What’s the House Edge in Baccarat?

Baccarat is a staple of online casinos, prized for its simplicity and low house edge compared to other table games. But while it may seem like a 50/50 game at first glance, the reality is more nuanced. Each type of bet carries a different statistical advantage — or disadvantage — for the player.

In this guide, we break down the house edge for each wager, explain how it compares to other casino games, and offer smart tips to help you play with confidence.

What Is the House Edge?

The house edge is the built-in mathematical advantage that the casino has over the player. It represents the average percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over time.

For example :

If a game has a house edge of 1%, the casino will earn £1 on average for every £100 wagered in the long run. A lower house edge means better odds for the player — which is why baccarat has become a favourite among seasoned gamblers.

House Edge in the Three Main Baccarat Bets

Baccarat offers three primary betting options: Banker, Player, and Tie. Each comes with a different expected return for the casino.

The Banker bet has the lowest house edge, making it statistically the best option. The Player bet is still reasonable, but the Tie bet is a trap for casual players — it looks tempting, but the odds are heavily stacked against you.

Why Banker Bet Has the Lowest House Edge

Despite the 5% commission, the Banker bet wins slightly more often than the Player bet due to how the cards are drawn. In fact, it wins about 45.86% of the time (excluding ties), while the Player hand wins around 44.62%.

Casinos apply the commission to offset this edge, but even with it, the Banker bet remains the most favourable choice. Over time, sticking with Banker can statistically reduce your losses more effectively than any other option.

How Does Baccarat Compare to Other Casino Games?

Here’s how baccarat stacks up against popular casino games in terms of house edge:

As you can see, only blackjack (when played with perfect strategy) offers better odds than baccarat. This makes baccarat one of the most player-friendly games available.

Can You Reduce the House Edge in Baccarat?

No system or betting strategy can eliminate the house edge. Baccarat is a game of chance, and each hand is statistically independent.

However, there are a few practical tips to help you play more strategically:

• Always favour the Banker bet. Despite the 5% commission, it remains the most statistically efficient option, with a house edge of just 1.06%.
• Avoid the Tie bet entirely. With a house edge of over 14%, it’s the least favourable wager in the game.
• Don’t alternate bets based on “patterns.” Each hand is independent. The house edge doesn’t change — switching based on gut feeling offers no real advantage.
• Ignore betting systems. Systems like Martingale don’t alter probabilities and can expose you to big losses.
• Look for low-commission tables or “No Commission” variants — but always check the fine print, as payout rules may differ.

Baccarat may be a game of chance, but the numbers are clear: if you're not consistently betting on the Banker, you're playing against your own interests. With a house edge of just 1.06%, it's the only bet that offers long-term value.

The Player bet is acceptable, but slightly less efficient. The Tie bet, on the other hand, should be avoided entirely — it's statistically designed to drain your bankroll over time.

In short, if you’re serious about playing smart, forget betting systems, ignore table myths, and let the house edge guide every decision. The edge may be small, but in baccarat, it’s everything.