Live Dealer Sic Bo Guide
You might have noticed already, but live dealer casinos are kind of a big deal.
Virtually every casino on the web worth its salt offers at least a few live games by now. Unsurprisingly, the popularity of live dealer games has skyrocketed, and the digital games are fighting to stay relevant.
Sic Bo hasn’t escaped this revolution, and dice games are beginning to enter the live dealer fray. The Chinese game means “precious dice,” and it is played with three dice on a unique table.
That’s just evolution, and if live dealer Sic Bo is better than digital Sic Bo, then it should replace it.
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LegitGamblingSites.com was created after a terrible experience with a rogue online casino. Gambling over the internet can be a challenging hobby to get started with for a novice, as there are a plethora of scammers and thieves out there hoping to steal as much of the $60 billion per year wagered online for themselves. Ensuring that none of our readers ever has to experience such a violation of trust is the fundamental mission of this website. Our team of expert gaming analysts thoroughly and continuously researches each real money casino site that we encounter, digging through their ownership, past behaviors, reputation with former customers, and much more.
The bottom line is, if you choose to utilize one of our recommendations, you’ll be safe, and your information will be secure, so you can just concentrate on the important stuff, like winning!
Customer Service
Another incredibly important quality that we look for in a gaming site is a reliable, helpful, and responsive customer service department. There’s nothing worse than having an issue that needs resolving, yet not being able to get any assistance. That would significantly detract from one’s overall customer experience, which is precisely the type of thing we are working to avoid. The best real money Sic Bo online can be found at websites with dedicated customer service pages. There, you should be able to locate a thorough frequently asked questions section and multiple methods of communication. Most online casinos have help desks that may be reached by telephone, email, or through an instant messaging chat function.
Banking Methods
We also value an internet casino site that provides users with a variety of banking options for deposits and withdrawals. Everyone’s financial situation is different, so naturally, readers looking to partake in some online Sic Bo will find different payment types more convenient. For that reason, casinos that can cater to the largest percentage of our readership are ranked higher in this metric. Furthermore, depending on where you’re located, some methods of banking may not be available. For example, in the United States, customers are unable to link their checking accounts directly or use debit cards due to a federal law restricting financial institutions from processing transactions with known gambling operations. In scenarios such as this, we want bettors to have simple ways over these hurdles, like using Bitcoin, certain e-wallets, or credit cards.
How Real Money Sic Bo Is Played
Sic Bo is a fast-paced game that often feels like a merger between roulette and craps. Looking at the board may give someone unfamiliar with the dice game the impression that it’s much more complicated than it really is, but we’re here to dispel that today. In fact, it’s one of the more straightforward table games you’re bound to find.
Basically, the player chooses any of the wagers listed on the board and sets their chips on the corresponding square. They can bet on as many individual conditions as they see fit. The dealer will then lift a small chest full of the dice above the table and shake it. Finally, they’ll open the chest and allow the three dice to spill onto the table.
In the online version, there won’t be a dealer or an actual chest. Instead, a random number generator is utilized to determine the value of each of the three dice. Besides this slight change, the game is the same.
The numbers that land will determine which bets lose and which win. Unlike craps, there are no wagers that stay on the table for multiple rolls; everything is decided on each round of play.
Also, because each roll is entirely random, there aren’t any real strategies to employ. Sic Bo is entirely a game of chance. There are systems some gamblers like to apply to last in the game longer and play it safe, but it’s not like blackjack where you can improve the probability of winning by following specific rules.
In the next section, we’ll look at all of the different options on which to gamble, their odds, and the common payout figures associated with each bet.
Sic Bo Betting Options and Odds
There are many different ways in which a gambler may wager on the outcome of the three dice. Some bets only require a single number to appear; others demand all three dice to land with a specific value. The following wagers are the options real money online Sic Bo players have at their disposal.
Be aware that different casinos reward varying payout ratios, which affects the house edge. We will be using the standard UK odds for the sake of this article.
Big Bet
One of the highest probability bets on any Sic Bo table, both in land-based casinos and online, is the “big” bet. This wager predicts that the total score of the three dice will equal a value ranging from 11 to 17.
The probability of the total equaling one of these seven numbers is 48.61%. A winning “big” bet earns even money, also known as a one-to-one payout. The house edge is 2.78%.
Small Bet
The “small” bet is similar to the “big” in that you get a range of seven numbers. This time, you’re wagering that the total value of the dice will be a number ranging from 4 through 10.
Once again, the likelihood of the sum of the dice falling within this range is 48.61%. The small bet also pays out at even odds and has a house edge of 2.78%.
Three Dice Totals
Another option for betting on three dice totals is to wager on them adding up to a specific score. Because you’re not getting an entire range, these bets are harder to hit but pay out much more substantial sums of money. Below are the odds, earnings, and house edge for each value.
- Total = 4
- 1.4% probability
- 60 to 1 payout
- 15.3% house edge
- Total = 5
- 2.8% probability
- 30 to 1 payout
- 13.9% house edge
- Total = 6
- 4.6% probability
- 18 to 1 payout
- 12% house edge
- Total = 7
- 6.9% probability
- 12 to 1 payout
- 9.7% house edge
- Total = 8
- 9.7% probability
- 8 to 1 payout
- 12.5% house edge
- Total = 9
- 11.6% probability
- 7 to 1 payout
- 7.4% house edge
- Total = 10
- 12.5% probability
- 6 to 1 payout
- 12.5% house edge
- Total = 11
- 12.5% probability
- 6 to 1 payout
- 12.5% house edge
- Total =12
- 11.6% probability
- 7 to 1 payout
- 7.4% house edge
- Total = 13
- 9.7% probability
- 8 to 1 payout
- 12.5% house edge
- Total = 14
- 6.9% probability
- 12 to 1 payout
- 9.7% house edge
- Total = 15
- 4.6% probability
- 18 to 1 payout
- 12% house edge
- Total = 16
- 2.8% probability
- 30 to 1 payout
- 13.9% house edge
- Total = 17
- 1.4% probability
- 60 to 1 payout
- 15.3% house edge
Dice Combinations
You may also gamble on two dice combinations. These are the bets that are listed with pictures of two dice per square, just below the three dice totals area which runs horizontally across the center of the board. To win, you need two of the three dice to match whichever combination you pick.
The options are: 1 and 2, 1 and 3, 1 and 4, 1 and 5, 1 and 6, 2 and 3, 2 and 4, 2 and 5, 2 and 6, 3 and 4, 3 and 5, 3 and 6, 4 and 5, 4 and 6, and 5 and 6.
That’s a total of fifteen possible combinations, each of which pays out at 6 to 1 odds. The actual likelihood of any of these two specific values landing on a single roll is 13.9% (online Sic Bo may differ depending on the site algorithms), making the house edge 2.8%.
Triples or Alls
If you’re feeling fortunate, a specific triples or “alls” bet might be for you. To win these, all three dice must land on the same number. If you wager on an “alls” happening for a specific number, either 1 through 6, the payout is a massive 180 to 1. However, the probability of such an outcome is only 0.46%, with a house advantage of 16.2%.
You may also wager on “any triples.” In this case, you don’t have to choose which specific value will appear three times. As long as all three dice match, the bet is a winner. An “any triples” bet pays 30 to 1 and has a 2.8% chance of occurring. The house advantage for this wager is 13.9%.
Specific Doubles
With this bet, you’re gambling on two of a particular number showing up on the three dice. So, a “double 1” means that two of the dice must land on 1, while the third is inconsequential. These pay 10 to 1 odds.
The probability of hitting a specific double is 7.41% and has a house edge of 18.5%.
Single Dice Bet
Another fun option is to bet that a single specific number will appear on one or more dice. Depending on how many appear, the winnings can vary. For example, if your number only appears once, the payout is 1 to 1, even money. This has a 34.72% likelihood of happening.
Should your number show up twice, you win at a rate of 2 to 1, as this only has a 6.94% probability of occurring.
If your bet lands on all three, you get paid 3 to 1 and desperately wish you had bet the triple in the first place since the odds of that happening are only 0.46%. In some casinos, having your single dice pick land on all three dice will pay 12 to 1 odds.
The house advantage on these wagers is 7.9% overall.
Even or Odd
On some tables, you can bet on the total value being an even or odd number. Whichever you choose, the odds are the same as the big and small bets, with a 49.61% probability of landing within either range. However, the bet loses if a triple is rolled.
When this bet is available, it is paid out at even money and carries a house edge of 2.78%.
Four-Number Combo
One exciting wager is the four-number combination. Here, you can choose any of the specific four-number combos, and you need three of the four numbers to appear on the dice. The mixes on which you’re allowed to bet are:
- 6-5-4-3
- 6-5-3-2
- 5-4-3-2
- 4-3-2-1
If three of the four values land, the player is paid 7 to 1 on whatever they staked. This choice has an 11.1% likelihood of winning, as well as an 11.1% house edge.
Three Single-Number Combo
Another wager that’s provided is on specific three-number combinations. For example, you may select the 2-3-6. If those exact three values land on the dice, you win 30 times whatever was bet.
The probability of this happening is 2.8%, with a house edge of 13.9%.
Specific Double- and Single-Number Combo
The last option is a bet that consists of two dice showing the same number, while a third shows a different particular value. For example, you may wager on the 3-3-4 appearing.
This bet has a 1.4% chance of winning and pays out at 50 to 1 odds. The house edge is a whopping 29.2%, so you may want to shy away from this particular wager.
Live Dealer Sic Bo
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of playing live dealer Sic Bo online, as well as where to play live Sic Bo. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about live dealer Sic Bo online at the end.
Why Live Dealer Sic Bo Is Better
If you haven’t already played live dealer casino games, this section might be totally new and insightful to you. Many of the reasons to play live dealer Sic Bo are similar to the reasons to play other live casino games. So, if you play live roulette or blackjack regularly, you’ll notice some of the same “pros” apply to those games, too.
You Can Kiss Those Worries About Rigged Games Goodbye
The truth is, if you play at legitimate casino sites online, you won’t have to worry about rigged games no matter what sort of game you’re playing.
However, it’s still human nature to be suspicious of something we can’t see and don’t fully understand. Since digital games are controlled by random number generators, which are computer programs based on advanced math way beyond most of us, it’s normal that some players grow suspicious when on a losing streak.
Live Sic Bo takes care of those worries completely. Since you can actually see the dealer, the table, and the game itself unfolding in front of your eyes, the suspicion that the computer program might be rigged is rendered null and void by default.
Speaking of being able to see the dealers…
The Live Sic Bo Dealers Are Usually Attractive and Fun
Now, we’re not going to sit here and say that all live games are created equal because that would be a lie. Just like with cars, furniture, food, or anything else, there’s quick, cheap, and easy, and there’s top-of-the-line.
If you play Sic Bo in world-class live casinos, such as those powered by Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, or Extreme Gaming, you will notice two things which set them apart.
- The dealers are usually highly attractive
- They are happy to interact, chat, and make the game interesting
We don’t mean to be shallow, but who can deny that it’s more enjoyable to talk to a gorgeous blonde Italian than to play against a lifeless computer program like you would in a digital Sic Bo game?
With regard to the second point, the dealers have been trained on how to interact and keep the games fun. The casino wants you to enjoy yourself and stick around for a while. Getting you chatting with a friendly, attractive person is definitely one way to achieve that. It’s a win-win.
Playing Live Dealer Sic Bo Usually Works Out Cheaper
Playing Sic Bo with live dealers will always be a little more expensive than playing against a digital machine, but you have to allow for that since the casino has to actually pay the live dealers a decent wage.
However, playing live dealer Sic Bo will usually work out to be much less expensive than playing at a brick-and-mortar casino.
Once you factor in transport to and from the place, drinks, any food you want to eat, and the higher buy-ins that inevitably come with playing at land casinos, you’ll end up saving a pretty penny if you play live dealer Sic Bo online instead.
Playing at home (if that’s where you chose to play from) has no such expenses. You can eat from the kitchen, don’t have to drive anywhere, and can simply grab a cold one from the fridge, rather than from some overpriced bar.
You Can Play from Anywhere, and It’s Just Like the Real Thing
You could argue that you can play virtual Sic Bo from wherever you like, too, but it’s hardly the same thing.
When you play Sic Bo live, you are actually playing with a real dealer in a real casino. It’s not a simulation. It’s actually like bringing the casino to yourself, rather than having to go there.
This opens up all sorts of cool possibilities. Imagine the following scenarios:
- You can play Sic Bo with a real dealer on your lunch break at the office.
- You might play live Sic Bo from the couch of the VIP suite you and some friends have booked at the club.
- It’s possible to set up a game of live Sic Bo at a party you’re hosting, even projecting it onto a big screen and sharing the cost of betting with friends and family. This is a great way to liven things up when there’s a lull in the night.
- Those long waits for your significant other to finish shopping could suddenly become a lot more exciting by nipping off for a cup of coffee and a game of live Sic Bo.
- You could just decide to kick back, relax, and play Sic Bo at a live casino from the comfort of your own couch while eating a bowl of nachos and dip.
The truth is, as long as you have a solid internet connection and decent-sized screen, you can actually play Sic Bo from wherever you feel like, in whatever situation you find yourself.
By now, we’re sure you get the point. Live Sic Bo is better than digital Sic Bo because it’s actually the real thing on a screen. The fact that you can play it from anywhere with an internet connection literally puts a real-world casino in your pocket.
The Drawbacks of Live Dealer Sic Bo
The next time someone paints a perfect picture in your mind, do yourself a favor and cut them loose. We can guarantee you they aren’t telling you the whole story.
The truth is, there are some drawbacks to live Sic Bo games, too. We’ve already outlined the positives, so now let’s look at the other side of the coin.
The Escape Element Isn’t the Same
While live dealer Sic Bo is definitely a more social experience than playing against a random number generator and some fancy graphics, that can actually be a downside in and of itself.
We’re well aware that you may play casino games to escape for a little while from the humdrum of life. If this is what you’re after, digital games actually do a better job than live games.
Social interactions bring you back to reality, whereas it’s easy to slip into the zone when playing digital games. All you have to do is put on some music, start playing, and hours can fly by as if in minutes.
Whether or not this is a downside really depends on what sort of person you are and what you’re looking for from the online casino experience. Still, we wanted to make you aware of it.
Playing Costs More Than Digital Games
This might seem like it contradicts the above point about cost savings, but that was in comparison to playing at actual real-world casinos.
As compared to digital Sic Bo, however, live dealer versions will almost always be slightly more expensive.
Think about it – the casino has to pay the dealer, keep the lights on in the studio, and run massive amounts of data across its connections to bring you the live dealer experience.
On the other hand, a digital Sic Bo game from Playtech or Microgaming can come as part of a games package with a set yearly fee. This is going to be a lot cheaper for the casino to run, and so the minimum buy-ins are usually less, too.
It Isn’t Quite the Real Thing
If you don’t mind paying to head off to a local casino, then you might find that while the live dealer Sic Bo games are a phenomenal advancement, they aren’t quite the same as standing down at the tables in person.
The game itself is the same, but there are some things a live casino just can’t deliver. The feeling of being in a casino, the sound of slot machines beeping and coins rattling as jackpots are paid out, the smells of delicious food wafting from the restaurants nearby, the sensation of knowing everyone is looking at you as you go on a winning streak, and the combined overall experience can’t be transmitted through a wire to your screen.
Likewise, the feeling of high-fiving other players at the table when you win or picking up your physical chips and cashing them out for money you can feel in your hand just isn’t possible through live online games.
Life is always more real than an online experience, and that applies to everything, including live dealer Sic Bo.
Commonly Asked Questions About Live Dealer Sic Bo
Lots of casinos offer extra live games bonuses. Check out some of the offers in the casinos listed in the table above. Always make sure the offers include Sic Bo, though, because some are exclusive to specific live games. Sic Bo is a relatively rare game, and so some bonus terms and conditions may exclude it.
Sure you can. Nearly all live casinos are mobile ready these days. We recommend using a mobile device with a decent-sized screen, though. This will ensure you have the best possible experience.
No, nobody can see you. You’ll have a view of the dealer, the game table, and the studio or casino they’re operating in. No other players can see you, and you can’t see other players, either.
Any of the casinos listed above are a good place to start. We’ve vetted every single one of them and can tell you they stand up to scrutiny. Feel free to read the in-depth reviews of each to learn more about them.
That depends on the size of the bets you’re placing. The minimum price per game will likely be around $1. It could go all the way to $1,000 at the high end.
We’ve never found a single online casino offering it. It wouldn’t be economical for them to pay a dealer to offer live games for free. There may be some free Sic Bo games in digital format, though.
No. The game remains the same whether you’re playing live, digital, or real-world versions. Sic Bo is always Sic Bo!