When you place baccarat side bets, you’re making a wager alongside the main game’s ones on the player hand, banker hand, or tie. They’re bets that add variety and excitement by providing you with the chance to win big by predicting more specific outcomes. Bear in mind, however, that, although baccarat side bets can deliver exceptional returns, they have a higher house edge than the standard wagers do.
Your Introduction to Baccarat Side Bets
What Are Baccarat Side Bets?
Side bets in baccarat are extra wagers that you can make while you’re playing online baccarat games at one of the top sites we’ve investigated thoroughly and ended up recommending. They offer players more ways to win when they’re playing baccarat, so you won’t have to limit your choices to just the player, banker, or tie. You can think of them as bets that focus on specific card combinations being made or particular outcomes happening.
How Do Baccarat Side Bets Work?
Baccarat side bets are additional bets that you can place alongside your main one for the game. They give you the chance to bet on specific outcomes besides the player or banker hand winning or a tie happening. Instead of just trying to guess which hand will get a points total closest to nine, side bets let you bet on whether or not either hand gets dealt a pair, for instance, whether they’ll end up with a total of eight or nine points, or even if specific card combinations will come up.
Each baccarat side bet has its own set of odds, payout structures, and rules, and they’re a great way to spice up your game. Just remember that, although side bets in baccarat have the potential for incredible payouts, their house edge compared to the main bets is higher, so they’re a riskier choice.
You’ll need to understand each side bet in baccarat thoroughly to be able to play them strategically. If you’re looking for a little something extra, then baccarat side bets may be the way to go, but you need to take their higher volatility into account and understand how it may potentially have a negative impact on your bankroll.
Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth It?
When you’re having a think about what the side bets in baccarat are and whether or not you should play them, it’s vital that you assess not only their potential rewards but the inherent risks they carry, too. Side bets in baccarat offer tempting payouts, but their house edge is significantly higher, meaning that the casino you’re playing at has a greater advantage over you compared to when you’re playing standard bets like the player or banker.
If you love the thrill of wagers that carry a higher risk factor and love having the chance to net a big win, then baccarat side bets can add an amazing dimension to the game for you. But if you’re focused on building consistent success over the long term, sticking to the main bet options is the recommended choice.
For instance, the banker bet has a lower house edge and better probability that you’ll win, so it’s the smartest option when you’re looking to maximise your good luck. It’s imperative that side bets in baccarat are best used sparingly. While they can boost your winnings big time, they may also deplete your bankroll very quickly if you’re not careful.
Commonly Played Side Bets
Dragon Bonus
The dragon bonus is one of the most popular baccarat side bets out there, offering a one-of-a-kind way to win. You’ll be wagering on whether or not the player or banker hands will win by a noteworthy margin or a natural nine. Unlike the traditional bets that focus simply on which hand will win, this side bet asks you by how much.
The higher the victory margin, the bigger the payout will be. A natural winner occurring will see you getting paid out 1:1, but a margin of nine points shoots this amount up to 30:1!
Dragon 7
The side bet in baccarat that you’ll frequently encounter include dragon 7, which you’ll only find in particular baccarat variations like EZ Baccarat. This side bet adds a thrilling twist to the traditional game, offering you a payout when the banker wins with a three-card total of seven points. The generous payout of 40:1 is precisely because the odds of this happening are so low, but you do stand to win a hefty sum on a relatively small investment if you’re lucky.
Panda 8
When it comes to baccarat side bets explained, the panda 8 is a very exciting option. If the player’s hand gets eight points using three cards and the banker’s hand is worth less than seven points, the panda 8 bet wins. The payout for this happening is usually 25:1, making it an attractive wager not only for those seeking higher rewards when they’re learning how to play online baccarat but after they’ve mastered the game as well.
Super 6
You’ll find that the super 6 is a well-known option when you start exploring what the side bets in baccarat are within these casino games. This wager will be successful if the banker hand gets a total of six points, and it pays out at 12:1.
Perfect Pair
One of the best-loved side bets in baccarat, perfect pair provides you with the chance to collect real money rewards when either the player’s or the banker’s first two cards form a matching pair. The cards need to match in terms of suit and rank, so two kings of hearts or two queens of spades would see you qualify for this bet. You’re looking at a 25:1 payout for this bet if it’s lucky. It’s a very alluring side bet for those who are willing to take more of a risk if it means their chances of seeing a payout increase.
Either Pair
Among the many baccarat side bets, either pair stands head and shoulders above the rest because it’s so straightforward and simple. If you place this bet, you’ll get paid out if the first two cards that either the player or the banker hand gets dealt form a pair. It doesn’t matter what suit the cards are; if they are of the same rank, you’ll get paid out, typically at 12:1.
Big and Small
The big and small side bet in baccarat focuses on how many cards in total are going to get dealt in a round. The big half of the bet pays out 1.5:1 if there are five or six cards in total, and the small pays out at 6:1 if only four cards are dealt. While their payout is lower, these bets also don’t carry that high a house edge as the others listed here, making them an appealing option for strategic players.
Royal Match
As part of baccarat side bets explained, the royal match option adds a touch of glamour to the game. This wager will win if the player’s or the banker’s first two cards are a king and queen. If they’re suited, you’ll collect your return at an astonishing 75:1, and this drops down to 30:1 if they’re not suited.
Advanced and Unique Side Bets
All Red/Black
A lesser-known option when considering what the side bets are in baccarat, all red/black allows you to bet on whether the player or banker’s hand will consist entirely of red or black cards, and you’ll get paid out at 24:1 if this side bet is successful.
4-5-6 (Big and Small Variations)
The 4-5-6 is a version of the big and small bet that deals with how many cards will be dealt in each round of the game. You can wager on four, five, or six cards being dealt, with payouts standing at 3:2 for a successful bet on four cards and a payout of 2:1 for a successful bet on five or six cards.
Bellagio Match
A highlight of baccarat side bets, the Bellagio match is a wager that both hands will end up with all three cards of the same ranking in a game that continues until the third-card draw. Its payout is very high if you succeed with it, typically at 75:1 for the player hand and 68:1 for the banker hand.
Egalites
The side bets baccarat players encounter often include egalities. This bet deals with tie outcomes, so you might, for example, bet on a tie occurring with a six-point total. The payout odds will be different for each different tie of numbers but range from 80:1 to 150:1.
Matching Dragon
As part of baccarat side bets explained, matching dragon pays out based on the number of cards in the player’s or banker’s hand that have the same rank. The payout is linked to how many matching cards there are, with six cards paying out at 100:1 and one card at 1:1.
Suited Three-Card 8
Another interesting option when asking what the side bets in baccarat are is suited three-card 8. This bet will win if the player or banker hands manage to get a three-card hand total of eight points. But the cards all have to be of the same suit! This bet has high odds, making it popular with players who love trying their luck. If either hand gets it right, the payout is usually 25:1. If both get this, and the suits in this case can be different for the respective hands, the payout shoots up to 200:1.
Three-Card Six
This side bet in baccarat is a fun one. The three-card six wins when the player or banker has a three-card hand totalling exactly 6 points. This bet typically offers high payouts. However, its infrequency makes it a high-risk option for casual players.
Lucky Bonus
A standout among baccarat side bets, lucky bonus focuses on the banker winning with a total of six points. It usually pays 18:1 but requires players to wager on the banker. This side bet is a thrilling addition for players who favour the banker bet but want to add an extra layer of thrills.
Royal 9
A favourite in side bets in baccarat, royal 9 pays when the player or banker forms a hand totalling nine points with a king and a natural nine.
Colour in Majority
As part of baccarat side bets explained, colour in majority will reward you for correctly predicting whether the majority of cards for each hand will be red or black. If it’s the player hand and you guessed correctly, you’ll collect at 4:1; if it’s the banker, 5:1.
Progressive and Jackpot Side Bets
Dragon Dragon Progressive
When considering what the side bets in baccarat are, the dragon dragon progressive offers a thrilling option. You place a $1, $2, or $5 bet and will get paid out $25, $50, or $150, respectively, if a three-of-a-kind occurs out of four cards. For a four-of-a-kind you’ll get $50, $100, or $300, and double three-of-a-kinds get $250, $500, and $1,500. Five-of-a-kind will give you 10% of the jackpot, and six-of-a-kind will get you the jackpot itself!
Jackpot Baccarat
In this side bet in baccarat, you’ll get the chance to win a big progressive jackpot. Depending on the game, it could be a suited pair, three-of-a-kind, or any other poker-ranked hand.
5 Treasures
The payouts for this side bet in baccarat depend on the result of the bet: the fortune 7 pays out at 40:1 if the banker wins with a three-card total of seven. The golden 8 pays out 25:1 if the player hand wins with a three-card total of eight. The heavenly 9 pays out 75:1 if both the player and the banker have a three-card total of nine points and 10:1 if either the player or banker has a three-card total of nine points. The blazing 7s pays out 200:1 if both the player and the banker have a three-card total of seven and 40:1 if both have a two-card total of seven. The coverall pays out at 6:1 if any of the other bonus bets win.
Rarely Seen or Regional Side Bets
Lucky 99
Lucky 99 is a side bet in baccarat that pays out when either the player or the banker hands get a natural. If only the player hand gets a natural nine, then you’ll get paid out at 2:1. If only the banker hand gets a natural nine, then you’ll get returns at 5:1. If, on the other hand, both sides have a natural nine, then you’ll walk away with winnings calculated at 25:1.
Kill the Ox/Tiger
The kill the ox/tiger baccarat side bets explained: This wager will win if the player hand has a three-card total of six and ties or loses, or the banker has a three-card total of seven and ties or loses. Winnings pay out at 30:1.
Tiger, Small Tiger, Big Tiger
When asking what the side bets in baccarat are, tiger, small tiger, and big tiger are unique options that offer multiple ways to win. The tiger bet wins if the banker’s hand is a winning total of six, with a twin tiger pair paying out 100:1, a double tiger pair paying out at 20:1, and a single tiger pair paying out at 4:1. The small tiger pays out 22:1 if the banker has a winning two-card total of six points, and the big tiger pays out at 50:1 if the banker has a winning hand of three cards totalling six points. They provide an exciting way to spice up your gameplay while aiming for bigger winnings when playing baccarat.
Power 8’s
Power 8’s is a popular option for side bets in baccarat, offering a payout when the player or banker wins with a hand totalling eight points. This bet stands out for its high payout potential, typically rewarding players with a large return if they correctly predict the outcome.
Cow Cow
Among the more unique baccarat side bets, cow cow pays when the player or banker wins with a hand total between four and six points, requiring the right combination of cards to trigger the payout. The bet adds an additional layer of fun and challenge to baccarat, but players should be aware that it carries a higher house edge compared to traditional bets.
Lucky Max
Lucky Max is another exciting side bet in baccarat, focusing on the player or banker winning with a specific combination of cards, such as a suited pair or three-of-a-kind. This bet offers a potentially large payout, making it tempting for players who enjoy taking risks for high rewards. While the odds are not in favour of the player, the allure of a big win keeps it a sought-after choice among adventurous baccarat enthusiasts.
Baccarat Side Bet Payouts and Odds
General Payout Structures
In baccarat side bets explained, payout structures change according to the specific bet. Generally, side bets that involve more specific outcomes tend to have higher payouts but have a higher level of risk due to the lower probability of hitting those outcomes.
House Edges and Risks of Side Bets
When asking what the side bets in baccarat are, it’s important to understand the house edges and risks involved. Side bets generally carry a higher house edge than the main bet between the player and banker. It’s vital to balance the excitement of these bets with an awareness of their higher volatility and possible losses.
Strategies for Playing Baccarat Side Bets
Choosing the Right Side Bet
When deciding which side bets in baccarat to place, it’s essential to assess both the potential payouts and the risks involved. But these come with a higher house edge, meaning the casino has a greater advantage. On the flip side, side bets such as small tiger or big and small may offer smaller payouts, but they also have lower house edges, meaning they’re less risky.
The main thing is to balance the potential rewards with your tolerance for risk. If you’re playing for fun and can afford to lose a bit, larger, riskier bets might appeal to you. But if you’re looking for a more strategic, sustainable approach, lower-risk bets may be the way to go.
Consider how much you’re willing to lose and how long you intend to play—this can help you make a decision on which side bets to take to make the most of your gameplay.
Risk Management Tips
When engaging with baccarat side bets, it’s crucial to approach them with sound risk management strategies to safeguard your bankroll. One useful tip is to allocate only a small portion of your budget overall to side bets. Given that these bets frequently carry a higher house edge than the main player’s or banker’s bets, it’s important not to overextend yourself. Set a limit for the amount you’re willing to spend on side bets, and always stick to your limits, regardless of the outcome of your bets.
You could also choose to place side bets selectively, targeting only a few high-reward opportunities when you’re feeling confident. If you decide to place side bets, keep your stakes lower compared to the main game, and avoid chasing your losses by placing bigger bets on side bets to recoup losses.
Another strategy is to balance your side bets with more traditional bets, creating a diversified betting strategy that can help alleviate the risk of relying entirely on side bets. With strict risk management, you’ll extend your playtime and enjoy a more sustainable experience.
Combining Multiple Side Bets
One of the exciting aspects of side bets in baccarat is the ability to combine several side bets within a single round of play, giving you multiple ways to win. While this can be exciting and add variety to the game, it’s important to manage this approach carefully.
Combining multiple side bets increases the overall risk, as each side bet carries its own house edge and unique probabilities. By placing more than one side bet at a time, you’re essentially increasing the chances of hitting a rare combination, but this also means your exposure to the house advantage increases.
To help manage this, consider placing smaller bets across different side bets rather than going all-in on one, which could rapidly drain your bankroll. Keep track of your total spend across side bets, and ensure that you’re not betting more than you’re comfortable losing.
Combining side bets can be a fun, rewarding experience, but keeping control over your budget and strategy is key.
Your Baccarat Side Bets Cheat Sheet
| Side Bet Name | Pays For | Payout Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player Pair / Banker Pair | First two cards form a pair | 11:1 | Standard at most tables |
| Perfect Pair | Both cards identical in suit and rank | 25:1 | Common in Vegas & online |
| Either Pair | A pair on either the Player or Banker hand | 5:1 | Standard side bet |
| Big | Total cards dealt = 5 or 6 | 0.54:1 | High house edge |
| Small | Total cards dealt = 4 | 1.5:1 | High house edge |
| Super 6 | Banker wins with 6 | 12:1 | No commission variant |
| Dragon Bonus | Win by natural or big margin (Player/Banker) | Up to 30:1 | Offered at many tables |
| Lucky 6 | Banker wins with 6 (2 or 3 cards) | 20:1 / 12:1 | Common in Macau |
| Royal Match | First two cards are suited King and Queen | 75:1 | Rare variant |
| Egalité | Tie on specific point total (e.g., Tie on 6) | 35:1 to 220:1 | Used in EZ Baccarat |
| Tie Bonus | Tie on 8 or 9 | 15:1 or more | Found in niche tables |
| Lucky Bonus | Banker wins with 6 (only pays if bet on Banker) | 18:1 | Typically $1 max |
| All Red / All Black | Player hand has all red or all black cards | 22:1 | Offered online |
| Golden Frog | Different winning totals and combinations | Up to 200:1 | Popular in Asia |
| Ox 6 | Banker wins with 6 using 3 cards | 40:1 | Found in EZ Baccarat |
| Panda 8 | Player wins with 8 using 3 cards | 25:1 | EZ Baccarat specific |
| 3-Card Six | Either Player or Banker makes exactly 6 using 3 cards | 100:1 (both) / 8:1 (either) | Found in variants |
| Lucky Nines | Point total adds to 9 in various ways | Up to 200:1 | Proprietary variant |
| Sum Bonus | Combined total of Player + Banker hands | Varies (e.g., 13 = 100:1) | Regional variant |
| Dragon Dragon Progressive | Both Player and Banker have naturals (8s or 9s) | Jackpot / Fixed up to 500:1 | Progressive jackpot table |
| Golden 8 / 9 Progressive | Natural 8s or 9s on both hands | Jackpot / 200:1 | Found in major casinos |
| Lucky Draw | Player picks card to beat a mystery card | Up to 40:1 | Online-focused bet |
| Double 8 | Both Player and Banker end with exactly 8 | 15:1 | Found in proprietary tables |
| First Two Banker / Player Same Suit | Opening hand is same suit | 2.87:1 | Found in Evolution’s Baccarat |
| No Commission Side Bets | Banker wins with 6 (special payout in lieu of 5% commission) | 1/2 payout or specific odds | Seen in variants like EZ Baccarat |
Baccarat Side Bets FAQs
Are baccarat side bets mandatory?
No, side bets in baccarat are optional and can be placed at the player’s discretion alongside the main game bet.
What are the payouts for side bets in baccarat?
It depends on the side bet. The blazing 7s bet, part of the 5 treasures side bet, pays out at 200:1, for example.
Are baccarat side bets available in all casinos?
Not all casinos offer side bets on baccarat, but they are commonly found at the sites of the casinos the Online Pokies team has reviewed and ended up recommending.
Do baccarat side bets increase the house edge?
Yes, baccarat side bets explained carry a higher house edge compared to the main player or banker bets, making them a riskier option. But, because of this, they pay out more when they hit.
Can I combine multiple side bets in baccarat?
Yes, players can combine several side bets in baccarat, but it increases the overall risk and exposure to the house edge. It also makes it more likely that you’ll win since more options are being covered.
Do baccarat side bets affect the main game?
No, side bets in baccarat do not impact the outcome of the main player or banker bet, and they are resolved separately.
Are side bets available in live dealer baccarat?
Yes, many live dealer games include side bets in baccarat. You’ll be able to place them before you start playing the main game.
How do you place a side bet in baccarat?
To place a side bet in baccarat, choose your wager on the designated side bet area before the hand starts. It will be placed in addition to your main bet.
Are baccarat side bets good for beginners?
While baccarat side bets can add exhilaration, they are generally not recommended for beginners because of their higher risk and house edge.
What is the most profitable strategy in baccarat?
The most profitable strategy will see you focusing on the main baccarat bets (player or banker) rather than side bets in baccarat, as these have better odds.
What are the bonus bets in baccarat?
Bonus bets in baccarat refer to additional wagers on particular outcomes, like pairs or natural wins, and usually come with bigger payouts but increased risk.
Can you bet on both sides in baccarat?
Yes, you can bet on both the player and banker hands in baccarat, but this is generally not recommended because of the 5% commission charged on the banker bet.
How is baccarat played?
In baccarat, the goal is to bet on which hand (player or banker) will have a total closest to 9, with cards being dealt from a shoe.
Which baccarat side bets have the best odds?
Some of the side bets with better odds include small tiger and big and small.
Can baccarat side bets be part of a strategy?
Yes, side bets in baccarat can be part of a strategy, but they should be used cautiously due to their high risk and house edge.