Side bets are optional wagers available alongside the main game on many casino table games. They offer the tantalising promise of large payouts from small stakes, adding an extra dimension of excitement to traditional games like blackjack, baccarat and roulette. However, these seemingly attractive propositions almost always come with significantly higher house edges than the main game.
This comprehensive guide explores side bets across popular casino table games, examining their mechanics, payouts, house edges, and whether they offer value for players. Understanding the mathematics and risks behind side bets helps you make informed decisions about when – if ever – they might be worth considering.
What Are Side Bets?
Side bets are supplementary wagers placed independently of the main game, though they’re resolved based on cards dealt or outcomes that occur during the main game.
Key Characteristics
Optional: Side bets are never mandatory; you can always play the main game without them
Independent: Side bet outcomes are separate from whether you win or lose the main hand
Higher Payouts: Side bets typically offer much larger potential payouts than even-money main bets
Higher House Edge: The trade-off for big payouts is significantly worse odds for players
Based on Specific Events: Side bets pay when particular card combinations, sequences, or outcomes occur
Why Casinos Offer Side Bets
Side bets serve several purposes for casinos:
Increased Revenue: Higher house edges generate more profit per pound wagered
Player Retention: Added excitement encourages longer play sessions
Lower-Stakes Appeal: Players can wager small amounts for chances at significant wins
Cross-Game Appeal: Side bets attract players who might find the main game intimidating
Bankroll Extraction: Players who might otherwise slow-play can spend more per hour
Blackjack Side Bets
Blackjack offers the most diverse range of side bets, found in nearly every casino offering the game.
Perfect Pairs
One of the most common blackjack side bets, Perfect Pairs pays based on whether your first two cards form a pair.
Payout Structure (Standard):
HandPayoutDescriptionPerfect Pair25:1Identical cards (same rank and suit)Coloured Pair12:1Same rank and colour, different suitsMixed Pair6:1Same rank, different colours
Example: You’re dealt two 8s
- If both are 8♠ and 8♠ (impossible with one deck, but possible with multiple decks in the same position): Perfect
- If both red 8s (8♥ and 8♦): Coloured Pair
- If one red and one black 8: Mixed Pair
House Edge: Approximately 2-11% depending on the number of decks and specific paytable
Analysis: Whilst 25:1 sounds attractive, the probability of any pair is roughly 1 in 13, and a perfect pair is much rarer. The house edge is substantially worse than standard blackjack (0.5% with basic strategy).
21+3
This side bet combines your two cards with the dealer’s upcard to form a three-card poker hand.
Payout Structure (Standard):
HandPayoutDescriptionSuited Three of a Kind100:1Three identical cards (e.g., 7♠ 7♠ 7♠)Straight Flush40:1Three consecutive suited cardsThree of a Kind30:1Three cards of the same rankStraight10:1Three consecutive cards, mixed suitsFlush5:1Three cards of the same suit
Example: You have K♥ Q♥ and dealer shows J♥ = Straight Flush (40:1)
House Edge: Approximately 2.8-3.2% with standard paytables
Analysis: More favourable than Perfect Pairs but still significantly worse than the main game. The appeal lies in the substantial top payouts, though these are extremely rare.
Insurance
Technically a side bet, though often misunderstood as part of the main game.
When Offered: When the dealer’s upcard is an ace
Bet Amount: Up to half your original bet
Pays: 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack
House Edge: Approximately 5.8-7.5% depending on deck composition
Analysis: Insurance is almost always a poor bet. Only card counters with knowledge that the remaining deck is rich in tens should take insurance. For basic strategy players, always decline insurance.
Bust It
This side bet wins if the dealer busts, with higher payouts based on the number of cards the dealer takes before busting.
Typical Payouts:
- Dealer busts with 3-4 cards: 1:1 to 2:1
- Dealer busts with 5-6 cards: 4:1 to 15:1
- Dealer busts with 7 cards: 50:1
- Dealer busts with 8+ cards: 250:1
House Edge: Approximately 5.5-7%
Analysis: The appeal is watching the dealer struggle and hoping for a multi-card bust. However, the house edge is punishing, making this a purely entertainment-driven bet.
Lucky Ladies
Pays based on the player’s first two cards totalling 20, with bonuses for special 20s.
Typical Payouts:
- Q♥ Q♥ (both Queens of Hearts) with dealer blackjack: 1000:1
- Q♥ Q♥ without dealer blackjack: 200:1
- Any suited 20: 9:1
- Any 20: 4:1
House Edge: Approximately 17-25%, extremely high
Analysis: Despite massive top payouts, the house edge makes Lucky Ladies one of the worst bets in the casino. The 1000:1 payout is so rare that it doesn’t offset the terrible odds on lower-tier wins.
Baccarat Side Bets
Baccarat, already a simple game, offers various side bets to add interest.
Dragon Bonus
The most popular baccarat side bet, Dragon Bonus pays based on the margin of victory for Player or Banker.
Typical Payouts (for Natural Wins and Large Margins):
OutcomePayoutNatural winner1:1Non-natural win by 9 points30:1Non-natural win by 8 points10:1Non-natural win by 7 points6:1Non-natural win by 6 points4:1Non-natural win by 5 points2:1Non-natural win by 4 points1:1
House Edge: Approximately 2.7% on Banker, 2.8% on Player
Analysis: Dragon Bonus is one of the better baccarat side bets, with a house edge only slightly higher than the main Banker bet (1.06%). For players seeking excitement beyond the main game, it’s relatively reasonable, though still worse than avoiding side bets entirely.
Lucky 6
In commission-free baccarat variants, Lucky 6 pays a bonus when Banker wins with a three-card total of 6.
Typical Payouts:
- Banker wins with 3-card 6: 12:1 to 20:1
- Some variants: 2-card 6 pays lower amount
House Edge: Approximately 5.3%
Analysis: The house edge is moderate for a side bet but still significantly worse than the main game. This is primarily a bet for players who enjoy commission-free baccarat and want additional action.
Pairs Side Bets
Similar to blackjack’s Perfect Pairs, baccarat offers side bets on whether Player or Banker receives a pair.
Typical Payouts:
- Any pair: 11:1
House Edge: Approximately 10.4%
Analysis: High house edge with infrequent wins makes this an expensive proposition. Only for players prioritising entertainment over value.
Tiger
A side bet that wins if the difference between Player and Banker is just one point, and neither hand equals the number of cards dealt.
House Edge: Approximately 7.6%
Analysis: Complex rules and high house edge make this a niche bet with little value.
Three Card Poker Side Bets
Three Card Poker itself is sometimes considered a side game to traditional poker, but it offers its own additional side bets.
Pair Plus
Actually one of the main betting options in Three Card Poker, but technically independent of the Ante-Play game.
Typical Payouts:
HandPayoutStraight Flush40:1Three of a Kind30:1Straight6:1Flush3:1Pair1:1
House Edge: Approximately 2.3% with standard paytable
Analysis: One of the better side bets available in any game. The house edge is reasonable, and wins occur relatively frequently (roughly 25% of hands).
6 Card Bonus
Uses the player’s three cards and dealer’s three cards to form the best five-card poker hand.
Typical Top Payouts:
- Royal Flush: 1000:1
- Straight Flush: 200:1
- Four of a Kind: 100:1
- Full House: 20:1
- Flush: 15:1
House Edge: Approximately 8-15% depending on paytable
Analysis: Large top payouts are enticing but extremely rare. The house edge is high, making this expensive entertainment.
Caribbean Stud Poker Side Bets
Caribbean Stud’s main side bet is the Progressive Jackpot.
Progressive Jackpot
A £1 (typically) side bet that pays for strong hands, with a progressive jackpot for a royal flush.
Typical Payouts:
- Royal Flush: 100% of progressive jackpot
- Straight Flush: 10% of progressive jackpot
- Four of a Kind: Fixed amount (e.g., £500)
- Full House: Fixed amount (e.g., £100)
- Flush: Fixed amount (e.g., £50)
House Edge: Varies with jackpot size; approximately 26-29% when the jackpot is at minimum (very high)
Break-Even Point: The progressive must reach a very high amount (often £200,000+) before the expected value becomes positive
Analysis: Despite the excitement of potentially winning six figures, the house edge is enormous. Even when the jackpot is large, the odds of hitting a royal flush (approximately 1 in 650,000) make this a very poor bet for almost all situations.
Roulette Side Bets and Neighbour Bets
Roulette offers special betting options beyond the standard inside and outside bets.
Neighbour Bets
Betting on a number and its physical neighbours on the roulette wheel.
Example: “Five and the neighbours” covers five numbers: the chosen number plus the two numbers on each side on the physical wheel
House Edge: Same as standard roulette bets (2.7% for European, 5.26% for American)
Analysis: These aren’t technically side bets with worse odds – they’re combination bets with the same house edge. They’re fine to play if you enjoy them, as they don’t cost you extra value.
Special Combination Bets
Certain named bets cover specific sections of the wheel:
Voisins du Zéro: The “neighbours of zero” – 17 numbers on the wheel around zero Tiers du Cylindre: Approximately one third of the wheel opposite zero Orphelins: The “orphans” – numbers not covered by the above
House Edge: Same as standard roulette (2.7% for European)
Analysis: Again, these maintain the same house edge and are acceptable to play if you find them entertaining.
Ultimate Texas Hold’em Side Bets
The Trips bonus bet is the main side bet in Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
Trips Bonus
Pays based on your final five-card hand, regardless of whether you win the main hand.
Standard Paytable:
HandPayoutRoyal Flush50:1Straight Flush40:1Four of a Kind30:1Full House8:1Flush7:1Straight4:1Three of a Kind3:1
House Edge: Approximately 3.5%
Analysis: While the house edge is higher than the main game (2.2%), it’s relatively reasonable for a side bet. If you enjoy the sweat of hoping for strong hands, the Trips bet offers acceptable value compared to many alternatives.
Are Side Bets Ever Worth It?
This is the critical question. The answer depends on how you define “worth it.”
From a Mathematical Perspective: Usually No
Higher House Edges: Nearly all side bets have substantially higher house edges than their main games
Expected Loss: You will lose more money on side bets over time than on main bets
Bankroll Drain: Side bets accelerate the rate at which you lose money
Opportunity Cost: Money spent on side bets could be used for additional main-game bets with better odds
From an Entertainment Perspective: Sometimes Yes
Excitement Factor: Side bets add variety and excitement to potentially monotonous main games
Jackpot Dreams: Small bets for large potential payouts create memorable moments
Break-Even Point: If you value the entertainment sufficiently, the “cost” (higher house edge) might be acceptable
Social Element: Big side bet wins create shareable moments and stories
The Middle Ground Approach
Occasional Entertainment: Making small side bets occasionally for entertainment while focusing primarily on optimal main-game play
Bankroll Percentage: Limiting side bets to a small percentage (5-10%) of your session bankroll
Better Side Bets: Choosing side bets with lower house edges (e.g., 21+3 over Lucky Ladies)
Never Chasing: Avoiding the trap of increasing side bets after losses hoping to recover
How to Evaluate Side Bets
When considering a side bet, ask yourself these questions:
What Is the House Edge?
Under 3%: Relatively reasonable (though still worse than many main games) 3-7%: Moderate to high; expensive entertainment Over 7%: Very high; poor value unless you specifically want that excitement Over 15%: Extremely high; almost never justified
What Is Your Goal?
Minimise Losses: Avoid all side bets Maximise Entertainment: Select side bets with interesting mechanics and acceptable house edges Chase Big Wins: Understand you’re paying a premium for the possibility
Can You Afford It?
Yes: You have sufficient bankroll to absorb side bet losses without impacting your main game No: Side bets will deplete your bankroll faster, shortening your session
What Are the Alternatives?
Higher Main Bets: Could you simply bet more on the main game with better odds? Different Game: Would a different game better suit what you’re seeking? Promotional Bets: Are there better-value promotional bets available?
Common Misconceptions About Side Bets
Several myths about side bets persist among casino players.
Myth: “Side Bets Are Due to Hit”
Reality: Every side bet is an independent event with fixed probabilities that don’t change based on recent results
Myth: “Side Bets Help Cover Losses”
Reality: Side bets have worse odds, making them terrible hedges. They increase overall expected losses, not decrease them
Myth: “This Casino Has Loose Side Bets”
Reality: Side bet payouts are fixed by the game rules, not adjusted by individual casinos (though paytables can vary)
Myth: “Card Counting Helps with Side Bets”
Partial Truth: Some blackjack side bets can theoretically be beaten with advanced card counting, but this is extremely difficult and rare. For 99.9% of players, card counting won’t help with side bets
Myth: “Small Side Bets Don’t Matter”
Reality: Even £1 side bets add up over time. With a 10% house edge, you lose £10 per hour on 100 rounds at £1 per round
Side Bet Strategies and Guidelines
If you choose to play side bets despite their higher house edges, these guidelines help manage the experience.
Set Separate Budgets
Main Game Budget: Money allocated for standard play Side Bet Budget: Separate, smaller amount specifically for side bets Never Mix: Don’t dip into your main budget to fund side bets
Choose Lower House Edge Options
When side betting, prioritise bets with lower house edges:
- Better Choices: 21+3 (2.8%), Dragon Bonus (2.7%), Three Card Poker Pair Plus (2.3%)
- Poor Choices: Lucky Ladies (17-25%), Caribbean Stud Progressive (26-29%), Bust It (5.5-7%)
Bet Proportionally
Rule of Thumb: Side bets should be 10-20% of your main bet, not equal to or greater than it
Example: If betting £10 on blackjack, consider £1-£2 side bets, not £10 side bets
Don’t Chase Side Bet Losses
Losing Streak: If your side bets aren’t hitting, don’t increase them hoping to recover Winning Streak: Similarly, don’t dramatically increase side bets after a big win
Take Breaks from Side Bets
Intermittent Use: Consider only making side bets every 5-10 hands rather than every single hand Session Variety: Some sessions with side bets, others without
Track Your Results
Monitor Spending: Keep track of how much you’re spending on side bets Evaluate Value: Honestly assess whether the entertainment value justifies the cost Adjust Behaviour: If side bets are draining your bankroll uncomfortably fast, reduce or eliminate them
The Psychology of Side Bets
Understanding why side bets are attractive helps you make more rational decisions.
Near-Miss Effect
Side bets often feature near-misses (e.g., getting two cards of a pair but not the third), which trigger similar brain responses to actual wins and encourage continued play.
Variable Reward Schedule
The unpredictable nature of side bet wins creates a powerful psychological hook similar to slot machines.
Social Comparison
Seeing other players win side bets creates FOMO (fear of missing out) and social pressure to participate.
Loss Aversion
Players often irrationally avoid the “regret” of not having a side bet when they would have won, even though this regret is illogical.
Optimism Bias
Players overestimate their chances of winning and underestimate the impact of the house edge.
When Might Side Bets Be Acceptable?
In certain specific scenarios, side bets might be reasonable:
You Have Ample Bankroll
If losses from side bets won’t impact your ability to enjoy your session or your financial wellbeing, they’re purely an entertainment choice.
You Understand and Accept the Cost
If you view side bets as paying for additional entertainment and aren’t deceiving yourself about the mathematics, informed consent makes them acceptable.
The Social Experience Matters
If you’re at a table with friends and side bets are part of the social experience, the non-monetary value might justify participation.
You’re Playing Very Casually
If you visit casinos rarely and are more interested in the experience than optimal play, side bets can enhance your enjoyment.
The House Edge Is Relatively Low
Side bets under 3% house edge (like some versions of 21+3 or Dragon Bonus) are significantly less costly than others, though still worse than main games.
Conclusion
Side bets in casino table games offer an intriguing trade-off: the possibility of large payouts from small stakes in exchange for significantly worse odds. For the vast majority of situations and players, side bets represent poor value from a mathematical perspective.
Key Takeaways:
- Higher House Edges: Side bets almost always have substantially higher house edges than main games
- Entertainment Premium: You’re paying extra for additional excitement and variety
- Bankroll Impact: Side bets accelerate losses and can quickly deplete your session bankroll
- Not All Equal: Some side bets are markedly worse than others; choose carefully if you play them
- Optional Always: Never feel obligated to make side bets
- Informed Decisions: Understanding the mathematics allows you to make choices aligned with your goals
If your goal is to minimise losses and maximise playing time, avoid side bets entirely and focus on optimal main-game strategy. If your goal is entertainment and you have sufficient bankroll to absorb the additional cost, carefully selected side bets can add variety to your casino experience.
Whatever you choose, approach side bets with full awareness of their costs and characteristics. They’re designed to be attractive and exciting, but that excitement comes at a price measured in percentage points of house edge. Play them knowingly or avoid them entirely – both approaches are valid depending on your priorities and circumstances.
For help with gambling concerns:
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24/7)
GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
Remember: side bets are optional. When the fun stops, stop.