Introduction to Sic Bo

For players seeking a game that is simple and straightforward, Sic Bo is a good choice. This game is played with the minimum of equipment (three dice on a specially-designed table), with players having to bet on the outcome of the throws. There are many betting options in a game of Sic Bo and this element keeps the game interesting and entertaining. Today Sic Bo is found at land casinos and online casinos throughout the world and is a firm favorite among fans of Asian games.

History

As its name implies, Sic Bo has its roots in Asia, although it is not known precisely who invented the game. The ancient Chinese played a simpler version of the game although not much information is available. Evidence of Sic Bo variants can be foundall over Asia such as the Philippines. It is generally believed that Sic Bo reached the western world sometime during the 19th century, probably due to colonialism and a greater exposure to Eastern cultures. The game was soon incorporated into most casino establishments and in the 1990s made a smooth transition into the world of online gambling. Today, Sic Bo is a much sought-after and enjoyable game both online and off.

How to Play Sic Bo

 Players place bets around a special Sic Bo table whereby they predict the outcome of the next throw of three dice.
 Hands are removed from the table when all bets are placed.
 The dealer uses a special mechanical dice thrower to roll the dice.
 When the dice are rolled, the results are displayed.
 Payouts are made according to winning combinations and the amount wagered.

How to Bet:

There are many different wagering options available to Sic Bo players. Following are details of the most commons:

 Betting on a Duo – Two specific unalike numbers will appear on two of the dice.
 Betting on a Sum – The total of the three dice combined will equal a specific number.
 Betting on a Big – The total of the three dice combined will produce a ‘big’ number (ie. 11 through to 17).
 Betting on a Small – The total of the three dice combined will produce a ‘small’ number (ie. 4 through to 10).
 Betting on Any Three of a Kind – Any one number (without specifying which) will appear on all three dice.
 Three of a Kind – A specific number will appear on all three dice.
 Two of a Kind – A specific number will appear on two of the dice.

Payouts:

Sic Bo payouts depend on the wagering options taken out and the odds calculated beforehand. For example, if a player bets on the simpler options such as ‘big’ or ‘small’, payouts are 1:1. A ‘duo’ pays out 5:1, while – on the extreme end of the scale – a ‘three of a kind’ pays out 150:1.

Sic Bo Tips

 Remember that Sic Bo is a game of chance. There is no strategy available that will tilt the odds in your favor. Instead, learn how to play safe bets with decent odds to avoid throwing your money away. An obvious choice would be to stick to big and small bets – while the payout is relatively low, so is the house edge.
 Sic Bo games come with payout tables that are there for your perusal. Don’t ignore them and assume that they are all the same. There are sometimes very obvious differences between casinos.
 Come with a money plan. A sound bankroll management plan will go a long way in protecting your funds and ensuring that you have something left over for your next Sic Bo session.

Sic Bo Tournaments

Many land casinos and most online ones offer an interesting spin off a traditional game of Sic Bo in the form of Sic Bo tournaments. Essentially, players are given credits at the beginning of the tournament and need to increase these credits within a certain period of time. The player who manages to get the most credits at the end of the tournament, wins the prize. Players should be aware of the specific rules and conditions of the tournaments that they enter, especially the minimum wager requirements.

Where to Play Sic Bo

Sic Bo is incredibly popular and available at nearly every online casino. Check out our Casino Reviews section for some ideas on tried and tested casinos.