Are live baccarat games rigged?

No! The games are fair and legit at reputable online gambling sites. You can see everything the dealer is doing, so should be completely confident as to the game's integrity. As with any gambling game, the odds favor the house. Therefore, the casino doesn't need to rig games to make money.

What is a safe bet when playing live baccarat?

Betting on either the player or the banker is safe, but one has slightly better odds. With a 1.06% house edge, a banker bet is superior, despite the 5% commission.

Is online live baccarat easier to play than traditional baccarat?

Both versions of the game are equally easy to take part in. Players simply need to understand their betting options.

Can I play live baccarat on the go?

Yes! Live dealer versions of the game are optimized for mobile devices, including iOS and Android ones. They're accessible with a smartphone or laptop and a stable internet connection.

How does live baccarat compare to other live dealer games?

While live blackjack offers the best odds, basic strategy errors can significantly reduce your advantage. There's no skill involved in live baccarat, so the low 1.06% banker house edge is fixed, despite the 5% commission.

Live Dealer Baccarat - December 2024

ByDavida Mintz

Last Updated: October 18, 2024

Fact Checked ByLogan Martinez

The most popular gambling game in Macau for many years, baccarat also generates billions for land-based casinos in the U.S., including in Las Vegas, where tables are typically tucked away in high-limit limit rooms, away from the more popular roulette and blackjack tables. When it's offered on the casino floor, the standard minimum bet is $25.

Why You Should Play Live Dealer Baccarat

Live Dealer Casinos have revolutionized the game, making it accessible to gamblers on a budget. With a low $1 minimum bet, Live Baccarat is one of several variants created by Evolution, the leading provider of online casino content. The Asian-inspired studio resembles an elegant high-stakes gambling salon with an exquisitely clad banker leading the action.

Other innovative software providers with live versions of the game include NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Ezugi, Microgaming, Playtech, and LuckyStreak.

Pros & Cons of Live Baccarat

Live baccarat has several pros and cons. Take a look below for an overview of why people do and don't choose to play this game.

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Low limits: Most games offer a $1 minimum bet.	Requires a stable internet connection: Connectivity issues may cause disruptions to your game.
Social interaction: Players can chat to each other and the banker who will respond out loud.	No free demo versions: Unlike the online version, players can't practice for free.
Real dealers: A human banker guides the action at the table in real-time.	No open seats: Live dealer tables can fill up, so you might have to wait to join.
Increased transparency: Winners are determined by the luck of the draw, rather than by a casino random number generator (RNG).	Slow-paced: Waiting for other players to act can create delays not present in online games.
Enhanced realism: Replicates the environment of a land-based casino	Lack of mental stimulation: This simple game doesn't offer enough of a challenge to satisfy certain players.
Privacy: The dealer can see your cards but can't see you.
High picture quality: Streams are available in full HD to desktop and mobile devices.

Follow the steps below when you're ready to experience Live Dealer Baccarat. It's worth spending a little time to discover the right casino and the game that offers the best chance of winning.

Choose a Reliable Online Casino & Sign Up

After establishing that your chosen casino is licensed and secure, you can explore its collection of live baccarat games. Your best choice may be a casino with a good blend of online and live choices.

Once you've settled on a site, creating an account only takes a few minutes. You'll be asked to provide personal details, including your address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. Additionally, online casinos require you to provide a driver's license or government ID to verify your identity.

Remember to check the casino's promotions page for no deposit bonus codes before signing up, so you can enter any promo code required.

Deposit Funds & Claim a Bonus

Before you can take a seat at a live dealer table, you must fund your online casino account for the first time. Head to the "Cashiers" page to make your initial deposit and enter a bonus code if requested. Reputable sites offer many safe and convenient deposit options, including debit and credit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and online bank transfers.

The best live dealer casinos reward new players with a welcome bonus when they make their first deposits like at bet365 casino. It's usually comprised of a match bonus and/or free spins or a refund of their first day's losses. While many welcome offers are exclusive to slots, the promotions that appeal to baccarat players are valid on table games only, live and virtual.

Pick a Live Baccarat Game

Navigate to the live casino lobby and browse through the available titles. It's not as critical to compare RTPs as it is with other casino games unless you plan to make a side bet. While most side bets have a house advantage too high to overcome, the Perfect Pair side bet offers a moderate 3.34% house edge.

With an impressive 98.94% RTP, Baccarat Live by Evolution is offered at many of the best online casinos. Often, it's the only option, but not on 888 and DraftKings Casinos, where games like Speed Baccarat, Baccarat Squeeze, and Baccarat Dragon Bonus are available 24/7. While DraftKings produces the bulk of its live baccarat titles in-house, 888 partners with top-rated software provider Pragmatic Play.

Interested in playing at other top casinos like DraftKings or Borgata? If so, remember to grab your DraftKings Casino promo code or Borgata Casino bonus code first!

Wager & Withdraw Winnings

You've exercised discipline and given yourself the best shot at a profitable outcome. Now, it's time to place your bets. Most software features a well-designed virtual interface that allows players to select chips and make their wagers with a few mouse clicks. In addition to the main wager, players can make a side bet, if available.

If you win, you can either withdraw your winnings or use them to try another live casino game. Each site has its own processing time, typically between two and five days. After that, how fast you get your money depends on the payment method you use. Debit cards, e-wallets, and prepaid cards typically reach your account within 24 hours.

Gameplay Guide for Baccarat Live Games

Be prepared for a Macau-like gambling experience when you take a seat at the live dealer baccarat table. The object of the game is to come closer to a total of nine than the banker. But winning cards aren't all you need to get paid. Players win by successfully wagering on the outcome of the upcoming hand.

General Notes

Card values: Aces = 1, 10s and Face Cards = 0, all other cards = face value.
If the total count is more than ten, only the right digit is taken into account. For example, 15 is counted as 5.
Whether a third card is dealt is dictated by the game situation, not the player or banker.
Each hand cannot have no more than three cards.
If the banker bet wins, a 5% commission is paid to the house.

Pick Your Bet

Before each deal, players bet on whether the player or banker will win the round. Alternatively, they can wager that the round will end in a tie. Despite a juicy 8:1 payout, a tie is the worst bet due to its 14.4% house edge.

A bet on the player offers a low 1.24% house edge, but at 1.06%, the house edge on a banker bet is lower. The house charges a 5% commission on winning banker bets, but a bet on the banker still has the best odds. Once you make your wager, you take the role of spectator while the hands play out.

Two Hands are Dealt

The banker and the player are each dealt two cards face up (face down in Evolution's version). If either hand totals eight or nine it's an automatic winner and the round is over. When the cards add up to any number aside from eight or nine, the banker follows a set of predetermined rules.

More Cards Are Revealed

The value of the first two cards determines whether a third card will be drawn. If either hand totals five or less, an additional card must be drawn, but hands with a value of six or seven are required to stand. Only one additional card can be dealt to either side.

Winning Hand

The hand that comes closest to nine at the end of the round is the winner. Winning wagers on the player or the banker pay even money, minus a 5% commission on banker wins. Once the best hand is determined, the dealer pays the winners and starts the next round.

Live Dealer Online Baccarat Variations

Many versions of the game are available to accommodate individuals with different playing styles. Ahead, we explore various types of the game you may encounter in a live dealer casino:

Single Player Live Baccarat

Multiple players participate on one table in the traditional game, but Single Player Live is designed for one player. This popular variant adheres to the standard rules of the game, with the player competing heads-up against the banker. One attractive feature of the single player setup is that players have the dealer's undivided attention.

Punto Banco

Also known as American Baccarat, Punto Banco is one of the most common variations of the game. Dealt from a shoe of between six and eight decks, it's the most popular variant around the world. Played on a full-sized table, Punto Banco seats up to 14 players.

Online Live Speed Baccarat

If you get impatient waiting for other players to act, check out this lightning-fast variation of the game. Evolution's version packs an entire round of play into 27 seconds. It offers a $1 minimum bet and 98.94% RTP, making it one of the casino games with best odds.

Live Baccarat Squeeze

In this version, instead of flipping the cards over, the dealer bends them slowly revealing their identity. Evolution's Live Baccarat Squeeze captures the close-up action with over 15 cameras covering the game. Playtech's version features a user-friendly interface with the option to customize your settings.

Mini Baccarat

Played on a seven-seated table, mini baccarat is the version with the lowest limits. The rules are similar to the standard version, except players aren't allowed to touch the cards. This prohibits them from acting as the banker as they can in the regular game. Since the cards are dealt by experienced dealers, mini baccarat tends to move at a faster pace than other variations.

Progressive Baccarat

You have the potential to win progressive jackpots when you make the Progressive side bet. On Playtech's version, it's paid out when the banker and player are both dealt matching suited Ace-8s. Seven percent of every wager is added to the jackpot.

No Commission Baccarat

This variant is popular because there’s no 5% commission on a banker win. A winning bet on the banker pays even money unless he wins with a 6. In that case, players are only paid half their wagers, or 0.5:1. Playtech and Evolution have each developed Live Dealer No Commission games with Super 6 side bets.

Strategies to Consider When Playing Live Baccarat

While you can't increase your odds, certain techniques can give you a bit of an edge in a game that's based entirely on luck. Ahead, we review various strategies that can help improve your chances of winning.

Know the Rules

While you can engage in this game with very little knowledge, it's beneficial to learn the rules. When you're well-versed in the procedures, you can follow along with the banker, and on the off chance an error is made, it won't slip by you.

Bet on the Banker

The banker has an advantage over the player partially because he acts last. As a result, he wins 45.86% of the time compared to 44.62% for the player. Don't let a small commission dissuade you from betting on the banker to win - the savvy gambler knows the banker bet is always best. And remember the gambler's fallacy — previous rounds don't influence the upcoming hand. So, just because you've not seen a tie for an hour, there's no reason to think one has a better chance than usual of showing up soon.

Tip the Dealer

Just like in land-based venues, casino workers rely on tips to supplement their hourly incomes. Tipping at a live dealer table as a way to show your appreciation is a common practice.

Set Bet Limits

Setting betting limits is an effective way to keep your losses in check. Oversized wagers are allowed in this high-stakes game, but sticking to your limits will yield the best results.

Use Casino Bonuses

Highly valued, no deposit bonuses give players about $10-$25 in casino credit to gamble with. The bonus is credited to your account immediately upon registration, so you can try out the games without spending your own money.

How to Pick the Right Live Baccarat Online Casino

In this section, we review the criteria we use to choose a live baccarat online casino. Consider the following key factors when making your selection:

Safety & Licensing

The real-money online casino website you choose must be licensed and regulated in the state where it operates. Licensed live online casinos use advanced security measures, such as SSL encryption technology, to safeguard your sensitive data.

Baccarat Game Library

Although there's no shortage of virtual titles, the live dealer selection at most online casinos is underwhelming. Between production costs, dealers, studios and other expenses, live dealer games are more costly to operate than online games.

DraftKings is one of about a handful of casinos offering multiple live baccarat tables. In addition to the traditional game, DraftKings offers VIP Baccarat, Speed Baccarat, and Baccarat Dragon Bonus. The minimum bets required are $1, and the maximum bets range between $5,000 and $15,000.

Generous Live Baccarat Bonuses

Generous bonuses can boost your bankroll, giving you casino credit to gamble with. While the bonus amount is generally non-withdrawable, you can cash out your winnings when the wagering requirements are met. Before you claim a bonus, review the online casino terms & conditions to confirm that live dealer baccarat isn't excluded due to its low house edge.

Live Video Quality

HD cameras and video feeds produce high-quality live streams with professional sound equipment and lighting. Investments in technology have increased in the casino industry in 2024.

Variety of Funding Methods

Ensure the casino you choose offers a variety of safe and convenient payment methods. Choosing a casino with multiple options allows you to select the method with the shortest processing time.

How to Play Live Baccarat Responsibly

Live Dealer Baccarat is an exhilarating game, but just like any form of gambling, it can lead to addiction. However, preventative measures like setting loss limits and taking time-outs can help players gain control. Anyone questioning whether they have a gambling problem is encouraged to open up to a loved one or talk to a therapist. You can also contact any of the agencies below for assistance:

National Council on Problem Gambling — 1-800-522-4700 — www.ncpgambling.org
Gamblers Anonymous — www.gamblersanonymous.org
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey — www.800gambler.org