Baccarat, also known as punto banco, is a highly popular casino card game that generates approximately $1.2 billion in annual profits for the Nevada casino industry alone.
Internationally, particularly in Macau, baccarat constitutes a staggering 88% of all casino activities, demonstrating its immense appeal among casino enthusiasts.
But what are the odds of winning in baccarat, and how are payouts calculated? How do these odds compare to other card games?
Baccarat Odds and Payouts Explained
Baccarat payouts may not instantly turn you into a millionaire, but they offer some of the most generous payouts and odds in the realm of casino games.
Odds represent a player’s chances of winning (or losing) a bet against the house, represented by the banker or dealer. Remarkably, baccarat boasts the lowest house edge among all casino games.
The house edge, also known as the casino advantage, denotes the average gross profit the casino anticipates from each game—a sort of commission for providing the gaming service.
In baccarat, the house edge on a banker bet is a mere 1.06%, while on a player bet, it’s slightly higher at 1.24%. If you venture into tie bets, the house edge dramatically rises to 14.36%. Nevertheless, tie bets offer substantial payouts compared to player and banker bets.
If we disregard tie bets and distribute the odds equally between player and banker, the banker boasts a 51% win probability at all times. Therefore, banker bets have approximately 51% odds of winning when tie bets are excluded.
Baccarat has become more straightforward over time, offering players three basic betting options: banker, player, or tie, each with distinct odds and payouts.
For instance, a 1.24% house edge on the player bet implies a potential profit of $98.76 from a $100 bet:
Total payout = Profit + initial bet = $98.76 + $100 = $198.76
Conversely, a 1.06% house edge on the banker bet translates to $98.94 for every $100 wagered, considering the house edge:
Total payout = Profit + initial bet = $98.94 + $100 = $198.94
It’s important to note that tie bets, with a 14.36% house edge, could theoretically yield an $85.64 profit for every $100 staked:
Total payout = Profit + initial bet = $85.64 + $100 = $185.64
The high payout of 8:1 on tie bets compensates for their relatively low odds of success.
Baccarat Odds, House Edge, And Payouts – Common Bets
In both online and traditional baccarat, you can choose from three common bets: banker, player, or tie. Understanding the odds and payouts associated with these bets is crucial for making informed decisions at the baccarat table.
The table below outlines the odds and payouts for these common bets in a standard baccarat game with eight decks:
| Bet | Payout | Odds | House Edge |
| Player | 1 to 1 | 44.62% | 1.24% |
| Banker | 0.95 to 1 | 45.86% | 1.06% |
| Tie | 8 to 1 | 9.52% | 14.36% |
Baccarat Odds, House Edge, And Payouts – Side Bets
If you seek to add variety to your baccarat game, consider exploring side bets. These bets provide additional options beyond the traditional banker, player, or tie bets. It’s worth noting that different casinos and online platforms may offer their own unique side bets.
Here are some popular baccarat side bets, based on an eight-deck game, along with their corresponding odds and payouts:
| Bet | Payout | Odds |
| Player pair | 11 to 1 | 7.47% |
| Banker pair | 11 to 1 | 7.47% |
| Perfect pair | 25 to 1 | 3.34% |
| Either pair | 5 to 1 | 14.2% |
| Big | 2 to 1 | 31.8% |
| Small | 3 to 2 | 37.8% |
Odds of Baccarat vs. Other Games
When comparing baccarat odds to those of other games, prioritize bets that offer the highest chances of winning. For instance, banker bets, with odds of 45.86%, can be among the more favorable options.
Odds of Banker vs. Player Win
Comparing banker and player bets reveals that the banker’s hand has a slightly better chance of winning at 45.86% compared to the player’s hand at 44.62%. Even when excluding tie bets from consideration, the banker wins approximately 51% of the time, making it a preferred choice for many players.
However, it’s important to remember that baccarat remains a game of chance, and predicting the next winning hand is never guaranteed.
Odds of a Tie
In an eight-deck baccarat game, tie bets only win 9.52% of the time but offer an enticing 8:1 payout. If you’re enticed by substantial payouts, tie bets may appeal to you.
However, for better odds of winning, banker or player bets are generally wiser choices.
House Edge in Baccarat Explained
Baccarat is often associated with high rollers like the iconic James Bond. One reason for its popularity is its low house edge.
However, it’s important to note that house edge calculations can vary, particularly depending on the casino or the number of decks used in the game.
House Edge of Banker vs. Player
Based on the data provided earlier, the house edge on banker bets tends to be lower than that on player bets. For those seeking the lowest house edge, opting for the banker’s hand is a strategic choice.
