Baccarat Fundamentals

Baccarat has the reputation of being a high-roller game, but online versions are accessible to players at all budget levels. The game is remarkably simple: you bet on whether the Player hand, the Banker hand, or a Tie will win. Two or three cards are dealt to each hand according to fixed drawing rules, and the hand closest to 9 wins.

Card values in baccarat differ from most other games. Cards 2-9 are face value, 10s and face cards are worth 0, and Aces are worth 1. If a hand total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts (so a hand of 7 + 8 = 15 counts as 5).

The Three Bets

BetHouse EdgePayoutRecommendation
Banker1.06%1:1 minus 5% commissionBest bet, mathematically
Player1.24%1:1Solid alternative
Tie14.36%8:1 or 9:1Avoid completely

The Banker bet is the mathematically optimal choice with a house edge of just 1.06%, even after the standard 5% commission on winning bets. The Player bet at 1.24% is also reasonable. The Tie bet, despite its attractive 8:1 payout, carries a house edge over 14% and should be avoided entirely.

Baccarat Strategy

Baccarat is primarily a game of chance with no complex strategy required. The drawing rules are fixed and automatic, so you are not making decisions about how to play your hand. Your only decision is which bet to place. The mathematically optimal strategy is simply to bet Banker every hand. While this is not exciting, it gives you the best long-term expected value.

Best Casinos for Baccarat

#1
J

Jackit Top Pick

4.8/5.0
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#2
S

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#3
W

Wild Casino

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#4
B

Bovada

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#5
B

BetOnline

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best casino for baccarat?
Based on our testing, our top-rated casinos for baccarat include Jackit, Wild Casino, and Bovada. Each offers a strong baccarat selection with fair odds and smooth gameplay.
Can I play baccarat on my phone?
Yes, all of our recommended casinos offer baccarat games optimized for mobile browsers on both iOS and Android devices.
Are online baccarat games fair?
Yes, when you play at licensed casinos using software from recognized providers. The games use certified Random Number Generators (RNG) that are regularly audited for fairness.