Odds of Baccarat

Not all baccarat tables are created equally. That is to say, in a game completely based on chance, some smart choices will increase your odds against the house. Know which game you want to play, since the three variations can offer some pretty big differences for your bottom line.

Some figures to keep in mind are the odds for winning the bet on the Dealer, Player or the Tie. The best bet, as you already may know, is on the Banker. The house advantage over the Banker is 1.06%, but the casino is also going to take their 5% commission from the Banker's winnings. The house has a 1.24% advantage over the Player bet. The house odds for the Tie bet are around 14% since it happens so rarely. Don't be too tempted to throw your money at the Tie bet, make sure you have a strategy.

In North American baccarat, or Punto Banco as it's also called, the role of the Banker remains as a symbol but there is no responsibility with it. The house banks the game and all baccarat players place their bet on the Banker, Player or Tie space on the layout. Baccarat games that are popular in Europe, like Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque, require all players to become the Banker during the game. This requires you put your money in to fund that hand. Your risk can become a big win for you.

Flip a coin, choose your bet: baccarat is a great game for the lucky. While there is very little you can do to improve your odds, learn how to pick the best table to play at and the best bets to make.