Sic bo is three dice and a large layout of bets. Each bet's chance follows from the 216 ways three dice can land, and the payout on the table sets its cost. This guide uses those numbers to show where your money goes, then covers bankroll habits and etiquette at live tables. Rules and layout are on the live sic bo hub.
The chance of each bet
| Bet | Wins on | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Small (4–10) or Big (11–17), triples lose | 105 of 216 | 48.6% |
| Odd or Even, triples lose (where offered) | 105 of 216 | 48.6% |
| Single number appears at least once | 91 of 216 | 42.1% |
| Specific double (e.g. two 1s or more) | 16 of 216 | 7.4% |
| Total of 10 or of 11 | 27 of 216 | 12.5% |
| Total of 4 or of 17 | 3 of 216 | 1.4% |
| Any triple | 6 of 216 | 2.8% |
| Specific triple | 1 of 216 | 0.5% |
Payouts on totals, doubles and triples vary between games and casinos. Compare the payout with the chance: a bet that wins 1 in 72 times needs to pay more than 71:1 just to break even, and the paytable will pay less.
Stick to the cheap bets
Small and Big have the lowest house edge on a standard table, 2.78%. A single-number bet paying 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 costs 7.87%. Most total, double and triple bets cost more than that. If you want the occasional long shot, keep it small next to your main Small/Big stake.
Multiplier versions
Games such as Super Sic Bo add random multipliers of up to 1000x each round, which makes results swing more. Check the paytable and the RTP in the help screen before you switch from a classic table. Other options are compared in top live dice games.
Ignore patterns and roadmaps
Live tables can show recent results and hot and cold statistics. Dice have no memory, so a run of Big doesn't make Small due. Using the history to pick bets is the gambler's fallacy. The same goes for progressive systems; flat betting keeps the cost predictable.
Bankroll habits
- Set a session budget and bet 1–2% of it per round on Small/Big.
- Choose a table where the minimum fits that stake.
- Sic bo rounds are quick; set a time limit as well as a budget.
- Stop at your loss limit rather than raising bets to recover.
Etiquette at live sic bo tables
Bets are placed on screen, so etiquette is about the chat: keep it short and friendly, don't blame the dealer or the dice, and don't share personal details. Dealers can explain bets but can't help with your account. More in live casino chat etiquette.
