The standard, mathematically sound bets in table games are no longer enough to satisfy the modern, thrill-seeking casino player.

These side bets promise massive, life-changing payouts for a tiny one-dollar or five-dollar wager, making them incredibly tempting.

Why Casinos Love Side Bets

The house edge on popular side bets routinely ranges from 5% to an absolutely staggering 25%.

Casinos heavily promote these bets because they represent pure, unadulterated profit for the corporation over the long term.

• The ’21+3′ blackjack side bet, which uses your two cards and the dealer’s upcard to make a poker hand, usually carries a 9% house edge
• Card counters completely ignore side bets because the variance is too high and it draws unwanted attention from the pit boss
• The flashing lights and massive payout numbers printed on the felt are designed to distract you from the incredibly poor mathematical probability

Should You Ever Place a Side Bet?

If you choose to play them, you must treat the side bet money as a completely separate, highly volatile entertainment budget.

If you want to play purely for the mathematical edge, stick to the main game; if you want a lottery ticket, throw a dollar on the bonus.

Side bets are the junk food of the casino floor: highly appealing, occasionally satisfying, but ultimately terrible for your financial health.