What is Side Bet?

A side bet is an optional extra wager placed alongside the main bet in a table game, settled on its own condition rather than on who wins the round. Familiar examples include pair bets in blackjack, dragon-style bonuses in baccarat, and proposition wagers in craps. Side bets pay long odds on infrequent card or dice combinations, which is what makes them attractive, but the trade-off is direct: they usually carry a noticeably higher house edge than the main game and they increase the amount you stake each round. Two side bets on every hand can quietly double or triple hourly spend without feeling like a bigger bet. They are entertainment features, not a way to improve returns, and are always optional.