Sic Bo is an ancient Chinese casino game played with three dice. Famous for its fast-paced nature and extensive betting layout, it offers payouts ranging from even money (1:1) to high-reward payouts as large as 180:1.Because Sic Bo relies entirely on independent dice rolls, understanding the relationship between winning probability, payout ratios, and house edge is essential for making informed betting decisions.
What Is a Sic Bo Payouts and Odds Chart?
A Sic Bo payouts and odds chart outlines every available bet on the board, showing the mathematically exact payout, the true winning probability, and the casino’s house advantage.
Why Understanding Sic Bo Odds Matters
Unlike strategy-based table games like Blackjack, you cannot alter the outcome of a Sic Bo roll. However, you control which bets you place. Knowing the odds helps you:
- Balance risk and reward based on your bankroll.
- Identify low-risk bets versus high-risk side wagers.
- Avoid bets with excessively high house edges.
The Relationship Between Odds and House Edge
In a fair game with no built-in advantage, payouts match the true mathematical odds of winning. Casinos lower payouts slightly below true odds to create the house edge—the percentage of total wagers the casino keeps over time.
Complete Sic Bo Payouts and Odds Chart
Below is the complete reference table for standard 3-dice Sic Bo wagers:
| Bet Type | Winning Combinations | Winning Probability | True Odds | Standard Payout | House Edge |
| Small (Totals 4–10) | 105 / 216 | 48.61% | 1.06 to 1 | 1:1 | 2.78% |
| Big (Totals 11–17) | 105 / 216 | 48.61% | 1.06 to 1 | 1:1 | 2.78% |
| Single Number (1 match) | 75 / 216 | 34.72% | 1.88 to 1 | 1:1 | 7.87% |
| Single Number (2 matches) | 12 / 216 | 5.56% | 17 to 1 | 2:1 | 7.87% |
| Single Number (3 matches) | 1 / 216 | 0.46% | 215 to 1 | 3:1 | 7.87% |
| Domino / Combination | 30 / 216 | 13.89% | 6.2 to 1 | 5:1 | 16.67% |
| Specific Double | 15 / 216 | 7.41% | 12.5 to 1 | 10:1 (or 11:1) | 18.52% |
| Any Triple | 6 / 216 | 2.78% | 35 to 1 | 30:1 | 13.89% |
| Specific Triple | 1 / 216 | 0.46% | 215 to 1 | 180:1 (or 150:1) | 16.20% |
| Total 4 or 17 | 3 / 216 | 1.39% | 71 to 1 | 60:1 | 15.28% |
| Total 5 or 16 | 6 / 216 | 2.78% | 35 to 1 | 30:1 | 13.89% |
| Total 6 or 15 | 10 / 216 | 4.63% | 20.6 to 1 | 18:1 | 12.04% |
| Total 7 or 14 | 15 / 216 | 6.94% | 13.4 to 1 | 12:1 | 9.72% |
| Total 8 or 13 | 21 / 216 | 9.72% | 9.28 to 1 | 8:1 | 12.50% |
| Total 9 or 12 | 25 / 216 | 11.57% | 7.64 to 1 | 6:1 | 18.98% |
| Total 10 or 11 | 27 / 216 | 12.50% | 7 to 1 | 6:1 | 12.50% |
Big and Small Bets
Big and Small are the core bets in Sic Bo and offer the lowest house edge on the table.
Total Dice Combinations = 6 x 6 x 6 = 216 possible outcomes
Small Bet
- Winning Condition: The sum of the 3 dice is 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.
- Payout: 1:1 (Even money).
- Winning Probability: 48.61%.
Big Bet
- Winning Condition: The sum of the 3 dice is 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17.
- Payout: 1:1 (Even money).
- Winning Probability: 48.61%.
How Triple Rolls Affect These Bets
A total of 3 (1-1-1) and 18 (6-6-6) are excluded from Small and Big. Furthermore, all specific triples (e.g., 2-2-2, 5-5-5) cause Big and Small bets to lose automatically.
Out of 216 possible outcomes, 6 are triples. Subtracting 6 from 216 leaves 210 outcomes, divided equally into 105 for Small and 105 for Big:
Single Number Bets
Single Number bets allow you to predict a specific digit (1 through 6) that will appear on one, two, or all three dice.
- 1 Match: Payout is 1:1 (34.72% probability).
- 2 Matches: Payout is 2:1 (5.56% probability).
- 3 Matches: Payout is 3:1 (0.46% probability).
House Edge Note: Because the payouts step up linearly (1:1, 2:1, 3:1) while the probability drops exponentially, the house edge remains 7.87% across all single-number outcomes.
Double and Triple Bets
Double and Triple bets carry much higher payouts due to their low probability of occurring.
Specific Double Bets
You wager that two specific numbers will appear on at least two of the three dice (e.g., two 4s).
- Probability: 7.41% (15 out of 216 combinations).
- Standard Payout: 10:1 or 11:1 (depending on regional casino payouts).
Any Triple Bet
You bet that all three dice will show the exact same number, regardless of which number it is.
- Probability: 2.78% (6 out of 216 combinations).
- Standard Payout: 30:1.
Specific Triple Bet
You wager on a precise triple combination (e.g., exactly three 6s).
- Probability: 0.46% (1 out of 216 combinations).
- Standard Payout: 180:1 ( Macau / Standard International) or 150:1 (some Western rules).
Total Bets Breakdown
Total bets involve predicting the exact combined sum of all three dice. Middle totals (9–12) occur far more frequently than edge totals (4 or 17), which is reflected in their respective payouts.
Total 4 and Total 17
- Combinations: 3 out of 216 ($1.39\%$).
- Payout: 60:1 | House Edge: 15.28%
Total 5 and Total 16
- Combinations: 6 out of 216 ($2.78\%$).
- Payout: 30:1 | House Edge: 13.89%
Total 6 and Total 15
- Combinations: 10 out of 216 ($4.63\%$).
- Payout: 18:1 | House Edge: 12.04%
Total 7 and Total 14
- Combinations: 15 out of 216 ($6.94\%$).
- Payout: 12:1 | House Edge: 9.72%
Total 8 and Total 13
- Combinations: 21 out of 216 ($9.72\%$).
- Payout: 8:1 | House Edge: 12.50%
Total 9 and Total 12
- Combinations: 25 out of 216 ($11.57\%$).
- Payout: 6:1 | House Edge: 18.98%
Total 10 and Total 11
- Combinations: 27 out of 216 ($12.50\%$).
- Payout: 6:1 | House Edge: 12.50%
Combination Bets (Domino Bets)
Two-Dice Combination bets let you wager on two distinct numbers showing up on the board (e.g., a 2 and a 5).
- Winning Combinations: 30 / 216
- Winning Probability: 13.89%
- Standard Payout: 5:1
- House Edge: 16.67%
Which Sic Bo Bets Have the Best Odds?
Lowest House Edge Bets
The mathematical sweet spot for players consists of:
- Big / Small Bets: House Edge = 2.78%
- Odd / Even Bets: House Edge = 2.78%
- Single Number Bets: House Edge = 7.87%
Best Strategy for Beginners
To preserve bankroll, base your play primarily around Big or Small wagers. You can optionally supplement them with small single-number bets to enjoy higher payouts without exposing your balance to excessive house edge.
Common Mistakes When Reading Sic Bo Odds
- Confusing Payouts With Probability: A 180:1 payout sounds enticing, but the chance of hitting a specific triple is only 1 in 216 rolls ($0.46\%$).
- Ignoring House Edge Variations: Not all total bets carry the same house edge. For example, Total 7 has a 9.72% edge, whereas Total 9 carries an 18.98% edge.
- Chasing Loss Streaks on Triples: Because dice rolls are independent events, previous rolls have zero impact on future outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Sic Bo bet has the lowest house edge?
Big and Small bets hold the lowest house edge at 2.78%.
Do payouts vary between casinos?
Yes. Payout tables can differ depending on whether you play in Macau, Las Vegas, Europe, or online. Always check the physical layout or software paytable before wagering.
Are high-payout bets worth playing?
High-payout wagers (like Specific Triples at 180:1) carry a massive house advantage ($16.20\%$). They can be fun for small side bets, but relying on them will deplete a bankroll quickly in the long run.
While Sic Bo offers dozens of distinct betting options, managing risk comes down to choosing bets with favorable house edges. Sticking to Big and Small bets gives you the best statistical chance of sustained play, while reserving high-payout bets for small, secondary wagers keeps the game exciting without draining your bankroll.