Sic Bo, an ancient Chinese dice game also known as Dai Siu or Big and Small, has evolved into a staple of online casinos, blending craps-like betting with roulette’s simplicity. By October 2025, it’s available at over 80% of licensed platforms, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets, with live dealer versions driving engagement through HD streams from studios in Malta and the Philippines. Powered by RNG or live dealers from providers like Evolution Gaming, Sic Bo uses three six-sided dice shaken in a cage or rolled virtually, offering fast-paced rounds (under 60 seconds) and payouts from 1:1 to 180:1. This article details the rules, bet types, and strategies for online play, focusing on its digital adaptations.
Basic Rules
Players place bets on a table layout depicting dice outcomes before the roll. The dealer (or RNG) shakes the dice in a transparent cage for live games or generates random results for virtual versions. Outcomes are revealed, winning bets paid, and losses collected. Online Sic Bo maintains the physical game’s integrity with certified RNGs audited by eCOGRA, ensuring 2.78% average house edge. Minimum bets start at $0.10, with tables supporting up to 1,000 players in live lobbies. Rounds resolve in 30-45 seconds, ideal for mobile play via HTML5 interfaces.
Bet Types and Payouts
Sic Bo offers 50+ bet variations, categorized by risk and coverage. Payouts vary slightly by online casino, but standard rates apply:
- Small/Big (Low Risk): Bet on total sum 4-10 (Small) or 11-17 (Big). Pays 1:1; house edge 2.78%. Loses on triples.
- Specific Double: Bet on two dice showing a number (e.g., two 5s). Pays 10:1; edge 13.89%.
- Any Triple: All three dice identical (any number). Pays 30:1; edge 13.89%.
- Specific Triple: All three a exact number (e.g., three 6s). Pays 180:1; edge 16.20%.
- Single Number: One die shows a specific number (1-6). Pays 1:1; edge 7.87%.
- Total Sum (Medium Risk): Bet on exact sum (4-17). Payouts: 4/17 (60:1), 5/16 (30:1), 6/15 (18:1), 7/14 (12:1), 8/13 (8:1), 9/12 (6:1), 10/11 (6:1).
- Domino/Combination: Two specific numbers on dice (e.g., 2 and 5). Pays 5:1 to 10:1; edge 18.95%.
Live Sic Bo adds side bets like Dragon/Tiger for suit predictions, with Evolution’s variant including multipliers up to 88:1 on lucky numbers.
Online Adaptations
Virtual Sic Bo uses RNG for instant rolls, while live versions (e.g., Evolution’s Sic Bo) stream dealers rolling physical dice, with OCR digitizing outcomes in <1 second. In 2025, 60% of play occurs on mobile, with AR overlays in premium apps simulating table physics. Crypto casinos integrate blockchain verification, allowing players to check rolls via SHA-256 hashes.
Strategy and Odds
No strategy beats the house edge, but focus on low-edge bets: Small/Big (2.78%) or totals 9-12 (9.72%). Avoid high-edge wagers like specific triples (16.20%). Bankroll management: Bet 1% per roll; set win/loss limits (e.g., quit at +20% or -10%). Simulations show Small/Big yields 48.61% win rate over 1,000 rolls.
Sic Bo thrives online for its accessibility and variety. Play on licensed sites (MGA/Curacao) with RNG audits. Start with $10 tables, verify fairness, and use responsible tools like session timers.
