Baccarat Side Bets Explained

Baccarat has long been a favorite among high rollers, luxury gamblers, and casual players. With its simple gameplay and low house edge on the standard bets, it’s easy to see why this card game has stood the test of time. But for players looking to spice things up a little and maybe land a bigger payout, Baccarat side bets are where things get interesting.

From the glitzy floors of Macau to the sleek mobile casino apps of modern crypto casinos, these optional wagers promise high-risk thrills and potentially huge returns. But are they actually worth it?

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular Baccarat side bets, explain the odds, and show you which ones give you the best chance to beat the house.

Baccarat side bets are extra wagers you can place in addition to your main Player, Banker, or Tie bet. They’re optional, and they’re designed to give you more ways to win, or lose, on any given hand.

You’re not betting on who wins the hand in these cases. You’re betting on specific outcomes like pairs, totals, suits, or patterns. And while the house edge on standard Baccarat bets is famously low, side bets usually carry significantly higher risk.

The good news? The potential payouts are much larger.

Let’s take a look at the most popular side bets in Baccarat, the odds they carry, and the casinos where you’re most likely to find them.

Pair Bets: Player Pair and Banker Pair

These are some of the most common side bets you’ll find in both online casinos and land-based Baccarat games. You’re wagering that the first two cards dealt to either the Player or the Banker will be a pair, like two 7s or two Queens. These bets usually pay 11:1. You can also wager on both hands forming pairs at once (Perfect Pair), which pays even more. Typically that’s 25:1 to 200:1, depending on the casino.

Big and Small

This bet has nothing to do with high cards. It’s about how many cards are dealt in the round. Bet on Small if you think four cards will decide the round. Bet on Big if one or both hands need a third card. Small usually pays 1.5:1, and Big pays 0.54:1, but the house edge can vary wildly depending on the rules.

Either Pair and Perfect Pair

If you want to dial up the variance, look at Perfect Pair, which pays out when both cards on one hand are identical in rank and suit. That can pay out up to 25:1, while Either Pair pays 5:1 if either hand has a simple pair. These bets feel like a little Blackjack mixed into the Baccarat table. They’re low probability but definitely entertaining.

Tie Side Bets (Suited and Unsuited)

The standard Tie bet pays 8:1 or 9:1, but some side bets let you wager on a suited tie, which means both hands tie and also have the same suits. Payouts can hit 50:1 or more, but the odds of hitting one are slim.

Panda 8

This side bet pays when the Player wins with a three-card total of 8, which is a surprisingly tricky combo to hit. The payout is usually 25:1, and while it’s not available on every table, it’s a cult favorite when you can find it. Think of it as the mirror image of the Dragon 7, but on the Player’s side of the felt.

Dragon 7

This legendary bet pays 200:1 if the Banker wins with a three-card total of 7, and it’s become a fan-favorite thanks to viral casino stories and massive win screenshots. It’s high variance and doesn’t hit often, but it turns a small side wager into a monster payout when it does. Not every table offers it, so keep your eyes peeled.

Lucky Six

This is found mostly in Asian casinos and some Live Dealer games. You’re betting the Banker wins with a total of six. It pays 12:1 with three cards and 20:1 with two. This one is popular with players who always bet on the Banker anyway.

Dragon Bonus

A staple in many Baccarat rooms, Dragon Bonus is all about winning margins. If a hand wins with a big point difference, especially 8 or 9, you get paid. The bigger the gap, the bigger the payout, up to around 30:1. It gives the game a sense of momentum and excitement beyond just win or lose.

Royal Match

Rare but elegant, this bet pays if the first two cards of the Player or Banker are a King and Queen of the same suit. It’s hard to hit, but you can pay 75:1 or more. You’ll find it at select Live Dealer tables or high-end crypto lobbies.

Lucky Bonus (Banker 6 Bonus)

Another variation on the Lucky Six, this one typically pays 18:1 and again hinges on the Banker winning with a total of six. It’s a fun side path if you’re rooting for Banker, but want a little something extra.

All Red / All Black

You’re predicting that all the cards dealt to one hand are either all red or all black. These novelty bets often pay around 22:1 and are best used sparingly. They’re fun, flashy, and purely for the drama.

Super Six

Much like Lucky Six, this version pays a flat 12:1 if the Banker wins with six points. It shows up frequently at the Pragmatic Play and Evolution tables.

Egalité Bets

These are side bets on the Tie occurring with a specific point total, like a 6-6 or 5-5 tie. They can pay between 45:1 and 220:1 depending on the combo. They’re super high variance, but satisfying if they land.

Not every Baccarat table offers side bets. Some RNG versions skip them altogether, and older platforms might not include them. If you want a top-tier side bet experience, your best bet is Evolution’s Live Baccarat tables.

They come loaded with options like Perfect Pair, Dragon Bonus, and Egalité bets. Pragmatic Play has a few less but still delivers Super Six and standard Pair bets. Red Rake and Betsoft often include Big/Small and Pair bets on their virtual tables.

If you play at casinos like Metawin, BetPanda, BC.Game, or Gamdom, you’ll find Live Baccarat lobbies rich with side bet action. Look for the table info or side bet icons before sitting down to ensure the bet you’re after is available.

That depends on what you’re looking for. If your goal is to grind low-edge Banker or Player bets and chase steady returns, side bets aren’t going to help. Most of them carry a house edge north of 10%, and the more exotic ones can soar beyond 20%. But they also add entertainment, variety, and potential for big hits.

For many players, Baccarat can get repetitive. Side bets give it texture. They let you turn a slow session into a banger with a single hand. So while they’re rarely the “smart” bet, they absolutely have a place at the table if you use them in moderation.

We recommend Player Pair, Banker Pair, and Dragon Bonus as the most balanced options. Super Six and Egalité are high-risk thrill rides best left to small side wagers. And Perfect Pair? It’s a long shot, but when it hits, it hits hard.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common side bets, what they pay, and how much of an edge the casino has over you:

Note that these figures can shift depending on the provider and exact rules, but this gives you a general sense of where the traps and treats lie.

Baccarat side bets aren’t essential, but they’re a lot of fun. They add excitement, variety, and chances for huge payouts. Use them wisely, stay within your limits, and remember the house always has the edge.

The best strategy? Stick to your main bets and sprinkle in a few side wagers when the moment feels right. Enjoy the game, take the occasional wild swing, and if you hit a Perfect Pair or win an Egalité bet, just smile and cash it in.

Looking to try your luck? Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and Red Rake tables at major crypto casinos offer plenty of side bet action. Just don’t forget these are thrill bets, not bankroll builders.