Side Bet City is a popular poker-based table game available at many online casinos, including bet365 casino. Unlike traditional poker, you’re not playing against a dealer or other players; you’re simply betting on whether your initial three-card hand and subsequent two cards will form specific winning combinations. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of the rules, payouts, and strategies to help you understand exactly how to play.
The objective of Side Bet City is straightforward: predict the poker value of your final five-card hand. A round begins by placing an ante wager on one or more of the three available betting areas. You are then dealt a three-card hand. After reviewing these cards, you must decide to either fold (forfeiting your ante) or call by placing an additional bet equal to twice your ante. Two more community cards are then dealt to complete your five-card hand. Payouts are awarded if your final hand matches the winning combination of the betting area you wagered on.

Success in Side Bet City hinges on understanding the three distinct bets you can make. Each bet covers a different range of poker hands with varying odds. You can place a wager on any or all of these areas in a single game round.
The payout structure is the most critical part of the game. The return varies significantly based on the rarity of the hand. The following table outlines the exact payouts for each betting area, which are crucial for calculating potential wins and the game’s RTP (Return to Player).
| Betting Area | Hand | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Card Hand | Straight | 1 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | 4 to 1 | |
| Straight Flush | 5 to 1 | |
| 5-Card Hand | Flush | 3 to 1 |
| Full House | 7 to 1 | |
| Four of a Kind | 50 to 1 | |
| Straight Flush | 100 to 1 | |
| Royal Flush | 100 to 1 | |
| 7-Card Hand | Five of a Kind | 100 to 1 |
| Royal Flush (with 7 cards) | 50 to 1 |
The house edge, or RTP, differs for each betting area. The 5-Card Hand bet typically offers the highest RTP, often around 97.38%, making it the most favorable for the player from a statistical perspective. The 3-Card Hand bet has a lower RTP, approximately 94.85%, while the 7-Card Hand side bet has the lowest RTP due to the extreme difficulty of hitting its winning combinations. A key strategic rule is knowing when to fold your three-card hand. If your initial three cards show no potential to develop into a winning 5-card combination (e.g., no suited or connected cards), folding is the mathematically correct play to minimize losses.
To play Side Bet City for real money, you need to fund your account. The platform supports various payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. While there may not be a specific bet365 casino no deposit offer for table games, new players can often use a bet365 casino promo code during registration to claim a generous bet365 casino bonus on their first deposit. It’s important to note that these bonuses, including any bet365 casino free spins for slots, are subject to wagering requirements which must be met before withdrawals are permitted. Always review the bonus terms and conditions carefully.
Side Bet City offers a fast-paced and exciting alternative to standard casino poker games. By focusing your bets primarily on the 5-Card Hand area and folding weak three-card hands, you can play with one of the better RTPs available in the bet365 casino casino library. Remember to gamble responsibly, set limits for your session, and most importantly, view the game as entertainment first. Understanding these rules and strategies will enhance your experience at the virtual table.