Sic Bo - Odds and How to Play Sic Bo

Sic Bo is a dice game whose origins can be traced back to ancient China. Around the world, it is known by names such as Big and Small, Hi-Lo, Dai Siu, and Tai Sai. The two latter names translate to "lucky dice" and "big small" respectively. This page contains information about how to play sic bo, and it also presents "sic bo odds" - basically outlining the probabilities, odds and house edge information for the various sic bo bets which are available.

Sic Bo continues to be very popular in Asia, and is widely played in places like Macau and the Philippines. While it is available in the United States (having been introduced by Chinese immigrants in the early part of the 20th century), it has never gained the level of acceptance of craps. In fact, many casinos keep Sic Bo in rooms especially designated for games of Asian origin. It is, however, available for play in most online casinos.

To play Sic Bo, three standard dice are rolled. These dice are often shaken in a plastic cup or bowl, while many modern casinos have the dice shaken mechanically. Payouts are then made based on the wagers and resulting combinations of the three dice.

Players can make a wide array of bets, but most experts suggest sticking to the "low" and "high" bets. The payoff combinations are listed on a roulette-style table which is often lit from underneath to reveal winning combinations. Players make their bets by placing chips on the corresponding part of the table. Please note that odds and table layout may differ from casino to casino and country to country.

Below, I have compiled a sample list of odds and payouts for Sic Bo. This information is based on games at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City and the Riviera in Las Vegas. It should be noted that most Atlantic City casinos follow the same rules.

Small - You win if the dice total 4 to 10, unless three-of-a-kind come up. Winning probability is 48.61%. Pays 1 to 1. The house edge is 2.78%.

Big - You win if the dice total 11-17, unless three-of-a-kind come up. Winning probability is 48.61%. Pays 1 to 1. The house edge is 2.78%.

Four - You win if the dice total 4. Winning probability is 1.39%. Pays 50 to 1 at the Riviera and 60 to 1 in Atlantic City.

Five - You win if the dice total 5. Winning probability is 2.78%. Pays 18 to 1 at the Riviera and 30 to 1 in Atlantic City.

Six - You win if the dice total 6. Winning probability is 4.63%. Pays 14 to 1 at the Riviera and 17 to 1 in Atlantic City.

Seven - You win if the dice total 7. Winning probability is 6.94%. Pays 12 to 1 at both the Riviera and in Atlantic City.

Eight - You win if the dice total 8. Winning probability is 9.72%. Pays 8 to 1 at both.

Nine - You win if the dice total 9. Winning probability is 11.57%. Pays 6 to 1 at both.

Ten - You win if the dice total 10. Winning probability is 12.50%. Pays 6 to 1 at both.

Eleven -You win if the dice total 11. Winning probability is 12.50%. Pays 6 to 1 at both.

Twelve - You win if the dice total 12. Winning probability is 11.57%. Pays 6 to 1 at both.

Thirteen - You win if the dice total 13. Winning probability is 9.72%. Pays 8 to 1 at both.

Fourteen - You win if the dice total 14. Winning probability is 6.94%. Pays 12 to 1 at both.

Fifteen - You win if the dice total 15. Winning probability is 4.63%. Pays 14 to 1 at the Riviera and 17 to 1 in Atlantic City.

Sixteen - You win if the dice total 16. Winning probability is 2.78%. Pays 18 to 1 at the Riviera and 30 to 1 in Atlantic City.

Seventeen - You win if the dice total 17. Winning probability is 1.39%. Pays 50 to 1 at the Riviera and 60 to 1 in Atlantic City.

Double - You bet on a specific pair to come up. Winning probability is 7.41%. Pays 8 to 1 at the Riviera and 10 to 1 in Atlantic City.

Triple - You bet on any specific trips to come up. Probability is 0.46%. Pays 150 to 1 at the Riviera and 180 to 1 in Atlantic City.

Two of a Kind - You may bet on any of the 15 possible two dice combinations. Winning probability is 13.89%. Pays 5 to 1 at both the Riviera and in Atlantic City.

Any Triple - You win on any three of a kind. Winning probability is 2.78%. Pays 24 to 1 at the Riviera and 30 to 1 in Atlantic City.

One to Six - You can bet on a specific number. If that number comes up once, then the bet pays off at 1 to 1. If the number comes up twice, the bet pays off at 2 to 1. If it comes up all three times, then the bet pays off at 3 to 1.

Odds may differ from place to place, but this article should give you a basic idea of what you can expect when playing a game of Sic Bo.

• USA Casino
• Connecticut Casinos
• Foxwoods Resort Casino
• Mohegan Sun Casino