Play at regulated casinos: Always ensure you’re playing on licensed platforms that use verified random number generators (RNGs).

Understanding House Edge in Sic Bo

Every casino game includes a built-in house edge — the mathematical advantage that ensures the casino profits over time. In Sic Bo, this edge varies depending on your bet type:

• Big/Small Bets: 2.78% house edge
• Total Bets: Between 9.7% and 15.3%
• Double Bets: Around 18%
• Specific Triple: 30%+ edge

The lower the house edge, the better the long-term outcome for players. That’s why professionals often stick with “Big” or “Small” bets to manage risk.

Sic Bo vs. Other Dice Games

Players often compare Sic Bo with other dice-based games such as Craps. While both use dice, the gameplay and objectives are very different.

• Sic Bo: You bet on the result of three dice rolled together.
• Craps: You bet on the outcome of two dice over several rounds.

Sic Bo offers a faster, more straightforward experience with immediate results each round, while Craps involves multiple rolls and strategic sequences. For beginners, Sic Bo is easier to learn and enjoy quickly.

Variations of Sic Bo

Different regions and software providers offer slight variations of Sic Bo, including:

• Grand Hazard: A British variation using three dice that roll down a chute.
• Chuck-a-Luck: A simplified American version played with a cage instead of a table.
• Live Sic Bo Deluxe: Modern online versions with multipliers, side bets, and live dealers.

Each version keeps the essence of Sic Bo intact while adding unique visual or bonus features to attract different audiences.

Why Sic Bo Remains Popular

Appeal lies in its combination of simplicity, excitement, and variety. With dozens of betting options in every round, players can tailor their experience — whether they prefer slow, steady play or thrilling high-risk bets. The game also translates beautifully to online casinos, where advanced graphics, sound effects, and live-streaming bring the table to life on any device.

Final Thoughts

Sic Bo is one of those rare casino games that blend tradition, simplicity, and excitement in a single package. Its roots may be ancient, but its appeal remains timeless. By learning the rules, understanding the odds, and managing your bankroll wisely, you can enjoy every roll with confidence and entertainment.

Whether you’re playing online or at a live table, remember that is ultimately about enjoyment. The dice may be unpredictable, but your approach can always be smart, strategic, and responsible. So place your bets, watch the dice tumble, and enjoy the charm of this classic casino favourite.