Quick Answer: What Are Baccarat Side Bets?
Baccarat side bets are optional bets placed alongside Banker/Player that pay based on specific outcomes, like:
- a Pair
- a natural 8
- Banker winning with 3 cards
- Banker winning by a big margin
They usually offer bigger payouts, but they also come with higher volatility and (often) a higher house edge.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Baccarat.
Why Casinos Push Side Bets So Hard
Side bets:
- create bigger “hit” moments
- keep players engaged during slow shoes
- make baccarat feel like a bonus game
- increase the casino’s theoretical profit per hour
That’s why you’ll see side bets promoted heavily, especially in online baccarat and live dealer tables.
The Most Common Baccarat Side Bets (Plain-English)
Player Pair / Banker Pair
You’re betting that the first two cards on the Player hand or Banker hand will be a pair.
Example:
- Player gets 7♦ and 7♠ = Player Pair hits
Why it’s popular: easy to understand, feels close, pays more than main bets.
Why it’s risky: it’s still a specific event that won’t hit often.
Either Pair (Any Pair)
You’re betting that either Player or Banker will have a pair on the first two cards.
This is usually easier to hit than a specific side, so payouts are often lower than “Player Pair” or “Banker Pair.”
Perfect Pair (In Some Variants)
A pair of the same rank and same suit color/type (depends on the game):
- same suit (rare) or same color (more common)
Why it’s risky: even more specific than a regular pair.
Panda 8
Typically: Player wins with a 3-card total of 8.
Example:
- Player ends with three cards totaling 8, and Player wins the hand.
Why it’s exciting: it feels like a “special win,” often with a big payout.
Why it’s risky: it requires a specific situation and a win.
Dragon 7
Typically: Banker wins with a 3-card total of 7.
Example:
- Banker takes a third card, ends on 7, and wins.
Same idea as Panda 8, but on the Banker side.
Lucky 6 (Common In No-Commission Baccarat)
This one is huge in no-commission games.
Typically: Banker wins with a total of 6, and the payout depends on whether Banker wins with two cards or three cards.
Common structure:
- Banker wins with 6 using 2 cards = higher payout
- Banker wins with 6 using 3 cards = lower payout
Side bets like this are often used to “balance” a no-commission ruleset.
If you want the full ruleset comparison, read Commission Vs No-Commission Baccarat Explained.
Big / Small (Or Big / Small / Either) Bets
These side bets are about how many total cards are dealt in the hand.
Typical idea:
- Small: 4 cards total (2 each, no third cards)
- Big: 5 or 6 cards total (at least one third card)
Why it’s popular: it’s simple, and it feels like you’re betting on “pace.”
Why it’s risky: still higher variance than main bets.
Super 6 (Variant)
Sometimes: Banker wins with 6 (similar to Lucky 6 but structured differently). This depends on the casino’s specific rules.
Side Bets Change Baccarat’s Risk Profile
Even if you keep your main bet flat, side bets can make sessions feel wild because:
- they hit less often
- payouts are bigger and more emotional
- players tend to chase after missing
- they increase your average bet size quietly
If you want the big idea, read Why Baccarat Is Considered A Low-Volatility Table Game. Side bets can turn a “smooth” game into a rollercoaster.
The Biggest Side Bet Mistake: Using Them To Recover Losses
This is where bankrolls get wrecked.
Players go down a few units and think:
“I’ll just hit one Dragon 7 and I’m back.”
That’s tilt logic, not a plan.
If you want to avoid that spiral, read How To Avoid Tilt While Playing Baccarat.
How To Use Side Bets Without Blowing Up Your Session
If you want side bets for fun, use one of these safe rules:
Rule 1: Side Bet Budget
Decide a small “side bet budget” for the session.
Example:
- “I’ll spend 10 units max on side bets tonight.”
When it’s gone, no more side bets.
Rule 2: Frequency Cap
- one side bet every 10 hands
- or only during one shoe
- or only when you’re already up
Rule 3: Smaller Chip Size
If your main bet is 1 unit, side bets should be:
- 0.25 units
- or 0.5 units max
If side bets are equal size to your main bet every hand, they become the real game.
Quick Side Bet Checklist
Before you place any side bet, ask:
- Is this for fun, or to recover?
- Is my session still within my stop-loss/time limit?
- Am I repeating it because I “missed” and want it to hit?
- Did I cap frequency and budget?
If you can’t answer clearly, skip it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth It?
They can be fun, but they usually increase volatility and cost. If your goal is value and control, main bets are better.
Which Side Bets Are Most Common?
Pairs (Player/Banker/Either), Panda 8, Dragon 7, and Lucky 6 are some of the most common across casinos and live dealer tables.
Do Side Bets Change The Odds Of Banker Or Player?
No. Side bets are separate. But they increase your average bet and volatility, which changes your session results.
Why Do Side Bets Feel Addictive?
Because they offer bigger payouts and emotional “hit” moments. That dopamine loop can lead to chasing.
How Do I Use Side Bets Safely?
Use a strict budget, cap frequency, keep chip size smaller than your main bet, and never use side bets to recover losses.
Where To Go Next
You now know what the most common baccarat side bets are, how they work, and why they change your session risk and volatility.
Next, we’ll zoom in on what side bets really do to your overall risk profile, and why even “small” side bets can change how your bankroll behaves over time.
Continue with How Side Bets Change The Risk Profile Of Baccarat.
