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Side Bets 101: What They Are and Why You Might Make One

We get this question all the time so we’re here to give you the quick answer. What is a side bet?

Dictionary.com defines it as:

a bet made, as with another player,in addition to one’s principal bet

Dictionary.com

Side bets are typically bets made with a friend, casino or bookie either by itself or with paired alongside a primary bet. A side bet could also be referred to as a wager, gamble, ante, risk or any other type of bet. The context of the bet will usually dictate what it’s called.

Side bets are typically bets made with a friend, casino or bookie either by itself or with paired alongside a primary bet.

What are examples of side bets?

An example of a side bet with friends would be two or more people betting on different outcomes of a sporting event, table game or friendly wager.

“Hey Johnny, wanna bet $20 the Vikings beat the Packers?”

Why place a side bet between friends? Risk | Reward. If you’re confident in your bet, your bet will likely yield you 100% return, assuming you’re right and you’re not betting with odds.

In a casino setting side bets are additional bets placed during a table game like blackjack, craps or poker. These types of bets include insurance, perfect pairs, 21+3. In some instances the side bet is meant to increase your odds of winning. In others, it’s meant as a form of insurance. So why should you play side bets in blackjack? In reality you shouldn’t due to the fact that it actually increases house odds. On average those wagers increase house odds by 10%, lowering your actual chances to win.

How do you place a side bet?

There are many ways to place a side bet with friends. The best source of payment really depends on you and the source of the bet.

  • Digital Wallet
    • You can download apps like Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, Google Pay, Apple Pay to send money to other people. Simply connect your bank accounts or credit cards and send to friends.
  • Online sports betting Sites
  • Plain old cash
    • Place a gentleman bet of $10, $50, $1000 straight up the old fashioned way.

At the end of the day side bets are fun and they add the “sprinkles on the ice cream” of sporting events, friendly wagers or any outcome that has a variable. We make money via affiliate links to keep fresh content and to cover hosting costs. Below are links with bonuses for signing up through SideBets – Much appreciated!

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