Popular baccarat games
How baccarat works
In Punto Banco, the version played almost everywhere online, you bet on which of two hands — Player or Banker — will finish closer to 9, or on a Tie. You don't make any decisions after betting: both hands are dealt and drawn by fixed rules.
Card values are simple: aces count 1, 2–9 count face value, and 10s and picture cards count 0. Only the last digit of a total counts, so 7 + 8 = 15 counts as 5.
Baccarat odds
| Bet | Pays | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1:1 minus 5% commission | ~1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | ~1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 | ~14.4% |
| Side bets (Pairs, Dragon Bonus) | varies | often 10%+ |
The Banker hand wins slightly more often because of the drawing rules, which is why casinos charge a 5% commission on Banker wins. Even after commission, it's the best bet on the table.
The drawing rules (you don't need to memorise them)
The dealer applies fixed rules — you make no decisions — but knowing them explains why Banker wins slightly more often.
Player hand: draws a third card on a total of 0–5, stands on 6–7. Any 8 or 9 on the first two cards (a "natural") ends the hand for both sides.
Banker hand: if the Player stood, the Banker draws on 0–5 and stands on 6–7. If the Player drew a third card, the Banker follows this table:
| Banker total | Banker draws when the Player's third card is… |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Always draws |
| 3 | Anything except 8 |
| 4 | 2–7 |
| 5 | 4–7 |
| 6 | 6–7 |
| 7 | Stands |
Common baccarat variants
| Variant | Key difference | Banker bet edge |
|---|---|---|
| Punto Banco (classic) | 5% commission on Banker wins | ~1.06% |
| No Commission | No commission, but a Banker win on 6 pays only half | ~1.46% |
| Speed Baccarat | Faster rounds — more hands per hour | ~1.06% |
| Squeeze | Cards revealed slowly for drama | ~1.06% |
| Lightning Baccarat | Random card multipliers, funded by a 20% fee on each bet | Varies — check the game info |
Side bets
| Side bet | Typical payout | House edge (8 decks) |
|---|---|---|
| Tie | 8:1 | ~14.4% |
| Player Pair / Banker Pair | 11:1 | ~10.4% |
| Dragon Bonus | Up to 30:1 | Varies, often high |
The Banker bet remains the best value in the game; side bets trade a fun bigger payout for a much higher edge.
Live and RNG baccarat
Most online baccarat is live, streamed from studios with real dealers — Speed, Squeeze, No-Commission and Lightning variants are common. RNG baccarat is also available at lower minimums. See our live dealer casino guide for how the studios work.
Where to play online baccarat
In the US, BetMGM and DraftKings offer live and RNG baccarat in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan. For international players, Betway carries Evolution's full baccarat range. Compare all of them on our best online casinos list.
Baccarat and bonuses
Because the Banker bet's edge is so low, most casinos count baccarat at 0% towards bonus wagering. Clear bonuses on slots and play baccarat with your own funds — see wagering requirements explained.
What we look for
- Standard 5% commission on Banker (or clearly explained no-commission rules).
- Live and RNG tables at a range of limits.
- Clear side-bet paytables.
- Licensed studios and fast, verified payouts.
For a wider look at the casino's best-value games, compare baccarat with online blackjack and French online roulette.
