Baccarat is one of the simplest and most elegant casino games, and it offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino. Long associated with high rollers and glamorous European casinos, it is now available online at every stake, from RNG tables to live dealer games. You do not need to make complicated decisions: you simply bet on whether the Player hand or the Banker hand will win, or whether it will be a tie. In this guide to online baccarat we explain the rules, the card values, the odds and the best bets for UK players.
Baccarat at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game type | Card game, Player vs Banker |
| Main bets | Player, Banker, Tie |
| Player pays | 1:1 |
| Banker pays | 1:1 minus 5% commission |
| Tie pays | Usually 8:1 |
| Best bet | Banker, with a house edge of about 1.06% |
| Main providers | Evolution, NetEnt, Playtech and others |
How Baccarat Works
The most common version online is Punto Banco. Two hands are dealt: the Player hand and the Banker hand. Despite the names, you do not play either hand yourself. You simply choose which hand you think will win, or bet on a tie. The dealer then deals the cards according to fixed rules, and the hand closest to 9 wins.
Card Values
Baccarat uses its own way of counting cards:
- Aces are worth 1.
- Cards 2 to 9 are worth their face value.
- 10s, Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 0.
If the total of a hand is 10 or more, only the last digit counts. For example, a 7 and an 8 make 15, which counts as 5. The highest possible total is therefore 9.
The Third Card Rules
Each hand starts with two cards. If either hand has a total of 8 or 9, this is called a natural, and no more cards are drawn. Otherwise, a third card may be dealt according to fixed rules:
- The Player hand draws a third card on a total of 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7.
- The Banker hand follows a more complex set of rules that depends on its own total and on the Player’s third card.
You do not need to learn these rules to play, because the dealer or the software applies them automatically. They do, however, explain why the Banker hand wins slightly more often than the Player hand.
Payouts and House Edge
| Bet | Payout | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1:1 minus 5% commission | about 1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | about 1.24% |
| Tie (8:1) | 8:1 | about 14.36% |
The Banker bet has the lowest house edge, even after the 5% commission, because the Banker hand wins slightly more often. The Tie bet pays well but has a very high house edge, so most experts advise avoiding it.
Baccarat Strategy
Baccarat is a game of chance, so there is no strategy that changes the outcome of a hand. The best approach is simple:
- Bet on the Banker: it has the lowest house edge.
- Avoid the Tie bet: the high payout does not make up for the poor odds.
- Ignore patterns: scoreboards showing previous results are popular, but each hand is independent.
- Be careful with side bets: bets such as Player Pair or Banker Pair have a higher house edge.
Baccarat Variants
Online casinos offer several versions of the game:
- No Commission Baccarat: Banker wins pay 1:1 without commission, except a Banker win with a total of 6, which pays 1:2.
- Speed Baccarat: a live version with faster rounds.
- Squeeze Baccarat: the dealer slowly reveals the cards for extra suspense.
- Lightning Baccarat: Evolution’s version with random card multipliers, similar to Lightning Roulette.
Always check the rules and payouts, because they can change the house edge.
RNG vs Live Baccarat
RNG baccarat uses software to deal the cards and is available at low stakes, including in demo mode. Live baccarat is played with real dealers in a studio and is one of the most popular games in the live casino. Compare options in our guide to live dealer games or see the best live casinos.
Baccarat vs Blackjack and Roulette
Baccarat has a lower house edge than European Roulette when you bet on the Banker, and it requires no decisions. Blackjack can have an even lower house edge with perfect strategy, but it requires you to make the right choices every hand. Baccarat is a good option if you want low house edge without the need for strategy.
A Short History of Baccarat
Baccarat is believed to have developed in Italy and France several centuries ago, where it became a favourite of the aristocracy. The game later spread to casinos across Europe, and Chemin de Fer, a version in which players take turns acting as the banker, became popular in French casinos. Punto Banco, the version now played in most casinos and online, was developed in Latin America and later adopted in Las Vegas. Today baccarat is especially popular in Asia, where it is one of the most played casino games, and it has a strong following in UK live casinos.
Why Does the Banker Pay Commission?
Because of the third card rules, the Banker hand wins slightly more often than the Player hand. If both bets paid 1:1, betting on the Banker would give the player an edge over the casino. The 5% commission on Banker wins corrects this and gives the casino a small advantage. Even with the commission, the Banker bet remains the best value bet in the game.
Playing Baccarat in the UK
At UK-licensed casinos, you must verify your age and identity before you can play. Table and live games usually contribute little or nothing to bonus wagering, so check the terms of any welcome bonus first.
Baccarat on Mobile
Baccarat is easy to play on iPhone, Android phones and tablets, because you only need to choose a bet. Live baccarat also works well on mobile.
Where to Play Baccarat
Baccarat is available at most UK online casinos, both as an RNG game and in the live casino. Always choose a licensed site, and read our guide to gambling with real money for tips on playing safely.
Play responsibly. Baccarat is a game of chance and the house always has an edge. Set limits and never play with money you cannot afford to lose. For support, visit BeGambleAware.org. 18+ only.
Features
Baccarat FAQ
What is the best bet in baccarat?
The Banker bet, with a house edge of about 1.06% even after the 5% commission.
How are cards counted in baccarat?
Aces count as 1, cards 2 to 9 at face value, and 10s and picture cards as 0. Only the last digit of the total counts.
Should I bet on a tie in baccarat?
Most experts advise against it. The Tie bet pays 8:1 but has a house edge of around 14%.
What is No Commission Baccarat?
A version in which Banker wins pay 1:1 without commission, except a Banker win on 6, which pays 1:2.
Can I play baccarat live in the UK?
Yes. Live baccarat is available at most UK casinos with a live casino section.
