How do baccarat side bets work? Should you play them?

Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games around the world, loved for its simple rules and exciting pace of play. Besides banker, player, and tie bets, baccarat side bets are also available to spice up the game.

Common baccarat side bets

Here are some of the most popular baccarat side bets you’ll see at both live and online casinos:

1. Pair bet – Wager that the first two cards dealt to the player or banker hand will form a pair. Pays 11:1.
2. Perfect pair bet – Bet that the first two cards dealt to the player or banker hand will be a matched pair (e.g. two Queens). Payouts range from 25:1 to 180:1 depending on the pair.
3. Either pair bet – Wager that either the player or banker’s hand will form a pair with the first two cards. Pays 5:1.
4. Dragon bonus – Bet that the winning hand will have a natural 9 or natural 8. Typically pays 40:1 for the 9 and 10:1 for the 8.
5. Panda 8 bet – Bet that the player’s hand will have a three-card total of 8 made with only two cards (not including any third card that may be drawn). Pays 25:1.
6. Dragon 7 bonus – Bet that the banker hand will win with a three-card total of 7 consisting of three cards (not including any third card draw). Usually pays 40:1 or 50:1.

There are often many more obscure side bets available too depending on where you play, but these are some of the most common ones.

에볼루션 baccarat side bets have their own unique rules on what combinations or outcomes you are betting on and the payouts if you win. For example, the popular Dragon Bonus bet pays out if the winning hand is a natural 9 or 8 as opposed to the standard payouts for the main game. You are simply betting on a specific outcome rather than which hand will win. The Perfect Pair side bet pays if the first two cards dealt to either hand make up a matched or “perfect” pair, like K-K or Q-Q. Most side bets are very simple in what you are betting on and whether you win or lose – it either happens or doesn’t. The payouts are usually fixed amounts rather than variable odds like some main bets.

Should you play baccarat side bets?

Whether or not baccarat side bets are worth it is a personal decision. Here are some things to consider:

1. Fun and excitement – Side bets make baccarat more entertaining with extra winning opportunities. This excitement has value for many players.
2. Big payouts – While losing side bets are more common due to the high house edge, the payouts when you do win are often very attractive. Even small wins are exhilarating.
3. Variance vs Consistency – Side bets increase variance, with fewer but bigger wins balancing more frequent smaller losses. If you prefer consistency, avoid them.
4. Bankroll impact – Given the high house edge, side bets may lead to bigger wins but faster bankroll depletion over many hands. Consider your risk tolerance.

Many players happily make them, knowing the pros and cons and seeing them as a fun optional extra. More serious players often avoid them due to the swingy variance and high house advantage.