Baccarat
- Provider
- Relax Gaming
- Game Type
- Table Game
- RTP
- 98.94% (Banker bet)
Overview
Baccarat is a card-comparison table game long associated with high-stakes casino play, and it remains one of the most widely offered live-dealer games due to its simple structure and quick round pace. Players bet on which of two hands — Banker or Player — will have a card total closer to 9, or whether the round will end in a tie. Its straightforward format has made it consistently popular across Asian markets, including Malaysia, where it is often considered a staple alongside roulette and blackjack.
How It Works
Each round, two hands (Banker and Player) are dealt two cards each, following the standard Baccarat point system where card values are added and only the last digit of the total counts (so a hand of 7 and 8 totals 5, not 15). Depending on the initial totals, a fixed set of drawing rules determines whether either hand draws a third card — these rules are automatic and not decided by the player or dealer. Once all cards are dealt, whichever hand is closer to 9 wins the round; bets on that outcome are paid accordingly, while a tie pays out on Tie bets and typically returns Banker/Player bets as a push.
RTP & House Edge
Baccarat’s house edge is well documented and varies by bet type: the Banker bet typically carries a house edge of around 1.06% (an RTP of roughly 98.94%) after the standard commission, the Player bet around 1.24% (roughly 98.76% RTP), and the Tie bet a considerably higher house edge, often above 14%. This means that, statistically, Banker and Player bets return more of the total wagered over time compared to Tie, though all bets carry a permanent house advantage regardless of past outcomes.
Tips for Players
- Set a budget before sitting down at the table and treat it as a fixed limit, not a target to recover.
- Understand that the Tie bet, despite its larger payout, carries a much higher house edge than Banker or Player.
- Avoid relying on pattern-tracking systems (such as scorecards) as a way to predict future outcomes — each hand is independent.
- Decide on a maximum number of rounds or a time limit before starting, and stick to it.
- Take breaks between sessions rather than playing continuously for long periods.
Play Responsibly
Set a budget before playing and treat it as entertainment, not income.
Strengths
- Simple three-outcome betting structure (Banker, Player, Tie)
- Comparatively low house edge on the Banker and Player bets
- No complex strategy decisions required during play
- Fast-paced rounds suited to live-dealer formats
Worth Noting
- Tie bet carries a significantly higher house edge than Banker or Player
- Limited player decision-making can make sessions feel repetitive
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main bets in Baccarat?
The three primary bets are Banker, Player, and Tie, each wagering on which hand will have a card total closer to 9, or whether the two hands will tie.
Why does the Banker bet usually have better odds than Player or Tie?
The scoring and drawing rules built into Baccarat give the Banker hand a very slightly higher chance of winning, which is offset by a commission typically charged on Banker wins, resulting in a lower overall house edge for that bet compared to Tie.
Does the player make decisions during a hand?
No. Card draws follow fixed rules based on the initial two-card totals, so the outcome is determined by the cards and the rules rather than player choices.
Is Baccarat volatility a useful concept?
Because outcomes resolve as a single round with a fixed set of possibilities, Baccarat is usually described using house edge per bet type rather than a volatility rating.