Top-10 Baccarat Side Games Odds
Baccarat isn’t limited to placing games on either the Player or the Banker. Many curious gamblers add spice to their sessions by dabbling in side games that promise bigger payouts—though with steeper risks. In the midst of that excitement, you might pause and ask, what are the odds of winning baccarat (explained by Baccarat-Wiki) and which side games actually offer a fair shot.
Why Side Games Exist
Traditional baccarat can feel too predictable if you stick to the three main games—Player, Banker, or Tie. Side games create a livelier environment by opening doors to varied outcomes. If you spot a pair in the initial cards, that alone could trigger a sizable reward, which leads many players to wonder what is a perfect pair in baccarat. Or maybe you’re banking on a big margin of victory—like winning by four points or more. These extra bets act like seasoning to a dish: they intensify flavors but also bring new elements of risk. Each side bet has its own odds and house edge, so it pays to understand what you’re jumping into before plunking down your chips.
Popular Side Games
Below is our single list outlining the top-10 baccarat side games. Each entry includes its typical odds of success, payout ratio, and house edge.
Side Bet |
Odds |
Payout |
House Edge |
How It Works |
Perfect Pair |
3.34% |
25:1 |
13.03% |
You win if the first two cards on either Player or Banker match in rank and suit. This rare outcome pays handsomely when it hits. |
Player Pair |
7.47% |
11:1 |
10.36% |
The first two Player cards form a pair of the same rank. This occurs more often than a Perfect Pair but pays less. |
Banker Pair |
7.47% |
11:1 |
10.36% |
The Banker’s first two cards must share the same rank. It mirrors the Player Pair in probability and payout. |
Either Pair |
14.20% |
5:1 |
13.71% |
You score if either the Player or Banker gets a pair straight from the deal. It wins more often than Player/Banker Pair but pays a lower multiple. |
Big |
31.80% |
2:1 |
4.35% |
At least one side draws a third card for a total of five or six cards on the table. Not a huge payout, but it hits fairly often. |
Small |
37.80% |
3:2 |
5.27% |
The round ends with exactly four cards (no third card for either side). This bet can land more often than you might expect, especially with quick naturals. |
Dragon 7 (EZ) |
~2.25% |
40:1 |
7.61% |
Exclusive to EZ Baccarat. The Banker must win with a three-card total of seven, granting a hefty 40:1 payout. |
Panda 8 (EZ) |
~3.45% |
25:1 |
10.19% |
Another EZ Baccarat side wager. The Player must win with a three-card total of eight. Pays less than Dragon 7 but hits more frequently. |
Super 6 (3 Cards) |
~4–5% |
~20–23:1 |
Varies |
Focuses on the Banker having a three-card total of six. Different casinos tweak payouts, so read the specific rules at each table. |
Dragon Bonus |
Varies |
Up to 30:1 |
2.65% (Player) / 9.37% (Banker) |
Bet on either side to win by four or more points or with a natural. Same payout table applies, but the Player side has a more favorable house edge. |
House Edge vs. Payout
Side games can be tempting, but they often come saddled with higher house edges than the base game. For reference, a standard Banker bet hovers at around a 1.06% edge, which is tough to beat in any casino setting. These extra wagers may look flashy with 25:1 or 40:1 wins, but the math usually favors the house. If you’re mainly focused on consistent returns, you might find these bets less appealing over the long run. That said, a single big payout can be a real day-maker if you catch that perfect moment.
Managing Expectations
Some players use an odds calculator extension or run simulations to see how certain games might play out over many rounds. These tools can be eye-opening because they show just how rarely the big-payoff events actually occur. Still, that doesn’t stop thrill-seekers from chasing a once-in-a-blue-moon triumph. It all boils down to preference: do you aim for moderate wins, or do you crave those dramatic hits?
Best Strategies
A good rule of thumb is to only dabble in side games when you’re comfortable with the potential losses. Some players devote a small portion of each session’s bankroll to these wagers, treating them like a “bonus round.” Others skip side bets entirely, preferring lower-variance strategies. If you’re unsure, you could try side games on free-play versions of baccarat first. That way, you can see how often they actually hit without risking your money.
Remember that the Dragon Bonus on the Player side has a comparatively low 2.65% house edge, making it one of the more decent side wagers. Meanwhile, Perfect Pair and Either Pair can drain your chips if you rely on them too heavily. Always glance at a table’s posted rules because side-bet specifics can vary between casinos or software providers.
Avoiding Redundant Games
There’s no need to jump on every single side wager just because it’s available. Many of these games overlap in ways that might not boost your odds. If you’re playing a pair-related bet, for instance, adding an Either Pair bet on top may not be a bright idea. You might end up doubling your exposure without any real synergy in the payouts. Keep it simple, pick one or two that pique your interest, and see how they play out.
Conclusion
Baccarat side games promise more excitement and bigger potential wins, but they often come with heftier house edges. Whether you dabble in them depends on your appetite for higher-risk wagers. Have fun, stay informed, and may the cards align in your favor.
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