Baccarat is a thrilling card game found in every online casino, offering players a mix of strategy and luck. While the main bets—Player, Banker, and Tie—are simple, side bets introduce extra excitement and potential rewards. However, not all side bets are created equal, as some offer enticing payouts while others increase the house edge significantly. Let’s break down the best and worst baccarat side bets to help you make smarter choices at the tables.
The Best Baccarat Side Bets to Consider
Dragon Bonus
The Dragon Bonus is one of the most popular and rewarding side bets in baccarat, offering payouts based on the winning hand’s margin of victory. If the Player or Banker wins by at least four points, this bet pays out. The larger the margin, the higher the reward, with some casinos offering up to 30:1 for a nine-point win.
- Why It’s Good: The house edge is lower compared to other side bets, making it a strategic choice.
- Potential Drawback: Requires a significant winning margin, making it less frequent.
Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs bet allows players to wager on whether the first two cards dealt to the Player or Banker form a pair. A mixed pair pays 5:1, a same-color pair pays 10:1, and a perfect pair (same suit and rank) pays an impressive 25:1.
- Why It’s Good: Offers high payouts for those willing to take the risk.
- Potential Drawback: A rare occurrence, which increases volatility.
Royal Match
Exclusive to some baccarat variations, Royal Match pays if the first two cards dealt to the Player or Banker consist of a King and Queen. The payout can be up to 75:1 depending on the casino’s specific rules.
- Why It’s Good: A highly rewarding bet for those looking for substantial payouts.
- Potential Drawback: A high house edge reduces the long-term profitability.
The Worst Baccarat Side Bets to Avoid
Super 6 / Punto 6
The Super 6 bet, also known as Punto 6, pays out if the Banker wins with a total of six points. While this bet often offers a 12:1 payout, it carries one of the highest house edges in baccarat, exceeding 10% in some cases.
- Why It’s Bad: The house edge is significantly higher than the standard Banker bet.
- Alternative Choice: Sticking with the Banker bet is statistically smarter in the long run.
Big and Small
This bet predicts the total number of cards used in the round. A Small bet (four cards) pays 3:2, while a Big bet (five or six cards) pays 2:1. Though it may seem appealing, the payouts are not high enough to justify the risk.
- Why It’s Bad: The odds of winning do not compensate for the house edge.
- Alternative Choice: Instead of guessing card counts, focus on value-driven side bets.
Lucky 8
The Lucky 8 side bet pays when the Player or Banker wins with a total of eight. The payout can be as high as 4:1, but the house edge often exceeds 12%, making it a poor choice for consistent winnings.
- Why It’s Bad: The house edge is significantly high compared to main game bets.
- Alternative Choice: A Dragon Bonus bet offers better odds with a more rewarding payout system.
Final Verdict: Should You Play Baccarat Side Bets?
Baccarat side bets bring an extra layer of excitement but come with varying levels of risk and reward. The best bets, such as Dragon Bonus and Perfect Pairs, offer higher payouts without an overwhelming house edge. However, bets like Super 6 and Lucky 8 are not worth the risk due to unfavorable odds. If you want to maximize your success at the online casino, focus on bets that provide a balance of risk and reward.
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