What is sic-bo, and how do you play?

An ancient Chinese gambling game, sic-bo is often hailed as the Asian version of craps. Sic-bo, also called SicBo and Sic Bo, uses three dice and a table. A wide range of bets are available depending on the roll of the dice. Depending on where you are playing, the odds and table layout can vary somewhat. Here at Bitcasino we offer sic-bo at a variety of stakes for every player, so you can always enjoy this storied game, no matter the size of your wallet.

While extremely popular in Macau, sic-bo is growing in popularity around the world thanks to increased exposure through internet casinos.

Sic-bo is a true game of chance. The skill required in sic-bo involves managing your bets and bankroll effectively. Sic-bo can serve as a welcome break from more mentally taxing casino games.

The objective of sic-bo is to correctly guess the result of three dice that are rolled simultaneously. The sic-bo table is lined with betting squares. Similar to a craps table, the sic-bo table has a large grid of squares featuring words, numbers, and illustrations of dice. To make a bet, all you need to do is place your bet on your chosen betting square. There are a few basic bets that are the basis of the game, in addition to a number of more specific bets with higher payouts.

Types of bets

While the tables may differ slightly from one location to another, there are several dozen betting areas on each table. In the upper left-hand and right-hand corners of the betting grid, the game's most commonly placed bets are placed: small and big. Betting on small implies that you are guessing that the total of the three dice will come to between 4 and 10, while betting on big means that you believe that the total will be between 11 and 17. Your odds of winning with either of these bets are slightly lower than even as the totals of 3 and 18 are excluded.

The majority of players, either novice or expert, choose to bet primarily on small and big bets as they offer a win probability of 48.61%, keeping the house edge to a relatively low 2.78%. Should you win, your wager will be paid out at 1 to 1.

Aside from small and big bets, double and triple bets are also popular. In this type of bet, you are betting on a specific number that the two or three dice will all roll to, such as double 1s or triple 2s. The locations on the table for placing these bets are depicted by two dice showing matching totals for the double bets, and three dice showing matching totals for the triple bets. You can bet on any pairing or bet on multiple pairings simultaneously, but there is no option for betting that there will simply be a double. There is, however, a special square on the table if you would like to bet that there will simply be a triple.

Standard online payouts for double bets are 8 to 1. A winning bet on the “any triple” square pays out at 24 to 1, while guessing the exact winning triple pays out at 150 to 1. Depending on the bet, the house edge ranges from 30.09% to 33.3% – significantly higher than the small and big bets.

It is also possible to bet on the exact total of all three dice combined. There is a horizontal line of numbered squares that runs across the centre of the table allowing these bets to be placed. Winning a bet on the three dice total can garner a payout ranging from 6 to 1 to 60 to 1, with a house edge that ranges from 7.4% to 15.3%.

While we have covered a number of betting options here, sic-bo offers a wealth of more advanced bets. Some of these include combination bets where you bet that two out of the three dice will add up to a certain number, in addition to individual bets where you bet that one of the three dice will be a specific number. Winning an individual bet pays out at 1 to 1. If two of the three dice land on the chosen number, then the payout increases to 2 to 1, and if all three dice land on the same number, then the payout is 3 to 1.

Odd bets, even bets, four-number combination bets, three single numbers bets, and specific double and single bets are all additional alternative bet types, with each featuring their own specific payouts and house odds.

Playing sic-bo online

Whether you are playing sic-bo online or at an offline location, the game is essentially the same. It is even possible to play against a live dealer online with some casinos, which gives you the opportunity to ask the dealer questions and learn the game more thoroughly as you play.

If you are taking part in an online sic-bo game that does not make use of a live dealer, then a random number generator will be used to determine the result of dice rolls. In those games with a live dealer, the dealer will manually roll the dice. Regardless of how you play online, internet casinos often offer players deposit bonuses, free bonus chips and reload bonuses. This provides an edge over playing offline as it increases your odds slightly, as a percentage of your bets will be risk-free because you are playing with the house's money.

As sic-bo is a pure game of chance, there is no one strategy for playing the game. The level of randomisation cannot be controlled, but for those looking to win, or at least extend their stay at the sic-bo table, sticking to the small and big bets can help make your bankroll last. By sticking to one of these two bets, the house edge is kept to under 3%, making it one of the better options in the casino.

With just a roll of the dice of this fabulous craps game, you could find yourself more wealthy in a matter of seconds. And with bitcoin craps, you can do this from the comfort of your own home!  So, to give online sic-bo a try amongst hundreds of other games, browse all the options we have available right here at Bitcasino.

Words: Sean Mcnulty
Images: PA, Depositphotos & Bitcasino