Peter Smith
Side bets are optional wagers that sit alongside the main game, offering different ways to win. In Blackjack, they might pay for pairs or suited hands, while in Baccarat, they can cover ties, bonus hands, or special card combinations.
The appeal comes from higher payouts, but they also carry higher risks and lower odds of hitting. Knowing how they work helps you decide when they’re worth trying and when to stick with the main game.
What Are Side Bets?
A side bet is a wager placed next to your main bet in a casino. It doesn’t change the outcome of the hand or round; instead, it pays if a special condition is met.
For example, your first two cards in Blackjack might form a pair. In Baccarat, a side bet might pay if a hand wins by a large margin.
Such bets are resolved separately from the main game. It means you can lose the round but still collect on a side bet, or win the round while the side bet fails.
The key difference is in the risk-to-reward ratio. Side bets usually come with higher payouts, sometimes 20:1 or more,
However, the odds of hitting them are lower, and the house edge is higher compared to standard wagers. They add variety and excitement, but they should be seen as an optional extra, not the main way to play.
Blackjack Side Bets on Jackpot.bet
Blackjack is the game most people think of when it comes to side betting. Beyond trying to beat the dealer, players can place Blackjack side bets that pay out on specific card combinations.
Such bets add another layer to the game. The odds and house edge are quite different from the main hand.
Pro Tip: Try side bets in small amounts to enjoy the thrill without overextending your balance.
Popular Options
- Perfect Pairs: Pays when your first two cards form a pair. The Blackjack side bets payout depends on the type of pair: mixed pairs may pay 5:1, colored pairs 12:1, and suited pairs up to 25:1.
- 21+3: Combines your two cards with the dealer’s upcard to make a poker-style hand (like a straight or flush). Payouts can reach 100:1 for rare combinations, though most fall between 5:1 and 40:1.
- Insurance: Pays out 2:1 if the dealer has Blackjack after showing an Ace. Despite its name, it’s often considered one of the least favorable wagers due to its house edge.
Odds and House Edge
Blackjack’s main game can deliver an RTP of more than 99% when played with perfect strategy. But Blackjack side bet odds are far less favorable.
Most side bets sit around 92-96% RTP, with some dropping much lower depending on the casino’s paytable. So, side bets are often seen as high-risk, high-reward options.
Baccarat Side Bets on Jackpot.bet
Baccarat is already known for its simple main wagers on Player, Banker, or Tie. Many tables also feature optional side bets, which can make the game feel more dynamic.
Common Side Bets
- Player Pair / Banker Pair: Pays out when your first two cards make a pair. Typical payouts are around 11:1, but the house edge can be steep, often above 10%.
- Dragon Bonus: Payouts are given when a hand wins by a significant margin. For example, if the Player hand wins by 9 points, it might pay 30:1. The house edge depends on whether you back Player or Banker, with the Player side offering better returns.
- Tie Bet: One of the main bets, which functions like a side wager. Standard payouts are 8:1, though some casinos offer 9:1. The catch is the house edge, which can exceed 14% at the 8:1 payout level.
Risk vs. Reward
The payouts in Baccarat side bets can look tempting, especially when seeing 30:1 or higher listed on the felt. However, the trade-off is a much lower RTP compared to the main bets on Player or Banker.
For comparison, the Banker bet runs at about 98.94% RTP, while many side bets fall below 90%. If you want to explore these side bets in action, you’ll find plenty of options across tables at https://jackpot.bet/.
Pros & Cons of Side Bets
Side bets bring extra action to the table, but they come with trade-offs. On the plus side, they offer payouts far above the main game.
They also keep rounds more exciting, especially when rare combinations land. Many players enjoy this added variety, as it makes familiar games like Blackjack or Baccarat feel less predictable.
However, the downside is cost. Side bets almost always have a higher house edge. It means your balance can shrink faster if you use them often.
Conclusion
Side bets can make casino games more entertaining. Yet, they’re not designed for steady returns.
Options like Perfect Pairs or 21+3 in Blackjack come with a higher payout but lower odds than the main game. And Baccarat offers similar trade-offs with Dragon Bonus and Pair bets.
Ultimately, the key is knowing when to enjoy them for the fun they add, without relying on them as a winning strategy. Now, plenty of tables are waiting on Jackpot.bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side bets in Blackjack?
They are optional wagers placed alongside your main hand. Common examples include Perfect Pairs, where your two cards match.
Another example is 21+3, which combines your cards with the dealer’s upcard to form poker-style hands.
How do Blackjack side bets payout?
Payouts vary depending on the side bet and the casino’s paytable. A suited pair in Perfect Pairs can pay up to 25:1, while a straight flush in 21+3 may reach 40:1 or even higher.
What are the odds on Blackjack side bets?
Side bets generally have worse odds. While Blackjack itself can return over 99% with optimal play, most side bets fall between 92% and 96% RTP, making them riskier long-term.
Should you play side bets in Blackjack on Jackpot.bet?
It depends on your goal. If you’re looking for occasional high-risk, high-reward thrills, side bets can be fun.
But if you’re focused on maintaining the best possible odds, it’s better to stick to the main game.
Peter Smith
