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Ian Calvert
Baccarat is one of the most iconic casino games in the world. From glamorous casino floors to online platforms, it has always carried an air of sophistication while being surprisingly simple to play. In Malaysia, baccarat’s popularity has grown rapidly, especially with the rise of baccarat online casinos such as me88 live casino, where players can join live tables or enjoy digital versions of the game anytime.
Most players know baccarat for its straightforward betting options: Banker, Player, or Tie. But modern baccarat has evolved to include something more: side bets. These optional wagers run alongside the main game and offer bigger payouts, new betting opportunities, and an added layer of excitement. However, they also come with higher risk, leading many to wonder: are side bets worth playing in baccarat online malaysia?
This article explores how side bets work in baccarat game online, the most common types available at platforms like me88, and whether they’re a smart choice for Malaysian players looking to play baccarat online.
What Are Side Bets in Baccarat Online?
Definition of Side Bets
Side bets in baccarat are optional wagers that players can place in addition to the standard Banker, Player, or Tie bets. They don’t influence the main game outcome, meaning you can lose your side bet while still winning your main bet, or vice versa.
For example, you may bet on the Banker hand while also wagering that the Player hand will start with a pair. Even if Banker wins, you can lose the side bet if the Player’s first two cards don’t form a pair.
Why Side Bets Exist
Side bets exist for one main reason: to make baccarat more exciting. The standard game is simple, but for some players, it can feel repetitive. Adding side bets brings variety, higher payouts, and new ways to win. This is especially appealing in baccarat online casinos, where players often want faster action and more options.
In fact, side bets have become so popular that nearly every modern version of baccarat online malaysia includes them, particularly in live dealer rooms.
Where You’ll See Them
You’ll encounter side bets most often in:
- Live dealer baccarat at platforms like me88 live casino, where the dealers highlight side bet options on-screen.
- RNG-based baccarat online games, where betting buttons for side bets are clearly displayed.
No matter the format, side bets are designed to add thrill, but they should be approached with caution.
Popular Types of Side Bets in Baccarat Game Online
Side bets vary depending on the version of baccarat you’re playing, but here are the most common ones you’ll find at online casino malaysia platforms like me88.
Player Pair and Banker Pair
These are among the most straightforward side bets. You’re betting that the first two cards dealt to either the Player or the Banker will form a pair.
- Payout: Usually 11:1.
- Example: If the Banker’s first two cards are both 7s, you win the Banker Pair bet.
This side bet is common at me88 live casino tables and appeals to beginners because it’s easy to understand.
Perfect Pair
A variation of the pair bets, Perfect Pair pays when the first two cards dealt form an identical pair, same rank and suit.
- Payout: Often 25:1, sometimes higher.
- Example: Two 8♣ cards dealt to the Player hand.
Perfect Pair bets are rare to hit but offer much larger payouts, making them attractive for risk-takers.
Either Pair
With this side bet, you’re wagering that either the Player or Banker hand will start with a pair.
- Payout: Usually 5:1.
- Example: The Player hand receives a pair of 5s, or the Banker hand receives a pair of 10s.
This is easier to win than Player Pair or Banker Pair but comes with smaller payouts.
Big and Small Bets
These bets don’t focus on the value of the hands but on how many cards are dealt in total.
- Small Bet: Wins if only four cards are dealt in the game (no third card drawn).
- Big Bet: Wins if five or six cards are dealt (third card drawn to one or both sides).
- Payouts: Small Bet pays around 2:1, while Big Bet pays about 4:1.
Big and Small bets are popular in baccarat game online because they’re based on game mechanics rather than card values.
Dragon Bonus
Dragon Bonus is one of the most exciting side bets. It pays when either the Player or Banker wins by a significant margin.
- Payout: Can range from 1:1 to 30:1 depending on the margin of victory.
- Example: Banker wins with a natural 9, or the Player wins by a difference of 7 points.
This side bet is widely available in baccarat online malaysia and is especially popular at me88 live casino.
Pros and Cons of Playing Side Bets
Advantages
- Bigger Payouts: Side bets offer much higher rewards than the standard 1:1 (Player) or 0.95:1 (Banker). Perfect Pairs and Dragon Bonus can reach payouts of 25:1 or more.
- Added Excitement: They make baccarat more dynamic, preventing it from feeling repetitive.
- More Variety: Especially in baccarat online casinos, side bets attract players who enjoy multiple betting options.
Disadvantages
- Higher House Edge: Side bets often carry a house edge of 5–10% or more, compared to just 1–1.2% for Banker and Player bets.
- Faster Bankroll Drain: Because they’re harder to win, betting too much on side bets can empty your balance quickly.
- Not Strategy-Friendly: Unlike the main bets, side bets rely heavily on luck, leaving no room for consistent long-term strategies.
Are Side Bets Worth Playing?
For Casual Players
If you play baccarat mostly for fun and entertainment, side bets can be a great way to add excitement. Betting a small amount on a Perfect Pair or Dragon Bonus while keeping most of your stake on Banker or Player can make the game more thrilling.
For Serious Players
If your goal is to minimize the house edge and stretch your bankroll, side bets aren’t worth it. Banker bets remain the smartest choice because of their low house edge. Serious players in baccarat online malaysia usually avoid side bets or use them sparingly.
Balanced Approach
A good compromise is to keep side bets as a small part of your strategy. For example, allocate 90% of your wager to Banker or Player and 10% to a side bet. This way, you get the excitement without risking your entire bankroll.
Tips for Playing Side Bets in Baccarat Online
Start with Small Bets
Side bets are high-risk. Start with small amounts to test them out, especially if you’re new to baccarat game online.
Understand the Payouts and Odds
Not all side bets are equal. Always check the payout tables before betting. At me88 live casino, payouts are displayed clearly so you know what you’re risking.
Avoid Relying on Them
Side bets should be entertainment, not your main strategy. Treat them as a bonus, not a guaranteed way to win.
Play at Trusted Platforms
Stick to licensed and secure platforms like me88, where side bets are fair and transparent. Playing at unregulated sites puts you at risk of unclear rules and unfair odds.
Why me88 Is the Best Place to Try Baccarat Side Bets
For Malaysian players, me88 stands out as one of the best platforms to play baccarat online with side bets. Here’s why:
- Multiple Variants: Classic Baccarat, Speed Baccarat, and No Commission versions with side bet options.
- Clear Payouts: Every side bet is displayed on the table, so players know exactly what to expect.
- Flexible Betting Limits: Low minimum bets allow beginners to try side bets without risking too much.
- Trusted Reputation: Licensed and recognized as a safe online casino malaysia brand.
- Live Casino Excitement: Professional dealers at me88 live casino make side bets even more engaging.
Conclusion
Side bets in baccarat add a new layer of excitement to an already thrilling game. They provide higher payouts, variety, and entertainment value, but they also come with higher risks and bigger house edges.
For casual players in Malaysia, side bets are worth exploring occasionally, especially at trusted platforms like me88 live casino. However, for those who want consistent, low-risk play, sticking to Banker bets remains the smarter choice.
At the end of the day, baccarat is about fun and balance. If you want to play baccarat online responsibly, use side bets as a way to spice up your sessions, not as your main strategy.
Explore other Baccarat guides below:
Beginner Mistakes in Baccarat and How to Avoid Them
When to Stop Playing: Setting Win and Loss Limits in Baccarat
