Baccarat is well known for its luxury and a very low house edge. The majority of gamblers prefer the ‘Banker’ or ‘Player’ bets because of consistent gains. On the other hand, diving into the world of Baccarat side bets will give you the chance of enormous winnings. These are additional wagers that you can place in the game that indicate a specific result besides the winning hand.
While the main game is a coin flip, side bets offer odds as high as 200:1. Here, you will learn about baccarat side bets and discover the top strategies to get the most out of them.
What Are Baccarat Side Bets?
When you make a side bet, you are basically placing an additional bet on top of the main wager. Usually, you are betting on the detailed composition of the cards. As an example, you might wager that the first two cards will be a pair.
Side bets are separate from the main game result. Even if you lose your main bet, you can win your side bet. This brings excitement to every deal.
| Side Bet Name | Description | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Player Pair | The first two cards dealt to the player are a pair. | 11:1 |
| Banker Pair | The first two cards dealt to the Banker are a pair. | 11:1 |
| Perfect Pair | The first two cards are a suited pair (e.g., two Aces of Spades). | 25:1 |
| Either Pair | Either the Player or Banker receives a pair. | 5:1 |
| Big/Small | Bets on the total number of cards dealt in the round. | 0.54:1 / 1.5:1 |
| Dragon Bonus | Wins if the chosen side wins by a large margin or a natural. | Up to 30:1 |
Top Baccarat Side Bets Explained
1. Pair Bets
These are the most common side bets you can find in any casino. You are wagering that the first two cards on a side will have the same rank.
- Low Risk: Either Pair has a better probability of winning; however, the payout is lower.
- Big Payoff: Perfect Pair is an uncommon occurrence; it can give you a major raise of your bankroll.
2. Dragon Bonus
This is a top choice for many high rollers. You bet on either the Player or Banker side. You win if your side is dealt a “Natural” (an 8 or 9) or wins by at least four points.
The bigger the margin of winning, the larger the payout will be. A 9-point victory can pay off at 30:1.
3. All Red or All Black
One of the options in some variations of the game is to wager on the card color. So, if it turns out that the cards dealt are all red (either hearts or diamonds), you score a point. With this, you can easily introduce diversity in your gaming session.
Best Strategies to Win Baccarat Side Bets
- The “Side-Car” Strategy: Don’t let a side bet be your main game plan. Only wager on side bets when you sense that a “streak” is in progress. That’s when you use a small portion of your main bet (say 10%) for the side bet. This way, you won’t lose your entire bankroll if the risky bet doesn’t work out.
- Tracking the Shoe: When the casino is using only a few card decks at the table, notice the pairs. If the dealer hasn’t shown a pair for many rounds, the likelihood of one coming up is a bit. Though it’s not a sure thing, knowing this can aid you in placing your “Perfect Pair” bets more effectively.
- Focus on the Dragon Bonus: Dragon Bonus offers a smaller house edge than Perfect Pair and is therefore a better side bet option. Professionals recommend the Player Dragon Bonus bet for a good chance at winnings. The player side is normally a bit more profitable for this particular side bet than the banker side, mainly because of the commission arrangements.
- The Big and Small Strategy: “Small” bet is successful only if four cards have been dealt, while “Big” bet is successful if five or six cards have been dealt. If the shoe is hardly used and many low cards have already been out, “Big” is the more probable result.
Baccarat Odds and House Edge Comparison
| Bet Type | House Edge | Winning Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Banker (Main) | 1.06% | 45.8% |
| Player (Main) | 1.24% | 44.6% |
| Dragon Bonus (Player) | 2.65% | Variable |
| Pairs (Banker/Player) | 10.36% | ~7.4% |
| Tie Bet | 14.36% | 9.5% |
1. Does card counting work for side bets?
It is much harder than in Blackjack. In Baccarat, cards are not removed in a way that easily predicts pairs
2. Should beginners play side bets?
Beginners should start with the main bets first. Once you understand the game flow, try small side bets for extra excitement.
3. What is the highest-paying baccarat side bet?
The “Perfect Pair” or specific “Dragon Bonus” outcomes usually offer the highest payouts. Some reach up to 200:1.
4. Which side bet has the lowest house edge?
The Dragon Bonus (on the Player side) usually has the most player-friendly odds among the major side bets.
