Side Bet City
Evolution Gaming has created an exciting and entertaining live casino experience with its Side Bet City game. Launched in 2019, this thrilling poker variant transports players to the iconic Las Vegas of the 1980s, with neon signs, colourful lights, and an electrifying atmosphere.
Kiwis can now immerse themselves in this authentic gaming environment and enjoy the simplicity and convenience of Side Bet City.
In Side Bet City, seven cards are dealt from a single deck to form the best three or five-card poker hand. Players can bet on which hand they think will be formed or whether no winning hand will be formed. This game is perfectly suited for players of all levels, as it does not require the mastery of complicated rules or strategies.
As one of the many Evolution live dealer games available to Kiwis, Side Bet City continues to gain popularity for its Vegas-style game show format and user-friendly gameplay. Whether new to live casino gaming or a seasoned player, Side Bet City promises an engaging and enjoyable experience.

Evolution Gaming Overview
Evolution Gaming is a renowned software provider in the online casino world, known for its top-quality live casino games. Established in 2006, it has since established itself as a market leader in live dealer gaming, offering a broad range of exciting and innovative games for players worldwide, including in New Zealand.
One of the key features of Evolution Gaming's live dealer games is the exceptional quality of the streaming studios. The company ensures top-notch production value with professional dealers, high-definition video, and seamless streaming. This enhances the player experience, providing an immersive and authentic casino feel.
A popular title from Evolution Gaming is Side Bet City, a poker game with a unique twist. Side Bet City is set in an 80s-themed studio with eye-catching neon lights and memorabilia reminiscent of Miami Vice. The game is suitable for experienced poker players and newcomers, as the gameplay focuses on betting on 3-card, 5-card, or 7-card hands or even on “all lose” outcomes.
Some distinctive features of Side Bet City include:
- A wide range of betting options: Players can bet on 3-card, 5-card, 7-card, or All Lose outcomes, offering more ways to win.
- RTP rates: Depending on the variant chosen, the RTP (Return to Player) rates range from 94.34% to 96.69%.
- Easy-to-understand rules: Its straightforward gameplay makes Side Bet City accessible to players of all skill levels.
Being part of Evolution Gaming's extensive live casino game portfolio, Side Bet City is available on various platforms, enabling players in New Zealand and elsewhere to enjoy the game on their preferred devices.
With a reputation for excellence, this live poker variant is one of many innovative games from Evolution Gaming that players can look forward to exploring.

Side Bet City: Game Basics
Rules
Side Bet City, developed by Evolution Gaming, is a live casino poker game with an eighties theme. The game is played with a single deck of 52 cards shuffled for each round. Seven cards form the best possible three or five-card poker hand.
Players have the option to play with multiple players simultaneously, and each round has a duration of 15 seconds for placing bets.
The game follows the same hand rankings as Texas Hold'em, ranging from a pair to a royal straight flush. The game's objective is for players to predict which hand they think will be formed or whether no winning hand will be formed at all.
Betting Options
In Side Bet City, players have the option to place bets on:
- 3 Card Hand: A winning three-card poker hand.
- 5 Card Hand: A winning five-card poker hand.
- 7 Card Hand: A winning seven-card poker hand.
- All Lose: No winning hand is formed from the seven dealt cards.
Different hand values determine the payouts, with the highest potential win being 1000x the bet for a royal straight flush. Some common hand values and their respective payouts are:
- Pair: 1:1
- Two Pair: 2:1
- Three of a Kind: 3:1
- Straight: 5:1
- Flush: 8:1
- Full House: 12:1
- Four of a Kind: 100:1
- Royal Straight Flush: 1000:1
Remember that payouts can vary, so always check the paytable for your specific game.

Playing Side Bet City in New Zealand
Online Casinos Offering Side Bet City
Evolution Gaming's Side Bet City is a popular live casino game that offers online players in New Zealand an exciting poker experience with an authentic 1980s atmosphere. Several reputable NZ online casinos feature this game, such as:
- Casumo
- PlayOJO
- Leo Vegas
Playing at these casinos will allow Kiwis to enjoy real-time, live-dealer action while playing Side Bet City.
Regulations and Licensing
Online gambling regulations and licensing in New Zealand can vary depending on each province's laws. Nevertheless, two key regulators in the online gambling industry are the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
Kahnawake Gaming Commission:
- Based in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Quebec
- Provides licenses and regulates many online casinos operating in New Zealand
Malta Gaming Authority:
- A well-respected licensing body that regulates various online casinos
- Ensures fair play and consumer protection for players in New Zealand and worldwide
When playing Side Bet City at online casinos in New Zealand, choosing a platform licensed by one of these reputable authorities is essential for a safe and secure gambling experience.
Side Bet City Strategies
Understanding Odds
In Side Bet City, it is crucial to comprehend the odds and probabilities of the hands you will encounter. Understanding the odds and potential payouts is essential when deciding whether to place bets on 3-Card Hand, 5-Card Hand, 7-Card Hand, or All Lose. Here are some basic odds and payouts:
- 3-card hand: The best return to player (RTP) and the lowest payouts. A safer bet for smaller but more frequent wins.
- 5-card hand: Higher payouts but slightly lower RTP than the 3-card hand.
- 7-card hand: Offers the highest payouts but with the lowest RTP.
- All Lose: Betting that none of the hands will win—an unconventional bet with an RTP similar to that of the 5-card hand.
Tips for Success
- Start with smaller bets: For beginners, it's advisable to start with small bets to familiarize themselves with the game and minimize early losses.
- Know the odds: Understanding the odds of the potential hands helps players make informed decisions when betting.
- Focus on the RTP: Placing bets with higher RTPs, like the 3-Card bet, can improve your chances of winning and prolong your playing session.
- Mix up your bets: To keep the game engaging and increase your chances of winning, consider placing the All Lose bet occasionally instead of always betting on the same hand.
- Set a budget: Determine and stick to a fixed budget beforehand, ensuring responsible gambling and preventing excessive losses.
- Manage your bankroll: Adjust your bets accordingly and avoid over-betting while playing. This allows for longer gameplay and enhanced enjoyment.
- Stay alert: Pay attention to the game's progress and your wins and losses. This helps maintain a clearer understanding of your performance.
Remember, Side Bet City is a game of chance and does not guarantee wins. However, by implementing these strategies and tips, players can enjoy a more engaging and potentially successful experience while playing Evolution Gaming's Side Bet City in New Zealand.

Conclusion
Side Bet City, developed by Evolution Gaming, offers an entertaining and unique live casino experience for players in New Zealand. With its 1980s-themed poker room and engaging gameplay, it appeals to many players who enjoy trying different poker variations.
The game's RTP ranges from 94.34% to 96.69%, making it a potentially rewarding option for gamers. Moreover, bets can range from a minimum of ₹50 to a maximum of ₹25,000, catering to different budgets and gaming styles.
- Key features of Side Bet City include:
- 1980s-themed poker room
- RTP: 94.34% – 96.69%
- Easy to learn gameplay based on Poker hands
In conclusion, Evolution Gaming's Side Bet City is an engaging and enjoyable option for Kiwis looking for a different live casino experience. Its easy-to-understand gameplay and exciting 1980s theme make it an attractive choice to explore and play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Evolution Gaming Side Bet City?
Side Bet City is a poker game developed by Evolution Gaming that allows players to bet on a 3 Card Hand, 5 Card Hand, or 7 Card Hand. There is also an option to bet on All Lose if the player believes none of these hands will win.
How is the game played?
In Side Bet City, one deck of 52 cards is shuffled each round, and players can play with multiple players simultaneously. Each round lasts only 15 seconds, and players who fail to make their bet in time will not participate in the game.
What are the RTP percentages for Side Bet City?
The RTP (Return to Player) percentages for Side Bet City vary depending on the variant you bet on:
3 Card Hand: 96.69%
5 Card Hand: 95.21%
7 Card Hand: 94.34%
All Lose: 96.29%
Is Evolution Gaming Side Bet City available in New Zealand?
Evolution Gaming Side Bet City is available in New Zealand at various online casinos featuring Evolution's live casino games.
Can I play Evolution Gaming Side Bet City on my mobile device?
Yes, Side Bet City is compatible with mobile devices, and you can enjoy the game on your smartphone or tablet as long as you have a stable internet connection and a compatible browser or app.

Lars Wahlström is a recognized leader in the iGaming industry, with over 20 years of experience from both the tech side and an operator. He's now CEO and Publisher at ARGO Gaming Group, the company behind Casinoclaw.
Games and gambling has been an interest of Lars' since early years and besides slots and casino, he's also into poker, sports betting and trotting.
All this experience is drawn upon when he writes, and we dare say he's one of the best casino writers out there. Lars' base is the ARGO HQ and Stockholm office, but he travels a lot and often participates in industry trade shows and panels. To get in contact with Lars, use our contact page or message him directly on LinkedIn or Twitter.