Examing RTPs and house edges in baccarat games
Baccarat is one of the most popular casino table games, known for its simplicity and low house edge. Online baccarat rules, odds, and house edge are important to understand.
House edge and RTPs
The house edge is the mathematical advantage the casino holds over players in a game. It’s calculated as the ratio of expected player loss to total bets made over time. House edge of Baccarat is lower compared to other casino games. RTP expresses the anticipated percentage of bet money that a game will pay back to players. If the RPT is higher the house edge is lower.
- Number of decks – More decks increase house edge as it’s harder to track cards. 8-deck baccarat has a higher house edge than 1-deck baccarat.
- Betting options – Games with only two main bets (player/banker) have lower house edges than those offering side bets.
- Banker commissions – Some games charge a 5% commission on winning banker bets to offset the natural house edge favouring the banker. Higher commissions increase the house edge.
- Drawing rules – In some games, players choose to draw a third card, which impacts probabilities. Player drawing rules slightly increase the house edge.
Examining house edges in baccarat variants
- Punto Banco – Uses 6-8 decks, only two main bets, and no drawing rules. House edge is 1.24% on player bets and 1.06% on banker bets. The lowest among baccarat games.
- Mini-Baccarat – Lower table limits version of Punto Banco, played on a smaller table. Same house edges apply.
- Baccarat Banque – 3 decks, optional drawing rules for players. The House edge is 1.29%. Slightly higher than Punto Banco due to drawing rules.
- Chemin de Fer – 6 decks, players take turns being the banker. If the banker loses, the shoe moves clockwise. House edge is 1.29% when betting with the banker. Higher variance than Punto Banco.
- Live Dealer Baccarat – Often uses 8 decks, higher bet limits than online baccarat. House edges are about the same as mini-baccarat or Punto Banco.
- EZ Baccarat – Uses 8 decks but offers optional side bets like Dragon 7, Panda 8, and Monkey 9 with large payouts but also very high house edges. Main bets have the same 1.24% house edge.
- Baccarat with Side Bets – Additional, optional side bets like Perfect Pairs and Lucky 6/7 increase overall house edges to over 2% depending on some side bets placed.
Getting the best odds playing baccarat online
To get the best odds when playing real money baccarat online at M98, stick to the main bets in games using fewer decks, like punto banco or mini-baccarat. Avoid side bets that seem enticing but have high house edges. Players with big bankrolls enjoy Baccarat Banque for its engaging gameplay involving players acting as bankers. For variety, live dealer baccarat has the ambience of a real casino with low house edges on main bets. Check the rules and house edges before playing any online baccarat games. Focus on making the optimal player or banker bets, and don’t get distracted by side bet promotions with longer odds.
