Side bets worth it?

so i keep noticing how many folks are getting into side bets at the blackjack tables lately, and i’m wondering if it ever actually pays off for anyone long term. seems like everyone talks about the big payout moments, but i don’t see much chatter about consistent profit or if it really balances out in the end. my gut’s telling me the house edge is even nastier with the side bets, but i get the appeal of that quick hit when you catch a perfect pair or something wild.

i play poker way more than blackjack, and i always fall back on game theory and keeping variance in check, so these side bets look a lot like extra rake to me. maybe i’m missing something though. have any of you tracked your wins and losses specifically on side bets over time? do you think any of them are actually worth a shot, or is it just entertainment tax all the way down?