Baccarat is one of the simplest casino games with some of the best odds for players. Understanding how commission affects your returns is key to making informed betting decisions.
How commission works
Standard baccarat charges 5% commission on winning Banker bets because Banker has a natural mathematical advantage. Without commission, the Banker bet would be too favorable for players. The commission brings the house edge to a sustainable 1.06%.
EZ Baccarat explained
EZ Baccarat eliminates the 5% commission by declaring Banker bets a push when Banker wins with a three-card 7. This creates Dragon 7 and Panda 8 side bets to compensate. The effective house edge remains similar to standard baccarat.
Optimal baccarat strategy
The Banker bet is mathematically optimal with a 1.06% house edge.
Avoid pattern tracking or betting systems - baccarat outcomes are independent.
Set a bankroll limit and stick to it - the house always has an edge.
Yes, mathematically the Banker bet has the lowest house edge at 1.06% even after the 5% commission. The Player bet has a 1.24% house edge. However, the difference is small enough that some players prefer Player to avoid commission tracking.
The Tie bet pays 8:1 or 9:1 but occurs only about 9.52% of the time, resulting in a house edge of 14.36%. This means you lose about $14 for every $100 wagered over time, compared to about $1 on Banker or Player bets.
While technically possible, card counting in baccarat provides minimal advantage (typically less than 1%). The effort required is significant, and most casinos use 8-deck shoes with frequent shuffling, making it impractical for most players.
