Sic Bo Terms and Glossary

This glossary explains common Sic Bo labels, payout notation and probability terms. Definitions describe the usual concepts; the specific paytable and settlement rules still matter. Understanding a label does not guarantee a winning result.

Essential Game Components

Before placing a bet, it is helpful to understand the physical and digital tools used to facilitate a round of Sic Bo.

• The Shaker: The transparent dome or container used to vibrate or tumble the three dice. In modern live dealer games, this is usually an automated mechanical platform.
• The Layout: The printed or digital grid showing the betting areas offered by that version.
• The Keypad: A result-entry control used in some live implementations; other systems may record results differently.
• Birdcage: A term sometimes used for a dice container or shaker; its design varies.

General Betting Terms

These terms describe the most common wagers found on a standard Sic Bo table in the Canadian market.

• Big: A bet that the total sum of the three dice will be between 11 and 17. This is an even-money bet (1:1), but it loses if a triple is rolled.
• Small: A bet that the total sum of the three dice will be between 4 and 10. Like the Big bet, this pays 1:1 and loses if a triple appears.
• Any Triple: A wager that all three dice will show the same number (e.g., three 2s, three 5s, etc.). This usually pays around 30:1.
• Specific Triple: A bet on a specific three-of-a-kind (e.g., specifically three 4s). Its probability with fair independent dice is 1/216; its payout is specified by the paytable.
• Specific Double: A bet that at least two of the three dice will show a specific number (e.g., two 6s). This typically pays 10:1.
• Total Sum: A wager on the exact total of all three dice added together (ranging from 4 to 17).

Advanced and Combination Terms

For players looking for more complex wagering strategies, these terms define specific combinations and patterns.

• Two Dice Combination (Domino): A bet that two specific, different numbers will appear (e.g., a 2 and a 5). This is often called a “Domino” bet because of how the numbers are paired on the layout.
• Single Number Bet: Placing a wager on a specific number from 1 to 6. The payout can vary by match count. For example, 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 profit odds mean total returns of 2, 3 and 4 times the winning stake, respectively.
• Duo: Another name for the Two Dice Combination bet.
• Even/Odd: A wager on the parity of the total. Check whether triples are excluded; under the common exclusion rule all triples lose on both Odd and Even.

Mathematical and Statistical Jargon

Understanding the “math of the shaker” is key to managing your bankroll effectively.

• House Edge: Expected loss as a percentage of stake under specified rules. It varies by payout and is not a prediction of the actual session result.
• True Odds: Odds derived from event probabilities. A specified triple has probability 1/216 and odds against of 215:1; these are different ways of expressing the same event.
• Payout Odds: The offered return for a winning entry. Profit odds and total-return multipliers differ because the latter include the returned stake. For tiered or enhanced payouts, all outcomes are needed to calculate expectation.
• Random Number Generator (RNG): An RNG is a mechanism for generating outcomes. The label alone does not establish that its design, implementation or use is random or fair; those claims need evidence and appropriate testing.

Regional and Alternative Names

Because Sic Bo has a long history across different cultures, you may encounter these alternative names in various gaming circles.

• Tai Sai / Dai Siu: Traditional Chinese names for the game, meaning “Big Small.”
• Hi-Lo: A common Western nickname for the game, referring to the Big and Small betting options.
• Yee Hah Hi: A related Chinese dice game that uses symbols (like fish, crabs, and prawns) instead of standard pips on the dice.
• Grand Hazard: An English dice game that is often considered a precursor or relative to Sic Bo, though it uses different betting terminology.

Why Terms Matter for Canadian Players

A triple can lose on Big/Small while winning another area. A double may include a triple under its rules, while a two-number combination requires two different faces. These labels therefore cannot be treated as interchangeable.

For worked examples, see Big and Small, single-number and combination bets, and Sic Bo odds and payouts. The rules overview explains how a round is settled.

Explore the full section: live Sic Bo and multiplier variants.