🔒 Independently Reviewed 📅 Updated March 2026 🎂 21+ Only Responsible Gambling

Baccarat Guide

Baccarat has the lowest house edge of any table game. It's simpler than you think — and it's James Bond's game of choice for a reason.

How Baccarat Works

Baccarat is a comparing card game between two hands: the "Player" and the "Banker." You bet on which hand will win, or if they'll tie.

Card Values: • Aces = 1 • 2-9 = Face value • 10, Jack, Queen, King = 0

The goal is to get as close to 9 as possible. If the hand total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts (e.g., 15 = 5, 17 = 7).

Both the Player and Banker are dealt two cards. A third card may be drawn based on fixed rules — you don't make any decisions after placing your bet. This makes baccarat one of the simplest casino games to play.

Baccarat Bets & House Edge

| Bet | Payout | House Edge | Commission | |-----|--------|-----------|------------| | Banker | 0.95:1 | 1.06% | 5% commission | | Player | 1:1 | 1.24% | None | | Tie | 8:1 | 14.36% | None |

Always bet on Banker. With a 1.06% house edge, the Banker bet is one of the best wagers in any casino game. The 5% commission on Banker wins is already factored into the edge — it's still the optimal play.

Never bet on Tie. The 14.36% house edge is terrible. The 8:1 payout looks attractive but doesn't compensate for how rarely ties occur.

Baccarat Strategy

Baccarat is almost entirely a game of chance. The optimal strategy is simple:

1. Always bet Banker — it has the lowest house edge at 1.06%. 2. Ignore pattern tracking — scoreboards and road maps are common at baccarat tables, but past results don't affect future outcomes. 3. Avoid side bets — Player Pair, Banker Pair, and other side bets have significantly higher house edges. 4. Set win/loss limits — Decide your stop-win and stop-loss amounts before sitting down. 5. Don't use betting systems — Martingale and other progressive systems don't change the math.

The beauty of baccarat is that optimal play requires zero skill. Just bet Banker and let the cards fall.

Live Baccarat vs RNG Baccarat

US online casinos offer two types of baccarat:

RNG (Software) Baccarat: • Faster gameplay — instant results • Lower minimum bets (often $1-$5) • No social interaction • Good for practicing or casual play

Live Dealer Baccarat: • Real cards dealt by human dealers on camera • Multiple camera angles and squeeze features • Higher minimums ($5-$25+) • Social chat with dealers and players • Multiple variants: Speed Baccarat, Lightning Baccarat, Baccarat Squeeze

Live baccarat is the premium experience. Evolution Gaming powers live baccarat at most US casinos and offers consistently professional streams.

Best Baccarat Games at US Online Casinos

Lightning Baccarat (Evolution) — Random multipliers up to 512x. Available at BetMGM, FanDuel. • Baccarat Squeeze (Evolution) — Dramatic card reveal with squeeze mechanic. Available at BetMGM, DraftKings. • Speed Baccarat (Evolution) — Rounds complete in 27 seconds. For players who want fast action. • First Person Baccarat (Evolution) — RNG game with a 3D table view and low minimums. • EZ Baccarat — No commission variant. Banker wins with a three-card 7 push instead of paying 5%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bet in baccarat?

The Banker bet is always the best bet with a 1.06% house edge. The Player bet is also reasonable at 1.24%. Never bet on Tie (14.36% house edge).

Is baccarat a game of skill?

No. Baccarat is almost entirely a game of chance. The rules for drawing a third card are fixed — you make no decisions after placing your bet. The only strategic choice is which bet to make (always Banker).

Why does the casino charge commission on Banker wins?

Without the 5% commission, the Banker bet would have a player advantage due to the third-card drawing rules. The commission brings the house edge to 1.06%, ensuring the casino maintains an edge.

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