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Side Bet City – What You Need to Know Before You Play
Side Bet City game is an 80s-themed live poker variant by Evolution, read our review and play Side Bet City demo game to discover how to win at Bonus888.
This title plunges players into a neon-lit Las Vegas poker room where you bet on outcomes rather than competing against a dealer or other players.
In each round, seven cards are dealt face-up and everyone can bet on the resulting poker hands. You can wager on the first 3-card hand, the first 5-card hand, or the full 7-card hand, as well as on an “All Lose” option.
Once bets are placed, no further decisions are needed – winning hands and payouts flash on the screen in real time, making it an easy yet thrilling experience.
Side Bet City Details & Information
| Game Name | Side Bet City |
|---|---|
| Provider | Evolution |
| Game Type | Live Casino |
| Release Date | June 27, 2019 |
| RTP | 94.34% – 96.69% (varies by bet) |
| Minimum Bet | 1 (varies by table) |
| Maximum Bet | 10,000 (varies by table) |
| Max Payout | 1000:1 (5-card Royal Flush) |
| Main Bets | 3 Card Hand, 5 Card Hand, 7 Card Hand |
| Side Bets | All Lose (No Win) Bet |
| Bonus Features | None |
| Special Rounds | N/A |
| Multiplier Options | N/A |
| Languages Supported | Multiple (English, etc.) |
| Mobile Compatible | Yes |
| Technology | Live dealer (HTML5 streaming) |
| Last Update | 2023 |
How to Play Side Bet City
Side Bet City uses one standard 52-card deck that is reshuffled each round. A round begins when players place bets on one or more available spots, then the dealer deals seven cards face up on the table.
The first 3 cards count as the 3-card hand, the first 5 cards count as the 5-card hand, and all 7 cards make the 7-card hand (best 5-card poker hand taken).
After the cards are dealt, you compare those hands against fixed pay tables to determine wins – there are no subsequent choices or actions required by the player once betting closes. This makes gameplay fast and straightforward, with outcomes and payouts displayed on screen in real time.
- Betting Options
- Winning Hands & Payouts
- Return to Player (RTP) & Volatility
- All Lose Side Bet
Betting Options
You can bet on four different outcomes. The three main bets are 3 Card Hand, 5 Card Hand, and 7 Card Hand. A 3 Card bet looks only at the first 3 cards dealt; the 5 Card bet looks at the first 5 cards; the 7 Card bet looks at all 7 cards to determine the best five-card poker hand.
In addition, there is an All Lose (No Win) bet, which wins if none of the three hands is a winning poker hand. Players may place any combination of these bets each round, and all bets operate independently – for example, you could bet on both the 3-card and 7-card hands simultaneously.
Winning Hands & Payouts
Winning hand rankings are standard poker hands, with some variations. For example, in the 3- and 5-card bets, any pair qualifies (on the 5-card bet it must be Jacks or better), while the 7-card bet recognizes two pair and full house differently as needed.
The 5 Card Hand bet has the highest paytable: a Royal Flush pays 1000:1, Straight Flush pays 250:1, Four of a Kind pays 100:1, down to Pair paying 1:1. The 7 Card Hand bet pays up to 500:1 for a Royal Flush, with smaller payouts for each hand (Straight Flush 100:1, Four of a Kind 50:1, etc.).
The 3 Card Hand bet’s top prize is 100:1 for a Royal Flush (Straight Flush 40:1, Three of a Kind 35:1, etc.). Lower hands (pair, flush, etc.) pay much smaller amounts. Because the payouts are so uneven, this game is high-variance: the chance to win the big multipliers is rare, and most bets return only modest profits.
Return to Player (RTP) & Volatility
The theoretical RTP varies by bet type. The 3 Card Hand bet has the highest RTP (around 96.69%), making it statistically the best bet in the game. The 5 Card Hand has about 95.21% RTP, and the 7 Card Hand around 94.34% RTP, reflecting their larger payouts and lower probability.
The All Lose bet offers about 96.29% RTP, as it pays 0.70:1 when none of the hands wins. Overall, these returns are comparable to slot games and lower than many skill-based table games.
In practice, Side Bet City is considered a high-volatility game because wins are infrequent but can be large. Players should be prepared for long dry spells when chasing the big payouts on those rare winning hands.
All Lose Side Bet
The All Lose (also called “No Win”) bet is a unique feature of Side Bet City. When you place a bet in this spot, you are wagering that none of the 3-card, 5-card, or 7-card hands will produce a winning poker combination.
If indeed all three hands fail to qualify, the All Lose bet pays out at 0.70:1 (i.e. 70% profit on the bet). In practice this bet has a house edge of about 3.71% (RTP ~96.29%).
The All Lose option can act as an insurance-type bet; for example, some players make this bet if their main bets lose, to recoup a portion of their stake.
However, because it only pays 70% and wins relatively often, it is still a moderate-house-edge bet. It adds a strategic side element, but it is mostly a way to slightly offset losses rather than a path to a jackpot.
Game Features & Unique Aspects
Side Bet City by Evolution is more than just a live poker variant; it’s a unique game with distinct design and mechanics that set it apart from other live casino titles. This section highlights the key features, payouts, and uniqueness that make Side Bet City stand out.
Players will quickly notice the retro Las Vegas theme, simplified gameplay, and thrilling payout structure. These aspects work together to create an engaging experience for beginners and seasoned players alike.
80s-Themed Presentation
The game’s studio features neon lights, retro vibes, and energetic dealers styled to match an 80s Las Vegas poker room. This immersive presentation enhances the entertainment factor, making the game visually distinct from Evolution’s other live card offerings.
Players are instantly drawn into the nostalgic environment, boosting engagement and excitement. The theme is central to the appeal, blending atmosphere with simple yet rewarding gameplay.
Bet Against the Paytable
Unlike traditional poker, Side Bet City doesn’t involve player-versus-player or dealer-versus-player competition. Instead, everyone bets against fixed paytables based on the 3-, 5-, and 7-card hands.
This makes the game fast and beginner-friendly, requiring no strategic decisions after betting. It also allows unlimited players to join simultaneously since everyone shares the same dealt cards.
High-Payout Potential
One of the most attractive elements is the chance for very high multipliers. The 5-card Royal Flush can deliver a massive 1000:1 payout, which is rare in live casino table games.
Even smaller hands like Straights or Flushes return decent rewards, keeping gameplay exciting. This high-risk, high-reward model makes the game appealing to thrill-seekers chasing big wins.
Accessibility & Simplicity
Side Bet City is easy to learn since all outcomes depend solely on standard poker hand rankings. Beginners need little prior knowledge beyond recognizing pairs, flushes, and straights.
With no complex strategies or side rules, the game is approachable to new players. Meanwhile, seasoned gamblers enjoy its pace and variety of betting options that keep each round fresh.
Conclusion
Side Bet City is a fast-paced, visually striking live game that will appeal to players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward poker fun. Its straightforward “bet-and-watch” style makes it a good choice for casual players or poker novices who want excitement without deep strategy.
At the same time, the potential 1000:1 payout and variety of betting options will lure thrill-seekers and high rollers looking for big wins. However, its relatively low overall RTP and volatility mean it’s not ideal for conservative bettors; frequent small losses are likely, balanced by rare jackpots.
Overall, this game is best for those who want a fresh, retro-styled poker experience with explosive winning moments, rather than steady, predictable play.
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Blog Author
Michelle Chew
Blog Manager at Bonus888 Online Casino
Michelle Chew is the Blog Manager at Bonus888 Online Casino, where she combines her passion for digital content with in-depth industry knowledge to deliver engaging and informative articles. With years of experience in online gaming and a keen understanding of player interests, Michelle curates content that helps both new and seasoned players navigate the world of online casinos with confidence. Her goal is to keep readers informed about the latest trends, strategies, and promotions in a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry.
The content published on the Bonus888 Online Casino blog is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While Michelle Chew and the Bonus888 team strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of any information presented. All opinions expressed are those of the author and do not constitute financial, legal, or gambling advice. Readers are encouraged to gamble responsibly and ensure that they meet the legal age and regulatory requirements in their respective jurisdictions.
