These days, card games and slots reign supreme in online casinos. However, that doesn’t mean that dice games are ignored completely. Some games, such as Sic Bo, continue to captivate players the world over!
The History & Origins of Sic Bo
You might not be familiar with Sic Bo. However, it’s been around for a very long time! Historians believe it originated over 2,000 years ago. Of course, back then, it was much simpler. The game started in China, where players used stones and tiles in lieu of dice.
The game’s title roughly translates to “Precious Dice”. It’s a beautiful way to describe the gameplay. Over time, the game evolved and became a staple in Asian casinos.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that this dice game caught on in the Western World. Chinese immigrants brought it to the United States. European-Americans eventually came up with their own version called “Chuck-a-Luck”. The gameplay is virtually identical, and you can sometimes still see this version around today.
By the 1930s, the game made it to Macau. It was an instant success, becoming a huge hit in Macau casinos. In the 1970s, it finally started to pop up in Vegas. However, it didn’t appear on the main floor. It stayed in backrooms that catered to Chinese tourists.
But, that all changed in the 90s and early 2000s. With the Chinese tourists coming to Vegas in droves, the game moved to the casino main floors. It didn’t take long for non-Chinese players to give it a shot. The rest is history!
As the online casino industry boomed in the 21st century, so did Sic Bo. It became widely available, gaining traction in the UK and beyond. It’s still growing in popularity, popping up in more online casinos as the years go on.
How to play Sic Bo
Playing Sic Bo is a cinch. The game utilizes three dice. The goal is to bet on how the dice land. Whether you play it online or in-person, your bets go onto a detailed board. Like Roulette, the board lays out all the possible bets you can make. Just place your virtual chips on the bets, roll the dice, and see what you win!
It’s as easy as that! Understanding the bets is the most important thing. Each bet comes with different odds and distinct payouts. Once you learn them, you can become a seasoned pro in no time!
Gameplay Glossary
Total
This is one of the simpler types of bets you can make. With a Total, you’re betting that the three dice will equal any value between 4 and 17. 3 and 18 are not part of the Total bet, as they fall into other betting structures.
Single
A Single bet is one that you make on a single die. You bet on the fact that the number of your choosing will appear at least once.
Double
A Double bet is like a Single. But, it applies to two numbers of your choosing. You bet that your number will appear on two of the dice.
Triple
Triple bets are one of the hardest to win. You must choose the exact numbers that will appear on the dice.
Cage
This is the device that dealers use to shake the dice. In online casinos, the cage is virtual.
Big Bet
A Big Bet is a wager that the sum of the dice falls between 11 and 17.
Small Bet
A Small Bet is a wager that the sum of the dice is less than 11.
Strong Bet
This is any bet that applies to all three dice. For example, Total bets and Triple bets require all three dice to land perfectly.
Weak Bet
Weak Bets only involve one or two dice.
Our Top Tips to Maximize Your Sic Bo Strategy
This game involves both luck and strategy. While you can’t control where the dice fall, you can adopt a top-notch betting strategy. Here are some of our favorite tips to take your game to the next level.
1. Understand the betting options.
This is the most important tip we can give. Take time to learn and understand what each bet means. A lot is happening on the betting table! It’s easy to get overwhelmed and make mistakes in the heat of the moment.
Here is where free plays come in handy. Use risk-free trials and demos to study the table and familiarize yourself with betting odds.
2. Start with low-risk wagers.
To ease yourself into real-money bets, start small. Big and Small bets are some of the easiest to hit. Like the colors on a Roulette table, you have a 50/50 chance of winning. These wagers pay out 1:1, so they’re a solid choice for beginners.
3. Combine your bets.
Once you familiarize yourself with the game, you can get a little riskier. Don’t be afraid to combine bets to maximize your earnings. The key to winning big is to cover all of your bases. Analyze your odds and place several bets during one roll. While you might lose more, you’ll also win more if you’re lucky.
4. Balance your risks.
One great technique is to balance out your risks. Throw some low-risk bets in the fold as you make high-risk bets. For example, you can combine Big and Small bets with a Total bet. That way, you have a good chance of winning something!
5. Don’t go overboard and place bets everywhere
Finally, don’t go over the top with your betting. Some casinos allow you to place your bets on as many as 16 areas in one roll. While it’s good to combine bets, you should never get close to 16. Instead, analyze your wagers to find a nice balance between low and high-risk opportunities.
FAQ
Is Sic Bo the same as Craps?
This game is very similar to Craps. Both titles utilize dice and a detailed game table with betting areas. However, the two games offer different gameplay experiences.
Sic Bo is more fast-paced. It’s also easier for beginners to pick up. Unlike Craps, this game doesn’t feature multiple rounds or several betting phases. What you see is what you get in terms of wagers. Place your bets on the designated areas and roll the dice. The game ends after a single round, allowing you to play in quick succession.
Are there any variations to this game?
There are a couple of different variants out there. Some of the most popular are Chuck-a-Luck and Grand Hazard.
Chuck-a-Luck is the American version of the game. It features a wire birdcage for tossing the dice. For the most part, the betting structure is the same. Some versions may include additional wagers for Triples. But other than that, they are the same game.
Grand Hazard is the same, too. However, this title is grander and over-the-top. Instead of a cage to roll the dice, you have a chute system. The dice tumble down inclined chutes to create a fun experience.
How do you win at Sic Bo?
Winning this game is very easy. The only thing you have to do is estimate how the dice land. Now, your estimates can be as simple or as complex as you want.
The easiest way to win is to make a Single bet. To win, all you must do is correctly guess one of the three dice. More complex bets, such as the Total, are a bit harder to win. It all depends on how you choose to play.
What kinds of bets are available for this game?
There are many different kinds of bets available. They all focus on how the three dice will land.
The simpler bets include Singles, Big Bets, and Large Bets. You win Single bets by correctly guessing how one die will land. For Big Bets and Large Bets, you must estimate the sum of the dice values. For Big bets, it’s between 11 and 17. Small Bets equal anything less than 11. These bets have a modest 1:1 payout.
More difficult wagers include Totals and Triples. For these bets, you must correctly estimate how each die will land. The most lucrative wager is the Triple, which rewards a 1:180 payout.
Can you play for real money?
This game is available to play for free or real money. Many online casinos offer demo versions or trial runs for free. But if you want to experience everything the title has to offer, real-money bets are the way to go!
You can make real wagers at many online casinos. It’s the only way to win big and experience the thrill of the game.