Sic Bo Betting Schemes

In-Depth Guide to Sic Bo Rules & Betting Schemes

9 min

Sic Bo is a game of chance, but you can make better choices if you know how to bet correctly. It’s important to know the odds if you want to improve your game, whether you’re betting a little or a lot or on certain triples. This special guide will break down the best Sic Bo betting strategies so you can play with confidence. Let’s look at the strategies that really work!

The Most Important Sic Bo Rules for UK Players

When playing Sic Bo, aside from the basic rules, you must follow the more advanced, essential ones:

  • When you must stop placing your bets: Always finish wagering before the dice are rolled. If you wager while the dice are being rolled, you may lose your bet or be removed from the table.
  • Whether you can change your bet: You can only change your bet if the dice are not rolling. Never try to change your stake after the dice have been rolled, as this is considered disruptive gameplay by online casinos, and you may lose your place at the table.
  • How much each bet pays out: To ensure you don’t need to change your bet, become clear on how much each bet pays out before you wager.
  • If you are allowed to make specific bet combinations: Not all tables allow you to use the same Sic Bo betting schemes. Get to know the specific rules at your table to avoid misunderstandings and losses.
  • Handle wins and losses civilly: Disruptive and offensive behaviour may cost you your access to the game and, in severe cases, even your access to your online casino player account.

Sic Bo Rules Based on Game Variation

Based on what they like and how much risk they are willing to take, players often switch between games like Blackjack, Baccarat, and Sic Bo. Make sure you are betting according to the version of Sic Bo you are playing, though, because the rules may be different for each version.

  • Grand Hazard: In this version, the dealer only shakes two dice, not three. This means that you can place significantly different bets than in the original version of the game.
  • Chuck-a-Luck: For this version, the rules say that the dice must roll in an automatic cage. This means you won’t have to deal with a dealer, and the betting rules will be the same as in the original game.
  • Tai Sai/Dai Siu (Big-Small): The Tai Sai, also known as the Dai Siu variation, only allows you to bet on the total sum of the dice roll. So, your only betting schemes are to stake that the sum will be “big” (between 11 and 17 inclusively) or “small” (between 4 and 10 inclusively).
  • Hi-Lo Sic Bo: This is similar to the Dai Siu but may include more betting options.
  • Triple Sic Bo: The rules for this version of the game allow you to use specific triple-betting schemes. Essentially, you bet on triple number combinations for the dice rolls.

UK Sic Bo Betting Schemes: Analyzing House Edge and Probability

Before looking into specific betting systems, you need to understand the mathematical edge in order to make smart bets. The house edge for Sic Bo at UK casinos is usually between 2.78% and more than 30%, depending on the type of bet.

Betting Scheme UK Typical Payout Probability House Edge Player Level
Small/Big 1:1 48.61% 2.78% Beginner
Odd/Even 1:1 48.61% 2.78% Beginner
Combination 5:1 to 180:1 0.46%-13.89% 8.33%-29.17% Intermediate
Total Bets 6:1 to 60:1 1.39%-12.5% 9.72%-29.17% Advanced

This math knowledge helps you pick the best betting strategies based on your goals for playing and how much risk you’re willing to take.

Based on our research for the best UK Sic Bo casinos, you have about a 96% chance of finding games that let you use the following popular betting systems:

The Small/Big Betting Scheme

This is the most common way to bet because it’s the easiest way to play Sic Bo. It’s easy to understand, but it also gives you a better chance of winning big because the odds are better than with other betting systems.

However, note that the wins are lower than in other bet types. In essence, you wager on whether the total sum of the dice roll will be “small” (4-10) or “big” (11-17). Use this scheme as your safest choice. It’s your best option if you are new at the game if you prefer a more conservative approach, or if you are playing on a small budget.

The Odd/Even Betting Scheme

In this betting scheme, you wager on whether the total sum of the dice roll will be an odd or even number. We recommend that you use this betting scheme if you’ve not yet mastered the game because it is a simple option with a balanced risk-reward ratio. By using it, you have moderate odds and potential wins.

The Combination Scheme

This betting scheme involves placing bets on different combinations of numbers appearing on all the dice. For example, you can wager on a specific triple, like three 4s or on any triple, which means you bet on the outcome where all dice show the same number, regardless of which one it is.

You should use the combination scheme when you’ve become more advanced as a player because the Combination Betting Scheme offers lower odds of winning, but the potential rewards are more significant.

The Total Bets Scheme

This scheme allows you to place a wager on the exact total sum of the three or two dice, depending on the version you are playing. Each total bet option available provides you with different winning odds, so you should use it if you have enough budget and experience. This plan has a lower chance of winning, but the possible winnings are higher than with other plans or sic bo schemes.

Advanced Sic Bo Betting Patterns: Combining Multiple Schemes

Combination patterns are often used by experienced UK Sic Bo players to find a good balance between risk and reward:

The Hedge Betting Pattern

With this complicated pattern, you bet on Small/Big as your main bet and on some Triples as smaller bets at the same time:

  • Primary bet: £10 on Small (1:1 payout)
  • Hedge bets: £1 each on Triple 1, Triple 2, and Triple 3 (180:1 payout each)

This pattern protects you from the Small Bet’s exception rule, which says that you lose on triples 1-3. It also lets you win big if a triple comes up.

The Distribution Betting Pattern

This strategy spreads your bets across different types of bets, each with its own risk-reward profile:

  • 50% of bankroll on Small/Big bets (low risk)
  • 30% on Combination bets (medium risk)
  • 20% on specific Triples or Totals (high risk)

This makes for a well-rounded strategy that lets you win big every now and then while still playing the same way.

How to Pick a Successful Sic Bo Betting Scheme

  • Get specific on the rules before you pick your move: Before you make your move, make sure you know the rules: Before you choose a specific betting system, make sure you know the rules and how the game works, as these can have a big impact on the odds of each bet.
  • Pick based on odds and risk ratios: There are different risks and odds for each scheme. If you’re new to the game or don’t know the variant you’re playing, you should choose the Sic Bo version with the least amount of risk. Choose the scheme that offers the most potential rewards if you are more experienced.
  • Choose according to your game style: Your game style is based on how much risk you’re willing to take and how long you want your sessions to last. You can play longer with lower-risk betting schemes, but schemes with lower odds but higher potential winnings may make you want to play for a shorter time.
  • Make your choice after you test several schemes: You can safely try out different betting systems in practice mode or by placing very small bets.
  • Explore the simple schemes first, then progress to the more complex ones: Start with straightforward bets like Big/Small or Even/Odd. This allows you to understand the fundamentals easier, so you can explore more complex strategies. Ultimately, this teaches you how to pick the suitable scheme at the right time and mix-match them to your convenience.
  • Pick based on your budget: Before you choose a betting scheme, make sure you know how much money you can afford to lose. Break up your set budget into smaller bets so you can see how big your bets are. Then choose the scheme that works best with how much you can bet.

UK Online Sic Bo vs. Land-Based Casino Experience

There are big differences between playing Sic Bo online and in person at UK casinos:

Online Sic Bo Advantages for UK Players

  • Greater game variety with multiple variations available
  • Lower minimum bets (often starting at £1 or less)
  • Higher RTP (Return to Player) percentages on average
  • Ability to play at your own pace without table pressure
  • Access to practice modes for strategy development

Land-Based UK Casino Sic Bo Experience

  • Social atmosphere with dealer and player interaction
  • Physical dice rolling creates a more authentic experience
  • Limited table availability (typically only in larger casinos)
  • Higher minimum bets (usually £5-£10 minimum)
  • Fewer game variations available

Are Online Sic Bo Betting Schemes the Same as in Land-Based Casinos?

The core betting schemes available at the best UK online casinos are generally the same as those found in land-based establishments. However, several key differences exist:

  • Betting scheme variety: Online platforms usually have more betting options and variations than real casinos because they have lower operating costs and more flexible virtual space.
  • Payout structures: Some bets pay out more at online casinos than at real casinos. Online casinos in the UK might give you 33:1 for Any Triple instead of the usual 30:1 in real life.
  • Minimum and maximum bets: The minimum bets for online Sic Bo are much lower than those for land-based tables (usually £5–£10), which makes some betting schemes easier for casual players to use.
  • Game speed: You can play Sic Bo online at your own speed, so you don’t have to rush through complicated betting strategies.
  • Betting interface: Digital interfaces make it easier to place combination bets and other complicated betting patterns that might be hard to do at real tables.

What You Need to Remember After This Article

Sic Bo advanced rules include:

  • Knowing when to stop placing bets and when you can change your bets
  • Understanding the odds of each Sic Bo betting scheme
  • Knowing the game variation and which specific bet combinations it allows
  • Handling wins and losses civilly

Different game variations may include distinct rules. You should especially be aware of this when playing:

  • Grand Hazard
  • Chuck-a-Luck
  • Tai Sai/Dai Siu
  • Hi-Lo Sic Bo
  • Triple Sic Bo

Some of the most popular betting systems in UK online casinos are Small/Big, Odd/Even, Combination, and Total Bets. This is everything you need to know about them:

  • The Small/Big scheme is the simplest and most popular scheme. It offers higher odds of winning, and you should choose it if you are a new player or have a small budget.
  • The Odd/Even scheme has moderate odds and potential wins, and it is also recommended for beginners.
  • The Combination scheme works best if you are an advanced player due to lower odds but higher potential rewards.
  • The Total Bets scheme has higher potential winnings than the other schemes but lower probability, so only use it if you can afford the risk.

To pick a successful betting scheme you should:

  • Consider the rules, odds and risk ratios of each scheme
  • Pick the scheme that matches your game style
  • Testing different options, starting with simple ones
  • Pick according to your budget

The same types of Sic Bo betting schemes are used in both online and land-based casinos. However, online casinos may have more options because they don’t have to worry about space or costs. Should we give more information about how to bet? Please tell us what questions you have or just tell us about your experience! We really want to hear from you, so please use the comments section to share your thoughts.

F.A.Q.

Which Sic Bo betting scheme has the lowest house edge in UK casinos?

The Small/Big and Odd/Even bets offer the lowest house edge at 2.78%, making them mathematically optimal for extended play.

Can I use betting systems like Martingale or Fibonacci with Sic Bo?

While progressive betting systems can be applied to even-money bets like Small/Big, they don’t alter the underlying house edge and carry significant risk of substantial losses during negative variance streaks.

What's the most popular Sic Bo betting scheme among UK players?

The Small/Big betting scheme remains the most popular among UK players due to its simplicity, low house edge, and balanced risk-reward profile.

Authors
Ioana Nutulescu
AuthorIoana NutulescuAuthor & Editor at CasinoAlpha

Using her Comparative Literature MA, Ioana's casino and game reviews, player guides and pages cater to the different culture-related needs, preferences, and mentalities of casino players around the world. Focused on aesthetics & psychology, she advocates for meaningful yet safe casino experiences.

+1 years
Adina Minculescu
ReviewerAdina MinculescuSenior Author & Editor at CasinoAlpha

As one of CasinoAlpha's seasoned reviewers, Adina Minculescu approaches gambling not as a game of chance but as a system of signs waiting to be decoded. "If the terms are unreadable," she often notes, "they're probably unfair." Through her structured analysis and semiotic lens, Adina doesn't just help you understand how casinos work—she reveals why they're designed that way, empowering you to navigate the system rather than being navigated by it.

+7 years