What are Baccarat Bets and Side Bets

The Baccarat game is very simple, as it offers three possible betting options. These three bets are considered the main bets in baccarat and are what players usually stick to.

In addition to the main bets, players have the option to also place some baccarat side bets, which offer an extra level of excitement for bettors. Side bets, at the same time, have a massive payout, but the house edge is huge as well, as they are not very likely to happen.

Understanding both main Baccarat bets and side bets is essential for any player who is looking to both enjoy the game, but also be successful in it.

Types of Baccarat Bets for Filipino Players

As already mentioned, there are three main types of bets in the game of baccarat; betting on the player’s hand to win, betting on the banker’s hand to win, or for a tie.

Each of the three main bets provides different payouts and house edges. The probability of each bet happening is different, so bettors should be well-informed about it.

Betting on Player

If you place a bet on the Player, it basically means you're betting for the Player's hand to be better than the Banker's hand. So, if the Player's hand value is closer to 9, the Player's hand will be the one that wins.

The Player bet is a decent choice in baccarat, though it's the opposite of the Banker's bet, which is generally considered the most preferred one.

Betting on the Banker

Betting on the Banker is often considered the best option, as the house edge is typically low, around 1.06% regardless of the number of decks played. The Banker's bet is the most preferred bet in baccarat because, due to the order of play where the banker always acts last, this hand is statistically more likely to win.

It’s always a good idea for a player to include the banker’s bet in their strategy, but remember that a small commission (usually 5%) is typically deducted from winning Banker bets.

Betting on a Tie

Betting on a tie has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest challenge with tie betting is that this outcome is very unlikely to happen, as both the banker’s and player’s hands must have an equal score, for example, if both hands result in a score of 6.

However, due to the fact that Ties rarely occur, they offer very attractive payouts that some players might find appealing.

Exploring Baccarat Side Bets for Filipino Gamblers

Side Bets are additional wagers that players can place during a game of Baccarat. While there are numerous side bets available, this guide will focus on the most popular and widespread ones.

It is important for any player to know that side bets are considered quite risky, so many players, especially those new to online baccarat games, tend to avoid placing them.

Pair Bet

The pair bet predicts if the two cards dealt will form a pair. The payout for a pair bet is typically 11:1, but the house edge can be as high as 11%, depending on the online casino. A Pair Bet can be placed on either the banker’s hand, the player’s hand, or both.

All Black/ Red

The all black or red side bet is a wager on whether the hand will contain only black or red cards.

The all-black bet offers a 24:1 payout with a house edge of 6.53%, whereas the all-red bet has a slightly lower payout of 22:1, but the house edge is 14%.

Big/ Small

There are other side bets that can be seen in many online casinos, like Big and Small. The big and small bets are to bet on the total number of cards in play. This bet is strongly dependent on how the player’s hand is played. If, in the end, there are 4 cards on the table, the small bet wins, but if there are 5 or 6 cards, the big bet wins.

Bellagio Match

The Bellagio match is a side bet on whether the hand will get three of a kind. The Bellagio match has a payout of 68:1 for the banker’s hand, and 75:1 for the player’s hand. The house edge varies from 5.27% to 8.57%.

Dragon Bonus

It is about either hand winning with a natural hand with an exact point margin. The higher the margin, the bigger the payout:

• 9 points - 30:1
• 8 points = 10:1
• 7 points = 6:1
• 6 points = 4:1
• 5 points = 2:1
• 4 points = 1:1
• 3 points or fewer = Loss.

The house edge for the dragon bonus is usually about 2.65% for the player’s hand, but it goes up to 9.37% for the banker’s hand.

Lucky Bonus

Lucky baccarat bonus bets are among the most exciting side options that the game offers. This is a wager for the banker's hand to win while being worth 6 points. The game has a great payout of 18:1, with a house edge of just 2.34%.

Matching Dragon

The Matching Dragon is a wager on how many cards of a specific rank will be dealt to the banker and the player. The Matching Dragon side bet has a house edge of 16.99%. Here are the payouts for the Matching Dragon side bets in baccarat:

• 6 cards = 100:1 payout
• 5 cards = 60:1
• 4 cards = 40:1
• 3 cards = 20:1
• 2 cards = 3:1
• 1 card = 1:1
• No cards of a specific rank = Loss

Baccarat Bets to Avoid for Filipino Players

Side bets, much like the Tie bet, are generally not recommended for players in the Philippines looking to create a winning strategy. To maximize your chances of winning, it's best to exclude these from your gameplay.

Overall, betting on a tie and side bets in Baccarat is something that any player should avoid if they aim to stay profitable in the long run.

When Should Filipino Players Consider Baccarat Side Bets?

While baccarat side bets often work against players due to their high house edge, and the generous payouts rarely compensate for losses, they can offer exciting profits for those with a robust betting strategy. However, this approach demands a substantial budget and considerable patience, which might not be ideal for many Filipino players.

Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth the Risk for Filipinos?

Even novice players understand that most online casinos offer baccarat tables with side bets, which are best avoided. The statistical odds of any side bet winning are so low that achieving long-term profit is nearly impossible for players in the Philippines.

Conclusion for Filipino Baccarat Players

Baccarat offers a variety of bets for players. The most straightforward approach is to stick to the main Banker, Player, and Tie bets. However, for those seeking extra thrills, baccarat side bets are available alongside the main wagers.

Side bets offer higher payouts but come with significantly greater risk. Therefore, it's generally recommended for Filipino players to stick to the main three bets. Understanding both standard baccarat bets and side bets will provide a clearer picture of the odds and help you make more informed decisions to potentially increase your winnings.