The Dragon 7 side bet is an option in the popular casino card game baccarat that allows players to vary things with a high-risk, high-reward manoeuvre.
While standard baccarat strategies revolve around taking advantage of low house edges and consistent play, side bets such as Dragon 7 can add a layer of fun for players seeking rare but potentially rewarding outcomes.
In this article, we’ll explore what the Dragon 7 side bet is, how it works, the payout structures involved, the baccarat Dragon 7 odds and house edge, and how it compares to some of the other side bets in baccarat.
What Is the Dragon 7 Side Bet?
So, what is Dragon 7 baccarat exactly? The Dragon 7 is essentially a side bet that pays out when the Banker hand wins with a three-card total of exactly 7.
Of course, this isn’t a common outcome. Results this specific are hard to find, though the Dragon 7’s rare exit scenario is what makes it so unique and interesting.
The Dragon 7 bet is most popular in EZ Baccarat, a variation of the game that removes the standard 5% commission on Banker wins, using the Dragon 7 and Panda 8 side bets to maintain the house edge instead. You’ll also find that some online and live casinos offer Dragon 7 as a baccarat side bet option.
How the Dragon 7 Bet Works
To place a Dragon 7 side bet in baccarat, players must make the wager before the cards are dealt. The Dragon 7 side bet is placed alongside a standard bet on Player, Banker or Tie outcomes, and the main game continues as usual.
Dragon 7 baccarat rules work like this: the side bet only wins if the Banker wins with a specific three-card total of 7. For example, if the Banker draws a third card and ends up with a total of 7 that beats the Player’s hand, the Dragon 7 side bet will pay out successfully.
However, if the Banker does not win – or if the winning total is not a three-card 7 – the side bet loses, making the Dragon 7 an all-or-nothing type of wager.
Crucially, whether you win or lose your side bet, your main baccarat bet is unaffected, with payouts usually unchanged.
Payout & House Edge
The Dragon 7 payout is typically 40:1, meaning that a €10 bet would return €400. However, while that return is undeniably high, it also reflects the rarity of the outcome.
Indeed, the Dragon 7 house edge is approximately 7.6%, making it significantly less favourable than the standard Banker bet, which has a house edge of just over 1%.
This means that while rewards with the Dragon 7 are potentially high, you’re dealing with a risky side bet with a very low win frequency.
For comparison, other side bets such as Super 6 tend to have a house edge of around 1.46%, while the Dragon Bonus, which offers more flexibility, varies depending on specific game rules and outcomes.
Dragon 7 vs Super 6 vs Dragon Bonus
Let’s break down how Dragon 7 compares to similar baccarat side bets and how the Dragon 7 payout odds measure up against the alternatives:
Dragon 7: A side bet with high payouts and high risk. Pays 40:1 if the Banker wins with a three-card total of exactly 7. Any other outcome results in a loss. Super 6: Pays 12:1 if the Banker wins with a total of 6 (regardless of card count). More frequent than the Dragon 7, but with lower payouts. Dragon Bonus: Pays based on the margin of victory or a natural win. Offers varying payouts depending on how decisively one hand beats the other (1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1 and even 30:1).
Conclusion
If you’re a baccarat player who wishes to take bigger risks to land potentially greater windfalls during play, you’ll enjoy placing Dragon 7 side bets. While the odds of hitting this rare outcome are slender, the 40:1 payout can make it worth trying.
Given its high house edge and low probability, the Dragon 7 side bet isn’t built for consistent returns, making it better suited for casual players who are looking to make their baccarat sessions more fun.