Rules
- Three dice are shaken in a covered container, then revealed.
- Players place bets on outcomes: totals, doubles, triples, or specific combinations.
- Winning bets pay according to a fixed table; losing bets are collected.
- Unlike craps, there is no sequence of rolls; each round is independent.
Common Payouts
| Bet | Typical Pays | House Edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (4–10) / Big (11–17) | 1:1 | ≈2.78% | Loses if a triple appears. |
| Specific Triple (e.g., 1-1-1) | 150:1 – 180:1 | ≈30%+ | Very high edge; avoid. |
| Any Triple | 24:1 | ≈13.9% | Wins on any triple. |
| Total 9 or 12 | 6:1 | 18.98% (41/216) | Not a good bet. The 7.41% often quoted for this box is the figure at 7:1, and most tables pay 6:1. Check the payout before the edge. |
| Total 9 or 12 | 7:1 | 7.41% (2/27) | The same box on a better pay table, costing less than half as much. |
| Total 10 or 11 | 6:1 | 12.50% (1/8) | 27 of 216 ways, so the pay table decides everything here. |
| Total 10 or 11 | 7:1 | 0.00% (exactly 0) | 27 × 8 = 216. At 7:1 this box is a true coin flip against the house, the only even-money proposition in the game. It is also rare. |
| Specific Double | 8:1 – 10:1 | ≈18%+ | Risky long-shot bet. |
| Dice Combo (e.g., 2+5) | 5:1 | ≈16.7% | Pays if both numbers appear. |
Exact payouts and edges vary by casino; always check the printed table before playing.
Strategy & Bankroll
- Best bets: Stick to Small/Big, lowest house edge (~2.8%).
- Avoid long-shots: Triples and exotic totals carry very high edges.
- Totals 9/12: Often the best compromise between payout and risk outside Small/Big.
- Bankroll tip: Because Sic Bo is all chance, focus on pacing wagers and session limits.
Every bet on the layout has its own page, counted from the 216 outcomes of three dice, with both common payout schedules. See every sic bo bet ranked by house edge →
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s the best bet in Sic Bo?
- Small (4–10) and Big (11–17), with a house edge of ~2.8%.
- Are payouts the same everywhere?
- No. Payouts for totals and triples vary by casino. Always check the table chart.
- Is Sic Bo skill-based?
- No. Unlike poker or blackjack, it’s pure chance. Strategy is about bet selection and bankroll control.
- Why is it popular in Asia?
- Sic Bo has deep cultural roots and is featured in many Macau and Asian casinos.