Blog
How To Choose the Right Baccarat Side Bet at Casino Tables
When you’re sitting at a live baccarat table online, you’ve probably noticed all those extra betting options beyond the standard Player, Banker, and Tie flashing on the screen. These are baccarat side bets, and while they might look tempting, not all of them are created equal.
In this guide, we’ll break down what baccarat side bets actually are, how they work, which ones offer the best value, and how to choose the right one based on your goals and risk appetite.
What Is a Baccarat Side Bet?
A baccarat side bet is an optional wager placed alongside the standard Player, Banker, or Tie bet. They’re designed to add extra excitement, and potential payouts, by letting you bet on more specific outcomes.
Examples include:
- Whether a hand will be a pair
- If the Banker wins with a 6 (Super 6)
- Whether the total will be a certain range or even/odd
- Special hands like Dragon Bonus with big point differences
These bets often come with higher payouts than the main game, but also higher house edges.
Why Do Players Go for Side Bets?
- Higher payouts: Some side bets can pay up to 30:1 or more.
- More action: You’re not just betting on win/loss, there’s more to sweat.
- Entertainment: For many, it makes the game more fun and interactive.
But here’s the tradeoff: most side bets have lower odds of hitting and worse return to player (RTP) than the standard Banker or Player bet.
Common Baccarat Side Bets (and Whether They're Worth It)
1. Super 6 Baccarat Side Bet
- What it is: You bet that the Banker wins with a total of exactly 6.
- Payout: 12:1
- House edge: Around 1.5%
- Worth it?: This is one of the better side bets in terms of house edge. If you’re looking for a low-risk side bet, Super 6 is among the safer picks.
2. Dragon Side Bet Baccarat (Dragon Bonus)
- What it is: Bet that a hand will win by a large margin (e.g., by 4+ points).
- Payout: Scale with the margin of victory, which is up to 30:1 if the hand wins by 9 points.
- House edge: Varies. Lower for Banker bets, higher for Player
- Worth it?: It’s a decent option if you’re okay with less frequent wins but potentially big payouts. Just know it’s high volatility.
3. Pairs (Player Pair / Banker Pair)
- What it is: Bet that the first two cards on either side will form a pair.
- Payout: 11:1
- House edge: 10% or more
- Worth it?: Not great long-term. The odds may look attractive, but this is a classic trap for new players chasing novelty bets.
4. Perfect Pair
- What it is: Bet that the first two cards on either side will be identical in suit and rank.
- Payout: Often 25:1
- House edge: Very high
- Worth it?: Fun for entertainment, but not for smart bankroll play.
Baccarat Side Bet Odds: Know What You’re Betting Into
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of side bet payouts and estimated house edges:
Side Bet
Super 6
Dragon Bonus (Banker)
Banker/Player Pair
Perfect Pair
Payout
12:1
Up to 30:1
11:1
25:1
Estimated House Edge
~1.5%
~2.5%
~10.4%
~13%
Tip: The higher the payout, the higher the risk. Don’t be fooled by flashy numbers, look at the edge.
How to Choose the Right Baccarat Side Bet for You
Ask yourself:
● Do you want more excitement or better odds?
If it’s excitement, Dragon Bonus or Perfect Pair might appeal. If it’s odds, stick with Super 6 or skip side bets altogether.
● Are you playing with a tight bankroll?
Then avoid high-risk side bets. They’ll drain your funds faster, especially during a cold streak.
● Are you playing short or long sessions?
For longer sessions, stick with low house edge bets. For quick hits, maybe test a higher payout side bet once or twice.
● Are you chasing a specific payout size?
Some players are okay with small consistent wins. Others want the shot at 30:1. Make sure your bet style matches your goal.
SA Gaming’s Baccarat Tables on Wewin55: What You’ll See
SA Gaming live baccarat tables often feature:
- Super 6 side bets
- Dragon Bonus
- Pairs and Perfect Pairs
- Smooth UI with clear side bet options and payout displays
You can also test out most of these bets in free demo mode on Wewin55. Simply sign up and try for free. Smart if you want to try before you risk real money.
Final Tips Before You Side Bet
- Check the table rules. Not all baccarat live tables offer the same side bets.
- Always confirm the payout and eligibility (some side bets only apply to Banker or Player, not both).
- Don’t let side bets distract you from the core strategy: Banker has the lowest house edge in standard baccarat.
- Bankroll management is still key. Don’t blow your whole session chasing a 30:1 payout.
Conclusion: Side Bets Are Optional, Use Them Wisely
Baccarat side bets can add spice to your online live table sessions, but they’re best approached with a clear head. Know the odds, understand the volatility, and pick side bets that match your risk appetite.
If you’re playing at SA Gaming’s live baccarat tables on Wewin55, you’ll find all the popular options, but it’s still up to you to play smart.
FAQs About SA Gaming Baccarat Roadmaps
A side bet in baccarat is an optional wager placed in addition to your main Player, Banker, or Tie bet. It lets you bet on specific outcomes, like pairs, exact totals, or large win margins.
The Super 6 side bet typically has one of the lowest house edges among side bets, around 1.5%, making it one of the better options for cautious players.
They can be fun and offer big payouts, but most have a higher house edge than the base game. Use them for entertainment, not as a primary strategy.
- Dragon Bonus pays based on how much a hand wins by (up to 30:1).
- Super 6 only wins when the Banker wins with exactly 6 (usually pays 12:1).
Yes. Side bets are independent of your main bet. You can lose your Player or Banker bet but still win a side bet like a Pair or Dragon Bonus.
Yes. SA Gaming offers common side bets like Super 6, Dragon Bonus, and Pairs on its live baccarat tables at Wewin55.
It’s best for beginners to focus on understanding the main game first. Side bets are high-risk, high-reward, and can drain a bankroll quickly if not used carefully.
Not really. Side bets rely on random outcomes and can’t be predicted. There are no guaranteed systems to beat them.