Baccarat Bet Types
| Main and Side Bet Types in Baccarat and Their Specifications
Baccarat is a classic card game enjoyed by many casino enthusiasts around the world. With online casinos offering baccarat variations by different providers, virtual players are offered the chance to choose from various baccarat titles, each one presenting a different type of experience. Before you start playing baccarat, however, we recommend you get familiar with the game and the bet types you will be able to place.
Despite the different variations of the card game, there are always three main options you can bet on. These include betting on the Player side, Bank side, or Tie. Each of these options has its winning odds, indicating what is the best side to bet on. In addition to the general bet types in baccarat, you can come across several variations of the game offering side bets. Typically, side bets pay on combinations of cards that can be dealt to either side. Nevertheless, it is always good to get familiar with the side bets, their payouts, and the conditions that need to be met in order to receive a side bet payout.
Bet Types
In Baccarat, two hands are dealt and the winning hand is the one that has the highest total. It is possible to choose among three types of bets – the ‘Player’, the ‘Banker’, and the ‘Tie’ bet. It is very easy to figure out the usage of the wagers as they are labeled accordingly. Before each coup, players have the chance to try their luck by choosing one of the available bet options.
Every Baccarat table has a designated area where the wagers are placed. In most cases, the betting section is labeled with the name of the bet which is extremely convenient for players as they can easily find their way around the table, indicating where they can put their chips. It is also worth mentioning that since this is a game of chance, there is no way to influence the outcome of every coup. This is the reason why players should consider the available information about the bet types in advance in order to know which one gives them the best chances of winning and which one is to be avoided.
| Baccarat Bet Types and House Edge | |
|---|---|
| Bet Type | House Edge |
| Banker | 1.06% | Player | 1.36% |
| Tie | 14.40% |
The Banker Bet
The ‘Banker’ bet is known among proficient Baccarat players as the best option due to the fact that it has the lowest house edge in comparison to the rest of the available wagers. However, it is worth mentioning that since this bet is highly favorable for the players, the casinos get a 5% commission every time it wins. Sometimes, the percentage of the commission might vary, depending on the particular casino and the variation of the game. Thus, just to be on the safe side, it is always best to double-check it prior to playing.
Even with the 5% commission, the ‘Banker’ bet still has a very low house edge of 1.06%, making it the most recommended option to bet on. Even though betting on ‘Player’ also offers great winning odds, in most cases, players are advised to stick with betting on ‘Banker’ as this is the option that offers the highest chances for a win.
Some casinos will apply a specific minimum commission to the ‘Banker’ bet, instead of the typical 5% commission. For example, you may come across baccarat tables that require a minimum commission of $1 per hand. While this may seem like a reasonable amount, you can quickly do the math and see that this is quite an inconvenient commission for low-stake players.
If you join a baccarat table with a minimum commission of $1 on the ‘Banker’ bet, a $5 bet would mean that the commission you will pay amounts to 20% of your original stake. Even if you double your ‘Banker’ stake and bet $10, the $1 commission will still represent 10% of your original wager. As you can see, such tables can win significantly more off low-stake players than baccarat tables with a standard 5% commission.
Of course, if you are wagering $20 or more on ‘Banker’, a $1 should not be a problem for you as such a minimum commission amounts to 5% of your $20 stake. If you, however, decide to bet $10 on ‘Banker’, the commission of $1 will give the house an edge of 3.35%, which is 3.16x higher than the normal edge on ‘Banker’ bets.
If you are planning to make lower bets, we recommend you go for other baccarat tables that require the typical 5% commission on ‘Banker’ wins.
The Player Bet
The ‘Player’ bet is the second best choice, players have when playing Baccarat. Its house edge is more favorable than the ‘Tie’ bet but less beneficial if compared to the ‘Banker’ bet. However, this is the reason why there is no commission when this wager wins. By placing a wager on the ‘Player’ section, gamblers bet that this particular hand will be the winning one. Since Baccarat, in most cases, is a high-stakes game, it is compulsory to take into account the pros and cons of every bet in order to make the best possible decision.
The Tie Bet
Whenever players opt for the ‘Tie’ bet, they hope that both hands – the banker’s and the player’s – will have an identical value. However, the odds that this best-case scenario will occur, are against them. Even though the payout of the ‘Tie’ bet is much more enticing than the rest of the available betting options, its house edge is highly unfavorable and therefore, it should be avoided. In general, not many players take the risk of placing this type of wager as it is noticeable, even without doing the math, that the chances that both hands will have an identical value are rather small.
How to Place a Bet
It is extremely easy to place a bet as every Baccarat table has three sections which are labeled as ‘Player’, ‘Banker’, and ‘Tie’. This way, players can clearly see in which area to put their chips and make the bet they wish. Once seated, they will be able to easily find the betting area as it is conveniently located in front of every player. The nearest to them is the ‘Player’ section, then the ‘Banker’ one, and the betting area located the furthest from the players, is the ‘Tie’ bet. The commission boxes and the chips are placed in front of every dealer and all that it takes to play is to simply choose one of the available wagers and put the desired amount of chips in the respective area.
Baccarat Payout
The average payout is one of the most important factors that players should always consider when playing a casino game. In Baccarat, the ‘Player’ and the ‘Banker’ bets have the same payout percentage, whereas the ‘Tie’ wager differs from them. However, players should bear in mind that in cases when the ‘Banker’ bet wins, a 5% commission applies to their winnings.
The payout for the ‘Player’ and the ‘Banker’ bet is 1 to 1, whereas the ‘Tie’ bet pays off 8 to 1 or 9 to one. As seen, the payout for the ‘Tie’ wager can vary, depending on the casino. It is always best for the players to know all of their bet options, even if it is advisable to avoid the ‘Tie’ bet for various reasons. Since Baccarat is a game of chance, it is essential to get familiar with the bet types, their house edge as well as their payout, in order to make the most of every game.
| Baccarat Payout | |
|---|---|
| Bet Type | Payout |
| Banker | 1:1 | Player | 1:1 |
| Tie | 8:1 or 9:1 |
Side Bets
Just like many other card games, in Baccarat, players have the chance to increase their level of entertainment by placing some of the side bets. They are optional and differ from one casino to another. It is worth noting that they also vary, depending on the version of the game. Baccarat enthusiasts have the chance to put a number of diverse side bets, including Dragon 7, Panda 8, Dragon Bonus, Perfect Pair, Big and Small Bets and others.
Thus, prior to playing, it is recommended to get familiar with the available side bets in order to be able to take advantage of them, whenever they are available. By placing a side bet, players can win more substantial amounts, especially in a high-stake game such as Baccarat.
Dragon Bonus
Dragon Bonus is one of the most popular side bets and it is most commonly offered in Mini Baccarat. Its payout for nine points is 30 to 1 and players have the opportunity to place it on either the ‘Player’ or the ‘Banker’ hand. Whichever hand gets the highest score wins and if players have placed a bet on it, they get paid. This side bet offers them higher returns if they are willing to take the risk.
The amount they are going to win, depends on the margin of victory. This side bet offers a 2.65% house edge, providing that the bet is placed on the ‘Player’ section and that the game is played with 8 decks. Since the ‘Banker’ bet is the one that has the best odds, its house edge is significantly increased – 9.37%. Therefore, it is considered to be unfavorable and players should refrain from placing it.
Panda 8 and Dragon 7
One of the most played variations of Baccarat is EZ Baccarat. This variation highly resembles the original game and in most cases, it offers two side bets which players can place – Dragon 7 and Panda 8. Thanks to them, they have the opportunity to win big and increase their level of entertainment.
Panda 8 is a well-known side bet which has proven to be highly enticing and interesting. If players decide to give it a shot, they will get paid if the Banker’s hand collects 8 points in only three cards. The payout is usually 25 to 1 and the house edge is calculated to be around 10.19%.
Perfect Pair
Perfect Pair is a side bet that can be found in Baccarat games that are powered by the prominent software provider Playtech. If players decide to try their luck by placing it, they will get paid if the first two cards are identical in terms of suit and rank. The payout for this side bet is 12 to 1 and the house edge is 13%, providing that the game is played with 8 decks.
Egalite Bets
This type of side bet allows players to place a bet on the ‘Banker’ and ‘Player’ sides getting a tie. While such a wager is also available in the base game, the different element for this side bet is that you will be betting on the exact value of the tie result. There are several sections dedicated to this bet and players can choose to make multiple egalite bets.
The great thing about this side wager is that you can make as many egalite bets without placing a bet on the main game. The payout that one would enjoy if their guess is correct depends on the value of the tie.
| Egalites Bets Payouts | |
|---|---|
| Tied Value | Payout |
| 9 or 8 | 80:1 |
| 7 or 6 | 45:1 |
| 5 | 110:1 |
| 4 | 120:1 |
| 3 | 200:1 |
| 2 | 225:1 |
| 1 | 215:1 |
| 0 | 150:1 |
Odd/Even
Another side bet that can be played at some baccarat tables at land-based casinos is betting on either Even or Odd. You can make this type of extra wager on either the “Banker” or the “Player” side. There are four possibilities to bet on, which include betting on an even “Player” total, even “Banker” total, odd “Player” total, or odd “Banker” total.
All Red/All Black
This type of side wager allows players to bet on two different outcomes. The first one is to bet money on the “Player” hand being comprised of only red cards (hearts and diamonds). The second similar side bet allows players to bet on the “Player” hand consisting of only black cards (clubs and spades). Even though the probability for the two side bets is exactly the same, typically, All Red pays 22 to 1, while All Black pays 24 to 1.
Banker Streak
Banker Streak is a very interesting side bet that some baccarat variations may offer to players. The specific thing about this wager is it cannot be placed on every gaming round. Instead, you can make a Banker Streak bet only after a tie or a “Player” win. To win this side bet, the banker must have more than 3 consecutive wins. The payout for the side wager depends on the number of successive “Banker” wins.
There are four popular paytable variations you can see for baccarat tables that offer the Banker Streak side bet. The common thing between them is that they pay for more than three consecutive “Banker” wins and the highest payout is for 10 or more successive wins for the “Banker” side.
| Banker Streak Side Bet Payouts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Banker Wins | Paytable 1 | Paytable 2 | Paytable 3 | Paytable 4 |
| 10 or more | 250 | 250:1 | 200:1 | 200:1 |
| 9 | 150:1 | 100:1 | 100:1 | 100:1 |
| 8 | 60:1 | 60:1 | 60:1 | 60:1 |
| 7 | 40:1 | 40:1 | 40:1 | 40:1 |
| 6 | 25:1 | 25:1 | 25:1 | 20:1 |
| 5 | 15:1 | 15:1 | 15:1 | 15:1 |
| 4 | 10:1 | 10:1 | 10:1 | 10:1 |
| 3 or fewer | Loss | Loss | Loss | Loss |
Three-Card Win
Some baccarat tables offer the Three-Card Win side bet that can be placed on both the “Player” and the “Banker” sides. This additional wager pays when the side you have bet on wins with a hand comprised of three cards. If your Three-Card Win bet on the “Player” side is successful, you will enjoy a payout of 4 to 1. Meanwhile, the “Banker” Three-Card Win pays 5 to 1 to players who have made the side wager.
Some variations of such side bets also include Suited Three-Card 8 and Three-Card 6. The first variation allows you to bet on either the player, the banker, or both sides getting a three-card hand of the same suit with a total of eight. The second variation of the Three-Card side bets enables players to bet either on the player, the banker, or both sides getting a three-card hand with a total of six.
The Suited Three-Card 8 bet pays 25 to 1 for either “Player” or “Banker” win. If you have made a bet on both sides and they meet the winning condition, the payout will be 200 to 1. In the second case, it is allowed both of the respective sides to have different suits. The payouts for the Three-Card 6 bet are 8 to 1 for either of the sides and 100 to 1 for both sides.
5 Treasures
Another additional wager you may be allowed to make on some baccarat variations includes 5 Treasures. This side betting option involves five different side bets that can often be found under other names on various baccarat tables. The five stakes include Fortune 7 (same as Dragon 7), Golden 8 (same as Panda 8), Blazing 7’s, Heavenly 9, Cover All.
Winning conditions for 5 Treasures Side Bets:
- Fortune 7 – Banker gets a Three-Card total of 7
- Golden 8 – Player gets a Three-Card total of 8
- Blazing 7’s – a 7-7 tie with the same number of cards on both hands
- Heavenly 9 – at least one of the hands is a Three-Card total of 9
- Cover All – pays if any of the aforementioned bets wins
Bad Beat Baccarat
Bad Beat Baccarat is played like any regular baccarat variation but it also offers extra payouts on four side bet options. This game is typically found at online casinos and pays for a few bad beats. The margin of win between the two hands is defined as a “bad beat” and there are five possible chances to enjoy a payout thanks to this side wager.
| Bad Beats Payouts | |
|---|---|
| Margin of Win | Payout |
| Three-Card 9 beats Three-Card 8 | 40:1 |
| Natural 9 beats Natural 8 | 10:1 |
| 8 beats 7 | 6:1 |
| 7 beats 6 | 4:1 |
| Other margin of victory of 1 | 1:1 |
Golden Frog
Some baccarat tables also offer a set of four side bets that are collectively known as Golden Frog. If you decide to place this type of side wager, you are simply betting on one of the sides beating a specific hand with another specific card combination. You do not have to choose a side but rather place your money on a certain outcome.
| Golden Frog Side Bets Payouts | |
|---|---|
| Side Bet | Payout |
| Any 8 beats any 6 | 25:1 |
| Two-Card 9 beats Two-Card 7 | 50:1 |
| Three-Card 9 beats Three-Card 1 | 150:1 |
| Three-Card 9 beats Three-Card 7 | 200:1 |
Kill the Ox/Tiger
Depending on the casino that offers the game, you can find this type of side wager either under the name Kill the Ox or Kill the Tiger. Either way, the winning condition to enjoy a payout is the same. There are only two conditions under which the Kill the Ox/Tiger bet will offer a payout. The first one is when the “Player” side has a Three-Card 6 and ties or loses. The second case when this side wager wins is when the “Banker” side has a Three-Card 7 and ties or loses. In both cases, the payout is 30 to 1.
Ox 6
This type of side wager is pretty straightforward and is often offered at standard baccarat tables that you can come across at different brick-and-mortar casinos. The bet pays if the “Player” side wins with a Three-Card 6. When successful, this side wager pays 40 to 1. Any other outcome would indicate losing the Ox 6 side bet.
Royal 9
When you play baccarat at your favorite land-based casino, you might also look for the Royal 9 side bet. This is a progressive jackpot bet that can be very rewarding towards lucky players. Typically, this side wager would cost you $5 and will qualify you for the progressive jackpot of the game.
If you make this side bet, you are placing your money on the event of the “Player” side, the “Banker”, or both of the sides having a Royal 9. This specific hand is comprised of a 9 and any of the face cards. The progressive jackpot is won when both sides have a Royal 9, matching a specific pre-printed combination of two cards. Matching different pre-printed Royal 9 combinations would also ensure smaller fixed payouts.
Conclusion
Baccarat is one of the most played casino games due to the fact that it offers players the chance to get a high level of entertainment by placing a number of exciting bets. Its moderately low house edge and simple rules are among the things which also attract many players worldwide. It is a game of chance and as such, its outcome cannot be influenced by a reliable strategy. Therefore, it is essential that the players get familiar with all of the available options they have, including the bet types as this way, they will be able to make the best choice and fully enjoy the game.
| Payment Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Visa Card | YES | YES |
 | Mastercard | YES | NO |
 | InstaDebit | YES | YES |
 | PayPal | YES | YES |
 | Skrill | YES | YES |
 | PaySafeCard | YES | NO |
 | Citadel | YES | YES |
 | Neteller | YES | YES |
 | Sofort | YES | YES |
 | PayForIt | YES | NO |