How to Play Sic Bo

Learning how to play Sic Bo is relatively easy, as the game is based entirely on chance and does not require any special strategy or skill. If you wanted to look back to where it originated from, you’d have to look centuries back in China, but nobody can say in which period for sure, and it only became popular in the West in the early 20th century. 

Playing Sic Bo online is also very easy compared to some other games. After reading this article, you should be ready to start playing and have a bit of an advantage over most players thanks to a few key tips and tricks.

Basic Sic Bo Rules

The rules of Sic Bo are so simple that anyone can “walk” to the table and simply start playing. You play with three dice and bet on the outcome of the roll. Bets are made on a specialized table that displays various options, such as the total number of dice or which numbers will appear.

Looking to the past, traditional games used a small plate and bowl to shake the dice. Modern sic-bo online casinos have emulated this in their own way, using mechanical shakers or virtual animations online. The Sic Bo table features a selection of betting options, but the core gameplay remains straightforward. Before each round begins, players select one or more betting areas on the table layout.

Players can place multiple bets simultaneously to cover different possibilities. After all bets are placed, the dealer announces "no more bets," or the online system locks in your selections. In brick-and-mortar casinos, the dealer uses a mechanical shaker containing the three dice. In online versions, a random number generator determines the outcome of each roll, ensuring fair results that cannot be predicted or manipulated.

Types of Sic Bo Bets

Sic Bo offers numerous betting options, each with varying odds and payouts that cater to different risk appetites. Understanding each bet type enhances your gaming strategy and helps maximize potential winnings. These are the comprehensive explanations of all Sic Bo bets currently available at US online casinos:

• Small and Big Bets: The small bet wins if the total of the three dice is between 4 and 10, while the big bet wins if the total is between 11 and 17. Both bets typically pay 1:1 but lose if a triple appears (three of the same number). These bets cover 48.6% of all possible outcomes, giving them the best odds in the game with a house edge of just 2.78%.

• Specific Triple: This bet wins if all three dice show the specific number you selected. For example, betting on "Triple 5" wins only if all three dice show the number 5. The payout is substantial at 180:1, reflecting the low probability of winning (0.46%). Despite the attractive payout, this bet carries a house edge of 16.2%, making it one of the riskiest options.

• Any Triple: This bet wins if any triple appears (three of the same number), regardless of which number it is. It pays 30:1 and offers better odds than a specific triple bet with a 2.8% probability of winning. The house edge remains relatively high at 13.9%, but it provides a middle ground between high risk and high reward.

• Specific Double: This bet wins if at least two dice show the specific number you selected. For instance, betting on "Double 3" wins if at least two dice show the number 3. It typically pays 10:1 and has a winning probability of 7.4%, with a house edge of approximately 18.5%.

• Single Number Bet: This bet wins if one or more dice show the number you selected (1 through 6). The payout depends on how many dice match your selected number: 1:1 for one die, 2:1 for two dice, and 3:1 for all three dice. This creates a variable payout structure based on the actual outcome.

• For a single number bet on "4," you win if any of the three dice shows a 4. If one die shows 4, you get paid 1:1; if two dice show 4, you get paid 2:1; and if all three dice show 4, you get paid 3:1. The house edge for this bet is 7.9%.

• Combination Bet: This bet wins if your chosen two-number combination appears on any two of the three dice, regardless of what the third die shows. For example, a bet on "3-5 combination" wins if at least two of the dice show 3 and 5. It pays 5:1 with a winning probability of 13.9% and a house edge of 2.8%, making it one of the more favorable bets in Sic Bo.

• Total Sum Bet: This bet wins if the sum of all three dice matches your selected total (between 4 and 17). Payouts vary based on the probability of each total:

1) Total of 4 or 17: Pays 60:1 (probability 1.4%)

2) Total of 5 or 16: Pays 30:1 (probability 2.8%)

3) Total of 6 or 15: Pays 17:1 (probability 4.6%)

4) Total of 7 or 14: Pays 12:1 (probability 6.9%)

5) Total of 8 or 13: Pays 8:1 (probability 9.7%)

6) Total of 9 or 12: Pays 6:1 (probability 11.6%)

7) Total of 10 or 11: Pays 6:1 (probability 12.5%)

• Odd/Even Bet: This bet wins if the total of the three dice is odd or even, depending on your selection. It pays 1:1 but loses on any triple, similar to small/big bets. The house edge is 2.78%, making it another favorable option for beginners.

• Specific Double and Single Bet: This combination bet wins if two dice show one specific number and the third die shows another particular number. For example, betting on "Double 2, Single 6" wins only if two dice show 2 and the third die shows 6. It typically pays 50:1 with a house edge of approximately 15.3%.

Each bet type offers distinct advantages, depending on your playing style and risk tolerance. Conservative players often stick to small/big and combination bets for their favorable odds. Risk-takers might try specific triple bets for their substantial payouts despite the low winning probability.

How to Play Sic Bo Online

Playing Sic Bo may look daunting when you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into, but it’s easy because each round follows the same pattern. The advantage of digital versions is that they are available 24/7, allowing players to proceed at their own pace, which can be beneficial when practicing a sic bo strategy. On the other hand, live dealer casinos create a more authentic casino atmosphere with real-time interaction. Here's how a typical round unfolds:

1. Select a game: Log in to your preferred online casino and navigate to the Sic Bo section. Select between live dealer and digital versions according to your preference. Major US online casinos offer multiple Sic Bo variants with different table limits. This is to accommodate casual players and high rollers.

2. Set your budget: To ensure responsible gambling, it's essential to be aware of your betting limits before playing. Most experts recommend wagering no more than 5% of your total bankroll on any single round of Sic Bo.

3. Place your bets: Click on the betting areas of the virtual table that correspond to your chosen bets. Most online platforms and casino apps allow multiple simultaneous bets. In digital Sic Bo, you select chips representing different denominations ($1, $5, $25, $100, etc.) and place them on the betting areas by clicking or tapping. The minimum bet typically ranges from $1 to $5, while maximum bets vary widely between casinos and table types.

4. Confirm your bets: Review your selections and click "Confirm" to finalize your wagers. Most online Sic Bo interfaces display your total bet amount and potential payout for each selected bet, helping you make informed decisions. Some platforms also offer a "Repeat Bet" option that automatically places the same wagers as your previous round.

5. Watch the dice roll: In digital versions, an animation shows three dice being rolled, while live dealer games use physical dice in a specialized shaker. Some games include dramatic sound effects and visual elements that build anticipation during the roll.

6. View the results: The winning numbers appear on screen, with winning bets highlighted on the table. Digital Sic Bo games typically display a close-up of the three dice, followed by illumination of all winning bet areas on the table. The game clearly indicates the total of the three dice and whether any special combinations (such as doubles or triples) have appeared.

7. Collect winnings: Any winning bets are automatically added to your account balance. Online casinos process these transactions instantly, allowing you to use your winnings immediately for subsequent bets. The platform also displays a detailed breakdown of your results, showing each winning bet and its corresponding payout.

8. Continue or cash out: You can decide to play another round or exit the game. Most online Sic Bo games feature a prominent "New Game" or "Roll Again" button to allow players to continue playing. If you wish to cash out, navigate to the banking section of the casino to initiate a withdrawal of your winnings.

Sic Bo Tips

While the game itself is simple to play, there isn’t a sure-to-win strategy, but there are some Sic Bo tips you can use to increase your odds of winning and lower the house edge as much as possible. This is what all of those Sic Bo strategies actually aim to do. 

To start off, one of the best beginner tips for Sic Bo is to stick with the small and big bets. They offer the best odds in the game, with a house edge of about 2.78%, making them a smart choice for new and cautious players.

Combination bets also offer reasonable odds, with a 16.67% probability of winning and a house edge of 2.78%. Properly managing your bankroll by setting strict limits on losses and wins protects your funds during both winning and losing streaks. 

Despite their attractive 180:1 payout, avoiding specific triple bets reduces risk, as these bets carry a significant house edge of 16.2%. Starting with smaller bets allows you to learn the game dynamics without risking substantial amounts of money. It’s essential to understand the mathematical probabilities behind each bet type, which enables informed decisions rather than relying on gut feelings or superstitions.

Different Sic Bo Variants at Online Casinos

Online casinos in the US offer several Sic Bo variants that add unique twists to the classic game. 

American Sic Bo features slightly different betting options and table layouts that cater specifically to US players. Some versions offer side bets not found in traditional Sic Bo. 

• Super Sic Bo is available at many US online casinos and boosts the traditional game with random multipliers. This enhancement can boost payouts up to 1,000x on certain bets, adding an extra layer of excitement. 

• First person Sic Bo is another popular variant from Evolution that you’ll find in US casinos. It gives you smooth, high-quality 3D graphics and full control over when you roll the dice.

• Live Dealer Sic Bo combines digital convenience with the authentic experience of having a human dealer roll the dice in real time. 

Common Sic Bo Mistakes to Avoid

New Sic Bo players often make preventable mistakes that impact their gaming experience and bankroll. Here's what to avoid:

• Chasing losses by increasing bet sizes after losing streaks, which accelerates bankroll depletion rather than recovering previous losses

• Ignoring the house edge on different bet types, particularly the tempting but unfavorable specific triple bets

• Playing without understanding all the rules and betting options, leading to confusion and potentially costly errors

• Betting on too many options simultaneously, which spreads your bankroll thin and increases the likelihood of overall losses

• Failing to set clear win/loss limits before starting a gaming session

• Playing while tired or emotionally distressed, which impairs decision-making abilities

• Believing in "hot" or "cold" dice or other gambling fallacies that don't affect the random outcomes

• Overlooking the terms and conditions of casino bonuses that might apply to Sic Bo games

• Playing at unlicensed or unregulated online casinos that may not offer fair games

• Neglecting to practice with free demo versions before wagering real money

Avoiding these common pitfalls improves both your chances of winning and your overall enjoyment of the game.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling keeps the activity fun, rather than making it problematic. Set time and money limits before you start, and take regular breaks during play. Remember that gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money.

Use the tools offered by online casinos, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options. Watch for warning signs, such as spending more than you can afford or neglecting your responsibilities.

For support, contact:

• National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER

• Gamblers Anonymous

You can also visit WSN's responsible gambling center for more information about healthy gambling habits.