The excitement of live dealer table games comes not only from the random outcome of each hand, spin or roll, but also from the suspense built through additional betting options. Side bets allow players to put extra money on the line to predict specific events that may unfold during the normal course of play. With higher payouts for relatively rare occurrences, these specialty wagers appeal to thrill-seekers looking to amplify their experience.
More Ways to Win
In games like roulette, baccarat and craps, the standard bets revolve around the final outcome – whether it’s the winning number/color, which hand prevails or the dice total. Side bets open up more possibilities within each round for players to earn payouts. For instance, predicting distribution patterns in roulette or streaks of numbers in baccarat. Rather than only cheering for the end result, side bets encourage players to root for exciting happenings at every stage.
Catering to Diverse Preferences
Casinos like RocketPlay Casino Australia utilize side bets to make games more varied and fulfill different gambling appetites. Some players want to carefully calculate odds and make strategic bets. Others prefer fast action and long shot jackpots. By offering specialty bets tailored to unique preferences, operators maximize the overall entertainment value of table games. Customizing the experience through additional wagers also promotes loyalty among recreational players seeking fun over optimal returns.
Increasing Engagement
The interactive nature of live dealer games inherently drives strong engagement. When players have more opportunities to predict outcomes and win during the hand/spin/roll, they pay closer attention and get pulled deeper into the action. Side bets essentially layer on mini guessing games within the main one, compounding suspense and emotional investment. This keeps energy and enthusiasm high even during extended gaming sessions. The social dynamics of table games further amplify the excitement of side bets compared to online slots or virtual table games.
Common Examples
While availability varies across providers, below are some commonly seen side bets:
Baccarat
- Banker/Player Pair
- Big/Small
- Either Pair
Blackjack
- 21+3 (combo poker hand)
- Perfect Pairs
- Lucky Ladies
Roulette
- Neighbor Bets
- Special Pattern Bets
Craps
- Hard Ways
- Horn Bets
- One Roll Bets
Key Attributes
Several key factors determine the appeal and viability of side bets in live dealer offerings:
Odds and Payouts
Like all bets, side bet payouts must correlate appropriately to the probability of specified events. Above average jackpots attract players but operators still need healthy margins across total wagers. Finding the right balance involves extensive math and field testing. The most compelling side bets pay 10-1 to 1000-1 for occurrences with chances between 1-in-10 and 1-in-1000.
Intuitive Concepts
Side bets shine when based on intuitive concepts rather than obscure definitions. Players should instantly grasp what they are betting on and become absorbed in anticipating those events. Wagers like exact totals, particular digits or common patterns make natural additions as they align with existing focal points during play. Overly complex conditions that disrupt flow fail to boost engagement.
Session Enhancers
Ideally side bets function as session enhancers that increase time on device and wagers placed, driving more revenue. Flooding the felt with too many options has diminishing returns if players cannot actively track the various bets. Savvy operators limit specialty bets to 2-4 per game to avoid overcomplicating the experience. The most profitable side bets extend excitement without distracting from core gameplay mechanics.
Future Evolution
Live dealer casino gaming still has ample room for growth in specialized markets like the United States. As more states regulate various online casino gambling formats, expect continued innovation around side bets and other product differentiators. With competition rising, operators will leverage expanding technology capabilities to make specialty bets more immersive. We are likely to see advances like:
- Augmented reality enhancements
- Custom betting
- Multi-table/game combinations
- Interactive game shows
While new doesn’t always mean better, the potential to tailor side bets to different devices and audiences should increase their popularity. Significantly more gaming happens on mobile so optimizing specialty bets for smaller screens is key. If new offerings resonate with recreational players seeking an entertaining diversion, they will continue elevating live dealer table games.