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

However, beneath the flashing progressive jackpot meters lies a harsh mathematical reality that every player must understand.

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.

• Dealers are often specifically trained to encourage players to place side bets, as it dramatically increases the table's hourly win rate
• You are betting on completely independent events; the strategy you use for the main game does not help you win the side bet
• Many players falsely believe they are 'due' to hit a side bet after a long dry spell, a classic example of the gambler's fallacy

When Is It Okay to Play a Side Bet?

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

Never increase the size of your main bet to try and cover the continuous losses generated by chasing a side bet jackpot.

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