Baccarat is a staple of casinos across the globe, with its popularity often attributed to its low house edge and easy gameplay. However, while the simplicity of baccarat is what keeps players coming back for more, many choose to spice up the game with side bets. 

One of the most intriguing side bets, when you play baccarat, is the baccarat dragon bonus, offering up to a 30:1 payout. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what the dragon bonus is, how to play it, and strategies for making the most of it.

What Is a Dragon in Baccarat?

In baccarat, the “dragon” refers to a dragon bonus—a popular side bet that spices up the classic game. It’s not a separate version of baccarat, but rather a wager you can place alongside the usual player, banker, or tie bets.

The dragon bonus bet focuses on the margin of victory. If the hand you’re betting on (either player or banker) wins by a significant number of points—anywhere between 4 and 9 points— the payout can be much higher than regular bets. For example, a win by 9 points might pay out as much as 30:1, while smaller margins of victory offer lower returns like 4:1 or even money (1:1)​. 

It’s important to recognize that the dragon bonus baccarat bet isn’t a bet on a specific margin, such as 4 or 5 points. Instead, it’s effectively a wager that one hand will win by at least 4 points.

The dragon bonus adds an element of excitement with the potential for much larger wins than just regular player or banker bets. However, it also comes with higher risk, as these bigger payouts happen less frequently compared to standard bets​.

How to Play Baccarat Dragon Bonus

Playing the baccarat dragon bonus is simple but adds a twist to this classic table game. Let’s take a look at exactly how to play the dragon bonus side bet.

Place Your Main Bet

First, you need to place your usual bet on either the player or banker. The dragon bonus is a side bet that complements your main wager; you can’t play it alone.

Add the Dragon Bonus Bet

Once your main bet is placed, you can add a side bet in the form of a dragon bonus wager. In a traditional casino, you’d typically put chips in the designated area on the table marked “Dragon Bonus.” In online baccarat games, a similar area can usually be found on the table; just tap or click it to place your bet. Note that some online games might not feature the dragon bonus, so check if your chosen title does before betting.

Watch the Gameplay Unfold

With your bet placed, you’ll see the four cards turned over, two for the player and two for the banker. The goal is to have a hand total closest to 9. Cards are valued at their face value, with 10s and face cards counting as zero. If neither hand totals 8 or 9—a natural—a third card is drawn. The left-hand number is removed from this new total (e.g. a total of 17 = 7, 13 = 3) and the highest total wins.

Natural vs. Non-Natural Wins

A natural win happens when either hand totals 8 or 9 from the first two cards. The dragon bonus pays even money for this. A natural tie, where both draw an 8 or 9, results in a push, meaning your bet is returned. However, non-natural wins—when the game goes to three cards—can lead to much bigger payouts.

Win the Dragon Bonus

If your bet wins (either player or banker) by at least four points, you win the dragon bonus. The higher the margin of victory, the more you stand to gain​.

Baccarat Dragon Bonus Odds and Payouts

The baccarat dragon bonus offers players the chance to score much larger payouts compared to standard baccarat bets. The baccarat odds and payouts break down like so:

• 9-point win: 30:1
• 8-point win: 10:1
• 7-point win: 6:1
• 6-point win: 4:1
• 5-point win: 2:1
• 4-point win: 1:1
• Natural win (8 or 9 points from the first two cards): 1:1​

These baccarat dragon payouts differ significantly from the regular player or banker bets. While relatively simple and low risk, they pay only 1:1 for a winning hand, usually with a 5% commission for winning banker bets.

While standard baccarat bets on the player and banker hands have a relatively low house edge (around 1.24% for the player and 1.06% for the banker), the dragon bonus wager introduces a much higher house edge. If you place the dragon bonus on the player, the house edge jumps to around 2.65%. On the banker, it can climb to 9.37%, meaning it’s a riskier proposition.

What Affects Dragon Bonus Payouts?

The size of a dragon bonus payout in baccarat comes down to the point difference between the winning hand and the losing hand. The larger this margin, the higher the payout. For example:

• A 9-point win yields the highest payout of 30:1. If you wager $10, you’d win $300 in addition to your original bet.
• An 8-point win pays 10:1. A $10 bet would net you $100 in winnings plus your stake.

Smaller margins offer lower payouts. For example, a 4-point win pays just 1:1, meaning a $50 bet returns $50 plus the initial wager​—the same as a standard bet.

Natural hands—where the winning hand totals 8 or 9 from the first two cards—pay even money, but if both hands tie with a natural, the bet is simply pushed​ and your stake returned. Therefore, the wider the gap between the hands, the bigger the reward.

Baccarat Dragon Bonus Strategy: Maximize Your Wins

Focus on the Right Bet

When betting on the baccarat dragon bonus, choosing whether to place your bet on the player or banker matters. The player hand tends to have a lower house edge (around 2.65%) compared to the banker’s 9.37%, making it a smarter choice in the long run​. If you want to maximize your chances, focus on the player side for this bet, as it offers better odds of success with the dragon bonus.

Look for Hands With Larger Margins

The dragon bonus pays more for larger point differences, so it’s best to target hands that can potentially create those gaps. Keep an eye on hands that are more likely to produce a 5- or 6-point win, which offer decent payouts at 2:1 and 4:1, respectively​. 

One way to do this is to observe the previous outcomes. A trend of hands consistently won by narrow margins or falling to a tie could indicate that a larger margin might be due. While baccarat streaks are generally unpredictable, many players use this kind of pattern recognition to time their bets. Avoid betting on the dragon bonus every round—wait for the right moments to strike.

Balance Your Bets

A good strategy is to place smaller bets on the dragon bonus alongside your main baccarat wagers. This allows you to spread your risk a little more while enjoying the added thrill of side betting. Betting smaller amounts keeps the potential losses manageable, while still leaving room for those big wins when the bonus hits.

Manage Your Bankroll

Finally, remember that the dragon bonus is a high-risk, high-reward bet. Make sure to set a budget and stick to it. Use a baccarat strategy like flat betting or positive progression, where you only increase your bets after a win, to ensure you’re not overextending yourself​. This way, you can maximize potential rewards without chasing losses.

Conclusion

Baccarat remains a top contender for many players looking for a thrill at casino tables, and side bets like the dragon bonus bet are the perfect option to add an extra thrill to your gameplay. If you’re ready to try your luck and feel the excitement for yourself, head to one of Instant Casino’s baccarat tables and see if the dragon bonus can bring you those big wins!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does dragon pay in baccarat?

The dragon bonus in baccarat offers payouts based on the margin of victory. The highest payout, 30:1, occurs when the winning hand beats the other by 9 points. Lower point differences pay less, such as 10:1 for an 8-point win and 6:1 for a 7-point win​.

How do you count the dragon in baccarat?

Counting the dragon bonus is about tracking the point difference between the player and banker hands. The larger the winning margin (starting at 4 points), the higher the payout. You don’t need to count cards as in blackjack—just watch for the difference between the hands​.

How do you win a lot in baccarat?

To win big in baccarat, focus on placing bets with the lowest house edge, like the banker bet. Using side bets like the dragon bonus can lead to larger payouts, though they come with higher risk​.

What side bets does baccarat have?

Popular baccarat side bets include the dragon bonus, player/banker pair, and perfect pair. Each offers different payouts depending on outcomes like point differences or matching cards​.