How to Play Sic Bo: A Guide for Filipino Players
Sic Bo is one of the most exciting casino games for Filipino players who enjoy fast-paced action, multiple betting options, and the thrill of the dice roll. Played with three dice and rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, Sic Bo has found its way into the heart of many casinos in the Philippines and online platforms.
A Brief History of Sic Bo
Chinese immigrants brought Sic Bo to the United States in the early 20th century, particularly through port cities like San Francisco. The game was a cultural pastime during festivals and social gatherings, with players alternating as dealers.
When Chinese laborers arrived to work on projects like the transcontinental railroad, they brought their customs—including Sic Bo and other dice games—with them.
In American casinos, Sic Bo began gaining traction as a unique alternative to Western casino games like craps and blackjack, which also has a dealer. The game was modified for the casino environment: players use chips to place their bets, and a dealer manages the dice roll inside a secure shaker.
Despite these updates, core elements like betting on one dice, double, two different numbers, or three different numbers stayed the same. More complex bets—like the four-number combination—offered high rewards for those seeking bigger risks.
Over time, Sic Bo earned a spot alongside global table games and live dealer games, blending tradition with modern excitement.
Learning how to play Sic Bo can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the Bo table, the specific combinations, and the odds, the game becomes both accessible and highly rewarding.
What is the Rule of Sic Bo?
Sic Bo, also known as dai siu or tai sai, is a game where players place their bets on a table that displays a wide range of dice combinations, including triples (three-dice total), specific doubles, big and small, and single dice bets. For the English version, the game is known as Grand Hazard or Chuck-a-Luck.
Once all players bet, the dealer jiggles a container holding the dice—often referred to as precious dice—and the outcome is revealed. The dealer then pays out winning bets according to the game’s payout odds.
How to Play Sic Bo and Win: Sic Bo Strategy to Try
Mastering a sound Sic Bo strategy starts with knowing which bets offer the best odds and how to manage your chips for long-term play. While luck drives the game, the choices you make with each dice roll can influence your success over time.
Below are key strategy points for Filipino players who want to play smart and reduce losing bets.
Use the Big Bet for Safer, Steady Wins
If you’re new to Sic Bo, the big bet is a great place to start. It covers three dice total outcomes from 11 to 17 (excluding specific triples) and pays 1:1.
With a nearly 49% chance of success, this is one of the best betting options for players looking to extend playtime and build confidence without burning through their bankroll.
Start with a Small Bet to Manage Risk
A small bet works like a big one, but it covers totals from 4 to 10. Like its counterpart, it excludes specific triples and pays even money. This is a low-risk option ideal for Filipino players learning how to play Sic Bo while minimizing early losing bets.
It’s also great when you want to play for longer periods without major swings.
Target Single Number Bets for Steady Returns
Placing a same number bet gives you three chances to win in one roll. If your number appears once on the three dice, it pays 1:1; twice, 2:1; three times, 3:1.
This bet won’t make you rich quickly, but it’s reliable for steady gains than a double, especially when paired with different bets to create a safer combination strategy.
Place Your Bets with a Balanced Spread on the Sic Bo Table
Before the dealer shakes the precious dice, think carefully about how you place your bets. Spread your wagers across both high-probability and higher-risk areas.
For example, combine a small bet with a single dice bet or try specific dice combinations with a two-dice total for variety. This two-dice approach helps mitigate risk while keeping the game fun and dynamic.
Choose Betting Options with the Best Payout Odds
Stick to wagers with favorable odds before experimenting with triple bets or rare four-number dice combinations that pay up to 60 to 1. Knowing when to aim for a safe win vs. a high-reward risk is what sets successful Sic Bo players apart.
What are the Chances of Winning Sic Bo – A Game of Chance?
Sic Bo is a classic game of chance, meaning every dice roll is completely random and impossible to predict. However, understanding the probability behind each option can help Filipino players make smarter choices and improve their chances of winning more bets.
The big and small bets, for example, each offer a 48.61% win rate, making them two of the safest wagers on the Bo table. On the other hand, high-risk bets like specific triples or a triple bet have much lower odds but come with huge potential payouts—up to 60 to 1.
If you’re betting on three dice total or specific number outcomes, your odds will vary based on how rare the combination is. For instance, betting on a specific sum like 4 or 17 has lower odds compared to totals like 10 or 11.
Always weigh the payout odds against the likelihood of success. That’s the key to building a practical Sic Bo strategy in a game where the outcome is never guaranteed, but strategic betting can make a big difference.
How to Make Money on a Sic Bo Game
To make money on Sic Bo, you need more than just luck—you need a smart, steady approach rooted in strategy and discipline. Since Sic Bo is a simple game of chance played with three dice, every roll is random, but how you manage your wagers, bankroll, and betting choices directly affects your chances of walking away with a profit.
- Start by focusing on low-risk, high-frequency winning bets. These offer the best combination of payout odds and likelihood of success.
- Stick to these as your foundation, and only occasionally add higher-risk wagers like specific triples, a triple bet, or four numbers to chase larger payouts.
- Avoid going all-in on flashy bets with long odds. Instead, build a routine where you place your bets wisely, track your outcomes, and walk away once you’ve met your session goal. To diversify risk, use a mix of three and two dice for total combinations.
Filipino players who want to consistently play Sic Bo and earn more need to treat each round like a business decision, not a gamble. They must realize that more bets don’t equate to more wins in any casino game.
Ready to Play Sic Bo Smarter?

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, knowing how to play Sic Bo with confidence starts with understanding the Sic Bo table, recognizing the odds, and choosing the right betting strategy. Trust the dice—but more importantly, trust your strategy.

Hristo (Christo to his friends) is a seasoned iGaming professional with 18 years experience building iGaming & Fintech products – Casino, Sportbook, Poker, Bingo, Social gaming and Fintech products gathered throughout his career in PokerStars, Winner.com, Playtech, Reflex Gaming. Strong knowledge and expertise in Marketing, Operations, Strategy building and business relationship management.