There are only so many times a person sits down at a Roulette or Blackjack table before they need a change of pace.
Are you ready for something new?
Evolution Gaming has you covered with their Instant Super Sic Bo.
A Fresh Face in the Casino Biosphere
Sic Bo may not be a household name to all Western players, but its pedigree is beyond reproach. (See below for more on that.)
The growing popularity of this game mirrors a larger trend in the business, where ultra-popular games from the non-English speaking world storm into European and North American markets. Just a few years ago, almost no one in these areas of the gambling universe knew what Andar Bahar was, for example.
Nowadays?
There are dozens upon dozens of options available for fans of that game!
Of course, Andar Bahar is not alone. There’s Mahjong, there’s Teen Patti, there’s Pai Gow poker.
There are other fantastic trends out there – robot dealers, anyone? – but this is certainly a fascinating one to follow. And it’s just getting started!
The ABCs of Sic Bo
Objective: The objective of Sic Bo is to predict the outcome of the roll of three dice. Players place bets on various possible combinations or outcomes.
Game Setup:
- Sic Bo is typically played on a specialized table with various betting options.
- The table layout displays different betting areas, each corresponding to a possible outcome or combination of dice rolls.
- Players place their bets on the betting areas they choose.
Gameplay:
- After all bets are placed, the dealer shakes a container (often a cage or dome) containing three dice. Once the dice come to a rest, the dealer reveals the result.
Winning Bets:
- Payouts are based on the specific bet placed and the outcome of the dice roll. Common betting options include:
- Single Number: Betting on a specific number appearing on any of the three dice. Payouts vary depending on how many times the chosen number appears.
- Two Dice Combination: Betting on a specific combination of two dice, such as a pair of 4s. Payouts are higher if the chosen combination appears.
- Three Dice Total: Betting on the total sum of the three dice. Different totals have different payouts.
- Big and Small: Betting on whether the total sum will be “Big” (11-17) or “Small” (4-10). Payouts are even money.
- Specific Triple: Betting on a specific triple, such as three 6s. Payouts are high for this bet.
House Edge: It’s important to note that Sic Bo has a house edge, meaning the odds are in favor of the casino. Different bets have different house edges, so it’s essential to understand the odds before placing bets.
Game Conclusion: After determining the outcome and paying out winning bets, the game begins again with new bets.
Players can place multiple bets on a single roll, combining different types of bets to create various strategies. Sic Bo is a game of luck, and there’s no skill involved in the outcome of the dice roll. It’s important to gamble responsibly and understand the odds before playing.
Given all of that, what’s the takeaway for new players?
In Sic Bo, the bet with the lowest house edge is typically the “Big” or “Small” bet. These bets are straightforward and involve wagering on the total sum of the three dice being either “Big” (11-17) or “Small” (4-10). Here’s why these bets tend to have a lower house edge:
- Big Bet: This is a bet that the total sum of the three dice will be between 11 and 17. It wins if the total falls within this range. The house edge for the Big bet is usually around 2.78%.
- Small Bet: This is a bet that the total sum of the three dice will be between 4 and 10. It wins if the total falls within this range. The house edge for the Small bet is also approximately 2.78%.
These bets have a relatively lower house edge compared to many other Sic Bo bets, which makes them more favorable for players
That should give gamblers a good place to start, but for those who want to learn even more about this magnificent game, a full breakdown is available over at our sister site.
What Makes is So Super, Anyway?
With all of that in mind, what makes this particular title worth players’ time and bankroll? What sets it apart from the competition?
The main selling point of this release is right there in its title: players can place bets instantly, without waiting for a betting period.
For veterans of Live Dealer play, this might seem impossible. There’s always a betting period, and even if there weren’t, surely it would be necessary to wait until one gaming round is over, before the next one can begin! Right?
Well, that’s what makes this game so special. Gaming outcomes in Sic Bo only depend on the outcome of a throw of those three dice. Essentially, the dealer here simply rolls those dice continuously. Whenever you place a bet, it will be active when the dice are next thrown… there’s no waiting at all, neither for the dealer nor for the player!
(A word to the wise: the lack of a waiting period might encourage some players to increase their pace, but we suggest doing exactly the opposite! Take your time, enjoy the game, and take advantage of the fact that there’s no rush. Remember that manic speeds favor the house, while a deliberate, intentional pace favors the player.)
Oh, and one other small detail: it happens to be built by Evolution, one of the very biggest and best names in the business. The brand has been synonymous with quality since its founding in 2006… and its prolonged success in an otherwise wildly unstable industry is not to be overlooked, either! Just seeing that name should be enough for gamblers to feel certain that they’re playing at the top of the casino food chain.
And it wouldn’t be an Evolution game without some extra fun thrown in!
Here, that takes the form of win multipliers. These are added at random to one or more bets after they have been placed. If happened to have placed that bet beforehand, and it wins, the multiplier replaces the standard payout.
Not all bets are eligible for multipliers, though… the safest, even-money bets will never be multiplied, for example. On the other hand, the riskiest bet (the Triple) can pay an otherwise unimaginable 999:1 if the max multiplier arrives on a winning bet!
There is a downside, though.
To make up for the added value multipliers provide, base payouts are slightly smaller than in standard Sic Bo. As a result, we suggest paying more attention than usual to Singles and Combination bets, and avoiding the Totals bets (despite their theoretically massive payouts).
All in all, the odd/even and small/big bets come with an RTP of 97.22%, placing it among the top RTP games available.
History of the Game
Ancient Origins: Sic Bo, also known as Tai Sai or Dai Siu, is an ancient Chinese dice game. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, where it was played with small stones, tiles, or dice. It has a history spanning thousands of years.
Variations: Sic Bo has had different regional variations and names over time. It’s referred to as “Tai Sai” in some Chinese regions and “Dai Siu” in others. Each region may have slight variations in rules and betting options.
Spread to the West: Sic Bo made its way to Western countries in the 19th century through Chinese immigrants. It gained popularity in Chinese communities in the United States and other Western nations.
Introduction to Casinos: In the mid-20th century, Sic Bo found its place in casinos, particularly in Macau, a renowned gaming region. The game became popular among both locals and tourists.
Modern Casino Game: Sic Bo continued to evolve and adapt to the casino environment. Today, it is a standard casino game found in many establishments worldwide, especially in Asia and some Western casinos.
Online Sic Bo: With the rise of online gambling, Sic Bo is now available as an online casino game. Players can enjoy Sic Bo from their homes through internet casinos.
Sic Bo’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the excitement of predicting the outcome of three dice rolls. While it has ancient Chinese roots, it has become a global casino game enjoyed by players of various backgrounds. Its popularity is only growing!
