Baccarat Bets, Odds & House Edge
Baccarat has only three main bets, and the maths behind them is unusually clear. Here is what each one pays, the honest house edge on each, and why one bet stands out as the soundest choice over time.
The three main bets
Banker wins are paid even money but carry a 5% commission, which is how the casino covers the bet's slight statistical advantage. Even after that commission, the Banker carries the lowest house edge at around 1.06%. Player pays even money with no commission and an edge of about 1.24% — also a reasonable bet. The Tie pays 8:1 or 9:1 depending on the table, which looks tempting, but it hides a brutal house edge of around 14%. The Tie is best avoided.
Why Banker is the soundest bet
Because of the third-card rules, the Banker hand wins slightly more often than the Player hand. The 5% commission exists precisely to balance that out, yet even with it the Banker remains the lowest-edge bet on the table. If you want the best long-run value in baccarat, betting Banker is the sound, honest choice. That said, a 1.06% edge is still an edge — the house is favoured over time, and there is no bet here that flips that in your favour.
Side bets and their higher edges
Many tables offer extras such as Player Pair, Banker Pair, Perfect Pair or Dragon Bonus. These pay flashy multiples but carry far higher house edges than the main bets — often several percent or more. They add variety, not value. Treat them as occasional fun rather than a strategy. For realistic guidance, see Baccarat Strategy, and revisit the round itself in How to Play Baccarat.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there a 5% commission on Banker wins?
The Banker hand wins slightly more often than the Player hand because of the drawing rules. The 5% commission on Banker wins balances that advantage so the casino keeps a small, consistent edge. Even with the commission, Banker still has the lowest house edge at about 1.06%.
Should I ever bet the Tie?
It is not recommended. Although the Tie pays 8:1 or 9:1, its house edge is around 14% — far worse than Banker or Player. The occasional big payout does not make up for how rarely it lands.
Are baccarat side bets worth it?
Generally no. Side bets like pairs and bonuses offer large payouts but carry much higher house edges than the main bets. They can add fun, but they reduce your long-run value, so keep stakes small if you play them at all.