This is an educational guide to how casino games work. House edge and payout figures are typical values and vary by game, rules and operator. No casino game can be beaten in the long run — play for entertainment, never as a way to make money, and only stake what you can afford to lose.
What Are Baccarat Side Bets?
Alongside the main Banker, Player and Tie bets, baccarat tables often offer tempting extra wagers. They’re fun, but worth understanding before you bet. Here’s the rundown.
What they are
Side bets are optional wagers on outcomes beyond who wins the hand. Common ones include Player Pair and Banker Pair — betting that a side’s first two cards form a pair — plus various others depending on the table.
The catch
Side bets offer eye-catching payouts, but they come with much higher house edges than the main bets — often well into double figures. That makes them poor value for anything other than the occasional flutter.
Stick to the basics
For the best odds, the plain Banker bet (about 1.06%) is hard to beat. Treat side bets as a bit of fun, not a strategy, and keep stakes small. See how to play baccarat, the Banker commission and what the house edge is.
Frequently asked questions
What are baccarat side bets?
Optional extra bets — like Player Pair or Banker Pair — on outcomes beyond the main hand.
Are they worth it?
Generally no — side bets carry much higher house edges than the main Banker or Player bets.
Which main bet is best?
The Banker bet, with the lowest house edge; the Tie and most side bets are best avoided.
Related guides: how to play baccarat, the Banker commission and what the house edge is.