Part I: Games & Gaming · Dice Games — Craps & Sic Bo

Big (Dai Siu)

Sic Bo

One of the two most fundamental wagers in Sic Bo, betting that the total of the three dice will be between 11 and 17 inclusive. The Big bet pays even money (1:1) and has a house edge of 2.78%, making it one of the most favorable bets for players. However, the Big bet loses if any triple is rolled (all three dice showing the same number), regardless of whether the total falls within the 11-17 range. This triple-loss condition is what creates the house edge on an otherwise even-money proposition. The Big bet is known as “Dai” (大) in Cantonese and is the namesake of the game’s common name “Dai Siu” (大小, meaning “Big Small”).

In practice

The triple-loss rule is critical for dealers and surveillance to understand. A roll of triple 4 (total 12) or triple 5 (total 15) would normally fall in the Big range but causes all Big bets to lose. Dealers must be vigilant in identifying triple results.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.