Why Does Banker Have Edge In Baccarat?

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6 months ago

If you’re an avid Baccarat player and wonder why the banker bet has an edge in Baccarat, you have come to the right place for an explanation. Generally, it is always advisable to go with the banker bet between the banker and player.

While both these betting options are some of the best ones that you’ll find at any casino site, they differ slightly, with one of them offering better odds. The banker bet has the best odds while carrying a house age of 1.06%. On the other hand, the player bet carries a 1.24% house edge. So, what is the main reason that the banker bet in Baccarat has an edge? We answer that below. Keep reading for more.

banker have an edge in baccarat

Why the Banker Has an Edge

The Banker’s edge in Baccarat stems from the game’s mechanics and rules. While both the Player and Banker aim to have a hand total closest to 9, certain rules give the Banker a slight advantage:

Drawing Rules: When the Player’s hand is 0-5, they draw a third card. However, the Banker’s third card is drawn in accordance with a more intricate set of rules that take into account the Banker’s hand total, the Player’s third card (if drawn), and the Banker’s first two cards. This rule complexity gives the Banker a statistical advantage, maximizing the chances of achieving a favorable hand total.
Commission on Banker Bets: Casinos usually charge a 5% commission on winning Banker bets. Although seemingly small, this commission adds up over time and contributes to the casino’s overall advantage.
Tie Outcome: Bets on a tie have much higher odds and payouts, but the actual likelihood of a tie occurring is relatively low. The casino’s advantage increases with tie bets, as the potentially large payout entices players but is less likely to win.

How Does the Banker Have an Edge in Baccarat?

The banker bet has an advantage in a simple explanation because it plays out at its cards second. This is a similar advantage to what you would find in blackjack. In blackjack, the player may bust first before the dealer has played. Thus, giving the dealer an edge. This is a similar concept to what happens in Baccarat.

The house age difference between the banker and player bet is not a lot; however, it is quite significant in the long term. For example, if you were to play between 20 and 50 rounds of the game, you would not notice a difference. But if you are an avid Baccarat player and have played thousands of hands, you would notice the difference.

Playing the banker bed is one of the best ways to reduce the house edge in Baccarat. Of course, there’s no way you would eliminate the house edge as no casino would make a profit. Also, playing the tie bet could potentially sieve your bankroll quicker than expected. The tie bet does payout 9 to 1, but the chances of you hitting the bet are very minimal.

Banker Bet Payout

Another important thing to remember about the banker bet is that it carries a 5% commission. Of course, like anything else in gambling, there is always a ‘but’ to some of the best-paying bets. The bank bet is similar. If you do win this bet, you will not get a short 1 to 1 return.

Instead, you win back your original stake, including a 95% profit instead of 100%. Many players believe that the banker and player bet are evened out because of this commission. With that, the fact remains that the banker bet does have a strong edge in Baccarat.

Why Does the Banker Bet Win More Often?

The banker will draw the cards depending on the player’s hand. This means the banker bet as an advantage. For instance, the banker will draw a third card only if they drew a card that helps their hand improve.

So, if the player or the banker holds a hand of eight or nine, it is known as a natural, and therefore, no cards will be dealt. However, if a natural is not dealt first, the player’s hand will be completed first. They will either stand on a 6 or 7 or draw a third card if they have a five or less.

With the banker’s hand, they will stand on a 7, 8, or 9. All the other plays will be dependent on the player’s hand. If the player stands, the banker will then hit a five or less. Should the player draw a third card, here is how the banker would play the hand:

Hit on a 2, 1, or 0.
The banker will hit on the three if the player’s third card is anything but an eight.
If the banker holds a four, they will hit if the player’s third card is between 2 and 7.
The banker will hit on a five if the player’s third card is between 4 and 7.
If the banker holds a 6, they will hit if the players’ cards are between 6 and 7.

Reducing The Edge and Baccarat

Apart from the drawing strategies, they are very minimal ways to reduce the house edge in Baccarat. There are no out-of-the-ordinary decisions in which you can make to influence what happens in the game. However, some players do prefer to use betting strategies such as the Martingale. Other players will spend time looking for patterns from the previous ten or more rounds. However, this does not necessarily influence what will happen in the next round.

The best way to enjoy this game is to make wise betting choices and fully understand how the game works if you know when to head and stand and packer at your one step closer to walking away with the prize. If you’re still unsure how Baccarat works, you can try the game out for free at top casino sites. Once you are confident in your gameplay, you can switch to real money playing at real money online casinos. Below, we have handpicked two of the best Baccarat casinos to play the game for free and real money. Sign up today to claim the bonuses and play Baccarat.