The Dragon Bonus is a popular side bet that pays out based on the margin of victory of the hand you bet on (either Player or Banker). It wins in two scenarios: if your chosen hand is a Natural winner, or if it wins by four or more points. The larger the point difference, the higher the payout. For example, a non-Natural win by 9 points can pay as high as 30:1. This makes it an exciting bet that keeps you invested until the very end of the hand.
How the Dragon Bonus Bet Works
The Dragon Bonus is not a standalone bet; it is tied to a main wager. To place a Dragon Bonus bet, you must first make a standard bet on either the Player or the Banker. You then place an additional wager on the corresponding Dragon Bonus spot.
If you bet on the Player, you can also bet on the Player Dragon Bonus.
If you bet on the Banker, you can also bet on the Banker Dragon Bonus.
You are wagering that your chosen hand will not only win, but win decisively—either as a Natural or by a large point margin.
The Two Paths to Victory
There are two distinct ways your Dragon Bonus bet can win:
Winning with a Natural
This is the simplest outcome. If you bet on a hand (e.g., Player Dragon Bonus) and the Player hand wins with a Natural 8 or 9, your Dragon Bonus bet pays out. This is typically a small, even-money (1:1) payout. If the hands result in a Natural Tie (e.g., both are a Natural 8), the Dragon Bonus bet is a push, and your stake is returned.
Winning by a Large Margin (Non-Natural Hands)
This is the heart of the Dragon Bonus and where the high payouts are found. If your chosen hand wins with a non-Natural hand, your Dragon Bonus bet wins if the margin of victory is 4 or more points. Crucially, the size of your payout is directly tied to the size of this margin.
The Heart of the Bet: The Payout Table Explained
The Dragon Bonus is defined by its tiered payout structure. The larger the point spread between the winning and losing hands, the more you win. While the exact table can vary slightly, the most common payout structure is as follows:
Margin of Victory | Payout |
|---|---|
Win by 9 points | 30:1 |
Win by 8 points | 10:1 |
Win by 7 points | 6:1 |
Win by 6 points | 4:1 |
Win by 5 points | 2:1 |
Win by 4 points | 1:1 |
Natural Win | 1:1 |
Natural Tie | Push |
Any other outcome | Loss |
Walking Through Examples
Let’s illustrate with a couple of scenarios. Assume you have a $100 main bet on the Player and a $10 side bet on the Player Dragon Bonus.
Example 1: A Natural Win
Player Hand: King + 8 = Natural 8
Banker Hand: 2 + 4 = 6
Outcome: The Player wins with a Natural. You win your $100 main bet. Your $10 Dragon Bonus bet also wins and pays 1:1, giving you a $10 profit on the side bet.
Example 2: A High-Margin Win
Player Hand: Ace + 2 = 3. The Player draws a 6. Final Total: 9.
Banker Hand: 10 + Queen = 0.
Outcome: The Player wins by 9 points (9-0). You win your $100 main bet. Your $10 Dragon Bonus bet wins at the highest tier, paying 30:1. You win a $300 profit on the side bet!
The Numbers: Odds and House Edge
Unlike many side bets that carry a single, high house edge, the Dragon Bonus is unique. The house edge is different for the Player and Banker sides.
Player Dragon Bonus House Edge: ~2.65%
Banker Dragon Bonus House Edge: ~9.37%
This is a critical strategic insight. The house edge on the Player Dragon Bonus is remarkably low for a side bet, making it one of the “better” side bets in the entire casino. In contrast, the house edge on the Banker Dragon Bonus is very high, making it a much less favorable proposition. The reason for this discrepancy is complex, tied to the way the Third Card Rule influences the probability of high-margin wins for each hand.
Strategy: Is the Dragon Bonus a Good Bet?
The Dragon Bonus is essentially two different bets in one.
The Player Dragon Bonus: With a house edge of just 2.65%, this is a respectable wager. While still higher than the main Player bet (1.24%), it offers a reasonable trade-off for the potential of high payouts. For players looking for a side bet with decent value, the Player Dragon Bonus is a solid choice.
The Banker Dragon Bonus: With a house edge over 9%, this bet falls into the same category as most high-risk side bets. It should be treated as a “fun” or “lottery-style” bet, made with small wagers for the thrill of a big payout, not as a core part of a long-term strategy.
Conclusion: A Side Bet That Magnifies the Win
The Dragon Bonus adds a brilliant layer of excitement to Baccarat. It transforms the game from a simple win/loss proposition into a celebration of how much you win. It keeps players engaged until the final card is turned, as a simple win can suddenly become a massive 30:1 payout. With its unique tiered payout system and the surprisingly good odds offered on the Player side, the Dragon Bonus has rightfully earned its place as one of the most popular and compelling side bets in the modern casino.