Sic Bo
Sic Bo (大小, literally 'Big Small') is a Chinese dice game of pure chance that is the dominant table game in Macau alongside baccarat. Dating back centuries in China, the game involves wagering on the outcome of three dice rolled inside a shaking chest or electronic tumbler. Sic Bo is simple to understand but offers a wide array of betting options with wildly varying house edges — from 2.78% on the Big/Small bets to over 30% on specific triple bets. The game is fast-paced and highly visual, with illuminated betting layouts that light up winning combinations after each roll.
Rules & Gameplay
Players place chips on a betting layout before the dealer (or machine) shakes three dice in a covered container. Winning bets are determined by the total and combination of the three dice. Key bets: Small (total 4–10, pays 1:1, house edge 2.78%) and Big (total 11–17, pays 1:1, house edge 2.78%) — both lose if any triple appears. Specific Doubles (two dice show a specific number, pays 10:1, edge 18.52%). Specific Triple (all three dice show a specific number, pays 180:1, edge 16.2%). Any Triple (pays 30:1, edge 13.9%). Total bets (total of all three dice, varying payouts and edges — total of 9 or 12 pays 6:1, edge 7.4%). Two Dice Combinations (specific pairs, pays 5:1, edge 16.67%).
Basic Strategy
Sic Bo is a game of chance with no skill component; optimal play means choosing the bets with the lowest house edge. Big and Small bets (2.78% edge) are the best wagers on the table — they cover 30 of the 216 possible outcomes and pay even money. Any Triple reduces your winrate significantly and should be viewed as an entertainment bet only. All triple-specific bets, combination bets, and total bets other than 9/10/11/12 carry house edges exceeding 15% and should be avoided by value-conscious players. In Macau VIP rooms, sic bo is often a secondary game offering for baccarat players seeking variety — treat it accordingly and set strict stake limits.
At a Glance
- Category
- Dice Games
- Sections
- Rules + Strategy