Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau has taken a significant step to invigorate its gaming offerings by approving three novel baccarat side bets. The newly sanctioned bets, which promise to add a fresh twist to the traditional game, are titled "Monkey no Monkey," "Pairs+," and "4/5/6 Cards."
These side bets, detailed in updated industry guidelines effective as of March 23, aim to enhance the gaming experience for players by providing enticing new wagering opportunities.
Detailed Description of Each Side Bet
The "Monkey no Monkey" side bet offers a winning payout for players if the initial cards dealt to both the player and banker hands consist of four face cards—combinations of jacks, queens, or kings—or four numbered cards, ranging from an ace to a ten. The payout for four face cards stands impressively at 50 to 1, while a combination of four numbered cards yields a more modest 1 to 1 payout.
The "Pairs+" side bet rewards players when either the player hand, the banker hand, or both receive a pair from their initial two cards. The structure of this bet includes three different payout tracks: if only the player or banker hand secures a pair, the payout is 3 to 1.
A more lucrative 30 to 1 is awarded if both hands form pairs with different point scores, whereas the most significant payout of 300 to 1 is reserved for identical-point score pairs. Similarly, the "4/5/6 Cards" side bet provides players with three potential payout paths whether the player or banker hand wins.
For the banker hand, a 4 to 1 payout is applicable if the winning hand includes four cards in total, which increases to 4.5 to 1 for five cards, and further grows to 5.5 to 1 when six cards are dealt. For player hand victories, the payouts are configurable at 4 to 1 for four cards, a heightened 6 to 1 for five cards, and 4.5 to 1 for six cards.
Impact and Historical Context of Side Bets in Macau
Side bets have long been a popular addition in Macau’s casinos, largely thanks to their ability to improve house edges and engage players with their enhanced risk-reward structure. Since 2024, enhanced by the adoption of smart table technology, these bets have been a significant aspect of Macau’s gaming landscape.
Notable past introductions include the "Small 6/Big 6" baccarat side bet, which was rolled out in May 2024, and the "Lucky 7" and "Super Lucky 7," both introduced in conjunction with the October National Day holiday celebrations in China.
Sands China Ltd had also contributed to this trend with its baccarat progressive jackpot initiative launched in mid-July 2025, although it ceased operation on March 16, as per GGRAsia's observations of announcements across their casino venues.
More recently, other operators within Macau have moved towards simplifying side-bet offerings in their main-floor baccarat games, whether on mass-market floors or exclusive high-limit areas. In conclusion, these newly approved side bets are expected to further revitalize the baccarat scene in Macau, offering players additional intriguing options while simultaneously boosting casino revenues through increased engagement.
Source: Macau approves new baccarat side bet options 'Monkey no Monkey', 'Pairs+’, and '4/5/6 Cards’, GGRAsia, March 30, 2026.
Posted by Wizard
Mar 30 2026
Mar 30 2026
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