Sic Bo
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Sic Bo, meaning "dice pair", is an ancient Chinese gambling game. Today it is one of the lesser known casino games, and is often confined to rooms designated for Asian games. The game uses three dice and a table, elaborately lighted, with a variety of betting options on the roll of those dice. The odds are weighted heavily in favour of the house for most of the betting options. |
How to play
It is a very simple game to play, for the object of the game is to select either
the individual numbers, or a combination of the numbers, that will appear on
the dice after they are shaken and rolled. The betting possibilities and their
payoff amounts are depicted on the table layout by showing the faces of the
dice in their many combinations. There are single die numbers, two of a kind,
three of a kind, or combinations of any two or three of the dice.
The game commences, when players place their chips on the designated sections of their choice. Each player is responsible for the correct positioning of his wager on the layout, regardless of whether the chips are placed by the dealer or the player.
Once the bets are in place, the dealer shakes the dice in a sealed container, called a shaker, and then sets it on the table, exposing the dice. The dealer announces the numeric value of each die, and enters these values into the electronic device on the table. All winning patterns of the three dice are lit up on the layout, and the dealer proceeds with paying off the winners.
The odds
The odds and table layout may vary from place to place. This information is
based on the games at the Riviera in Las Vegas and the Trump Plaza in Atlantic
City. All Atlantic City casinos probably follow the same rules. The Mirage in
Las Vegas also offers Sic Bo, and follows the Atlantic City rules.
Small: Wins on total of 4-10, except for a three of a kind. Probability of winning is 48.61%. Pays 1 to 1. House edge is 2.78%.
Big: Wins on total of 11-18, except for a three of a kind. Probability of winning is 48.61%. Pays 1 to 1. House edge is 2.78%.
4: Wins on total of 4. Probability of winning is 1.39%. Pays 50 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 29.17%. Pays 60 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 15.28%.
5: Wins on total of 5. Probability of winning is 2.78%. Pays 18 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 47.22%. Pays 30 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 13.89%.
6: Wins on total of 6. Probability of winning is 4.63%. Pays 14 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 30.56%. Pays 17 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 16.67%.
7: Wins on total of 7. Probability of winning is 6.94%. Pays 12 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 9.72%.
8: Wins on total of 8. Probability of winning is 9.72%. Pays 8 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 12.50%.
9: Wins on total of 9. Probability of winning is 11.57%. Pays 6 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 18.98%.
10: Wins on total of 10. Probability of winning is 12.50%. Pays 6 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 12.50%.
11: Wins on total of 11. Probability of winning is 12.50%. Pays 6 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 12.50%.
12: Wins on total of 12. Probability of winning is 11.57%. Pays 6 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 18.98%.
13: Wins on total of 13. Probability of winning is 9.72%. Pays 8 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 12.50%.
14: Wins on total of 14. Probability of winning is 6.94%. Pays 12 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 9.72%.
15: Wins on total of 15. Probability of winning is 4.63%. Pays 14 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 30.56%. Pays 17 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 16.67%.
16: Wins on total of 16. Probability of winning is 2.78%. Pays 18 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 47.22%. Pays 30 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 13.89%.
17: Wins on total of 17. Probability of winning is 1.39%. Pays 50 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 29.17%. Pays 60 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 15.28%.
Two of a kind: Player may bet on any of the 15 possible two dice combinations (for example a 1 and 2). Bet wins if both numbers appear. Probability of winning is 13.89%. Pays 5 to 1 at both the Riviera and Atlantic City for house edge of 16.67%.
Double: Player may bet on any specific pair (for example two 1's). Player wins if at least 2 of the number chosen appears. Probability of winning is 7.41%. Pays 8 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 33.33%. Pays 10 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 18.52%.
Triple: Player may bet on any specific trips (for example three 1's). Player wins if all 3 dice match the number chosen. Probability of winning is 0.46%. Pays 150 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 30.09%. Pays 180 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 16.20%.
Any Triple: Wins on any three of a kind. Probability of winning is 2.78%. Pays 24 to 1 at the Riviera for house edge of 30.56%. Pays 30 to 1 in Atlantic City for house edge of 13.89%.
1-6: Player may bet on any specific number from 1 to 6. If chosen number appears 1 time bet pays 1 to 1, if it appears 2 times bet pays 2 to 1, and if it appears 3 times it pays 3 to 1. Probability of 1 match is 34.72%, 2 matches is 6.94%, 3 matches is 0.46%. House edge of 7.87%.
Strategy
Because Sic Bo is a game of chance, the best strategy is to stick with the best
odds. Looking back over the numbers, you'll see that the house edge on Small
and Big bets is less than 3%. If you must play Sic Bo it is suggested
that you stick to only the 'low' and 'high' bets.