Speed Baccarat Side Bets: Complete Guide
Speed Baccarat offers a range of side bets that sit alongside the three main wagers of Player, Banker, and Tie. These optional bets add variety and higher payout potential — though they also come with higher house edges. Because Speed Baccarat rounds last just 27 seconds, the betting window is short, so it helps to decide on your side bet strategy before the round begins.
Player Pair and Banker Pair
The most commonly placed side bets in Speed Baccarat are the Player Pair and Banker Pair bets. You are wagering that the first two cards dealt to the Player (or Banker) position will form a pair — meaning two cards of identical value. A winning Pair bet pays out at 11:1. The RTP on Pair bets is approximately 89.64%, reflecting a house edge of around 10.36%.
Either Pair
The Either Pair bet pays out if either the Player or the Banker — or both — receive a pair in their initial two-card deal. This has a higher probability of occurring than a single pair bet and pays at 5:1. It is a popular choice for players who want broader coverage of the pair outcome at a lower payout level.
Perfect Pair
The Perfect Pair bet is the most lucrative standard side bet in Speed Baccarat. It requires that one hand — either Player or Banker — receives two cards that are identical in both value and suit (for example, two 7 of Spades). A single Perfect Pair pays at 25:1. If both the Player and Banker hands simultaneously achieve a Perfect Pair, the payout jumps to an extraordinary 200:1 (sometimes listed as 250:1 depending on the platform).
Player Bonus and Banker Bonus
The Player Bonus and Banker Bonus bets reward a natural hand of 8 or 9 on the respective position. A winning Bonus bet pays at 30:1. These are straightforward bets for players who feel a natural is due and want additional upside beyond the base Player or Banker wager.
Side Bet Strategy in Speed Baccarat
All side bets in Speed Baccarat carry a higher house edge than the main Banker bet. The standard advice is that if your priority is maximizing long-run returns, you should avoid side bets or keep them to a small portion of your total stake. However, side bets add entertainment value and create moments of high excitement within otherwise consistent play. The Perfect Pair double-pair jackpot of 200:1 is particularly compelling for players who enjoy the possibility of a large single-round win. The key is to enter each round with your side bet decision already made, since the 10-second betting window moves quickly.
Summary Table
Here is a quick reference for the main Speed Baccarat side bet payouts:
- Player Pair / Banker Pair: 11:1 — RTP ~89.64%
- Either Pair: 5:1 — RTP ~86.29%
- Perfect Pair (single): 25:1 — RTP ~91.95%
- Perfect Pair (double): 200:1 — RTP ~91.95%
- Player Bonus / Banker Bonus: 30:1 — RTP ~97.35%