What are Baccarat Bets and Side Bets

Baccarat, a simple card game, presents three main betting options. Kenyan players often stick to these core bets. Looking for the best online baccarat experience in Kenya? We compare licensed casinos offering secure deposits and fast payouts in Kenyan Shillings (KES). Find top-rated sites with generous bonuses and popular baccarat variations. Choose wisely and play responsibly. Check our expert reviews for trusted casinos, compare welcome bonuses, and start winning today!

Baccarat is a breeze to pick up—just three main bets and you’re in the game. Whether you’re on a game of baccarat table or spinning up the action on online baccarat games, your main bets are: the Player, the Banker, or a Tie. Each brings different payouts and house edge, so know your odds before you drop any KSh on the table.

Betting on the Player

Betting "Player" means you’re backing that hand to hit closest to 9. It’s a solid second pick after Banker, with a house edge around 1.24%. If your Player hand beats the Banker’s, you score even money on your stake—say you wager KSh 1,000, you walk away with KSh 2,000.

Betting on the Banker

Always a favourite "sasa" move, the Banker bet carries the lowest house edge at about 1.06% no matter how many decks are in play. The Banker acts last, giving it that tiny edge. Remember the standard 5% commission: a KSh 1,000 win gives you KSh 950 net. Still, most players build their betting strategy around this smart play.

Betting on a Tie

A Tie pops up when both hands land the same score—pretty rare, but pays around 8:1 or 9:1 depending on the operator. High risk, high reward, "achana na mimi" style. With a house edge north of 14%, this one’s for thrill-seekers eyeing that big payout.

If you’re hunting more thrills than your standard Banker/Player/Tie, side bets might catch your eye. Just be warned: the house edge can skyrocket. You’ll need a fat budget and shwari nerves to chase these.

Pair Bet

Predict whether the first two cards on Player or Banker form a pair. Pays 11:1 but the house edge sits around 11%. You can back Player, Banker, or both—just don’t overdo it.

All Black or All Red

Bet on a hand being all black or all red cards. All Black nails 24:1 with a 6.53% house edge; All Red drops to 22:1 but spikes edge to 14%. A fun shout, but edge is heavy.

Big or Small

Guess how many cards end up on the table. Four cards wins Small, five or six pays Big. It’s a style play—Big usually yields 0.54:1, Small is 1.5:1, but odds vary by casino.

Bellagio Match

Looking for three of a kind? Banker gives you 68:1, Player 75:1. House edge ranges 5.27%–8.57%. Not too shabby if Lady Luck smiles.

Dragon Bonus

Back a "natural" win by exact margin:
• 9 points – 30:1
• 8 points – 10:1
• 7 points – 6:1
• 6 points – 4:1
• 5 points – 2:1
• 4 points – 1:1
Miss by 3 or less – you lose. Edge is ~2.65% on Player, up to 9.37% on Banker.

Lucky Bonus

Cheer for a Banker win by exactly 6 points. Pays a sweet 18:1 with just a 2.34% house edge. A crowd-pleaser if you’re chasing excitement.

Matching Dragon

Bet how many cards of a rank appear between both hands:
• 6 cards – 100:1
• 5 cards – 60:1
• 4 cards – 40:1
• 3 cards – 20:1
• 2 cards – 3:1
• 1 card – 1:1
• No match – you lose.
House edge: about 16.99%.

Tie and most side bets look tempting, but their statistical odds are slim. If you want to stay profitable long-term and keep your bankroll solid, stick to the main three—Banker, Player, Tie—and give the flashy extras a miss. "Poa," but prudent wins watches your back.

Top up your CasinoRank account fast via M-Pesa or Airtel Money, all under the watchful eye of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Remember, you must be 18+ to play.

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