Baccarat is a popular casino card game known for its simplicity and elegance. While the main objective of the game is to bet on whether you think the Player or Banker hand will win, there are also various side bets available to add excitement and additional opportunities for players.
Here at Slot Sites UK, we will explore the different types of side bets in Baccarat, discuss their payouts, and evaluate whether they are worth it.
Baccarat Side Bets Explained
Side bets in Baccarat are additional wagers that can be placed alongside the main game. These bets are based on specific outcomes that go beyond the simple Player versus Banker dynamic. While the main game focuses on predicting which hand will win, side bets provide players with alternative betting options and potential higher payouts.
It's important to note that side bets are separate from the main game and have no impact on its outcome. They are purely optional and can be placed alongside regular bets. Side bets can be made before the cards are dealt, and each bet has its own set of rules and payouts.
What Side Bets Are In Baccarat?
There are several different side bets available in Baccarat, each offering a unique betting opportunity. Let's explore some of the most popular side bets in more detail:
All Red or All Black Baccarat Side Bet
One of the side bets in Baccarat is the All Red or All Black bet. This bet involves wagering on whether a hand will consist of only red cards (diamonds and hearts) or black cards (clubs and spades). The payout for an All Red bet is typically 22:1, while an All Black bet usually pays out 24:1. However, it's important to consider that the house edge for these bets can vary.
Baccarat Bellagio Match Side Bet
The Bellagio Match is another common side bet in Baccarat. This bet revolves around the possibility of either the Player or Banker receiving a three-of-a-kind hand. If the Player hand wins with a three-of-a-kind, the payout is usually 75:1. If the Banker hand wins with a three-of-a-kind, the payout is typically 68:1.
Baccarat Big & Small and 4-5-6 Side Bet
The Big & Small side bet in Baccarat focuses on the total number of cards that the Player and Banker have at the end of the round. This bet is sometimes referred to as the 4-5-6 side bet. If you successfully bet on four cards, the payout is 3:2. A winning bet on five or six cards will award a 2:1 payout. It's important to note that the house edge for the Big & Small bet is around 4.35%.
Combined Value Bets in Baccarat
Combined value bets in Baccarat involve betting on the total combined value of both the Player and Banker hands. These bets often have a specific target value, such as over or under 9.5. If you successfully bet on a combined value over 9.5, the payout is usually 66:1. Conversely, if you bet on a combined value under 9.5 and win, the payout is typically 23:1.
Double 8 Baccarat Side Bet
The Double 8 side bet in Baccarat is a straightforward bet on both the Player and Banker hands, totalling a value of 8. If this condition is met, the payout is 15:1.
Dragon Bonus Baccarat Wager
The Dragon Bonus is a popular side bet in Baccarat that allows players to bet on whether the Player or Banker will win with a natural 9 or 8 or by a certain margin. A natural win (a non-tie hand) typically pays out at 1:1 odds. The payout for a win by a margin of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 points varies, with higher margins yielding higher payouts. For example, a win by 9 points can result in a payout of 30:1.
Dragon 7 Baccarat Side Bet
The Dragon 7 side bet is a specific type of Dragon Bonus bet that focuses on the Banker hand winning with a three-card hand totalling 7. This side bet is usually offered in certain Baccarat live games and can provide a payout of around 40:1.
Egalite Bets in Baccarat
Egalite bets in Baccarat are based on specific tie combinations between the Player and Banker hands. These bets can vary depending on the casino, but they typically involve placing a wager on a specific tie outcome. The payouts for Egalite bets can vary significantly, with higher payouts for rarer tie combinations. For example, a tie with a value of 0 can result in a payout of 150:1, while a tie with a value of 9 can yield an 80:1 payout.
Lucky Bonus or Super 6 Baccarat Side Bet
The Lucky Bonus, also known as the Super 6 side bet, focuses on the Banker winning the round with a hand value of 6. This side bet typically has a payout of 12:1.
Lucky or Unlucky 8 Baccarat Side Bet
The Lucky 8 side bet revolves around the player or Banker winning with a total of 8 points. This side bet typically pays out at 4:1 odds. On the other hand, the Unlucky 8 side bet involves betting on the player or Banker losing with a total of 8 points. This side bet usually pays out at 8:1 odds.
Matching Dragon Baccarat Side Bet
The Matching Dragon side bet focuses on the number of matching cards of the same specified rank that appear in the round. The payout for this bet depends on the number of matching cards, with higher payouts for a greater number of matches. For example, a round with no matching cards results in a loss, while a round with six matching cards can provide a payout of 100:1.
Panda 8 Baccarat Side Bet
The Panda 8 side bet is a popular option in Baccarat, where players bet on the Player hand having a three-card winning hand that totals 8. If the Player hand meets this condition, the payout is typically 25:1.
Perfect Pair Baccarat Wager
The Perfect Pair side bet in Baccarat is similar to the Perfect Pair bet in blackjack. In this bet, players wager on the possibility of the first two cards in either the Player or Banker hand forming a suited pair. If this condition is met, the payout is usually 25:1.
Royal Match Baccarat Side Bet
The Royal Match side bet revolves around the possibility of the Player or Banker receiving a King and a Queen in the first two cards. If this condition is met and the cards are suited, the payout is typically 75:1. If the cards are unsuited, the payout is usually 30:1.
Same Suit Opening Baccarat Wager
The Same Suit Opening side bet involves betting on whether the first two cards dealt to either the Player or Banker hand will be of the same suit. If this condition is met, the payout is typically around 3:1.
Suited Three-Card 8 Baccarat Side Bet
The Suited Three-Card 8 side bet focuses on the possibility of the Player or Banker receiving a three-card hand of the same suit with a total value of 8. If this condition is met, the payout is usually 25:1. If both the Player and Banker hands meet this condition, the payout rises to 200:1.
Three-Card 6 Baccarat Side Bet
The Three-Card 6 side bet involves betting on either the Player or Banker hand receiving a three-card hand with a total value of 6. If one hand meets this condition, the payout is typically 8:1. If both hands meet this condition, the payout rises to 100:1.
Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth It?
The question of whether Baccarat side bets are worth it ultimately depends on the individual player's preferences and budget. Side bets offer an additional layer of excitement and the potential for higher payouts. However, it's important to consider that side bets generally have a higher house edge than the main game. This means that the odds are typically stacked against the player in the long run.
Players should approach side bets with caution and consider them as a form of entertainment rather than a guaranteed way to win. It's important to set a budget for side bets and not exceed it. While side bets can provide occasional big wins, they are generally considered riskier than traditional bets on the Player or Banker hands or a tie.
It's also important to note that the specific payouts for the side bets could vary from one baccarat game to another, so always read through the specific game's rules before placing any side bets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Baccarat side bets can add excitement and variety to the game, but they come with higher risks and lower odds of winning. It's important for players to understand the rules and payouts of each side bet before placing their wagers.
Please gamble responsibly. Set a budget, stick to it, and never chase your losses.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.