iGaming Glossary / Side Bet
What is Side Bet?
An extra optional wager on a table game. It usually carries a higher house edge than the main bet.
A side bet is an extra wager you can place alongside the main bet on a table game. In blackjack or baccarat, for example, you might bet on getting a pair or on a particular pattern of cards. It is fully optional and sits on its own next to your standard stake.
Side bets add variety and the chance of a bigger one-off payout, which is why they are popular. The catch is that they almost always carry a higher house edge than the main game, so they cost you more over time.
Used now and then for fun they are harmless, but leaning on them as a main strategy will usually drain a bankroll faster. Check the paytable to see the real odds before committing.
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