Baccarat Side Bets: A Guide to Odds and Payouts
Baccarat is one of the most popular games on the casino floor, known for its simple rules and elegant reputation. While the core game revolves around betting on the Player, Banker, or a Tie, many tables offer an extra layer of excitement: side bets. These optional wagers can turn a standard hand into a high-payout opportunity, adding a thrilling twist to an already engaging game.
This guide will explain what baccarat side bets are, introduce the most popular options, and offer some strategic advice. By understanding how they work, you can decide if these high-risk, high-reward bets are right for your playing style.
What Are Baccarat Side Bets?
A baccarat side bet is an additional wager you can place alongside your main bet on the Player, Banker, or Tie. These bets are not on the final outcome of the hand but on specific occurrences within it. For example, you might bet that the first two cards dealt to the Player or Banker will be a pair. The primary purpose of side bets is to increase the excitement and offer higher payouts than the standard bets. While a winning Banker or Player bet typically pays close to even money, a successful side bet can pay out at much higher odds, sometimes as much as 75-to-1.
Popular Baccarat Side Bets
While different casinos might offer unique side bets, a few have become staples at baccarat tables worldwide.
Player Pair and Banker Pair
This is one of the most common side bets. You wager that the first two cards dealt to either the Player or the Banker will form a pair (e.g., two 8s or two Kings).
- Player Pair: Bets on the Player’s first two cards being a pair.
- Banker Pair: Bets on the Banker’s first two cards being a pair. You can bet on one or both.
The payout for a winning Pair bet is typically 11-to-1, which is attractive but comes with a high house edge.
Dragon Bonus
The Dragon Bonus is a popular side bet that pays out based on the margin of victory. You can place it on either the Player or the Banker hand. You win if your chosen hand wins by a large margin or is a "natural" winner. A natural is a two-card hand totaling 8 or 9. Payouts for the Dragon Bonus are tiered:
- Natural Win (8 or 9): Pays 1-to-1.
- Win by 9 points: Pays 30-to-1.
- Win by 8 points: Pays 10-to-1.
- Win by 7 points: Pays 6-to-1.
- Win by 6 points: Pays 4-to-1.
- Win by 4 or 5 points: Pays 2-to-1. The big payouts make this bet exciting, but it’s most profitable when the winning margin is significant.
Big and Small
This side bet is based on the total number of cards dealt in a round.
- Small Bet: You win if the total number of cards dealt to the Player and Banker is four. This pays 1.5-to-1.
- Big Bet: You win if the total number of cards is five or six. This pays 0.54-to-1. The Big and Small bets are simpler and offer lower payouts, but they also come with a lower risk compared to other side bets.
Strategies for Baccarat Side Bets
Baccarat is fundamentally a game of chance, and side bets are even more so. The house edge on these bets is almost always higher than the main Player and Banker bets. With that in mind, here are a few tips:
- Understand the Risk: Side bets offer big payouts because they are unlikely to hit. Treat them as a fun, high-risk addition to your game, not a core strategy.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Because of their volatility, it's wise to allocate only a small portion of your bankroll to side bets. Never chase losses on these wagers.
- Know the Odds: The Banker bet has the lowest house edge (1.06%) in the main game. Side bets, like the Pair bet, can have a house edge of over 10%. Knowing this helps you make informed decisions about where to put your money.
Are Side Bets Worth It?
Baccarat side bets can add a new dimension of fun and the potential for significant payouts to your game. They offer a break from the standard wagers and can lead to memorable wins when they hit. However, it's crucial to remember that they are statistically riskier and favor the house more than the main bets. If you enjoy the thrill of chasing a big win and have the bankroll to support it, sprinkling in a few side bets can enhance your experience. Just be sure to approach them with a clear understanding of the risks involved.
