Side Bets in Baccarat: A Complete Guide for Online Casino Players
Baccarat is one of the most elegant and straightforward card games in any online casino. While its main bets — Player, Banker, and Tie — are widely known and often played, many players overlook the diverse range of side bets available. These side bets can add a thrilling layer of excitement and strategy to your game, offering unique payouts and outcomes beyond the traditional gameplay.
Understanding side bets in baccarat is essential for players who wish to deepen their experience and potentially maximise their wins. Whether you’re playing for fun or strategy, knowing your options opens the door to more engaging sessions, especially at platforms like casino Pasino, where side bet variations are commonly available.
How to Play Baccarat?
Baccarat is played between two hands — the Player and the Banker. Each side receives two cards, and the objective is to get as close to a total of nine as possible. Tens and face cards count as zero, while other cards carry their face value. If either hand totals eight or nine, it is called a “natural” and no more cards are dealt.
If no natural is achieved, the rules determine whether a third card is drawn. Players do not decide which hand gets a card — the dealer follows fixed rules. This makes baccarat a game of pure chance, although incorporating side bets like those offered at Pasino casino online can introduce strategic thinking and added entertainment.
Dragon Bonus Bet
The Dragon Bonus side bet rewards players based on how much the winning hand beats the losing hand by. The larger the margin, the higher the payout, with maximum returns on a natural win by 9 points. Both Player and Banker hands are eligible for Dragon Bonus bets, making it a versatile and popular choice at online platforms such as casino Pasino.
This side bet is especially appealing to players seeking bigger wins with a single bet. While the basic game offers even money or slight commission-based returns, Dragon Bonus adds the thrill of variable payouts based on specific outcomes. Always check the payout tables provided by your online casino.
Dragon 7 Bet
Dragon 7 is a Banker-only side bet that pays out if the Banker wins with a total of seven using three cards. It offers an attractive 40:1 payout but occurs rarely, making it a high-risk, high-reward option. Players at casino Pasino often enjoy this side bet for its big-win potential and unique twist on the regular Banker bet.
Although infrequent, the payoff makes it a compelling addition for thrill-seekers. As always, it’s crucial to manage your bankroll wisely when placing side bets with higher volatility. Dragon 7 offers an adrenaline-pumping experience that complements the elegance of baccarat gameplay.
Panda 8 Bet
Panda 8 is the Player’s counterpart to Dragon 7. It pays 25:1 if the Player wins with a three-card total of eight. Like Dragon 7, it’s rare, but players who enjoy chasing big payouts find this side bet especially fun. It adds flavour to standard Player bets and is often available at Pasino casino online tables.
The appeal of Panda 8 lies in its uniqueness. While most side bets lean towards the Banker side, this one gives Player-focused bettors something equally exciting. Combining both Dragon 7 and Panda 8 bets can diversify your side betting strategy while keeping things fresh and entertaining.
Big and Small Bets
Big and Small bets are simpler side bets where players wager on how many cards will be dealt in total between the Player and Banker. A “Big” bet wins if five or six cards are dealt, and a “Small” bet wins if only four cards are used. These bets are based on the game’s mechanics and not on who wins.
With their modest risk profile, these side bets are ideal for new players exploring options beyond traditional wagers. Platforms like casino Pasino often feature Big and Small bets for players who appreciate straightforward betting opportunities. Despite their simplicity, they add a layer of analytical fun.
Perfect Pair Bet
The Perfect Pair side bet pays out when either the Player or Banker receives a pair of the same card in both rank and suit — for example, two Queen of Hearts. Payouts can reach up to 25:1, depending on the type of pair and the online casino’s rules. This bet focuses entirely on the first two cards dealt.
At Pasino casino online, this side bet is favoured by players who enjoy the visual thrill of matched cards and the potential for high returns from an otherwise standard deal. While rare, hitting a Perfect Pair can significantly boost your session winnings and provide a strong adrenaline rush.
Either Pair Bet
Either Pair is a slightly more forgiving version of Perfect Pair. It pays out if either the Player or the Banker hand receives a pair — regardless of suit. Because the conditions are looser, the payouts are smaller, usually around 5:1 or 8:1, but the win frequency is noticeably higher.
This bet is perfect for those looking for consistent side bet action without the steep odds of other options. Casino Pasino includes this bet on many of its baccarat tables, allowing players to blend consistent side betting into their overall strategy without excessive risk.
4-5-6 Bet
The 4-5-6 bet lets players wager on the total number of cards that will be dealt in a round — four, five, or six. Each outcome has its own odds, with “Five” usually offering the best return due to its rarity. This side bet turns the entire round into a suspenseful prediction game.
Found on many Pasino casino online baccarat tables, this bet gives players a new way to interact with the game beyond hand values. If you’re someone who enjoys a more analytical approach to your bets, the 4-5-6 option adds a distinct mathematical element to your play.
Lucky Bonus Bet
The Lucky Bonus side bet is based on the Banker hand and usually pays when the Banker wins with a six using three cards. The payout can vary, often around 18:1, and in some versions, this bet is only available when wagering on the Banker. It’s a rewarding twist for those favouring the Banker side.
Lucky Bonus stands out as a niche but engaging option for players who like to add depth to their standard Banker bet. It’s another feature that helps make playing at casino Pasino more dynamic and customisable, especially when aiming to spice up your regular sessions.