Sic Bo, like roulette, requires participants to predict an outcome, but instead of a spinning wheel, it involves three dice. There are numerous betting options, which can take some getting used to, but the objective is simple: bet on the outcome you think the dice will produce, wait for the dealer (or automated system) to shake the dice, and check the results to see if you have won.
In this article, we will teach you how to play Sic Bo in three easy steps.
Step 1: Know the Components, Rules, and Variants
Sic Bo, whether played in land-based or online casino, consists of three main components: a table, three dice, and a shaker. The ‘dealer’ depends on the variant—whether it is controlled by RNG software or a real dealer.
In live Sic Bo, the dealer may physically shake the dice before rolling. In some live versions, an automatic shaker is used, while in online Sic Bo, RNG software ensures fair outcomes. The Sic Bo table displays all possible bets and their payout odds, making it easy for new players to understand. This setup is similar to the betting layout in roulette.
Since Sic Bo has a long international history, it has different variations. Some of the most common variants include:
- Grand Hazard: A three-dice Sic Bo variant with a different board configuration and betting structure, popular in US and European land-based casinos.
- Chuck-a-Luck: This variation uses three dice placed in an hourglass-shaped device that pivots when spun by the dealer, resembling a birdcage.
Step 2: Load Your Chosen Game and Place Your Bet
Decide on your spending limit, ensure that your funds are credited to your account, and select your stake using the betting menu in your chosen Sic Bo game. At Prime Casino, all Sic Bo games are accessible on mobile phones and tablets.
Arrange your chips on the table in the betting areas corresponding to your chosen outcome. This process is similar to placing bets in roulette.
Sic Bo bets are classified based on their odds and payout potential:
- Single-number bets are at the bottom row of the table.
- Combination bets appear above single-number bets.
- Total bets are positioned above combination bets.
- Double, triple, and specific triple bets are at the top of the table.
- Small and Big bets are located at the upper left and right edges of the table.
Basic Bet Types
- Small Bet: Placed on dice totals between 4 and 10.
- Big Bet: Covers totals from 11 to 17. (Both small and big bets lose if a triple appears.)
- Specific Total Bet: Betting on a precise dice total between 4 and 17, with higher payouts due to lower probability.
- Single-Dice Bet: Betting that a specific number will appear on one, two, or all three dice.
- Double Bet: Betting that two of the dice will show the same number.
- Triple Bet: Betting that all three dice will display the same number, offering the highest payout.
- Domino Bet: A two-dice combination bet, covering 15 possible outcomes such as 1-2, 2-3, or 3-5.
Step 3: The Dice Are Rolled and the Outcome is Revealed
The three dice are shaken inside a clear glass dome by the dealer, an automatic system (in live casino games), or via a digital animation (in online versions). Once rolled, the results are revealed.
If your prediction is correct, you win. Once all payouts are completed, the next round of Sic Bo begins.
Standard Payouts
- Small/Big bets: Pays 1:1.
- Two-dice combination bets: Pays 2:1.
- Single-dice bets: Pays 1:2.
- Specific double bets: Pays 10:1.
- Specific triple bets: Pays 180:1.
- Any triple bet: Pays 30:1.
- Specific total bets:
- 60:1 for a total of 4 or 17.
- 30:1 for a total of 5 or 16.
- 18:1 for a total of 6 or 15.
- 12:1 for a total of 7 or 14.
- 8:1 for a total of 8 or 13.
Is There a Difference in How to Play Sic Bo Online?
The main difference between online Sic Bo and live Sic Bo is the human element. In online Sic Bo, the player typically plays solo against a virtual interface, while in live Sic Bo, the game is streamed in real time with a dealer operating the dice shaker.
While gameplay and payouts remain mostly the same, online Sic Bo offers more variety in niche variants, available 24/7. Additionally, the pace of play differs—players control the pace in online Sic Bo, whereas the dealer dictates the pace in live Sic Bo.
Takeaway
Prime Casino offers a diverse selection of the top Sic Bo online casino games. We also provide a live casino experience where you can play Sic Bo (and its spinoff, Bac Bo) in real time with live dealers and other players.
Remember to always gamble responsibly, and when the fun stops, stop.