What are Baccarat Bets and Side Bets

The Baccarat game is very simple, as it offers three possible betting options. These three bets are considered the main bets in baccarat and are what players usually stick to.

In addition to the main bets, players have the option to also place some baccarat side bets, which offer an extra level of excitement for bettors. Side bets, at the same time, have a massive payout, but the house edge is huge as well, as they are not very likely to happen.

Understanding both main Baccarat bets and side bets is essential for any player who is looking to both enjoy the game, but also be successful in it.

Types of Baccarat Bets for UK Players

As already mentioned, there are three main types of bets in the game of baccarat; betting on the player’s hand to win, betting on the banker’s hand to win, or for a tie.

Each of the three main bets provides different payouts and house edges. The probability of each bet happening is different, so bettors should be well-informed about it.

Betting on Player

If you place a bet on the player, it basically means you're betting for the player's hand to be better than the banker’s hand. So, if the player’s hand value is closer to 9, the player’s hand will be the one that wins.

The player’s bet is a solid choice in baccarat, though it’s the opposite of the banker’s bet, which is generally considered the most preferred one.

Betting on the Banker

Betting on the Banker is often considered the best option, as the house edge is typically low, around 1.06% regardless of the number of decks played. The Banker’s bet is the most preferred bet in baccarat as, due to the order of play where the banker always acts last, this hand is statistically more likely to win.

It’s always a good idea for a player to include the banker’s bet in their strategy, but remember that a small commission (usually 5%) is typically deducted from winning banker bets.

Betting on a Tie

Betting on a tie has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest problem with tie betting is that this option is very unlikely to happen, as both the banker’s and player’s hands have to be equally valued, for example, if both players get an equal score of 6.

But, due to the fact that a Tie rarely happens, it offers very good payouts that can be tempting for some players.

Exploring Baccarat Side Bets for UK Gamblers

Side Bets are additional wagers that players can place during the game of Baccarat. There are many different side bets available, but for the purposes of this guide, we'll focus on the most popular and widespread ones.

It is important for any player to know that side bets are considered quite risky, so many players, especially those new to online baccarat games, tend to avoid placing them.

Pair Bet

The pair bet predicts if the two cards dealt will form a pair. The payout for a pair bet is typically 11:1, but the house edge can be as high as 11%, depending on the online casino. A Pair Bet can be placed on either the banker’s hand, the player’s hand, or both.

All Black/Red Side Bet

The all black or red side bet is a wager on whether the hand will contain only black or red cards.

The all-black bet offers a 24:1 payout with a house edge of 6.53%, whereas the all-red bet has a slightly lower payout of 22:1, but the house edge is 14%.

Big/Small Side Bet

There are other side bets that can be seen in many online casinos, like Big and Small. The big and small bets are to bet on the total number of cards in play. This bet is strongly dependent on how the player’s hand is played. If, in the end, there are 4 cards on the table, the small bet wins, but if there are 5 or 6 cards, the big bet wins.

Bellagio Match

The Bellagio match is a side bet on whether the hand will get three of a kind. The Bellagio match has a payout of 68:1 for the banker’s hand, and 75:1 for the player’s hand. The house edge varies from 5.27% to 8.57%.

Dragon Bonus

It is about either hand winning with a natural hand with an exact point margin. The higher the margin, the bigger the payout:

• 9 points - 30:1
• 8 points = 10:1
• 7 points = 6:1
• 6 points = 4:1
• 5 points = 2:1
• 4 points = 1:1
• 3 points or fewer = Loss.

The house edge for the Dragon Bonus is usually about 2.65% for the player’s hand, but it goes up to 9.37% for the banker’s hand.

Lucky Bonus

Lucky baccarat bonus bets are among the most exciting side options that the game offers. This is a wager for the banker's hand to win while being worth 6 points. The game has a great payout of 18:1, with a house edge of just 2.34%.

Matching Dragon

The Matching Dragon is a wager on how many cards of a specific rank will be dealt to the banker and the player. The Matching Dragon side bet has a house edge of 16.99%. Here are the payouts for the Matching Dragon side bets in baccarat:

• 6 cards = 100:1 payout
• 5 cards = 60:1
• 4 cards = 40:1
• 3 cards = 20:1
• 2 cards = 3:1
• 1 card = 1:1
• No cards of a specific rank = Loss

Which Bets to Avoid for UK Players

Side bets, alongside the Tie bet, are not likely to happen often. So, for every player who is tempted to create a winning strategy, in which their chances of winning are as high as possible, side bets and tie bets have to be excluded.

Overall, betting on a tie and side bets in Baccarat is something that any player should avoid, in order to keep their chances of being profitable in the long term.

When Should UK Players Consider Side Bets in Baccarat?

The baccarat side bets can work against the player in most cases, as they have a huge house edge, and the high payouts usually don’t cover the losses. But, if the player has a solid side bets betting strategy, they can really bring some fascinating profits in the long term. Unfortunately, that requires a huge budget and a lot of patience.

Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth It for British Gamblers?

Even beginners are aware of the fact that most online casinos offer baccarat tables with side bets available, and these bets are generally best avoided. The statistical odds of any side bet happening are so low that in the long term, it’s nearly impossible to come into profit.

Final Thoughts on Baccarat Bets for UK Players

Baccarat is a game that offers a range of different bets for players to choose from. The straightforward way to approach the game is by sticking to the main banker, player, and Tie bets. On the other hand, if the player is seeking more excitement, there are some baccarat side bets in addition to the main ones.

Side bets have higher payouts but are a lot riskier. So, it’s recommended to stick to the main three. The benefit of knowing both baccarat bets and baccarat side bets will give the player a clear vision of what odds they have to win and increase them.