The Ultimate Guide to Online Baccarat

Play Online Baccarat in 2025

Discover the elegance and simplicity of Baccarat, the world's most popular casino game. Learn the easy rules and find out why it gives players a real fighting chance. US players welcome · 21+ only.

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Written by Giuseppe Vivarelli – Senior Crypto Casino Analyst | Last updated: 16 October 2025
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Giuseppe is a seasoned casino games expert, specializing in table game strategy and helping US players understand the odds to improve their gameplay.

How to Play Online Baccarat

Despite its sophisticated image, Baccarat is one of the easiest casino card games to learn. You don't make any decisions after the bet is placed—the dealer does all the work. The goal is to bet on which of two hands, the "Player" or the "Banker," will have a total closest to 9.

1. Place Your Bet

You have three choices: bet on the Player hand to win, the Banker hand to win, or for the hands to Tie. Place your chips on the corresponding section of the table.

2. The Cards are Dealt

The dealer gives two cards each to the Player and Banker positions. All cards are dealt face up. Aces are worth 1, 10s and face cards are worth 0, and all other cards are worth their face value.

3. The Result is Determined

Hand totals are calculated. If a total is 10 or more, the first digit is dropped (e.g., a 7 and an 8 make 15, which becomes 5). The hand closest to 9 wins. Payouts are made automatically.

Understanding the Main Bets

Baccarat's simplicity shines in its betting options. Your only decision is where to place your wager before the hand begins. Here are the three main bets and what they mean for your odds.

Bet Name Payout House Edge Why Bet On It?
Banker 0.95 to 1 (Pays even money minus a 5% commission) 1.06% This is statistically the best bet in Baccarat. The Banker hand wins slightly more often than the Player hand, making it the smartest choice for serious players.
Player 1 to 1 (Even Money) 1.24% A very strong bet with only a slightly higher house edge than the Banker. Many players alternate between Player and Banker bets.
Tie 8 to 1 14.36% While the 8-to-1 payout is tempting, the Tie bet has a very high house edge and should generally be avoided. It's a long-shot bet for those feeling lucky.

Why Play Baccarat Online?

Playing Baccarat online at a site like Wild Casino removes the intimidating atmosphere of a high-roller room in a land-based casino. It offers the perfect environment for both new and experienced players.

Perfect for Beginners

New players can learn the game at their own pace without pressure from other players. Software-based games allow you to take your time, review the rules, and bet small amounts as you build your confidence.

Faster Gameplay for Experts

Experienced players can enjoy a much faster game online. There's no waiting for other players to place bets or for dealers to handle physical chips. You control the pace of the action, especially in software-based versions.

Variety and Accessibility

Online casinos offer multiple variations, including Live Dealer Baccarat and Super 6, at a wide range of stake levels. You can enjoy the authentic casino experience with a professional dealer from the comfort of your home, anytime.

Our Top 5 Baccarat Tips

1. The Banker Bet is Best

Statistically, the Banker bet has the lowest house edge (1.06%) and is the smartest wager. If you're unsure what to do, consistently betting on the Banker is the best long-term strategy.

2. Avoid the Tie Bet

The 8-to-1 payout is alluring, but the house edge on the Tie bet is over 14%. It's one of the worst bets in the casino and will drain your bankroll quickly. Avoid it.

3. Manage Your Bankroll

Baccarat can be a fast-paced game. Decide on a budget before you start and stick to it. Never chase losses and know when to walk away, whether you're up or down.

4. Understand the Commission

Remember that winning Banker bets are subject to a 5% commission. This is how the casino maintains its house edge on the strongest bet. The software handles this automatically for you.

5. Don't Rely on Patterns

Many baccarat tables show the history of previous hands. While it can be fun to look for streaks, remember that each hand is an independent event. Past results do not influence future outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baccarat a game of skill?

No, Baccarat is almost entirely a game of chance. The only skill involved is choosing which bet to make (Player, Banker, or Tie) before the hand starts. Once the bet is placed, there are no further decisions to make.

What is the best bet to make in Baccarat?

The Banker bet is the best bet due to its low house edge of just 1.06%. Even with the 5% commission on wins, it offers the best statistical return to the player over the long run.

Why is there a 5% commission on the Banker bet?

The rules of Baccarat are set up so that the Banker hand wins slightly more often than the Player hand. To counteract this advantage and ensure the casino maintains an edge, a 5% commission is taken from all winning Banker bets.

Is online Baccarat safe to play for real money?

Yes, as long as you play at a licensed and reputable online casino. These sites use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair outcomes for their software-based games and are audited by third parties. Live Dealer games use real cards and equipment, just like in a physical casino.