Side Bets and Bet Behind: Boosting Excitement in Live Casino Games

What Are Side Bets and Bet Behind?

Side bets and Bet Behind are optional wagering features in live casino games, primarily blackjack, but also found in baccarat, roulette, and poker variants like Texas Hold’em. Side bets are additional wagers placed alongside the main bet, focusing on specific card combinations or outcomes independent of the main game’s result. Bet Behind allows players to bet on another player’s hand, ideal when tables are full or for leveraging skilled players’ decisions. Both add excitement and higher payout potential to classic table games.

Why Side Bets and Bet Behind Are Popular

• Higher Payouts: Side bets offer up to 5,000:1 odds, far exceeding standard game payouts like blackjack’s 3:2.
• Added Excitement: They introduce variety and mini-games within the main game, appealing to thrill-seekers.
• Accessibility: Bet Behind lets players join crowded tables or play passively, relying on others’ strategies.
• Low Stakes, High Rewards: Side bets often require small wagers (e.g., $1) for big potential wins.

Common Side Bets in Live Casino Games

Side bets vary by game and casino, but the most popular ones in blackjack and other live games include:

1. Perfect Pairs (Blackjack)
   Players bet on their first two cards forming a pair. Payouts depend on the pair type:
   • Mixed Pair: Same rank, different suits (e.g., Queen♥, Queen♠), pays 6:1.
   • Colored Pair: Same rank and color (e.g., Queen♥, Queen♦), pays 12:1.
   • Perfect Pair: Same rank and suit (e.g., two Queen♠), pays 25:1.
     House Edge: ~2–11% (varies by decks). Where to Play: Available on Evolution Gaming and Playtech tables, like LeoVegas’ All Bets Blackjack.
2. 21+3 (Blackjack)
   Combines the player’s two cards and the dealer’s upcard to form a three-card poker hand (e.g., flush, straight, three-of-a-kind). Payouts include:
   • Flush: 5:1
   • Straight: 10:1
   • Three-of-a-Kind: 30:1
   • Straight Flush: 40:1
   • Suited Three-of-a-Kind: 100:1
     House Edge: ~3–13%, depending on decks and payout structure. Note: Card counting can reduce the edge for 21+3, but it’s complex.
3. Insurance (Blackjack)
   Offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, betting half your stake that the dealer has blackjack. Pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack.
   House Edge: 5.88% (single deck) to 7.39% (six decks). Pros avoid it unless card counting. Tip: Skip unless you’re counting cards and know a high proportion of 10s remain.
4. Dragon Bonus (Baccarat)
   Bets on the margin of victory between Player and Banker hands. Higher spreads (e.g., 9-point difference) pay up to 30:1.
   House Edge: Varies, typically 2–10%. Where to Play: Evolution’s Live Baccarat tables at ME88.
5. Lucky Ball (Roulette)
   A side bet where two virtual wheels generate numbers alongside the main roulette wheel, creating events like “all red” or “same numbers.” Pays up to 400:1.
   House Edge: ~Double the standard game’s edge. Where to Play: Playtech’s Football Roulette at Betfair.
6. Lucky Lucky (Blackjack)
   Bets on the player’s two cards and dealer’s upcard totaling 19, 20, or 21, with payouts like 200:1 for suited 7-7-7.
   House Edge: High, often 6–10%. Tip: Avoid due to low odds of hitting high-payout combinations.

Bet Behind: How It Works

Bet Behind is a unique feature in live blackjack, allowing players to wager on another player’s hand, even without a seat at the table. Introduced in land-based casinos and now common in live dealer games, it’s ideal for crowded tables or for beginners relying on skilled players.

• Mechanics: Place chips behind a seated player’s bet before the round starts. If their hand wins, you win at the same odds (e.g., 3:2 for blackjack). You lose if they bust or lose.
• Decisions: The seated player controls all actions (hit, stand, double, split), and you follow their outcome.
• Hot Streak Indicators: Many platforms (e.g., Evolution’s tables at SP9) display “hot streak” flags or stars to show winning players, helping you choose whom to bet behind.
• House Edge: Same as the main game (~0.5–2% with basic strategy), but you rely on another’s skill.
• Where to Play: Available at 32Red, 888 Live Casino, and Spin Casino.

Benefits of Side Bets and Bet Behind

• Enhanced Excitement: Side bets like 21+3 or Perfect Pairs add mini-games, making sessions more engaging.
• Big Payout Potential: Side bets offer up to 5,000:1 (e.g., Super Sevens), far exceeding standard payouts.
• Accessibility for Newbies: Bet Behind lets beginners play without making decisions, riding skilled players’ strategies.
• Increased Revenue for Casinos: Side bets boost house edge, while Bet Behind maximizes table participation.

Strategies for Side Bets and Bet Behind

• Side Bets:
  • Stick to Low House Edge Bets: Perfect Pairs and 21+3 have better odds (2–5%) than high-risk bets like Lucky Ladies (~10–20%).
  • Check Payouts: Payouts vary by casino (e.g., Perfect Pairs can pay 20:1 or 30:1). Always review table rules.
  • Use Sparingly: Side bets increase house edge significantly (up to 13% for 21+3 in single-deck games). Treat them as fun, not profit-driven.
  • Card Counting: Advanced players can reduce edges on 21+3 or Royal Match with counting systems, but it’s complex and requires practice.
• Bet Behind:
  • Choose Skilled Players: Look for “hot streak” indicators or players using basic strategy (e.g., standing on 17+). Avoid erratic bettors.
  • Spread Bets: Bet behind multiple players to diversify risk, especially on seven-seat tables.
  • Low Stakes: Use smaller bets to test the feature, as you lack control over decisions.
  • Avoid Over-Reliance: Hot streaks are gambler’s fallacy; even good players can lose. Switch players if losses mount.

Challenges to Avoid

• High House Edge: Side bets like Lucky Lucky or Super Sevens have house edges up to 10–20%, making them risky for consistent play.
• No Skill in Side Bets: Most side bets rely on luck, not strategy, except for card counting in specific cases.
• Bet Behind Risks: You’re at the mercy of another player’s decisions, which may not align with optimal strategy.
• Bonus Restrictions: Side bets often contribute less (1–10%) to bonus wagering requirements, so check terms on platforms like LeoVegas.

Where to Play Side Bets and Bet Behind

• SP9: Offers 21+3, Perfect Pairs, and Bet Behind on Standard 7-Seat Blackjack and All Bets Blackjack.
• BK8: Features Bet Behind and side bets like 21+3, with a $88 no-deposit bonus (select regions).
• EU9: Supports Bet Behind and side bets like Perfect Pairs, plus unique roulette side bets like Lucky Ball.
• MAXIM88: Includes Bet Behind and side bets in live blackjack, powered by Pragmatic Play and OnAir Entertainment.
• ME88: Offers multiple blackjack variants with side bets like 21+3 and Perfect Pairs.

Get Started with Side Bets and Bet Behind

Ready to spice up your live casino experience? Side bets like Perfect Pairs and 21+3 bring high-payout thrills, while Bet Behind lets you ride the wins of skilled players without a seat. Join trusted platforms like EU9, ME88, or BK8 to explore these features, claim bonuses (e.g., Betfair’s up to $200 welcome offer), and enjoy the excitement of live blackjack, baccarat, or roulette. Play smart, check payouts, and have fun chasing big wins!