What Is Sic Bo?
Sic bo (骰寶, literally "precious dice") is a traditional Chinese gambling game played with three dice. It is one of the most popular casino games across Malaysia, Macau, Singapore, and the wider Asian gaming market. In 2026, sic bo is widely available both at land-based casinos and online platforms like 96M.
The objective is simple: you predict the outcome of a roll of three dice. Depending on which sic bo bet type you choose, you can wager on the total of all three dice, whether individual numbers appear, specific doubles or triples, and more.
The Sic Bo Table Layout
A sic bo table can look overwhelming at first, but it breaks down into clear sections:
- Big / Small area — the most prominent bets on the table, covering totals of 11–17 (Big) or 4–10 (Small)
- Total bets — a grid of total sums from 4 to 17
- Single number bets — bet on any single die value appearing (1 through 6)
- Double bets — bet that two specific dice will show the same value
- Triple bets — bet that all three dice will show the same value
- Combination bets — bet on two specific values appearing across two of the three dice
Each section of the table displays the payout for that bet. For a full breakdown, see our sic bo bet types guide.
How to Play Sic Bo — Step by Step
Choose Your Platform
For Malaysian players in 2026, the easiest way to play sic bo is online. 96M offers both live dealer sic bo (with real dice shaken by a live dealer) and electronic sic bo (instant play). Register an account and make a deposit using FPX, Touch 'n Go, or your preferred Malaysian bank.
Understand the Betting Limits
Sic bo tables have a minimum and maximum bet per round. At 96M, minimum bets start from as low as RM 1 on electronic tables and RM 5–10 on live sic bo tables. Check the table limits before sitting down.
Place Your Bets
Once the round opens, click or tap on the bet area(s) you want to wager on. You can place multiple bets in a single round — many experienced sic bo players in Malaysia cover both a Big or Small bet and a couple of number bets simultaneously. The betting window typically lasts 15–30 seconds.
Wait for the Roll
When the timer ends, no further bets are accepted. In live sic bo, the dealer shakes a covered mechanical shaker containing three dice and reveals the result. In electronic sic bo, a random number generator determines the outcome instantly.
Collect Your Winnings
The winning bets light up on the table and payouts are added to your balance automatically. Losing bets are cleared. A new round begins immediately — sic bo is a fast-paced game with rounds typically completing every 30–60 seconds.
The Most Important Sic Bo Bets for Beginners
If you are new to sic bo, start with these two bets. They offer the lowest house edge and the best chance of consistent returns:
Big Bet (大)
A Big bet wins when the total of all three dice is between 11 and 17. It pays 1:1. The only exception is when all three dice show the same number (a triple), in which case the Big bet loses even if the total falls in the 11–17 range. House edge: 2.78%.
Small Bet (小)
A Small bet wins when the total is between 4 and 10. It pays 1:1. Same triple exception applies. House edge: 2.78%.
Sic Bo Rules You Must Know
- Three standard six-sided dice (1–6) are used each round
- All three dice must land flat for the roll to be valid
- Triples (all three dice the same value) lose both the Big and Small bet
- You may place bets on multiple sections of the table simultaneously
- Once the betting window closes, no changes to bets are allowed
- Payouts vary significantly by bet type — see the full odds table
Sic Bo vs. Other Casino Games
Many Malaysian players come to sic bo from baccarat or roulette. Here is how it compares:
- vs. Baccarat — sic bo has more bet variety and can have a lower minimum house edge (2.78% on Big/Small vs. 1.06% on Banker, but higher on other bets). Baccarat is slower; sic bo is faster.
- vs. Roulette — sic bo uses three dice instead of a wheel. The variety of bets is comparable, and the pace is similar. House edges are broadly similar depending on which bets you choose.
- vs. Craps — both are dice games, but sic bo is simpler. No "pass line" mechanics or complex shooting rules. Sic bo is more accessible for new players.
Common Sic Bo Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing losses with triple bets — triples have high payouts but very high house edges. They are entertainment bets, not recovery bets.
- Ignoring the table limits — always check minimum and maximum bets before playing.
- Betting every section of the table — spreading bets too thin reduces your effective return. Be selective.
- Not setting a session budget — decide your limit before you start and stick to it.