The popularity of playing Sic Bo online is on the rise, but what is it, how do you play it and where can you play it? Also known as “tai sai” or “dai siu,” Sic Bo is a traditional Chinese casino game, it is played using three dice. The name “Sic Bo” literally means “dice pair,” and betting is based on the outcome of the roll of the dice.
When you bet on Sic Bo online, you place bets on the outcome of the roll, such as the total sum of the dice or specific numbers that will be rolled. As the outcome in Sic Bo is determined at random by the roll of the dice, it is considered a game of chance.
As you can imagine, Sic Bo is a popular in Asian countries, but is has been gaining popularity in other parts of the world. Online casinos in particular have seen an increase, sue to the ease at which it can be accessed. This guide to Sic Bo will talk you through how to play and where to play it at Boku casinos.
The History of Sic Bo
Despite only finding out about Sic Bo a few years ago, due to its inclusion at online casinos. This popular game has actually been around for centuries. Its origins stem back to ancient china, where it is believed to have been played by royalty and the elite.
In the early years it wasn’t actually played with dice, they originally used tiles, but the general premise was the same. Players still placed a bet on the random outcome of a roll.
As time went on, Sic Bo began to spread to other parts of Asia, especially in counties like Singapore and Macau. But it wasn’t until the popularity of gambling online increased that the west began to adopt the game. And why not, it’s easy to play and understand, leading Sic Bo to become one of the fastest growing games in online gambling.
Why is Sic Bo so Popular?
The popularity of Sic Bo probably stems back to the fact that it was initially played by the elite. As with most things, society is obsessed with the royal, rich and elite and we aspire to be part of that community. So people try to emulate them in any way they can, including playing the same games to appear more sophisticated.
It also happens to be easy to pick up and doesn’t require any kind of special skills, such as remembering cards still in play like with Black Jack card counting.
As for the rise of playing Sic Bo online at casinos, as well as the above making it more appealing to players, there are also a lot of betting options. Given that it is also a game of chance the odds for specific outcomes can be appealing to online gamblers. But for UK players, offline playing options can be limited, so casinos can often be their only access to Sic Bo
How to Play Online Sic Bo
New players may feel the game is overwhelming, buts we have already mentioned, in our experience it’s not a hard game to understand, but how do you actually play Sic Bo online?
There are a total of three dice to play with and similar to online craps, it all hinges on the outcome of the roll by the “shooter”. Which in the online version is computer generated.
Despite there only being 3 dice to roll there are a multitude of bets that can be placed on Sic Bo, which we’ll cover later on. All the betting options are laid out on the table in front of you, similar to roulette.
Once you have decided which bet to place, then simply select your bet amount and click on the corresponding section of the Sic Bo table. After all bets have been placed, the software will simulate the dice roll using a complex casino RNG software and reveal the outcome. Winnings for correct predictions will be paid out accordingly.
If you placed a winning bet, all that’s left to do now is to select a fast withdrawal payment method to collect your winnings.
Rules of the Game
In all honesty online Sic Bo is a fairly easy game to play, so there aren’t actually many rules. You simply need to place your bet before the virtual dice is rolled, using the table as your guide.
There are several types of bets that you can place, such as betting on a specific number, betting on a specific combination of numbers, or betting on the total sum of the dice.
Winning bets are paid out in accordance with the odds laid out on the table, which we will again run through later.
Here are the basic rules of Sic Bo:
- Players place their bets on a table that displays the various betting options.
- The dealer rolls three dice and the outcome is determined by the combination of the numbers on the dice.
- Players can bet on the total of the three dice, a specific combination of two of the dice, or the outcome of a single die.
- Payouts vary depending on the bet and the odds of it being correct.
- If a player correctly predicts the outcome, they are paid according to the odds for that bet.
- If a player incorrectly predicts the outcome, they lose their bet.
- The game continues with players making bets and the dealer rolling the dice until the round is over.
- New rounds begin with players placing their bets and the dealer rolling the dice.
It’s worth noting that different casinos may have slightly differing rules or odds for Sic Bo, so it’s worth just having a glance at them on each site so you don’t get caught out.
Sic Bo Odds & Bets
As we have mentioned above, there are a variety of betting options and odds offered in Sic Bo. So like with most casino games there are plenty in which you can win. Some are more popular than others, so here is a rundown on the most common types of bets in Sic Bo, along with typical odds you can expect to see:
- Big or Small: You can bet on the total of the three dice being either “Big” (11-17) or “Small” (4-10). The odds for this bet are 1 to 1
- Specific Total: You can bet on the exact total of the three dice. The odds for a specific total vary from 6 to 1 for totals of 4 or 17, to 60 to 1 for a total of three of a kind.
- Specific Triple: You can bet on a specific triple, which is when all three dice show the same number. The odds for this bet are 150 to 1
- Any Triple: You can bet on any triple (all three dice showing the same number), the odds for this bet are 24 to 1.
- Two Dice Combination: You can bet on a specific combination of two of the three dice, The odds vary from 5 to 1 for a pair, to 10 to 1 for two specific numbers.
- Single Number Bet: You can bet on a specific number appearing on one or more of the three dice. The odds for this type of bet tend to be 1 to 1
All of the bets available and their corresponding odds can be found on the Sic Bo table, and can vary between casinos. So if it may be worth taking the time to study the table and watching a few games before placing your first bet.
Strategies for Playing Sic Bo
Despite Sic Bo being a game of luck with a random outcome, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any tips or strategies that can be implemented. Online gamblers tend to use these to either increase their chances of winning or to better manage their bankroll.
We’ve already been able to put you on the right foot by providing you with a better understanding of the different types of bets that you can place, and the odds of each bet. By doing this you are making fully informed decisions on which bet to place.
We tend to advise any beginners to start off with small bets and ease yourself in to the game. That way you can always increase your bets later on once you have more of an understanding. So don’t get carried away in the excitement of placing bets and work your way up.
It’s also important to set yourself a time limit and budget before you start to play, and be prepared to walk away once either have expired. These are both essential when practising responsible gambling online.
Some other sites may tell you to take advantage of bonuses and promotions. We tend to steer clear of these as they often have high wagering requirements, but this is obviously a personal choice.
Sic Bo House Edge
The house edge is the advantage that the casino has over the player. The house edge in sic bo can vary depending on the types of bets you make. On average, the house edge is around 2.78%. This means that for every 100 units bet, the casino can expect to win an average of 2.78 units. Bear in mind though that the house edge can vary depending on the bet you place or specific online casino you’re playing at. So it’s always a good idea to check this before you start playing.
Live Dealer Sic Bo
Like with most casino table games, Sic Bo also has a live dealer version available at some online casinos. This means that than just solely playing against the computer, you will have a real life dealer at the table.
You still need to place your bets as you would on the standard versions, but you will watch the dealer rolling the dice. This version tends to suit players that are looking for a certain amount of realism in their gaming.
The gameplay is the same as the traditional version of the game, but the experience is a lot more immersive. And you’ll be able to interact with the dealer and other players, just like you would in a real casino.
Recommended Casinos
When it comes to playing sic bo online, you want to make sure you are playing at a reputable casino. Whilst there are plenty to choose from, there are a few online casinos that come highly recommended.
One of our top recommended casinos is Boylesports Casino. In our experience they offer a wide range of games, including sic bo, and are fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. They also offer competitive bonuses and promotions, and have excellent customer support.
Another highly recommended casino is NetBet Casino. A household name in countries around the world, they too offer a wide range of games, and have a reputation for being fair and trustworthy.
The third of our recommended casinos has to Monster. Originating as a simple mobile casino during the dawn of smartphones, this casino is perfect for people who like to play on the go. They also happen to be one of the few casinos who offer a low minimum deposit welcome bonus.
If you don’t fancy any of these Sic Bo casinos, then feel free to look around our site, as we only feature reputable and trusted casinos.
But should you choose to find your own, we always recommended to check the casino’s license, and also read reviews before depositing any money.
Should you Play Sic Bo Online
If your already a fan, playing sic bo online is a great way to experience the excitement of the game without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Not only does It offer a wide range of betting options and stakes, you can also choose to get the real feel at a live casino.
You can also manage your time and budget better when playing online, so if you’re looking for an exciting and convenient way to play sic bo, online casinos are definitely worth giving a try.