Pros and Cons of the Dragon Side Bet
Baccarat is a card game with higher stakes and elegance. According to Crescent School of Gaming, Originating in Italy during the 15th century, it was known as “baccara,” meaning zero, reflecting the zero value of face cards and tens in the game. Before I tell you what is dragon in Baccarat, let’s have a quick overview of its pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| Higher payouts | Higher house edge |
| More thrilling gaming experience | Less frequent wins due to specific margins |
| Significant wins if bets are placed strategically | Depletes bankroll if used excessively |
What is the Dragon Side Bet?
The Dragon side bet in Baccarat is an additional wager players can place alongside the standard betting options. Unlike regular bets on the Player, Banker, or Tie, the Dragon bet focuses on the margin of victory. Specifically, it involves betting on whether the winning hand will win by a significant margin, typically by at least four points.
While standard bets have straightforward outcomes, the Dragon requires predicting the winner while focusing on the extent of their victory. The Dragon side bet is commonly used in Baccarat games in both physical casinos and online platforms.
How Does the Dragon Side Bet Work?
The Dragon side bet in Baccarat is a wager placed on the winning hand, achieving a victory by a substantial margin. Specifically, the Dragon bet pays out based on the number of points the winning hand exceeds the losing hand.
For example, the payout increases if the winning hand triumphs by four or more points. The exact payouts vary depending on the casino’s rules, but typically, the larger the margin of victory, the higher the payout. Reviews often highlight the excitement and potential for significant payouts with this side bet, adding thrill to the game.
How to Place a Dragon Side Bet?
To place a Dragon side bet, follow these steps:
- Decide how much you want to wager on the Dragon side bet.
- Position your chips in the designated Dragon bet area on the Baccarat table.
- The dealer will determine the winning hand by dealing the cards.
- If the winning hand meets the criteria for the Dragon bet (usually winning by at least four points), you will receive a payout according to the casino’s payout table.
Example of Placing and Winning a Dragon Bet
Imagine you are playing a game of Baccarat and decide to place a $10 Dragon side bet. The dealer deals with the cards. The Player hand ends up with 9 points, while the Banker hand has 4 points. Since the Player hand won by 5 points, you win the Dragon bet. A 5-point win might pay out 4:1 based on typical payout structures. Therefore, your $10 Dragon bet would earn you $40 in winnings.
Payouts and Odds
The payout structure for Dragon bets in Baccarat varies depending on the margin of victory. Typically, the payouts increase with the number of points the winning hand exceeds the losing hand. For instance, a 4-point win might pay 1:1, a 5-point win 2:1, a 6-point win 4:1, and so on, with higher margins offering even greater rewards.
Dragon bets have different odds compared to standard bets in Baccarat. Standard bets (Player, Banker, Tie) have straightforward odds: the Banker bet has a lesser house edge, and the Player bet has a marginally higher edge. The Tie bet has the highest edge but offers substantial payouts. Dragon bets, however, are less likely to win due to their dependence on specific victory margins, making them riskier but potentially more rewarding.
The house edge for Dragon bets is generally higher than standard bets. While the Banker and Player bets have house edges around 1.06% and 1.24%, respectively, Dragon bets can have a house edge exceeding 9%. This higher edge reflects the increased difficulty of predicting a specific margin of victory. Dragon bets are more engaging when Baccarat players bend the cards, as this practice adds an element of suspense and excitement, further enhancing the overall experience.
Final Words About Dragon in Baccarat
The Dragon side bet in Baccarat adds an exciting layer to the game, offering higher payouts for predicting significant margins of victory. While it has a higher house edge and less frequent wins, its thrill and potential for substantial rewards make it a popular choice among seasoned players.
