Author: Robert Kazinsky, Last Updated: March 19th, 2023
A Comprehensive Guide to Baccarat Side Bets:
Explore the Most Popular Options
Baccarat is a popular casino game that is well-known for its simplicity and elegance. The game is enjoyed by players all over the world, and it has even been featured in movies like James Bond’s Casino Royale. Despite its straightforward gameplay, baccarat has a lot of potential for excitement, especially when you consider the world of side bets. Side bets in baccarat add a level of complexity and chance to the game, allowing players to bet on outcomes beyond just the player and banker hands. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of side bets in baccarat, the potential payouts, and why they’re so popular among both new and experienced players.
The Most Popular Side Bets in Baccarat
There are many different types of side bets in baccarat, but some are more popular than others. Here are the most popular side bets in baccarat, along with a brief description of each:
- Bellagio Match: A side bet on three-of-a-kind in the multi-player game hosted by an animated dealer. The payout is 75:1 for a Player three-of-a-kind with a 5.27% house edge and 68:1 for a Banker’s at an 8.57% house edge. This side bet can be found at some land-based casinos.
- Super 6: This side bet can be placed at UK land-based casinos and some live casinos online. It pays 12:1 if the winning Banker hand is a total of six. This is the side bet with the biggest house edge – a whopping 29.98%.
- 3-Card Six: This side bet is offered at the Pala Casino. You get a 100:1 payout if both the Player and Banker get a 3-card 6 hand and an 8:1 if only one hand does. The house edge is 13.37%.
- 4-5-6: Presumably, a side bet played in Atlantic City. There are three bets available on the total value for each hand. Four pays 3:2, five and six pays 2:1.
- Lucky Bonus: This side bet is offered at the commission-free Baccarat tables in the Pala Casino in California. It’s a wager on the Banker hand being a winning six. The side bet gives a Player advantage of 2.34%, and because of that, you can’t place a wager that’s more than 10 percent of the Banker bet. The house edge between it and the Banker bet is 1.11%. The payout is 18:1.
- Royal Match: This side bet is rumored to be offered at London casinos. It can be wagered on either the Player or Banker drawing a King and Queen in the first two dealt cards. The house edge is very player-friendly at 2.13%. The payout is 75:1 for a suited King & Queen and 30:1 for non-suited.
These side bets can be found at different land-based and online casinos. While they offer exciting and potentially lucrative payouts, it’s important to note the house edge and odds for each bet to determine if it’s worth the risk.
Baccarat Side Bets Video Guide
Dragon and Panda Side Bets
Two of the most popular side bets in baccarat are the Dragon 7 and Dragon Bonus, both of which are often offered in EZ Baccarat games popular with Asian players.
- Natural win (two-card 8 or 9) pays 1:1
- Natural tie (two-card 8/8 or 9/9) is a push
- Win by 9 pays 30:1
- Win by 8 pays 10:1
- Win by 7 pays 6:1
- Win by 6 pays 4:1
- Win by 5 pays 2:1
- Win by 4 pays 1:1
- All other results are a loss
The Dragon 7 appears when the Banker gets a winning 3-card 7 and pays 40:1. The side bet increases the house edge to 7.61% but the game doesn’t feature a commission on the Banker. Meanwhile, the Dragon Bonus is a side bet that pays out if you win with a natural 9 or 8 or if you win by a large margin – at least four points. The highest baccarat payout is 30 to 1 for a non-natural winning hand that wins by nine points. Keep in mind that the Dragon Bonus bet has to be made before you make a standard baccarat bet and on the same side – player or banker.
| Matching Cards | Payout |
|---|---|
| 6 | 100:1 |
| 5 | 60:1 |
| 4 | 40:1 |
| 3 | 20:1 |
| 2 | 3:1 |
| 1 | 1:1 |
The Panda 8 is another popular side bet in baccarat, particularly with Asian players. This side bet pays 25:1 if the Player gets a winning 3-card 8, which is referred to as a “Panda 8”. The house edge with this bet becomes 10.19%. The popularity of the Panda 8 side bet is due to the fact that the number 8 is considered lucky in Chinese culture.
Overall, these side bets offer an additional level of excitement and risk to the game of baccarat. It’s important to keep in mind the payout odds and house edges for each side bet before placing any wagers.
Other Side Bets
While the Dragon and Panda side bets are some of the most well-known in baccarat, there are also several other lesser-known side bets that players can try out.
One of these is the Rabbit Play, a pair of side bets available in Las Vegas. The Rabbit Game has an 8.07% house edge for the Player and 9.31% house edge for the Banker. The side bets include a 500:1 payout for a Suited 3-of-a-kind and a 50:1 payout for an Unsuited 3-of-a-kind. There is also a 15:1 payout for a Suited pair (first two cards only) and a 7:1 payout for an Unsuited pair (first two cards only).
| Suited 3-of-a-kind | 500:1 |
| Unsuited 3-of-a-kind | 50:1 |
| Suited pair (first two cards only) | 15:1 |
| Unsuited pair (first two cards only) | 7:1 |
Another lesser-known side bet is All Red/Black. If a player gets all red cards, this side bet pays 22:1, while getting all black cards pays out at 24:1. This bet is typically offered at live casinos.
Some other side bets that players may come across include the Total Points Over/Under 9.5, where players can place a wager on the sum of the final Player and Banker points. The payout is 66:1 if both hands total more than 9.5 points and 1.23% if the total is under 9.5 points. This wager, which is similar to sports over/under bets, can be found at online casinos.
There is also the option to place a wager on the sum of both Player and Banker hands being either odd or even with the Total Points Odd/Even side bet. It pays 0.92:1 for an odd total number and 0.91:1 for an even total, and it is available at live dealer casinos.
Other lesser-known side bets include the Lucky 8, which is a bet that the chosen hand, either Player or Banker, will be a winning with a total of 8 points. The payout is 4:1 with a 13.65% house edge for the Player and 16.60% for the Banker. The Unlucky 8 is the opposite side bet, which is a wager that the chosen hand will be a losing one with a total of 8 points. The payout is 8:1.
These side bets can add an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the game of baccarat. However, it’s important for players to understand the payout odds and house edges of each bet before placing any wagers. These side bets can be found at land-based casinos, online casinos, and some live dealer games.
Tips For Playing Side Bets
When it comes to playing baccarat side bets, there are a few tips that can help players make the most of their experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Bankroll management: As with any form of gambling, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Players should never wager more than they can afford to lose, and they should avoid chasing losses.
- Understand the odds: Before placing any side bet, it’s important to understand the payout odds and the house edge. Some side bets have a higher house edge than others, meaning that the odds of winning are lower. By understanding the odds, players can make more informed decisions about which bets to place.
- Start small: For players who are new to side bets, it’s a good idea to start with small wagers until they get the hang of the game. This can help minimize losses and reduce the risk of blowing their entire bankroll.
- Keep track of wins and losses: It’s a good idea to keep track of wins and losses when playing baccarat side bets. This can help players stay on top of their bankroll and make informed decisions about when to walk away.
When it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of placing side bets, it’s important to remember that these bets are optional and not a necessary part of the game. Some potential advantages of placing side bets include the added excitement and the potential for larger payouts. However, the house edge for side bets is often higher than the standard baccarat game, which means that the odds of winning are lower. This means that players should always be cautious when placing side bets and should never wager more than they can afford to lose.
FAQ about Side Bets:
Side bets in baccarat are additional wagers that players can place on top of their regular baccarat bets. These bets are based on certain outcomes, such as specific card combinations or point totals.
Some of the most popular baccarat side bets include Dragon 7, Dragon Bonus, Panda 8, and Perfect Pair. Other popular side bets include the Royal Match, Lucky Bonus, and 3-Card Six.
Each side bet has its own set of rules and payout odds. In general, players must place their side bet before the cards are dealt, and the bet is based on a specific outcome, such as a certain card combination appearing in the hand. If the outcome occurs, the player wins the side bet and receives the corresponding payout.
The decision to place a side bet in baccarat ultimately depends on the individual player. While side bets can offer the potential for larger payouts, they also come with a higher house edge, meaning that the odds of winning are lower. Players should always be cautious when placing side bets and should never wager more than they can afford to lose.
Baccarat side bets are offered at many land-based casinos and online casinos. However, the specific side bets available may vary depending on the location and the game being played.
There is no guaranteed way to win baccarat side bets, as they are based on chance. However, players can increase their chances of winning by understanding the odds and payout structure of each side bet and by practicing responsible bankroll management.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, baccarat side bets add an exciting and potentially lucrative element to the classic game. With a wide range of options, players can choose from popular side bets such as Dragon 7 and Dragon Bonus, or lesser-known ones such as the Rabbit Game or All Red/Black. While side bets can offer the potential for big payouts, players should always remember to practice responsible bankroll management and understand the odds and house edge of each bet. Regardless, trying out different side bets is a great way to add some variety and excitement to your baccarat gameplay. So, why not give it a try and have fun exploring the world of baccarat side bets?
