What Happens During a Sic Bo Game?

Sic Bo is a traditional Chinese dice game that has made its way from ancient times into today’s modern casinos. It’s no surprise that the game remains incredibly popular in Macau, where it’s a staple in almost every casino. However, even if you haven’t had the chance to visit Macau, you can still enjoy Sic Bo in many casinos across the United States, the UK, and on countless online gaming platforms.

This fast-paced, dice-based game might look complex at first glance, but once you understand the basic flow, it’s actually simple and thrilling. Let’s take a closer look at what happens during a typical Sic Bo game and how you can join the fun.

A Quick Look at Sic Bo

Sic Bo, sometimes called Dai Siu or Tai Sai, translates to “precious dice.” The game uses three dice, and its outcome depends purely on luck—similar to other dice games like Craps.

Though it originated in China, Sic Bo has gained international appeal. You can find it in casinos across Macau, the Philippines, the UK, and even in online casinos where digital versions are powered by a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure fairness.

How the Game of Sic Bo Works

A Sic Bo table looks somewhat like a Craps table, featuring various sections where players can place their bets. Here’s how a typical round plays out:

Players Place Their Bets
Before the dice are rolled, players select their preferred betting options on the table. You can bet on combinations, specific totals, or even predict whether the outcome will be small or big.
Dealer Shakes the Dice
The dealer places three dice into a small transparent container or cage. Once all bets are placed, the dealer shakes the cage to mix the dice thoroughly.
Dice Are Revealed
After shaking, the dice are rolled or revealed on the table. The combination of numbers that appear will determine the winning bets.
No Player Interaction with Dice
In both physical and online versions, players aren’t allowed to touch the dice. The entire process is controlled by the dealer or automated system to keep the results fair and transparent.

When playing online, virtual dice are used, and the outcomes are generated instantly through RNG software — ensuring every roll is random and unbiased.

Understanding the Betting Options

One of the most exciting aspects of Sic Bo is its wide variety of betting choices. While luck drives the game, knowing your options helps you make more strategic bets. Here are a few popular ones:

Single Number Bets

You can bet on a specific number (from 1 to 6).

If one dice shows your number → 1:1 payout
If two dice show your number → 2:1 payout
If all three dice match your number → 3:1 payout

With a relatively low house edge, single bets are a great starting point for beginners.

Triple Bets

This is where things get exciting!

Specific Triple: Bet on an exact number appearing on all three dice (e.g., triple 4). The payout is a massive 150:1.
Any Triple: Win if any number appears three times, regardless of which number it is — 30:1 payout.

These bets offer the highest rewards but also come with higher risk.

Small/Big Bets

Small bet (4–10): The total sum of the dice falls between 4 and 10.
Big bet (11–17): The total is between 11 and 17.
Both bets pay 1:1 and are among the safest wagers in the game.

Sic Bo Strategy Tips

While Sic Bo is largely a game of chance, a few smart moves can improve your playing experience:

Start small and build your confidence with low-risk bets like Small/Big or Single Numbers.
Save the triple bets for occasional high-risk plays — they can deliver big wins but don’t rely on them too often.
Always set a betting limit before starting to maintain control and enjoy the game responsibly.

Remember, Sic Bo is designed for fun and excitement, so focus on enjoying the experience rather than chasing every win.

Final Thoughts

Sic Bo may be simple at its core, but its variety of betting options and fast pace make it one of the most entertaining games in any casino. Whether you’re playing in a real casino or online, the excitement builds the moment the dice are shaken.

So, if you’re looking for a game that combines tradition, simplicity, and adrenaline, Sic Bo might just become your next favorite casino experience.