The Unrealized Value of Baccarat Side Bets
When you play online baccarat, you will come across many games that allow you to place side bets, which can provide an extra layer of excitement beyond the standard bets on the Player or Banker positions.
If you are unfamiliar with them, side bets are optional wagers you can place before any cards are dealt. There are many different baccarat side bets around, so you should check the rules of the game you are playing to see which options are available.
The potential of the baccarat side bets is big and offers the chance of big winnings with payouts often far better than even-money odds. However, you should be aware that the house edge on side bets is typically higher and can fluctuate depending on which cards remain in the shoe, which directly influences the odds of a win.
Here we shall introduce you to some of the most common baccarat side bets so that you know how to capitalize on them.
Tie Bet
Many are surprised to learn that the Tie bet is a side bet. However, in baccarat, anything other than the Player and Banker bets is a side bet. The tie bet predicts that the Player and Banker will finish the round with the same total. It offers a payout of 8:1 and has a House Edge of 14.3%. While the size of the payout makes it very attractive, its high house edge makes it a long shot over the long run.
Pair Bets
Pair bets are very common baccarat side bets. They predict that either the Player or Banker will receive a pair in their first two cards. The Player Pair and Banker Pair both pay 11:1, while a bet on Either Pair pays 5:1. The Perfect Pair bet, which is on both cards matching in rank and suit, offers a payout of 25:1. The House Edges vary: 10.36% for Player and Banker Pair, and 13.03% for the Perfect Pair. Some baccarat tables even offer payouts as high as 200:1 for Double Perfect Pairs, though these are extremely rare outcomes.
Super 6
The Super 6 side bet focuses on the Banker’s hand. It wins when the Banker finishes with exactly six points and beats the Player. This can happen with either two or three cards. Payouts range from 12:1 to 15:1 for two-card wins and from 20:1 to 23:1 for three-card wins. The House Edge on a 12:1 payout is 29.98%, which is incredibly high. On some tables, players can place this bet without also betting on the main Banker or Player hands. However, in some variations, a Super 6 win pays only 50% on the main Banker bet, which increases the base game’s house edge from 1.06% to 1.45%.
Panda 8
Panda 8 is a side bet that applies only to the Player’s hand. It wins when the Player finishes with a total of eight points using three cards and defeats the Banker. A two-card natural 8 does not qualify. The payout for this bet is 25:1, and the House Edge is 10.19%. If a Player bet is also placed and the Panda 8 condition is met, both the main and side bets pay out, which makes this a popular choice with those looking for a high-payout option.
Dragon 7
Dragon 7 is the Banker-side equivalent of the Panda 8. This bet wins when the Banker’s hand totals seven points using three cards, and beats the Player’s hand. The payout for this side bet is 40:1, with a House Edge of 7.61%. In some baccarat variants, when a Dragon 7 occurs, the main Banker bet becomes a push, and only the Dragon 7 side bet pays out.
Dragon Bonus
The Dragon Bonus side bet rewards players when either the Player or Banker wins by at least four points using three cards. Natural wins are paid out at 1:1 and do not qualify for bonus payouts. The larger the margin of victory, the higher the payout, ranging from 2:1 up to 30:1. For example, a nine-point win pays 30:1, while a four- or five-point win usually pays 2:1. House Edges vary: 2.65% when betting on the Player and 9.37% when betting on the Banker. If the hand ends in a tie, the Dragon Bonus side bet pushes.
Combining Multiple Side Bets
What makes baccarat side bets even more exciting is that you have the chance to win more than one at the same time. Here’s an example:
- Player Hand: 10 Diamonds + 2 Spades = 2
- Banker Hand: 3 Clubs + 3 Spades = 6 (Pair of 3s)
- Player Draws: 2 Diamonds, so the final hand = 4
- Result: Banker wins with 6 over 4
If you had bet on Banker Pair and Super 6, both would pay out in this round.
Being Careful with Side Bets
Side bets are not inherently bad; however, before placing one, it is important that you have a clear understanding of the odds and risks. Unlike the main Banker and Player bets, which come with relatively low house edges, side bets are more volatile. This doesn’t make them a bad choice; it just means you should use them strategically.
Many experienced players enjoy the potential of the baccarat side bets, not necessarily to increase their chances of winning, but to boost the thrill of the game. If you take the time to understand the probabilities and house edge of each side bet, it will help you manage your expectations and risk, and make the most of side bets without exceeding your budget.
Remember that responsible gambling is essential, and don’t hesitate to turn to reputable US organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for support and guidance.
