Discover how baccarat side bets add thrill, strategy, and big payouts to the baccarat game.
Baccarat is a well-known casino game with straightforward rules and quick rounds. But if you think baccarat is just about betting on the Player, Banker, or Tie, think again. There’s a whole world of baccarat side bets that spice up the action and offer chances for bigger wins. In this article, the baccarat side bets explained will help you understand these exciting bonus wagers, how they work, and which ones offer the best value.
What Are Baccarat Side Bets?
Side bets are extra wagers you can make beyond the standard Player, Banker, or Tie bets. They focus on specific card combinations or outcomes beyond the basic game result. These bets create more variety and give players additional winning opportunities.
Unlike the main bets, side bets usually come with higher house edges, but they also offer higher payouts. This means they’re riskier but can be very rewarding if luck is on your side.
Popular Baccarat Side Bets
Below are the most popular and exciting baccarat side bets available:
1. Bellagio Match
The Bellagio Match bet wins when either Player or Banker receives three matching cards. Player three-of-a-kind offers 75:1 odds, while Banker three-of-a-kind pays 68:1. This bet carries a moderate house edge (5.27% Player, 8.57% Banker), making it an exciting wager for those chasing rare, high-payout hands in baccarat.
2. All Red / All Black
All Red or All Black bets win when every card dealt to Player or Banker matches the same color. These bets offer high payouts (around 22:1 to 24:1) but come with a higher house edge. They add a colorful twist and extra excitement to the baccarat table.
3. Combined Value Bets
Combined Value Bets depend on adding up both Player and Banker hand totals together. Players bet on specific totals or ranges, such as odd or even sums. These bets add variety and strategy to baccarat, offering different payout structures depending on the combined hand values. They are popular in some live and online baccarat variants.
4. Big and Small / 4-5-6
Big and Small bets (4-5-6) predict how many total cards will be dealt to both hands. A ‘Small’ bet wins if only four cards are dealt (no third cards), paying 3:2. A ‘Big’ bet wins if five or six cards are dealt, paying 2:1. These bets add suspense around card draws.
5. Dragon Bonus
Dragon Bonus pays when Player or Banker achieves victory by four points or more. The bigger the winning margin, the higher the payout, sometimes up to 30:1. This bet also offers even money for natural 8 or 9 winning hands. This bet rewards decisive victories and adds thrill.
6. Egalite Bets
Egalite bets are wagers on a tie between the Player and Banker’s hands. While the standard Tie bet pays around 8:1, Egalite bets may have variations with different payouts. These bets are risky due to the low probability of ties but offer high rewards, making them appealing to thrill-seekers at the baccarat table.
7. Panda
Panda bets succeed when Player reaches exactly 8 points using three cards and defeats Banker. It pays 25:1, offering a substantial payout for this specific outcome. Though rare, the Panda bet adds excitement for players who enjoy betting on unique hand combinations beyond the usual Player or Banker wagers.
8. Perfect Pair
Perfect Pair wins when the opening two cards for either hand create a matching suited pair. This bet pays 25:1 due to its rarity. It’s a popular side bet that adds a layer of anticipation and rewards players who spot these special card combinations early in the round.
9. Royal Match
Royal Match requires Player or Banker to receive King and Queen initially. Suited pairs pay 75:1, unsuited pay 30:1. With a low house edge around 2.13%, it’s one of the fairest and most lucrative baccarat side bets, combining elegance with strong payout potential.
10. Three-Card 6
Three-Card 6 pays when either hand uses three cards to total exactly six points. Both hands achieving this pays up to 100:1, while single hand success pays 8:1. This bet adds excitement by focusing on specific three-card totals, rewarding players who bet on precise outcomes.
Why Play Baccarat Side Bets?
Side bets add layers of excitement and strategy. They break the monotony of the main bet and give players more chances to win big. Some side bets, like the Royal Match or Dragon Bonus, offer a good balance between risk and reward.
However, it’s important to remember that side bets generally have a higher house edge than the main Player or Banker bets. This means the casino has a significant advantage, and losses can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
Conclusion Baccarat Side Bets
Baccarat side bets show there’s much more excitement beyond basic baccarat wagering. From the high-risk Super 6 to the player-friendly Royal Match, side bets bring variety and big payout potential to baccarat. Whether you’re a casual player or a baccarat enthusiast, understanding these bets can enhance your gaming experience and maybe even boost your winnings.
Remember, side bets are fun and thrilling, but come with higher risks. Bet responsibly, control your spending, and embrace the extra thrills these side bets provide.
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