Casino games have long been a source of entertainment and excitement for players around the world. While classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat are popular, side bets add a whole new layer of thrill. Side bets allow players to wager on specific events or outcomes that are separate from the main game, giving them additional opportunities to win big. But not all side bets are created equal. In this article, we will explore some of the best side bets in casino table games, helping you understand which ones offer the most favorable odds, the best payouts, and the most fun.
What Are Side Bets in Casino Games?
Side bets are an exciting addition to traditional casino games, offering players extra opportunities to win big. A side bet is essentially a separate wager placed alongside the main game bet, focusing on specific outcomes or events that go beyond the standard rules of the game. In most cases, players can make these additional wagers on particular hands, combinations, or results that are not directly tied to the main objective of the game. While the primary game continues as usual, side bets provide a new layer of excitement and a chance to increase winnings.
In games like blackjack, a popular side bet is the “Perfect Pair,” where players wager that their first two cards will form a pair. This bet has its own odds and can lead to larger payouts if the outcome is favorable. Similarly, in roulette, side bets allow players to wager on specific numbers, betting that a particular number will appear during the spin. These side bets are placed on a separate part of the table, with their outcomes not impacting the primary game’s results.
While side bets introduce a thrilling element of unpredictability to the game, they also come with a higher level of risk. Many side bets offer much larger payouts than standard game wagers, but they are often accompanied by a higher house edge. This means that while the potential rewards can be substantial, the chances of winning are typically lower. Players should carefully assess each side bet before placing their wagers to make sure they understand the odds and potential risks involved.
Understanding the dynamics of side bets is crucial for maximizing your chances of success. Not all side bets are created equal, and each one has its own set of odds, payouts, and risks. Some side bets, while offering larger jackpots, may be more difficult to win, while others might offer smaller payouts with better chances of success. Knowing the different types of side bets and how they work allows players to make more informed decisions and decide which bets align with their playing style and risk tolerance.
Why Do Players Choose Side Bets?
Players opt for side bets for various reasons, each contributing to their overall gaming experience:
- Increased Excitement: Side bets bring an added thrill to the game, making each round more engaging and unpredictable. The possibility of winning extra prizes on top of the main game creates a more exciting atmosphere, keeping players on the edge of their seats.
- Bigger Payouts: Many side bets come with the opportunity for larger payouts compared to regular game bets. While the odds of winning may be lower, the rewards can be much greater, offering players the potential for big wins.
- Variety: Side bets introduce diversity to familiar casino games. They give players a fresh perspective and new ways to win, keeping the gaming experience interesting and dynamic. Even if you’ve played a game many times before, side bets can add a new layer of excitement.
- Convenience: Side bets allow players to enhance their gaming experience without having to learn a completely new set of rules. Players can add these bets to games they are already familiar with, making it a convenient option to try something new while sticking to their preferred game.
The Best Side Bets in Blackjack
| Side Bet | Description | Possible Outcomes | Payouts | House Edge |
| Perfect Pairs | Bet that your first two cards will form a pair. | – Perfect Pair: Same rank and suit. – Colored Pair: Same rank and color. – Mixed Pair: Same rank, different suits. |
Perfect Pair pays the highest, followed by Colored and Mixed Pairs. | High house edge, relatively low chances of winning. |
| 21+3 | A mix of blackjack and poker, where you bet that your two cards and the dealer’s up card form a poker hand. | – Three of a Kind: Same rank for all cards. – Straight: Sequential cards. – Flush: Same suit. |
Payouts can be substantial but come with a high house edge. | Higher house edge than most side bets. |
| Royal Match | Bet that your first two cards will form a suited pair, with a bonus for a King and Queen of the same suit. | – Suited Pair: Any two cards of the same suit. – Royal Match: King and Queen of the same suit. |
High payouts for Royal Match, regular suited pairs have moderate payouts. | Lower house edge compared to other side bets. |
Top Side Bets in Roulette
Roulette, with its spinning wheel and colorful numbered pockets, is a game of chance that offers a variety of exciting betting options. While the traditional inside and outside bets are the cornerstone of the game, several side bets provide players with an additional layer of strategy and thrill. These side bets allow for more varied outcomes, potentially increasing your chances of winning or adding more excitement to your gameplay.
One popular side bet in roulette is the Neighbors Bet, where players place chips on numbers adjacent to a specific number on the roulette wheel. This bet expands the coverage of your wager by including numbers next to your selected number, increasing your chances of winning. Many players place neighbors bets on numbers with personal significance or commonly favored numbers, such as 0 or 7, to enhance their chances of hitting a winning combination. The wider the range of numbers covered, the better the odds, which makes this side bet an attractive option for many players.
Another intriguing side bet is the French Bet, found in European and French roulette games. The French Bet consists of three distinct sections of the wheel, each covering a specific group of numbers. The first is Voisins du Zero, which includes numbers 22 to 25. The second, Tiers du Cylindre, covers numbers 27 to 33, while the third section, Orphelins, covers the remaining numbers on the wheel. This bet offers great odds for players who are familiar with the wheel’s layout and enjoy the added complexity of placing bets on multiple groups of numbers. The French Bet is particularly favored in the French and European roulette variants, where the wheel is structured differently than in American roulette.
The Red/Black Splits side bet adds an interesting twist to the standard red or black bet. In this bet, players place chips on neighboring red or black numbers, which increases the total number of numbers covered by the wager. This expanded coverage offers more chances for a win, giving players an additional opportunity to hit a successful outcome. It’s a simple but effective side bet that complements the traditional red or black bet, allowing players to further diversify their chances.
Popular Side Bets in Baccarat
Baccarat is a casino game known for its simplicity and low house edge, but adding side bets can significantly increase the excitement and potential rewards. Below are some of the most popular side bets in baccarat that players can try:
- Pair Bet: The Pair Bet is a wager on whether the Player’s or Banker’s hand will be dealt a pair of cards. If the first two cards dealt to either hand form a pair, the bet wins. Variations of this bet include the Perfect Pair, where both hands contain identical pairs, offering even higher payouts. While this side bet offers a decent payout, it comes with a higher house edge, making it riskier than the standard baccarat bets.
- Dragon Bonus: The Dragon Bonus is a bet that the winning hand (either Player or Banker) will win by a significant margin. If the winning hand wins by 4 points or more, a payout is triggered, with larger margins leading to higher payouts. A perfect win, where the hand totals 9 points, results in a substantial payout. This side bet can be very rewarding, but it is also high-risk, so players should approach it with caution.
Side Bets in Casino Hold’em
| Side Bet | Description | Possible Outcomes | Payouts | House Edge |
| AA Bonus | Bet placed on the player’s hand, wagering that they will be dealt a pair of Aces or better. | – Pair of Aces or better (e.g., two Aces, straight, flush). | Payouts can be substantial with strong starting hands. | Higher house edge due to rarity of winning hands. |
| Trips Bonus | Bet placed on the player’s hand, wagering that the hand will form a three-of-a-kind or better. | – Three of a Kind – Straight – Flush – Straight Flush |
Solid payouts for hands like three-of-a-kind or straight flush. | Lower house edge than AA Bonus. |
Best Side Bets for Big Payouts
Some side bets are renowned for offering the chance of massive payouts, but they come with much higher risk. These bets often add an element of excitement and anticipation, making them highly appealing to players looking for a thrill. However, it’s important to remember that while the potential rewards are huge, the odds of winning are generally much lower compared to standard bets. Let’s explore a few of these high-risk, high-reward side bets.
One popular side bet that offers a huge payout is the “All In or Nothing” bet in poker. With this bet, players wager that their hand will either be the best at the table or they’ll be eliminated. This bet is all about confidence and skill; if you have a strong hand and the guts to go all-in, the reward can be substantial. It’s the ultimate gamble, where you put everything on the line in hopes of winning big. However, it’s important to approach this bet with caution, as the risk of losing everything is always present.
In baccarat, the Super 6 side bet also stands out for its potential payouts. By betting that the Banker will win with a score of 6, players open themselves up to a big win. However, this side bet is quite risky due to the low odds of the Banker drawing exactly 6 points. The payout for this bet can be attractive, but players should be aware that the chances of hitting it are not great, making it a bet that should be placed sparingly.
Another option that has become increasingly popular across many casino games is the progressive side bet. These bets, available in games like blackjack and roulette, allow players to contribute to a growing jackpot that increases with each round. The appeal of these bets lies in the potential for life-changing wins, but the odds of winning the jackpot are very slim. While the jackpot continues to build, players should keep in mind that the likelihood of hitting it is extremely low, and these side bets come with a higher house edge. Still, for those who enjoy the excitement of chasing a massive prize, progressive side bets offer an enticing opportunity.
Side Bets with the Highest House Edge
While side bets can offer exciting payouts, they often come with a higher house edge. Here are some of the side bets you should consider carefully due to their high house edge:
- Perfect Pairs (Blackjack): Although the payouts are tempting, the odds are not in your favor, especially for the perfect pair.
- 21+3 (Blackjack): This side bet combines blackjack with poker hand rankings, but the odds of winning are relatively low.
- Roulette (Inside and Outside Bets): Although not strictly “side bets,” these traditional roulette bets have varying house edges depending on the bet type. The inside bets typically carry higher risk but offer bigger payouts.
Understanding the Impact of House Edge in Side Bets
| Side Bet | Game | Description | Payout | House Edge |
| Perfect Pairs | Blackjack | Bet on getting a pair of cards as your first two cards. | 25:1 (Perfect Pair) | 5.9% |
| 21+3 | Blackjack | Bet on forming a poker hand (straight, flush, etc.) using your two cards and the dealer’s up card. | 9:1 (Three of a Kind) | 7.5% |
| Neighbors Bet | Roulette | Bet on adjacent numbers on the roulette wheel. | Varies | 5.26% |
| Dragon Bonus | Baccarat | Bet on a hand winning by a large margin. | 30:1 (Perfect Win) | 2.7% |
| Super 6 | Baccarat | Bet that the banker’s hand will win with a score of 6. | 12:1 | 6.7% |
Maximizing Your Success with Side Bets: Key Insights
Side bets are a popular feature in many casino games, adding excitement and variety to the gameplay. While they offer opportunities for large payouts, it’s essential to approach them strategically. Understanding the nature of side bets, their house edges, and the potential risks involved can help players make more informed choices and increase their chances of success.
One key factor to consider when choosing side bets is the house edge. While some side bets may seem tempting because of their large payouts, they often come with a higher house edge, meaning that, over time, the odds are not in the player’s favor. A higher house edge can lead to greater losses in the long run, so it’s important to strike a balance between risk and reward. For example, bets like Perfect Pairs in blackjack or Super 6 in baccarat offer significant payouts but come with a higher house edge, meaning the odds of winning are lower.
On the other hand, some side bets have a lower house edge and still offer a decent payout. For instance, the Dragon Bonus in baccarat, although risky, comes with a relatively lower house edge compared to other high-risk bets, making it a better option for players seeking a more balanced approach. Similarly, side bets in games like Roulette (such as the Neighbors Bet) provide additional excitement without significantly increasing the house edge.
Ultimately, maximizing success with side bets involves understanding each bet’s odds, payouts, and house edge. Responsible gambling practices, including knowing when to make side bets and when to focus on the main game, can help players enjoy the game while managing their risks effectively. As with any casino game, always remember to gamble within your means and make informed decisions to enhance your gaming experience.