Ultimate Guide to Side Bets in Live Dealer Games
Ultimate Guide to Side Bets in Live Dealer Games
Side bets in live dealer games are extra wagers placed alongside your main bet. They focus on specific outcomes - like card pairs, suits, or dealer actions - and offer high payouts, often up to 2,000:1. However, these bets come with higher house edges, sometimes exceeding 30%, making them more about fun than strategy. Popular side bets include 21+3 and Perfect Pairs in blackjack, or Player/Banker Pair in baccarat, each with varying risks and returns.
To enjoy side bets responsibly:
- Allocate 5%-10% of your bankroll for these wagers.
- Choose bets with higher RTP percentages when possible.
- Limit usage to avoid quick losses.
Side bets can enhance your gaming experience but should be treated as entertainment rather than a core strategy.
Top Blackjack Side Bets ♦️♠️
Popular Side Bets by Game Type
Side Bets Comparison: Payouts, RTP and House Edge by Game Type
Live dealer games come with a variety of side bets, each offering different payouts and levels of risk. Knowing what’s available can help you choose bets that align with your preferences.
Live Blackjack Side Bets
21+3 blends blackjack with three-card poker. It uses your first two cards and the dealer's upcard to form poker hands. Here’s how it pays out: Flush (5:1), Straight (10:1), Three-of-a-Kind (30:1), Straight Flush (40:1), and Colored Three-of-a-Kind (100:1). The RTP for this bet is about 95.38%, with the house edge varying between 2.78% and 13.39%, depending on the paytable.
Perfect Pairs focuses on your first two cards. A Mixed Pair (different colors) pays 6:1, a Colored Pair (same color, different suits) pays 12:1, and a Perfect Pair (identical cards) pays 25:1. This bet has an RTP of 95.82% and a house edge of approximately 4.10%.
Insurance becomes an option when the dealer shows an Ace. It costs half your original wager and pays out if the dealer gets blackjack. However, it has a house edge of about 7.40% in a six-deck game, with only a 31.4% chance that the dealer’s hole card is a 10-value card.
Bet Behind allows you to bet on another player’s hand. Other side bets like Lucky 7s offer payouts up to 500:1 for three suited 7s. Evolution’s Infinite Blackjack includes unique side bets like Hot 3 (RTP of 94.60%) and Bust It (RTP of 93.82%).
If blackjack isn’t your game, baccarat provides its own set of side bets with distinct payout structures.
Live Baccarat Side Bets
Baccarat side bets often focus on card combinations, suits, or point margins. The Player Dragon Bonus pays based on the margin of victory: 9 points pays 30:1, 8 points pays 10:1, and so on, down to 4 points paying 1:1. This bet has an RTP of 97.33% and a house edge of 2.65%. The Banker Dragon Bonus offers similar payouts but with a higher house edge of 9.37%.
Player/Banker Pair bets pay 11:1 if the first two cards dealt to either side form a pair, though the house edge is 10.36%. Perfect Pair bets can pay as much as 250:1 if both the Player and Banker hands draw identical cards in rank and suit, with payouts typically ranging from 25:1 to 250:1.
Big and Small bets focus on the total number of cards dealt. A Big bet (5–6 cards) has a 61.10% chance of winning and a house edge of 4.35%, while a Small bet (4 cards) has a house edge of 5.27%. Egalite bets predict specific tie totals, with payouts ranging from 45:1 for totals of 6 or 7 to 225:1 for a total of 2. The most common tie total is 7, with an RTP of 93.62%. Be cautious with bets like Super 6, which carries a steep house edge of 29.98%. Certain EZ Baccarat tables also feature exclusive bets like Dragon 7 (40:1 payout, 7.61% house edge) and Panda 8 (25:1 payout, 10.19% house edge).
Roulette, on the other hand, takes a different approach to side bets, with unique mechanics and payouts.
Live Roulette Side Bets
Roulette side bets often come with higher house edges but offer enticing bonus payouts. For instance, Lightning Roulette applies multipliers between 50x and 500x to 2–5 random numbers before each spin, while maintaining a base RTP of 97.30%.
In Football Roulette, the "Goal" side bet marks five random neighboring numbers with football symbols. While the base game has an RTP of 97.30%, the Goal side bet lowers it to 95.29%, with multipliers ranging from 3x to 100x.
Spread Bet Roulette adds a digital wheel with two rings spinning in opposite directions to determine a total. Payouts go as high as 400:1 for totals of 0–1 (covering just 3 numbers) and as low as 1:1 for totals of 34–54 (covering 603 numbers).
Age of the Gods Roulette introduces a bonus pocket on the wheel that triggers a mini-game with payouts up to 300x your bet. Some versions also include progressive jackpots across four tiers.
For a lower house edge, consider French Roulette, which uses La Partage or En Prison rules. Regardless of the game, it’s always a good idea to check the paytable before placing side bets, as payouts and odds can vary significantly between providers.
Side Bets on Windice Live Casino
Windice's live casino section is powered by Evolution Gaming, a leading provider of live dealer games. Players can dive into Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and entertaining game shows like Crazy Time. These games are streamed in real time with professional dealers running the tables. Evolution Gaming also spices things up with a variety of side bets, giving players extra wagering options beyond the core gameplay. This creates a dynamic betting environment, especially for blackjack enthusiasts.
The platform exclusively supports cryptocurrency transactions, including BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, DOGE, and XRP. This setup ensures fast deposits, keeping the live gaming experience seamless.
Blackjack Side Bet Options on Windice
Side bets in blackjack can add an exciting twist, and Windice offers several options through Evolution Gaming's tables. Popular choices include Hot 3, Bust It, Perfect Pairs, and 21+3.
The Hot 3 bet uses your two cards and the dealer's upcard to determine payouts. For example:
- Three Sevens pay 100:1.
- A suited total of 21 pays 20:1, while an unsuited 21 pays 4:1.
- Totals of 20 and 19 pay 2:1 and 1:1, respectively.
This bet comes with an RTP of 94.60%.
The Bust It side bet focuses on the dealer busting with a specific number of cards. The payouts increase with the number of cards used:
- Eight or more cards: 250:1.
- Seven cards: 100:1.
- Six cards: 50:1.
- Five cards: 9:1.
- Four cards: 2:1.
- Three cards: 1:1.
The RTP for this bet is 93.82%.
For Perfect Pairs, matching cards of the same rank and suit pay 25:1, with an RTP of 95.82%. Meanwhile, the 21+3 bet offers payouts like 100:1 for Suited Trips, with an RTP of 95.38%.
Here’s a breakdown of the side bets available on Windice's blackjack tables:
| Side Bet | Outcome | Payout | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot 3 | Three Sevens | 100:1 | 94.60% |
| Hot 3 | Total 21 (Suited) | 20:1 | 94.60% |
| Hot 3 | Total 21 (Unsuited) | 4:1 | 94.60% |
| Hot 3 | Total 20 | 2:1 | 94.60% |
| Hot 3 | Total 19 | 1:1 | 94.60% |
| Bust It | Dealer busts with 8+ cards | 250:1 | 93.82% |
| Bust It | Dealer busts with 7 cards | 100:1 | 93.82% |
| Bust It | Dealer busts with 6 cards | 50:1 | 93.82% |
| Bust It | Dealer busts with 5 cards | 9:1 | 93.82% |
| Bust It | Dealer busts with 4 cards | 2:1 | 93.82% |
| Bust It | Dealer busts with 3 cards | 1:1 | 93.82% |
| Perfect Pairs | Perfect Pair (same suit/rank) | 25:1 | 95.82% |
| 21+3 | Suited Trips | 100:1 | 95.38% |
Windice Platform Features for Live Casino
Windice goes beyond offering diverse side bets by introducing features that enhance the overall gaming experience. For instance, the platform includes a 10% rakeback system and a VIP rewards program. These perks help balance out the house edge on side bets, which can range from 3.7% to as high as 13.39% in some cases. New players can also claim a 200% deposit match bonus worth up to $1,000.
Social interaction is another highlight. The community chat feature allows players to connect, and active participants may receive random cryptocurrency rewards known as "Rain." Players can also use WINCOIN - the platform's in-game currency - to purchase Faucet boosts for quicker progression.
On the security front, Windice employs two-factor authentication (2FA) and SSL encryption to protect users. Instant withdrawals are another advantage, with funds typically reaching the cryptocurrency network within 10 minutes. This is particularly useful for players who score big on high-multiplier side bets, such as Three Sevens (100:1) or an eight-card Bust It outcome (250:1).
How to Manage Side Bets Effectively
When it comes to high-risk side bets, managing your budget is absolutely key. Side bets often come with a much higher house edge compared to the main wagers in live dealer games. For instance, blackjack's base game can have a house edge as low as 0.486%, but some baccarat side bets, like the Super 6, can climb to a staggering 29.98%. Even more extreme, the Lucky 7 side bet in blackjack can hit a house edge of 49.88%. With odds like these, a disciplined approach to bankroll management is critical to avoid losing money too quickly while still enjoying the game.
Setting a Side Bet Budget
Think of side bets as a bonus feature, not the core of your betting strategy. Set aside a specific portion of your bankroll - around 5% to 10% - just for these bets. This keeps side bets in the realm of entertainment rather than turning them into a financial burden.
Stick to unit betting, where you wager 1%-3% of your bankroll per bet, or use flat betting to maintain control over your spending. For example, if your bankroll is $500, a single unit would range from $5 to $15. Limit your total risk per session to 1%-5% of your bankroll, and always track your wins and losses to ensure you're only playing with money you can afford to lose.
If you prefer a structured system, the 1-3-2-4 betting progression is a conservative choice. Start with 1 unit, increase to 3, then 2, and finally 4 units. If you lose at any stage, reset to 1 unit. This method helps minimize losses during a losing streak.
Establish clear win and loss limits for side bets. If you reach your win target, consider cashing out those earnings to avoid losing them back to the house. Also, avoid placing side bets on every hand. Instead, save them for winning streaks or specific intervals to stretch your budget.
Selecting Side Bets Based on Risk and Return
Once your budget is under control, focus on side bets that match your risk tolerance and desired rewards. Look at Return to Player (RTP) percentages and house edges to make informed decisions. For example, in baccarat, the "Big" side bet offers a 95.65% RTP, making it a safer choice than the "Tie" bet, which has an RTP of just 85.60%. Similarly, the Player Dragon Bonus provides a 97.33% RTP, while the Banker Dragon Bonus comes in lower at 91.63%.
In blackjack, Evolution Gaming’s 21+3 side bet has a theoretical RTP of 95.38%. However, always check the paytable before betting, as payouts can vary widely. For instance, Evolution Gaming pays 30:1 for a Three of a Kind in 21+3, while Ezugi and NetEnt may only offer 25:1 for the same hand. Similarly, in baccarat, the "All Black" side bet offers a 93.58% RTP compared to the "All Red" bet at 86.00%, even though both have similar odds of winning.
One side bet to approach with caution is the Insurance bet in blackjack. Unless you're an expert card counter, its 7.40% house edge makes it a losing play over time. Side bets are generally best for players with larger bankrolls who can afford the extra risk without jeopardizing their main game. As casino expert Neil Walker puts it:
"If you're a percentage player you'd do well to avoid them. However... if your bankroll allows, it's worth playing them, even for small sums, as it adds a bit more fun to the game".
Ultimately, play side bets sparingly and in small amounts to keep the game engaging without putting your bankroll at risk.
Conclusion
Side bets are all about high risk and high reward. They’re separate from your main wager and can offer payouts as high as 2,000:1, though they come with much steeper house edges. These bets are purely based on luck and don’t influence the outcome of your main game.
Treat side bets as a fun addition to your gaming experience, not a core strategy. Consider using just a small portion of your bankroll - around 5% to 10% - for these risky wagers. Always review the paytable beforehand, as payout rates for the same side bet can differ significantly depending on the provider. The bottom line: side bets are there to add a little excitement, not to replace smart, strategic play.
FAQs
What should I know about the risks and rewards of placing side bets in live dealer games?
Placing side bets in live dealer games can add an extra layer of thrill and the possibility of larger payouts - sometimes far exceeding standard bets. Take blackjack, for instance. Side bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3 can lead to some exciting wins, making the game feel more engaging and unpredictable.
That said, side bets carry a higher level of risk. They usually come with a larger house edge compared to the main game, meaning the odds aren’t as favorable for players. While the potential payouts might catch your eye, the likelihood of hitting these bets is generally lower. To keep things fun and balanced, think of side bets as a way to spice up your gameplay every now and then, not as a go-to strategy. And, of course, always play within your limits.
What’s the best way to manage my bankroll when placing side bets in live dealer games?
Effective bankroll management plays a crucial role when it comes to placing side bets in live dealer games. These bets often come with a higher house edge, which means losses can add up quickly if you're not careful. A smart approach is to dedicate only a small percentage of your total bankroll to side bets - ideally no more than 1–2% per wager. This strategy helps keep potential losses in check and ensures your funds last longer.
Equally important is setting strict loss limits - and sticking to them. If you reach your loss limit, it’s wise to step away for a while or shift to bets that carry less risk. Resist the urge to chase losses by increasing your wagers, as this can rapidly deplete your bankroll. By staying disciplined and aligning your bets with your available funds, you can enjoy the thrill of side bets without losing control of your gambling experience.
What are the best side bets in live dealer games for a low house edge and high RTP?
Some of the standout side bets in live dealer blackjack are Perfect Pairs and 21+3. These options strike a nice balance between being entertaining and offering relatively favorable odds. While the exact return-to-player (RTP) percentages and house edge can differ based on the game provider and specific rules, these bets usually come with a house edge of about 2-4%. This makes them more appealing compared to many other side bets.
To get the most out of your gameplay, take a moment to review the payout tables and rules for the live dealer game you're playing. Knowing these details can help you make smarter choices and improve your overall experience.
