Quick Answer: The “Best Return” Side Bets Are Usually The Most Boring
In general, side bets that tend to be less bad are the ones that:
- are less “rare-event” focused
- don’t require multiple conditions (like “3 cards AND win AND total equals X”)
- aren’t marketed as massive jackpots
Meanwhile, side bets that tend to be worst value are usually the ones with:
- huge payout numbers
- very specific conditions
- strong “it’s due” vibes
Important: exact return depends on the casino’s rules and payout table, so always check the payout posted at your table.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Baccarat.
What “Best Return” Really Means In Baccarat Side Bets
When players say “best return,” they usually mean:
- lower house edge (better long-term value)
- less brutal volatility
- fewer “all miss, one hit” swings
But here’s the reality:
Side bets can still be negative EV even if they’re “best among side bets.”
They’re often for entertainment, not for advantage.
If you want the risk overview first, read How Side Bets Change The Risk Profile Of Baccarat.
The Simple Way To Compare Side Bets (Without Doing Heavy Math)
Use this checklist:
1) How Specific Is The Condition?
More specific = usually worse value.
Examples of “more specific”:
- “Banker wins with 3 cards AND totals 7”
- “Player wins with 3 cards AND totals 8”
2) Does It Require A Win Too?
Side bets that require the hand to win are often tougher to hit than “any occurrence” bets.
3) Is It A “Huge Payout” Bet?
Bigger payout almost always means:
- rarer hit rate
- higher volatility
- often worse return
A Practical Ranking (General Guidance)
Because payouts vary by casino, think of this ranking as a practical “most often reasonable” to “usually worst,” not a universal law.
Tier 1: Often The Least Painful (Still Side Bets)
These are usually simpler and less “jackpot-y.”
Either Pair (Any Pair)
You’re betting that either Player or Banker starts with a pair.
Why it can be one of the better options:
- it’s not as rare as very specific totals
- it’s a single-event condition
- it doesn’t require “win by X margin”
Still: it’s a side bet, so you’re paying for extra volatility.
Big / Small (Where Offered)
These bets depend on total cards dealt (4 vs 5–6 cards).
Why some players prefer it:
- it’s simple
- it doesn’t “feel” like a miracle hit
- it avoids the “I need a Dragon 7” recovery mindset
But again, value depends heavily on the posted payouts.
Tier 2: Fun But Usually Costlier (Bigger Swings)
These start getting more specific and swingy.
Player Pair / Banker Pair
More specific than Either Pair, so typically:
- less frequent hits
- bigger swings
- often higher cost
Still popular because it’s easy to understand.
Lucky 6 / Super 6 (Varies By Table)
These depend on Banker winning with a total of 6 (sometimes with different payouts for 2-card vs 3-card wins).
They can be interesting in no-commission formats, but you must check:
- the payout
- the exact condition
- whether it’s pushing you into playing side bets every hand
If you want the rules context, read Commission Vs No-Commission Baccarat Explained.
Tier 3: Usually The Worst Value (Big Payout, Rare Hit)
These are the classic “I’m down, one hit fixes it” traps.
Dragon 7
Typically: Banker wins with a 3-card total of 7.
Panda 8
Typically: Player wins with a 3-card total of 8.
Why these are usually rough:
- they require multiple conditions
- they hit less often
- the big payout encourages chasing
They can be fun as a tiny, occasional bet—but they often punish anyone who treats them like a recovery tool.
The Most Important Rule: Check The Payout Table First
Two casinos can offer the “same” side bet with different payouts.
And that changes everything.
Before you play a side bet, ask:
- What does this pay?
- What exact outcome counts?
- Is there a cap or special rule?
If you can’t answer, skip it.
A Smart Way To Use “Best Return” Side Bets (Without Chasing)
If you want side bets but want control, do this:
- pick one side bet for the session
- keep it at 0.25–0.5 units
- cap frequency (once every 10 hands)
- set a side bet budget (10 units total)
- never use it when you’re down and emotional
If you want the full control rules, read How Side Bets Change The Risk Profile Of Baccarat.
Don’t Confuse “Best Return” With “Best Strategy”
Even if a side bet is “best return,” it can still be a bad habit.
The biggest cost is often not the edge.
It’s what side bets do to your behavior:
- chasing
- boredom betting
- longer sessions
- faster bankroll movement
If you want to avoid that trap, read How To Avoid Tilt While Playing Baccarat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Any Baccarat Side Bets Actually Good Value?
Some are less costly than others, but most side bets are still negative EV. Think of them as entertainment, not a value strategy.
Which Side Bet Should I Avoid The Most?
In general, very specific, big-payout bets (like Dragon 7 and Panda 8) are the most likely to encourage chasing and big swings.
Is Either Pair Better Than Player Pair?
Often, yes, because it’s less specific and can hit more frequently. But the payout table matters.
Do Side Bets Change The House Edge On Banker?
No, but they increase your total action and volatility, which can raise your session cost.
What’s The Safest Way To Use Side Bets?
Tiny bet size, strict budget, low frequency, and never as a recovery tool when you’re down.
Where To Go Next
You now know how to think about baccarat side bet “return,” which bets are usually less painful, and which bets are more likely to punish you through volatility and chasing.
Next, we’ll explain how baccarat RTP changes once side bets are added, and why your overall “return” can drop quickly when side bets become a habit.
Continue with How Baccarat RTP Changes With Side Bets Added.
